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.

arm and I went to see our strongest allied

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

is the envy of any woman, you will be a

so highly,” I nod my head and turn to hug Luna Helene. “I hope to live up

on the younger side I

old enough to be here my darling,” Xavier chuckled. “Our ties with the Lunar Ocean pack

“but think of how wonderful your life would

came from behind

mine. “Anna is older than me and I’m in no position to take a mate while still in school

blood!” His mother

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

logic and abashedness. “I still have a lot of talking to do before I choose who will compete,” I smile and Theo begins to drag me

we knew she would be pushy but at least alpha Xavier

end, their strength will be tested in a centuries-old tradition of combat. I choose those who fight and then the winner gets

it sounds old-fashioned but I have faith that the

for not choosing him. How many men

at me pityingly. “You can

know,” I close my eyes and pull

his son Sean,”

beauty before us

his shirt was not tucked in. The father on

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

travel hasn’t tired

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

dear god, this

wanted to see the snow,” Theo nodded to the pair poking into the conversation. Their son stood a foot

my 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

me, but perhaps I’m being

lucky to have such remarkable children,” Luna smiled. “May I introduce myself? I’m Luna Maria. My husband Alpha Jacob and our son Peter,” she bowed her

are so thankful for

was the frozen moon. They had a trade depot, a hospital, and much more all on their

need for a

Truly I did ask my parents to invite them for those

laughed. It

blurted out, probably hoping to keep the

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

come from Virginia don’t

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

it,” Peter helped to calm things

I should look forward to a conversation

you’ll excuse us,” Theo

meeting Alphas and their sons and some brought their betas or Gammas along. A few

at me with Charlie now taking my arm. “My son

the darkest eyes

I’ve ever seen,” he smiled and

a little unhappy with the

You two come 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 an

supposed to enjoy that?” I straightened my spine

at least give me the first dance of the evening?” He stepped closer

Is he joking?

He was trying to leave his scent on