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.

and I went to see our strongest allied

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

is the envy of any woman, you will

I nod my head and turn to hug

our Alex has some strong competition, though he is on the younger side I hope you’ll

“Our ties with the Lunar Ocean pack will remain as strong as

tightly “but think of how wonderful your life would

Alex came from behind

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

She has alpha blood!” His mother hissed at

even if I’m chosen,” he countered and turned to me

smiled at his logic and abashedness. “I still have a lot of talking to do before I choose who will compete,” I

she would be pushy but at least

would meet with the alphas one on one and learn what their packs are like and in the end, their strength will be tested in a centuries-old tradition of combat. I choose

the goddess will

hope she doesn’t try and attack me for not choosing him. How

He looked at me pityingly.

I close my eyes and pull myself

Sean,” Theo turned me towards the

beauty before us is breathtaking,” Alpha

wore glasses and his shirt was not tucked in. The father on the other hand was heavy set and of average height,

sight I’ve seen yet,” Sean smiled and grabbed my hand for a quick peck. Then

your travel hasn’t tired you?” I

eight-hour drive,” He

this man is completely

of the frozen moon pack in Alaska. My sister has always wanted to see the snow,” Theo nodded to the

genetics but I did not find myself stirring for a walking stick of a man. I was used to bulkier men, ones that looked as though a slight glance

two did not intrigue me, but perhaps I’m being too

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

are so thankful for the invitation,” Alpha

moon. They had a trade depot, a hospital, and much more all on their lands just for their people. They had

has much need for a strong

I’d ever be bored there,” I joyfully reply. Truly

Peter laughed. It did not

snow?” Luna Maria blurted out, probably hoping to keep the

all for snow in Georgia,” Alpha Romano

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

only seen it once and it melted instantly I’m sure you

without it,” Peter helped to calm things

I should look forward to a conversation with him as he didn’t

us,” Theo

some brought their betas or Gammas along. A few brought their strongest warrior as a

An older man smiled at me with Charlie now taking my arm.

broad, tan, and had the darkest eyes I had ever seen. The hair on the back of my

most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he smiled and stepped

my forearm a

from California?” I questioned taking a step

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

enjoy that?” I

give me the first dance of the

Is he joking?

could smell him. He was trying to leave his scent on me. I felt suffocated