Chapter One
Who would have thought I'll be throwing my guts up in a bathroom stall? Missing the biggest ball of the year. And I planned the thing!
Flushing the toilet, I slowly rose to full height. I do not regret having that serving of broccoli drizzled in cheese. Once at the sink, I washed my hands and gargled with listerine from a small bottle I carried in my purse tonight. I looked at myself in the mirror for a few moments before shaking my head.
"Some veggies are good for you," I looked down, placing my hand over my flat stomach. "You're going to have to eat a few, Little One. Mommy says so and I'm usually right on these things."
I never thought I'd be here. At this point in my life where I'm pregnant and already lecturing my unborn baby. I never really considered having kids. Well, I never thought this kid's daddy wouldn't know about his existence by now either.
"It's his fault for putting me in this situation anyway." I fluffed out my hair. It was about time I got back out there. I couldn't believe I was tricked again. How do I keep getting roped into planning stuff like this anyway? I was already overseeing the construction of a school for elementary grade werewolf kids and younger. And I was tricked into doing that by my supposedly good friends and older sister.
Was I always so easily tricked? No, they all knew one of biggest weaknesses: my organization skills. I couldn't resist giving advice on getting organized. When they started showing me plans on the school building and then asking me for help in calling a few places to get them started, I should have caught on then.
I just knew that one track idiot was behind my friends' betrayal. Next time I see him, I think I'll punch him right in the nose. After checking myself over one last time, I left the bathroom.
Merry chatter rose above the ballroom music. Pride swelled in my chest. My hard work was going well. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I booked the ballroom at our local hotel, Sleephill Suite. Planning a ball had been challenging and kind of fun. It's too bad, I had to book all that delicious looking food only to end up being a picky eater. Thanks to the picky eater growing in my belly.
As I started to go down the hallway back to the party, his voice had me pausing. Curious, I turned around, heading toward his voice. He was supposed to be out there making sure that arrogant jerk was happy. As I drew closer to an open room, I could make out their voices better. The part of the hotel did have a few conference rooms scattered along the hallway. My guess is to offer those who needed a break a place to come to.
"You should know, Alpha Edward, I'm well aware of a few things already happening in your pack."
That voice! Why did Emperor Conri pull Edward off to himself? They were supposed to be out there enjoying the party I worked so hard to put together.
"I don't even know what you're talking about, Your Highness," Edward said in that calm way of his.
I couldn't see him because I didn't want to get close to the entrance, but I bet he wore that fake polite smile. Edward never smiled politely unless he was talking to older people. Particularly, the eldery. He was a goofy, fun guy who was way too much of a hot head sometimes. When he started acting polite, everyone knew he was either dealing with someone who held a powerful edge like the emperor or he had to act polite.
Emperor Conri chuckled. "That's a lie, but I suppose I'll leave it at that."
"I've gave you a run down of Pack Eclipse, as you asked. What exactly are you getting at Emperor?"
Edward was getting annoyed. I can hear the frustration in his voice. Could even feel the tension in the air even though I wasn't close to their room. What had the two been discussing to get Edward so worked up?
"It's simple actually," Emperor Conri's voice traveled a bit closer to the door. I'm guessing he was moving. "Angel Kingdom Home. Make sure not to let an incident like that happen again."
An orphanage? If I'm right, that place is in the late Culter's territory. I don't remember anything happening there. Edward hasn't even been anywhere after he returned from Europe last year. After helping his brother and dealing with Alpha Ringer Miller trying to get away with marking the neural land they were fighting over, Edward was busy trying to stay off the emperor’s radar. But this ball couldn't be avoided because it was Edward's turn to host it.
Emperor Conri walking out into the hallway had me straightening up and bowing my head in acknowledgment. I could sense the kind smile he usually gave anyone he greeted. I never talked directly to the man, but I could still feel this dark energy as he passed me. I usually could feel that dark presence whenever I was within his range. I couldn't help wondering why that was and if anyone else felt the same thing. I never asked because something always drew my attention away before I could remember to ask.
"Oh, Rieka, you came to get me?" Edward walked toward me, easily grabbing my attention. His tone was back to that ease playfulness one I first associated him with.
Edward Knight, alpha of the pack I belonged to, the man who's red hair I loved to run my fingers through, and our unborn child's father. I looked into his handsome face. His green eyes were the lightest of the three knight brothers. They always reminded me of life: strong and real. His easy smile just so happened to anchor me back into reality.
I narrowed my eyes and pointed a finger into his bulky chest. "You. You had me plan this thing and you're not even out there enjoying it. Do you know how that makes me feel, huh?"
"Sorry, Rook." He grabbed my hand, tugging me along with him. "Let me make it up with a dance."
Glaring at him, I followed him. "Nope, no. No way. You're not getting out of this with just a dance, Edward. I really pushed myself with this one."
"Then let me twirl you around all that hardwork you put your foot in." He led us toward the dance floor.
Right away I could feel our friends and family looking. They all had this wild notion that Edward and I were going to end up together. As I glared at the beautiful red-haired leading me, I knew he was the reason for those rumors. Always the cocky airhead.
"You could have thanked me." I moved to match his pace, shifting my hand in his so I could lace our fingers. "And aren't you going to tell me what Mr. High Bone wanted?"
He turned to me, stepping closer in one swift move and wrapping his arm around my waist. "I'll thank you after you plan our wedding. You'll look so good in silk."
He's brushing off mini talk with the emperor. Edward, what are you hiding? "You look good in silk because I'm not your bride."
"That suits me too." A huge smile broke out on his face. He placed his head near my shoulder and inhaled my scent. "I don't mind going the traditional route and exchanging bites and scents and mating under the full moon."
Blushing, I stepped on Edward's right foot, making him grunt. "Will you stop it, Eddy? I'm not becoming your luna."
He laughed out loud, causing a few of our pack members to cheer. "In time, my dear. In time." He turned his head to his friends and said, "She rejected me again. Guess I own you all a drink."
Edward Knight needed to quit betting. And he needed to quit telling everyone we were going to be mates. I wasn't going to be a luna. That role isn't for me. It's about time, I let Edward Knight's thick head know this.
