Stronger by Ang Chris

“Annette it’s time,” My father pokes his head into my door.

I stood and readied myself for the parade.

“Let’s go,” I nodded. I grasped his arm as headed out of my room and down the hall to the stairs. I could feel my heart slamming against my ribs and I stilled to try and calm it. Don’t let them see this.

I felt myself calm just enough to continue and reach the top of the steps. Humans did something similar to this at a younger age for a dance. Prom I think.

Why act so foolish for a stupid dance ill do this for my mate but not and dance.

“Ladies and Gentlemen thank you all for coming,” my mother’s voice rang like a bell. It was hushed to a whisper instantly.

“I know that many of you have high hopes for tonight but our family has the highest. My daughter is choosing who she will spend her life with. Who she will bestow a powerful heir with. I hope that you all treat her with the respect she deserves,” My mom turned to me and I started slowly down the steps.

An abundance of smells hit my nose. They were trying to scent me from here? Idiots…

My father let out a scoff as well.

“My darling daughter Annette Maloria,” My father boomed. Several males bowed their heads.

I did my best to stifle the laughter coming up my throat tickling me to escape. Some of these boys puffed their chests, some craned their n*ecks to see me, I saw one father grab the back of his son’s head and spin him to look at me.

They were a bunch of dim witted morons. How on earth could I take them seriously?

Charlie came and took me from my father to start walking about the room to welcome my guests from our closets packs first.

“Annette,” Luna Gia smiled, k*ssing my cheeks. The pack closest to ours but her sons were far too young to vie for me. “Lovely as ever my darling,”

“You certainly left nothing to the imagination,”

I turned and giggled, grasping Gia’s little sister and my best friend for a needed hug.

As per tradition I had been in my home for the past week to prepare and meditate for the next part of my life. I haven’t seen her when I desperately craved to. Her humor is a balm for turmoil.

“Cecelia,” Gia toned. “Behave tonight,”

Cea just rolled her eyes and looped her arm through Theos. “I shall not you have kept me from my love for far too long sissy,” she winked at me.

Theo had marked Cea as soon as she turned 18 about two months ago. Everyone else was shocked but I was their co-conspirator whenever I and Cea had sleepovers she sometimes forgot to sleep in my room and who was I to care when my brother would take the best care of her.

“Still, best behavior..for now,” Theo mumbled to her but I was close enough to hear and roll my eyes with disgust.

Happy for them don’t need to know their intimate details.

“Both of you behave,” Charlie chided, straightening, as he felt the presence of another alpha.

“Charlie!” A tall young ginger man stepped into our conversation getting between my eldest brother and me to give him a pat on the back. “You still look scary as all hell. I pity the men here man,” he laughed, throwing an oh-so-subtle glance my way. Nice one.

I heard Cea snort and Gia took her away towards Alpha Xavier, Gia’s husband. Let the games begin.

This man was far too impressed with his entrance, and he obviously thought knowing my brother gave him a leg up.

“Gregory Shill,” he extended a hand to me.

And no respect for the rules. Wait to be introduced or for me to seek you out. Lack of respect and arrogance, no thank you.

Charlie grabbed his shoulder and then James came out of nowhere and grabbed his extended hand. “James Maloria,” he gripped so hard that I saw the blood vessels tighten. “My sister is going to see the silver ecl*pse pack next sorry about that,” he scrunched his face as he nodded.

I went to

and his Luna Helene were a very wealthy pack and not far from our own. Of course, we had close relations so they could have protection and we could have influence. I knew they wanted their son to have me. The issue: he was

envy of any woman, you will be a

Xavier, that is high praise from one who has risen so highly,” I nod my head and turn to hug Luna Helene.

on the younger side I hope you’ll give him the time

my darling,” Xavier chuckled. “Our ties with the Lunar Ocean pack will remain

my hands tightly “but think of how wonderful your life

came from behind

me and I’m in no position to take a mate while still in school and

She has alpha blood!” His mother hissed at

will not survive the first round even if I’m chosen,” he

a lot of talking to do before I choose who will compete,” I smile and Theo

be pushy but at least alpha Xavier understands,” Theo

like and in the end, their strength will be tested in a centuries-old tradition of combat. I choose those

the goddess will choose

me for not choosing him.

He looked at me

know,” I close my

his son Sean,” Theo turned me towards

of beauty before us is breathtaking,”

in. The father on the other hand was heavy set and of average height, and

are the most wonderful sight I’ve seen yet,” Sean smiled and

travel hasn’t tired you?” I

is only an eight-hour drive,” He stated, tilting

god, this

the snow,” Theo nodded to the pair poking into the conversation. Their son stood

myself stirring for a walking stick of a man. I was used to bulkier men, ones that

me,

parents are lucky to have such remarkable children,” Luna smiled. “May I introduce myself? I’m Luna Maria. My husband Alpha

so thankful for the

large there were not many packs and the largest was the frozen moon. They had a trade depot, a hospital, and much more all on their lands just for their

much need for a strong Luna

I joyfully reply. Truly I did ask my

lucky,” Peter laughed. It did not meet his

blurted out, probably hoping to

in Georgia,” Alpha Romano interjected. He seemed irked that

you come from Virginia don’t you alpha Romano,” Alpha

instantly I’m sure you have no shortage in your territory,” I

without it,”

to myself that I should look forward to a conversation with

Theo took my arm

the party meeting Alphas and their sons and some brought their betas

Annette,” An older man smiled at me

tall, broad, tan, and had the darkest eyes I had ever seen. The

most beautiful thing I’ve ever

a

from California?” I questioned taking a step back out of respect for

land. You will enjoy it I’m sure,” William bared his teeth in

I straightened my spine

me the first

Is he joking?

was trying to leave his scent on me.