Chapter 53

Amelie

Gideon and I brought the girls into our room while we got ready. I had decided on one shoulder fitted cocktail dress that hit mid-thigh in navy blue—paired with gold strappy sandal pumps, gold and lace agate earrings I made. I picked out a navy-blue button-up for Gideon and grey slacks and tan loafers. I top him off with a vest that matched his slacks, and of course, he rolled up his sleeves and left the top two buttons of his shirt undone. I knew the girls would want to match us even if they were not going to the cocktail party after dinner, so I already had a navy-blue dress ready for them. They were fluffy and frilly and also had a little glitter in the fabric. They looked like the night sky. Once they were in their fancy dress, they just kept twirling till they fell down. I put Celeste's training into action. These looked like ordinary evening clothes, but I knew better it was battel armor.

We were going to be starting a weeks' worth of political dealings. Yes, it was my Luna ceremony, but it was an excuse for Alpha's to come together and work out trade deals, build alliances, find mates for unmated ranking wolves, or force alliance through choice mates. I was just happy that all our ranking males had mates. It meant we would not have to deal with a "Political Mating," as we call it. I knew the political target that was on my back. I had direct family ties to two of the most influential packs in the US and was now going to lead the largest, most crucial pack, the Druit Guard. That is also why my Luna ceremony became a more significant event than Gideon, and I wanted it to be. We didn't have a choice, and If we snub any Alpha by not sending an invitation, we would be telling the world they were our enemy. If an Alpha didn't accept the invitation, it could be view as them saying they were our enemy. No one wanted to be an enemy of the Druit Guard.

At least we still had dinner to look forward to. I felt sorry for my two brothers. James was still only 17 and half a year from 18 when he could find his mate. On the other hand, Riley was 18, turning 19 right before the Ember Moon Festival in June. Both would have Alpha's throwing their daughters at them the whole week along with the other Alpha heirs, plus they would be getting used to the politics of Alphas. I knew the pressure for other Alphas for a "Political Mating" would be worse than expected for them both because of Hope and I.

Dad was right; the Hill Country Pack took over as the top pack in Texas with the imploding of the Golf Coast Pack. They were not just physically the strongest but also financially thriving. Philp's call on the winery was spot on, and after my father's investment, things took off. They supplied all the wine for this week. I was more than honored to accept their gift. I was happy Hope was thriving.

We entered the private dining room. I also invited our ranked members to join us as well. They were like family to Gideon, the twins, and me, so I wanted them to meet our family up close and personal as soon as we walked in to see Becky smothered by Celeste.

"Becky! I missed you so much!" Celeste hums while hugging Becky.

"Oh, thank you, Luna Celeste. I missed you as well! Did you see I am officially a Delta female now!" She proudly displays her marks in her sleeveless cream-colored dress. It made her fair skin and red hair stand out.

"That's wonderful, dear! Well, if your mean old Luna doesn't treat you right, you can always come back to the Ashwood pack." Celeste winks at me.

Gideon interrupts the chatter, "Everyone, I would like to introduce our pack's ranked members to you all. This is the Beta family Tyson and Shay Marshall and their son and future Beta Easton." Tyson and Shay bow, Easton, who's only four waves, then runs over to Rose and holds her hand. Everyone just awes at the sweet kids.

"Thank you all for inviting us to your family meal. I have a lot to learn for you all. I hope to spend time with you, Beta Lucas." Tyson says.

"Well, I'm sure you can teach me a few things too!" Uncle Lucas laughs. He's always been very humble.

"This is our Gamma family, Marcus and Jorden Rodriguez, and their son and future Gamma Ryan." They all bow. Ryan is five, so he understands more and stands tall and proud next to his father.

"Thank you for the invite. Alpha Logan, if we get the opportunity while you are here, I would enjoy a sparing session with you." Marcus says with a bow to my stepfather.

Logan, who loves a good fight, is all too eager. "Well, it can be arranged."

"Most of you know them already, but this is our Delta couple Benjamin and Becky Sanders. Benjamin is our Delta Caption, and Becky is in charge of the packhouse staff."

Becky is as bouncy as ever, "Hello everyone! I missed you all so much! The menu this week was put together by Luna Amelie and myself, so please let me know if it's to your taste."

We sat, and our dinner was served. It was so lively and casual. We swapped stories and laughed. I always loved my uncle Lucas's stories the best. He grew up with my parents, and he was the oldest of the three. They had some pretty fun adventures. I look around at the little pups we have, and I rub my tummy. I hope they all have memories like this one day to share.

Before we knew it was time to put the kids to bed and head to the cocktail party. This was one of the few nights we had babysitters watching all the ranked children. Gideon set up a big A-frame tent in the playroom with pillows and blanks for the kids to have a sleepover. The sitters came and took the kids upstairs, and they were excited to start their sleepover adventure. Rose is so shy as they are walking away. Easton takes her hand so she is not nervous. It's the sweetest thing how he always seems to be protecting her.

On the other hand, Daisy is trying to break Ryan's stoic demeanor. At five, this little boy tried to act like an adult. It made Daisy want to tease him, and she was good at it. The kids head up the stairs, and I turn to look at my family.

"Well, are we ready for the battle ahead?" I say while cracking my neck.

Gideon puts his arm around my waist. "I can't wait to see you in action." He smirks at me.

"James, Riley, stick close to someone in this group at all times. Do not let yourself get corner by a greedy Alpha throwing his daughter at you or a snot nose heir trying to start a fight. You two will be targets. Becky and Benjamin, you both will be targeted as well. Stay close to Gideon and me."

Riley was the first to respond, "Ugh, I hate these things. I just want to find my mate and not have to dodge these trashy wolves." James gives Riley a bro pound.

"Alright, everyone, we are a family. We watch out for each other. Let's go." Dad said, taking the lead with Celeste. Gideon and I were behind them, Logan and Mom behind us. The ranked couples followed behind Uncle Lucas and Aunt Mary. Dad was the chairman of the Alpha Council, and Gideon was vice-chairman. They were the highest-ranking Alphas in the US. Logan and Phillip had large territories. We should be able to relax, but someone was always gunning for more than they were given.

"Inari, I need all our senses on high alert." I was feeling more uneasy than I have ever before in these situations. I didn't know why. I was on high guard.

"I feel it too. So does Ulv. I know the other Alpha's feel it as well. Their wolves are all on the surface." Someone is up to something, but who and what.

We get to the ballroom doors, and each couple is announced. Gideon and I wait till the end since I am the guest of honor for the event. We enter, and everyone claps. I nod and wave in thanks. I am also scanning the room. I need to figure out what has me on edge.

I bond-link Gideon. "Stay close. Something feels off."

"I agree." We are both smiling and greeting guests as we make our way through the crowd.

As I am looking around, sure enough, Riley and James have been cornered by a group of thirsty she-wolves. I can see a few other Alpha heirs staring, pissed off. It's like a scene from a stupid teen drama, honestly. I start to head over to save them, but Hope beats me to it, thank the goddess.

The night rolls on, and we make small talk, and we are introduced to many Alpha's sons and daughters. I also met a few other pregnant Luna's. We chatted about our pregnancies and how our mates were overprotective. One Luna said her mate covered the packhouse in bubble wrap and foam when he found out she was pregnant. A few ladies, it was their first like me for others their second. It was the most comfortable I felt during the whole event so far. Gideon was behind me, talking to the soon-to-be fathers. I wished I could say and chat with them all night, but I had to break away.

"I will be right back. I have to use the restroom." I bond-link Gideon. He nods.

I make my way to the restroom, and I can't help but feel eyes on me. I was the guest of honor and a new Luna, so many were watching me, but these eyes felt different. They had hated and anger and wanted to harm me. I quickly look up and take in the faces around me. I don't notice anyone. I continued to the restroom.