The air was thick and chilled when Alpha Alexander stepped onto the stone terrace outside his estate. Dawn had already arrived and warriors he had carefully hand selected assembled in silent formation. They faced their Alpha as he stood in front of them, his presence more commanding than words could ever be.
Alex adjusted the dark leather cuffs around his wrists and ran his fingers through his fashionably messy, dark blue hair. The Fairy Palace lay miles beyond his territory. He had no interest in going, if not for being summoned there to partake in a political meeting to help bridge the gap that existed between wolves and fairies.
For centuries, werewolves had protected fairies from harm with their formidable strength and power. In return, fairies aided werewolves with medicine, enchantments, and strengthened their bloodlines. However, greed had collapsed the once respected truce. Wolves wanted political recognition and territory rights while fairies began to seek control. Ever since then, both species have been trying to make peace with one another.
He knew the meeting tonight was an arrangement to find his Luna but he had no interest in settling down. Politics, alliances, old grudges, it all seemed beneath him. He was one of the strongest Alphas in the North, he had no need for a Luna or mate. But alas, the arrangements to attend were already made. He planned on grinning and baring this event until it was over.
"The car is ready, Alpha", his beta, Raphael said from behind him. Alex gave a single nod and proceeded towards the black mini van and entered, followed by Raphael and his Gamma, Charles. The visit had been arranged weeks ago and there was no time to back out now.
"Are the fairies prepared for our arrival?", Alex asked calmly. Raphael double checked his tablet before responding, "Yes, they claim everything is under control."
Alex sighed, disappointed that the meeting would not be cancelled. "Then, we leave now."
The car ride was long and silent. The wild trees and forests thinned into open land. The pale spires of the Royal Fairy palace pieced the skyline. Delicate and elaborate architecture with tall flowers and gold trim catching the sun. Alex studied it with unreadable eyes.
"Are you ready to choose a Luna, Alpha?" Charles asked.
Alex scoffed and looked at Charles, "I have no plans on choosing a Luna tonight. I just want to be done with this ridiculous festivity."
Raphael snickered and Alex shot him a glaring look.
"You may not pick a Luna but you will find a woman good enough to bed tonight", Raphael teased.
"Like always", Charles added.
"Excuse me? Watch your tongues! Who I bed or don't is none of your concerns", Alex scolded the two men.
Alex never planned to bed women on his travels, but since he was an Alpha, they usually threw themselves onto him. Who was he to say no?
Alex remained quiet. The palace gates opened at their approach. Guards hurried toward the esteemed guests, bowing in front of them with lowered eyes. Alex was used to this show of respect…or fear, the difference didn't matter much to him.
As Alex stepped out of the car, the air shifted. His wolf was oddly on edge but Alex didn't know why.
Beast, what's wrong?
His wolf stayed silent.
Alex disliked it when his wolf ignored him. He sighed in frustration and continued towards the palace.
Inside the palace, servants rushed through the corridors in preparation for tonight's feast. Silver platters and cutlery clinked as tables were adjusted. Candles laid out adding warmth and light. Alex walked through it all as if the noise didn't exist.
Raphael walked closer to Alex. "Alpha, the royal council awaits you in the east chamber."
"Let them wait", Alex said calmly. "I just came and I'm starving."
"I will notify the council and find someone to send food for us", Raphael said.
After walking up three flights of stairs, the hostess that accompanied Alex, Raphael, and Charles stopped suddenly in front of three doors that were covered in roses and twine.
"These will be your rooms for the entirety of your stay here", the hostess said, beckoning to three separate doors.
Alex, Raphael, and Charles were relieved to finally be able to unwind and clean up. As Raphael and Charles took the bags inside their respective rooms, the hostess turned towards Alex.
"And Alpha, if you need anything, any time…please call me", she said seductively.
Alex noticed the sultry tone of her voice and knew that she was implying sexual favors. She seemed attractive enough and who was he to refuse her 'hospitality'.
"Thank you. I will remember that", he replied.
Charles saw the exchange through his ajar bedroom door and rolled his eyes. His Alpha never focused on the task at hand.
Alex finally entered his room and threw off his outerwear. He was exhausted and wanted to take a hot shower then relax. He continued undressing down to his underwear when a knock sounded on his door. He slowly approached the door and opened to see a woman with brown, sunkissed hair and hazel eyes. She looked familiar but he wasn't sure.
"Who are you and why are you here?", the Alpha asked.
The woman giggled, "You don't remember me? Lady Seraphina..?"
Oh. The noble fairy woman who was arranged to be his Luna. They all were a blur to him.
"Right. I apologize. The drive here was long and tiresome." Alex hesitated before opening his door.
"Come in. I was getting ready to shower."
Seraphina stepped inside the Alpha's room and took in his musk scent. She had come to secure her position as Luna and show Alex all of the things he would be missing if he didn't choose her.
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Raphael walked throughout the corridors and halls until he located the kitchen. He walked inside and saw a silver haired woman sitting at the counter eating. He cleared his throat before speaking.
"Excuse me, are you a servant?"
Priscilla suddenly stopped chewing her sandwich and looked up at the crimson haired man. He stood tall and he looked like he came out of a magazine. Priscilla swallowed the last bits of food in her mouth before responding.
"Yes, I am serving tonight. How can I help you?"
"The Alpha would like a light meal brought to his room as well as me and his Gamma. We are on the east side of the palace, in the Rose rooms."
Priscilla's heart stopped beating when the red haired man said 'Alpha' and 'light meal brought to his room'. She knew she would be serving tonight but she didn't expect front door delivery! She couldn't say no and risk upsetting the esteemed guests.
"Okay, I will be right over!"
Raphael exited the kitchen without another word. Priscilla quickly opened the fridge to find three plates of wrapped up steak and rice. She put each plate into the microwave as she began pouring juice into three cups. The microwave beeped letting her know the food had been finished warming up. She placed the plates on the rolling tray along with the cups of juice and made her way to the Rose rooms.