I notice Gisele and Ana sitting and talking in my peripheral vision. I see Ana's eyes widen and she looks distressed, but she's trying to hide it. Her bottom lip slightly quivers as she bites down on it. Her knee is bouncing anxiously, and she's trying to hold it down with her hand.
Meanwhile, it seems Gisele is sharing something that makes her feel happy. She's smiling brightly and her eyes are sparkling as they do when she's with me. The entire scene is quite confusing.
From where I stand, it looks like they are having two entirely separate conversations. They could have easily been in two different dimensions. I try my utmost to focus my hearing and figure out what they could are discussing, but to no avail. The music and the chatter of the guests are too loud.
"Alpha Jacob," I hear from behind me.
I'm frustrated to hear my name because I want to focus my attention on the girls. At least, until I can figure out what's going on with them. I turn around for a moment to see who was calling me. Alpha Marcus is heading towards me.
I quickly glance back at the girls, and suddenly Ana has disappeared. For goodness sake, why can't she ever just sit still and behave? I think to myself.
I turn my focus back to Marcus.
"Alpha Marcus," I say. "Will you share a drink with me?"
"You stole the words from my mouth," he says.
As he smiles at me, the crows-feet at the corners of his ears deepen. He's a middle aged-man, probably somewhere between mine and my father's ages. But there's a sense of wisdom in his appearance. He seems to know a thing or two.
We head to the bar and he orders something golden brown and malty for both of us.
"Cheers," we say at the same time.
I like the warm trail of the drink leaves in my throat and belly. I also like the warm feeling of talking with another Alpha who's looking out for me. It makes me feel like I have some guidance again.
"Alpha Jacob," Marcus addresses me. A man who is well known for his love for formalities. "Allow me to speak frankly."
"Please," I say, and I interlock my fingers to signal that I'm listening intently.
"My pack is notoriously open and welcomes all wolves who seek refuge or a home. Even the Omegas. But the rogue wolves that are making their rounds at the moment are completely out of line!"
The Alpha slammed his glass down to emphasize his disapproval. He sounded like a disappointed headmaster.
"My pack and our elders condemn and rebuke the dangerous outlaw behavior they've exhibited lately. You are already aware, but I am an Alpha who concerns himself with what is right," Marcus continues.
"I am well aware, Alpha Marcus," I respond. I'm wondering where he's going with this.
"Good, so you won't be of the opinion that I'm overstepping when I tell you I am including my pack in the resistance to the rebellion. The rogue wolves shouldn't terrorize us. The ability to create fear and gain power are things which go straight to the ego. They blacken the heart and corrupt the soul. We must act hastily. Do you understand what I'm trying to say, Alpha Jacob?" he asks me plainly
"I'm not sure I do," I respond. "What are you proposing, Sir?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Simply that we should employ a tactic of strength in numbers. We must share resources. We must work together to take them down," Marcus says.
"Do you believe they are so many of them? Or so strong that a single pack's warriors can't single-handedly…" Alpha Marcus interrupts me before I can finish.
"What I believe is quite irrelevant when considering what we've already seen," Alpha Marcus says.
His cadence draws me in. He is an eloquent and gifted speaker.
"You know yours is not the only pack to experience tragic devastation at the hands of the wicked rogue wolves? News travels quickly. I'm sure by now you know you are not the only pack who is troubled by them."
"I know," I say.
"Good, and I'll let you in on a secret. Accepting help doesn't make you any less of a leader."
He winks at me and I feel reassured that it's in mine and the pack's best interest to listen to what Marcus tells me.
"Now," he continues. "The leader is called Luthor. He is a dangerous wolf. Ravenous for power and as bloodthirsty as they come. I've got scouts camping out near their territory, watching and studying their every move. I want to request a meeting with you to share what we've found. I believe it'll greatly interest you."
"That's generous of you, Alpha Marcus," I say.
"On the contrary Jacob. If I may address you as Jacob?" he asks, and I nod in approval, allowing him to continue.
"It's quite prudent." he retorts.
I think I'm understanding his sense of humor.
"Remember," Marcus interrupts my train of thought. "Strength in numbers. We're Allies now. We can take down the rogues together. Taking another step closer to restoring peace among wolves is an effort made with noble purpose."
He puts his hand out and I shake it. I feel that we have a better chance at a fair fight against the ruthless omegas now that we've put our minds together.
"Duty calls. I must get back to my men," Alpha Marcus announces.
He leaves me with my drink. I add a block of ice to my glass and spin it around as I ruminate a little more over the newly formed alliance. I feel tension in my shoulders and the full weight of being Alpha hits me like a ton of bricks. I will do whatever it takes to protect my pack.
Who knows what the future holds? I think to myself.
There's commotion on the dance floor. I look over and see Derek having a blast. I have to get a closer look; I decide. I finish what remains of my drink and make my way over. There are a lot more attendees than I was expecting. I maneuver through the crowd like it's a maze.
The bodies are moving synchronously to the beat of the music. Everyone is shimmering with sweat, the dancing releases their animalistic pheromones. The air is heavy with lust and joy.
My attention is so focused on the rave I bump into someone as I make my way to the dancefloor.
"Oh shit! I'm so sorry," I say. "I didn't see you there. It was totally my fault."
"Yeah, of course you didn't see me," she says. "It is your fault, but it's fine. Forget about it. It doesn't matter."
It's Ana. Her eyes are red, and she seems to have a lot on her mind. From her tone, I gather she might even be upset with me. I don't know what I've done to offend her, but I know it has something to do with the conversation she was having with Gisele earlier.
She continues to walk away from me. She's moving faster than I thought she would be able to in that long gown. I chase after her.
"Ana," I say. "Wait up! What's the matter?"
I call after her, but she pays me no mind. I hasten into a jog to catch her, which to my surprise requires a formidable pace.
Eventually I catch her, and my breath. We're away from the dancing now, a quieter part of the party, where people are standing and chatting. She's glaring at me and it's quite intimidating. I have to soften her up. It's never been much of a challenge for me in the past, so I just try myself out. I try to keep it lighthearted.
"I saw you out on the dancefloor earlier," I say to her.
She raises her brow and folds her arms like she does when she's about to tell me off when I'm pestering her too much and she isn't in the mood for it.
"Yeah, I was dancing," she says with a certain bite.
It's kind of sexy when she has an attitude, I think to myself.
"So what?" she asks.
"So, come and dance with me," I say to her. Then I realize my chances would be better if I asked instead.
"Please," I add. "Please dance with me?"
I see her brows soften and before she has an opportunity to think about it and decline my request; I take her hand and pull her back to the dancefloor.
She laughs as we approach the dance floor. And in no time, she's back in good spirits. Making jokes with me. We move to each other's steps, our coordination is the same as when we were in battle together. Our movements align perfectly.
I pull her towards me and we stumble over one another. I catch her before she hits the ground.
"I think we both have two left feet, but you really can't hear the music at all, huh?" she says to me.
I think of a comeback, but decide against badgering her when we're having such a good time. I just let her have her moment. It's nice to see her open, enjoying life. She's been so heavy lately. So laden with life. This evening has revealed a side of her I had forgotten.
"Okay, Mr. two left feet," I hear from behind me.
It's Derek. He would never miss an opportunity to rag on me about my clumsy dancing. It seems like I am the only person who felt like I was doing a decent job.
He's with Medeia. She gives Ana a menacing look. I can tell that dancing with Ana gets to her. She has never tried to hide how she feels about Ana. It must drive her mad that Gisele and I accept her.
Ana standing shyly beside me. Her confidence withdraws as soon as Medeia is nearby.
"Looks like we're interrupting something here," Medeia says. Her words are like poison. She reminds me of a snake, spitting venom on her prey. She can't let anything slide and has to bite into the vulnerability of anyone weaker than her.
"Lay off, Medeia," I tell her sternly. My instinct to protect Ana kicks in. I can't protect her all of the time but in moments like this, it is nice to put Medeia in her place.
"Whatever," she says. She rolls her eyes. "But you know it's time for your speech, right?"
Oh shit, she's right, I realize. A sly smile comes across her reptilian face. She enjoys being right.
I apologize to Ana; I need to cut our dance short. Everyone is waiting for me.