A night with Mr President

CHAPTER 1

                                           Cracks within the foundation

POV: Elara

"Gosh, today better go fine," I sighed out in desperation.

Walking into the great hall took so much pacing on my part. I could feel the eyes of all the pack members on me.

And as usual, I ignored it.

They could keep their pitiful stares to themselves.

I drove out a chair in the corner and placed my phone next to me. Just as I expected, I heard her voice from behind me. Ivy.

I dreaded her. She was the Beta’s daughter.

"You look pale, Elara," said her sleek voice from behind me.

"Just a bit tired, Ivy. I had a long day of preparations," I said, forcing a polite smile.

The pack liked her more, at least that I was sure.

Roman, my husband, was already mingling with the guests, Arlo by his side. From where I was seated, they seemed quite entertained.

A smile forced its way on my cheeks while I stared at him. His broad shoulders exuded authority, a picture of the real Alpha. Our seven-year-old son, Arlo, who was right by his side, was already mimicking his father’s stoic expression.

How I cherished these two!!

Then, the atmosphere shifted.

A sharp sound echoed through my skull; in an instant, a second layer of sound, intimate yet distinct, crashed into my mind. My vision blurred, and a torrent of voices, nonverbal, slammed into my consciousness.

...isn’t she supposed to be entertaining us? Why is she still seated??

...The Alpha deserves Ivy, not a human who wilts in the sun...

A gasp escaped from my lips.

The "mind-link." This was meant for wolves; humans weren’t supposed to hear it.  It was the serum. The pack doctor had sneaked it in for me. It had bridged that gap. I stole a glance at Roman. His lips remained still, but his voice rang loudly in my head.

[Roman’s Voice]: Doesn’t she get tired of seeking attention??...If Ivy had organised this, everything would be more lively…….

I turned to look at Roman. His lips didn’t move, but I was sure I heard his voice in my head.

I locked my gaze on Arlo, trying to steady myself.

[Arlo’s Voice]: I wish Auntie Ivy could take me for a run tomorrow instead of Mom. She seems to understand me better. …..

…….. Why did she have to be my mom?...

As I stood up to leave, I bumped into one of the waiters I had hired for the day.

 The tray of drinks slipped from his grasp, dropping on the floor.

The whole room froze in silence.

 Red wine splattered across my dress, making it look disturbingly like blood.

"Elara! For God's sake, can you go one night without making a scene?" Roman said, his voice a bit hushed.

A feeling of embarrassment rushed in.

Why was he even angry? He had no right. With the little strength I had, I looked him straight in the eye.

"The wine was corked anyway, Roman”, my voice sliced through the silence like a scalpel. "Much like this evening."

"Watch your tongue, woman!" he snapped

But I turned and walked away, leaving the room behind with grumbles and murmurs. The mind-link remained open. I heard Roman’s final thought cut through the chaos:

[Roman’s voice]: What was that? That spark... she’s never looked at me like that……  But she’s breaking. I need someone who can withstand the pressure... ……Should I consider a divorce?

Haven’t I heard enough already? I leaned against the cold stone wall of the hallway as a tear dropped down my cheek.

He wanted a divorce? Fine.

 He didn’t even know how close he was to getting his wish, or how deeply sorry he would feel for himself.