Betrayed

ANNABELLE.

The ball…

Alpha Derek made sure I escorted him to the ball party in his Mercedes AMG GT63.

I was dressed in a stunning black evening gown that hugged my curves in all the right places: I felt like a princess as I slipped out of his car.

We arrived at the park’s event hall where the ball party would take place.

There were many members of the pack that I hadn’t met nor seen before. They were all dressed beautifully, and the ladies were all dressed modestly.

“Son! You finally arrived,” Luna Sandra screeched when she saw Alpha Derek. However, at the sight of me entwined in her son’s grasp, the smile on her face faded, and one could see disapproval in her expression. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop me from bowing to show my respect.

“Where is Emily, son? I thought you would arrive with her?”

“Mom…”

“Don’t ‘mom’ me. What do you think the pack would say when they see another woman by your side who is definitely not Lady Emily, who you are to be married to?” Luna Sandra whisper-yelled as she tried to pull me out of Alpha Derek’s grasp.

“Mom, this is not the time for this, please,” Alpha Derek pleaded, his jaw ticking as he tried to restrain his frustration. I stood frozen, feeling like some unwanted s**, which I definitely was.

I was just being a fool thinking that the Almighty Alpha Derek might actually have a thing for me. Even if he did, I was sure that the Luna would never agree to such a thing.

I couldn’t do a thing because I didn’t see any value in myself after being used by my own fated mate, dumped, and left to die, not caring to even know how I’m faring.

I was nothing but a piece of s**x s**e to the alpha, and I was sure that once he had his way with me and was done, I would also be discarded like the rest of the s**s…

I tried to untangle my hand from Alpha Derek’s grasp, but he shot me a look that said I shouldn’t dare.

I sighed and stood still under Luna Sandra’s piercing gaze, which seemed to scrutinize the dress I was wearing. I felt like a specimen under a microscope as she scrutinized me critically. The air was so thick that even a sharp knife might not be able to cut it.

Alpha Derek held my hand tightly, trying to protect me but also entrapping me in his mother’s glare. At this point, I felt like the ground should just open up so that I could sink into it and away from her gaze.

*So, where is Emily?” Luna Sandra finally broke the silence hanging over us.

“I’m here, Luna,” Lady Emily replied as she alighted from a black Mercedes Benz SUV.

“Oh my! You look so beautiful, unlike some pathetic, attention seekers who know nothing but to s**h people’s fiancés. You look exceptionally gorgeous and beautiful, dearie, Luna Sandra complimented Lady Emily, who couldn’t help but blush.

“Thank you, Luna. You’re too kind!” She bowed slightly, “and you look stunning as always, my L**a.”

“Really? Thank you, dear. Come on, let’s go inside. The party has already begun.” The Luna held Lady Emily’s hand, and the two of them strolled majestically into the pack’s event hall.

The moment they left, I felt myself releasing a breath of relief.

Alpha Derek’s hold on my hand softened a bit as he gave me a guilty look.

“I’m so sorry…” He apologized on behalf of his mother, who is the only one in the whole pack he doesn’t have control over.

“It’s fine…” I said, knowing fully well that what she said was slightly true. She was right. The Luna was always right.

“Come on, I won’t let their words destroy this earth for you and me.” He held my waist as he led me to the ballroom.

The ballroom was adorned with beautiful chandeliers that filled the room with a warm and cozy light, making it feel welcoming and special.

Many members of the pack were dressed in beautiful attires as they laughed and

+19%22

Tu Aug 10

conversed with one another.

“Derek?” A young handsome man stopped by and slapped Alpha Derek’s shoulder with a broad smile on his face. From the look of things, it seemed the two of them were very good friends, seeing how he was so comfortable slapping Alpha Derek’s shoulder.

“Cole.” Alpha Derek smiled as he shook the young handsome man’s hand. By his side was a very beautiful lady.

“Oh, forgive my manners. Anne, this is Cole, my Beta and second in command of this pack, and my very good friend. By his side is his beautiful mate and wife, Lorraine. Cole, this is Annabelle.”

“Is she the one?” Beta Cole asked, giving Alpha Derek a wink. Alpha Derek smiled.

“Yes.”

“Oh my goddess. She’s so beautiful, just as you described.” Beta Cole gushed, making his wife clear her throat, “but of course, dearie, you’re way more beautiful than she is,” Beta Cole completed, making us all laugh.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“I’m Lorraine,” she introduced herself to me, bringing forth her hand for a handshake, “and indeed, you’re beautiful. No wonder Alpha Derek couldn’t stop talking about you.”

Alpha Derek cleared his throat, “Enough! She doesn’t need to know all that information.”

“I just can’t believe that a lady can actually soften the heart of our stone-hearted alpha. I mean, there were other ladies he had been with, but he never talked about them like he did you-”

“Enough, Cole! That’s enough. Come on, Anne, let’s go…” Alpha Derek pulled me away, but I found myself waving at Lorraine, who I was already taking a liking to. She seemed nice and kind, and she reminded me of my kind of friends back at the Red Moon pack, whom I was already missing.

“Attention, everyone!” The Luna called, clinking on her glass, gathering the attention of all the members, who faced her.

“I know you all are surprised at the sudden ball party which I’ve thrown, but as most of you already know, this party is to celebrate my son, your alpha, for regaining his voice. It’s been thirteen years since he last spoke, with no idea when he would ever find his voice again. It was all but a surprise to me when I heard he was speaking again. I

G G N

@+ 19%

couldn’t contain my joy seeing my only son, who was always termed mute for years, finally be able to speak again.” The Luna sniffed as a tear dropped from her eyes. Lady Emily used a handkerchief to wipe it off.

“Join me, all of you, as I celebrate my son, your Alpha.” And there was a round of applause.

I was beside Alpha Derek, and I could sense how embarrassed he was after his mother’s statement. From the few times I’d known Alpha Derek, I perceived him as someone who doesn’t like much attention on himself. He might be the alpha of one of the greatest packs, but he hated being in the spotlight. So, with the way other members glanced at him, I knew he wasn’t too comfortable with their stares. As a result, I squeezed his hand, offering him support and comfort.

“Thanks…” he appreciated, and I gave him a small smile, glad I was able to sense his discomfort.

As the celebration continued, I felt the urge to pee. I took an excuse from Alpha Derek and made my way to the restroom, unaware of