The council meeting had barely ended when Dorian caught up with me in the corridor, a stupid smile drawn on his face.
"So... Wolf Hounds princess, huh? Not exactly Cinderella material." Dorian said. Was he mocking me? I don't have time for this.
"Don't start."
"You're getting a woman born to be Luna gift-wrapped to you and you're acting like there is an asteroid heading for Blood Hounds pack," he said, suppressing his laughter.
"Dorian? Tell me… Is your job description to give me grief?"
"No, just an added bonus" he shot back, completely unfazed. "Now, seriously, what's the plan? Because my father just made me promise to make sure you will be on your best behavior during the meeting. We leave in the morning. You cannot show up there with a bad attitude."
"Plan?" I asked, stopping in my tracks at the entrance to the palace, taking off his clothes and handing them to Dorian. "I'm winging it."
"That's your solution? You're going to wing it? You're one of the most powerful alphas and your go-to strategy is to wing it."
"What would you have me do, Dorian?" I retorted, handing him the last of my clothes. "Wait, I could offer you to them in return,"
Dorian chuckled. "I'd rather throw you a Cinderella Ball."
I shot him a glare, and he actually flinched "How much grief are you going to give me today?"
"I live to serve," he said, offering a mock bow. I turned, allowing my wolf to take over, and sprinted into the forest.
*****
By the time we arrived at Wolf Hounds Pack the next morning, I was already over it. We got an entire entourage waiting for us at their border. When we arrived at their palace, we were led into a welcome lounge that seemed to make a statement of how wealthy they were. When you got wealth, you don't even need to try so hard. Their Alpha was already seated in a big ass chair adorned with gold accents. He stood up to greet me, trying very hard to keep his smile.
"Alpha Kaelen," he said, extending a hand. "It's so nice to see you"
"Alpha Duncan," I replied as I shook his hand firmly "Let's get to the point."
"Nice," Duncan said his smile fading. Did I mention I hate pretentious people? He offered us a seat, Dorian sitting beside me "I have sent for my daughter, Lila to come meet you,"
"Oh, I'm sure she's hot," Dorian whispered loud enough for only me to hear.
A few minutes later, a young woman stepped forward. Lila was beautiful; I am not going to lie. She was the kind of woman I wouldn't mind spending time with. She had a flawless skin tone and long cascading, blonde hair. She curtsied gracefully. "Alpha Kaelen," she said her voice suspiciously sweet. "I have been looking forward to seeing you."
I nodded, not wanting to be rude. "Likewise."
Duncan clapped his hands together. "Well, now let's talk terms, Alpha Kaelen,"
"Terms?" I asked growing annoyed, why have people been testing these days. "I didn't realize I was coming here for a business deal, throwing your daughter at me like some kind of contract file. You will treat me with some respect, Alpha Duncan,"
"Of course, I apologize. I only wanted to speed things along," he said smoothly. "I propose your marriage with my daughter solely to bind our packs together. We need the numbers, Alpha Kaelen. A storm is coming; I feel it in my bones. I admit that my pack isn't as wealthy and our defenses aren't as coordinated as yours but there is strength in numbers. If you marry my daughter, we have the advantage when our packs merge after my death. Not to mention, it would secure your legacy,"
"Ah, yes. I have been hearing a whole lot of bull crap like legacy and pups lately," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm as I cast a scowl at my beta.
I could see a bit of annoyance in Lila's eyes as I turned to look back at Alpha Duncan. "I promise you, I am not trying to force you into anything. I was just suggesting. I may have started with the wrong approach but my intentions are noble."
"Thank you. I will take seriously your warning about a storm brewing. But I am not looking for a Luna right now,"
Duncan pushed a bit more. "You have to understand how important this is,"
His insistence was making my wolf start to worry. What was it that got Alpha Duncan so edgy? He was leaving out an important detail. My anger at the councilmen yesterday didn't allow me to think deeply about this proposal just being whipped out of the blue. I could spend some time sniffing around. "We are neighbors, Alpha Duncan. If your pack needs help, I will rush here in a heartbeat. All you need to do is send word. You do not need to offer your daughter in such a disrespectful manner. She deserves better. She was born as an Alpha's daughter. Her head needs to be held high at all times."
I saw a smile return to Lila's face, her eyes holding appreciation. 'She would make a fine Luna' I mentioned to my wolf but I got no response.
Lila finally spoke again, "It was quite nice to meet you, Alpha Kaelen. I need to leave now so you can speak even more freely," she turned to her father, her expression icy. "I need to go help Mother with entertainment for our guests," she bowed to both Alphas in the room and left, her figure gliding away.
"She is quite gracious, isn't she?"
"I agree. It's been a while since I have been in a new environment. Do you mind if we spend the night and begin our journey back home tomorrow?"
"Say no more! I will have them prepare a guest room. And you can join me tonight and see how we party in the Wolf Hounds,"
"Do we have permission to view your land?"
"I will get you an escort," Alpha Duncan said, giving the first real smile since we arrived.