6: Friends with Royalty

Samarah

The function started almost immediately after the orientation, it took place indoors at a large gym. The college was very expansive, like a castle, and the gym was large enough for the entire faculty and students. Given who the special guest was, everyone decided to stay and hopefully leave a good impression on Alpha Serburi and his son, Nicholas. I was still reeling from the information, and despite my willingness to not be around Nicholas and attract more attention to myself, he hadn’t left my side.

“I see my son is sticking to you like glue miss.” Alpha Serburi said while lifting his hand in our formal were greeting. I returned the gesture with a smile.

“So it would seem. I am Samarah Lynxmoon, it is my pleasure to meet you.” I spoke confidently hoping my voice wouldn’t crack. This was exactly what I hadn’t wanted! Special attention from the largest pack’s alpha. What has Nicholas gotten me into? I sighed inwardly. 

“Samarah Lynxmoon?” He asked squishing his brows together. “From Moonriver?”

“Yes Alpha Serburi.” I answered.

“My apologies, I was unaware of an older daughter.”

My cheeks flamed, my parents had never even acknowledged me?

“I don’t always see eye to eye with them.” I clenched my teeth reigning in my frustration. I wished with my entire being that I wouldn’t have to be defined by my last name, or that pack that was supposed to be my family.

“I see. Well, good to meet you Samarah of Moonriver.” He gave me a pleasant smile and looked to Nicholas. “How did the two of you meet?”

Nicholas gave his father an easy smile. “My driver hit her a little over a month ago while I was visiting Fallen Heights. I stayed with her at the hospital, and the rest is history.”

Serburi furrowed his brow. “How did a were get hit by oncoming traffic?”

My cheeks flamed, he probably thinks I’m the klutziest person ever!

“It was a very rainy night, and she was distraught. I myself asked the same thing.” Nicholas spoke quickly, maybe trying to save me from personal embarrassment, but I had no damn clue.

“I, uh yes, a severed mate bond, alpha.” I stammered, getting redder by the minute.

“Ah. I see, I am sorry to hear of it. The loss of a mate bond can be crippling.” His smile was kind. “There is much strength within you, Samarah, I admire that. You must join us for a private dinner soon, please.”

“I, yeah, thank you alpha.” I was completely caught off guard.

“There is no need for such formality from another of alpha blood who can inspire so much admiration.” He winked playfully. “Serburi is fine.”

I nodded politely.

 “I am sorry to steal you away from your company, but we have some business to discuss.” Serburi lifted my hand with his own and kissed the top of it. “My pleasure. Thanks for meeting me.”

Imitating his father, Nicholas also grabbed my hand and kissed the top of it, though he lingered a bit longer and sent sparks through me.  

“Catch you later beautiful.” My breath caught in my throat. And with that they left.

My heart was hammering and I was sure it would burst from my chest.

“So, you think a make over and a special new friend will change the fact that you are nothing?” Aleah’s high-pitched voice sounded behind me and I clenched my fists.

I was so freaking done tonight, and this bitch was really pushing it. I turned on my heel to face her mocking smile.

“At least I’m not a homewrecking skank.” I retorted with my chin high.

Her eyes brightened with anger as she raised a hand to slap me. I caught her arm mid swing and threw it to the side.

“Careful Aleah, the no violence policy at this school is always in effect.” My voice was low and dangerous, I was done being someone who was uncared for and picked on. To hell with everyone who thought that they were better than me. “I may be nothing to you, but you’re always going to be a beta’s daughter. Don’t forget that I was born with an alpha bloodline whether they or I want to acknowledge it or not.”

I vaguely noticed Riley and his friend Damor coming up next to her. Riley’s piercing gaze was sorrowful, maybe even guilty, but I was having none of it. I scoffed. “You two are fucking perfect for each other. Cowardly, disloyal, and weak.” I notched my chin up a bit more in disdain, glared daggers at the 2 of them, and left to find Allison. 

Allison found me first and gave me a bright smile. “I was coming to help back you up, but girl you had that down pat!”

I smiled despite my raging emotional turmoil. “I did, didn’t I?” I’d never stood up for myself so fiercely before, but I did it. I knew I was emerging from the broken pieces that created me, a Phoenix in my own right, rising from the ashes of those who may forever believe I am nothing. I was sure that Allison helped me with that.

I sighed and linked my arm through Allison’s. “I made a decision, a very important one.”

“That tone is your ‘I don’t fuck around’ tone, what’s up?”

“I have a tone like that?” I asked curiously.

She giggled. “Yes. You do. Fess up girlie.”

“I’m going to change my name. More specifically, my last name. Immediately after I am done with this place and start my life post college, I will no longer be Samarah Lynxmoon of Moonriver.”

“It’s a grand idea Sammie, but you can’t change your pack.” Allison pointed out.

“I can denounce it, and since I have an alpha bloodline, I wouldn’t be in danger of going feral. I will make my own pack that will be for anyone who feels discarded in their own. High ranking or otherwise.”

I could see a vision clearly in my mind. An exploding tech company focusing on enhancing werewolf community, a company who was also a pack. A new pack. Yes, that sounded beautiful.

“Well, then I can be your beta.” Allison said, taking me from my thoughts.

I furrowed my brows. “Allison, you are of alpha bloodline as well. You shouldn’t be a beta. And you love your family, I could never ask you of such a thing.”

She elbowed me playfully. “You didn’t ask me, I made a vow, and you can’t take it back. But now we have to come up with your new name, and our pack name!”

My heart felt full, I didn’t think I needed a mate to be happy. And I was right, I had Allison and my own determination. It was the first time in awhile that I knew everything would be ok, and I wasn’t alone. That, well, that was absolutely priceless.