'A' Game

~Alayasia~

“Did you get hold of the caterer?” I make a mark in my notebook before turning to look at Luna Olivia. We’ve been working together for the past week, trying to get the pack ready for the gathering we'll be hosting. 

We don’t usually host things like this, but we came up in rotation. It will be the first gathering that I’ve been to. When the gathering is hosted at other locations, I wasn’t allowed to attend. Maxim doesn’t let me off packlands very often, and he hates having me around others even more. He always wants me to be out of sight, and that goes double for our daughter.

I’m kind of excited for this gathering, but I’m trying to act like I don’t care. If I express my excitement, Maxim will be sure to find some way to make me stay home. It’s what he always does, but I refuse to let him do it this time. 

I respond to the Luna’s question before looking at Zara. She’s in a playpen with a few of her toys. She’s enjoying the fresh air, not really allowed out too often. “Well, it looks like everything is accounted for. Packs should start arriving tomorrow morning, with just a few arriving tonight. All of the rooms are cleaned and accounted for.”

“Yes, Luna. I had everything double-checked this morning. Everything is ready for our guests.” Luna Olivia nods. 

“I’m going to need you on your ‘A’ game. I know you keep refusing help, but I need you to get someone to help with Zara so I can have your full attention during this gathering.” My hand stops in the middle of writing as I turn her words over in my mind. I’ve never refused any help when it comes to Zara. I know that there are decent wolves in this pack, and I don’t have to worry if they have my child. “Did you hear me, Alayasia? I need you to accept help when offered because I need you free to help with this gathering.” I swallow the lump in my throat as I place my hand down. 

“I… I would love to get help with Zara. I love her to pieces, but it can be a lot sometimes.” Luna Olivia looks at me as if I’m some alien who just dropped on Earth. It does take long before she scoffs and rolls her eyes. 

“I should have known it was a lie.” A lie? I have no idea what she means. “Don’t worry about it, Alayasia. I will send someone for you this evening so you can help me greet guests.” I nod and feel just that much lighter. It will be nice to be around adults for a change and do something different. 

Luna Olivia sends me home to get prepared for the evening. I take time to get Zara a snack and explain to her how this evening will go. Zara is really good with others, so I don’t have much to worry about. 

The evening comes before I know it. The doorbell rings as I smooth out my dress. I don’t have many dress-up clothes because I’m not allowed to attend many events. I pulled a black cocktail dress out of the closet. It features a halter top, and the skirt flares out once it reaches my hips. I paired it with gold gladiator heels. I kept my makeup light: just a smoky eye, mascara, and lip gloss. I keep my hair down, not wanting to broadcast to everyone that I have no mating mark. That’s something that’s supposed to stay under wraps. I’m not even mad that I’m unmarked; I consider myself very lucky. 

I adjust my charm, making sure that it’s secure. This charm not only marks me as human, but it also buries the mate bond. I can sense my mate, but they won’t sense me. It was a side effect, if you will. 

I open the door, and my stomach drops. I shouldn’t be surprised, but here we are. Sasha pushes past me without saying a word. She stops in the foyer and looks around the house. “So where is the little brat?” I shake my head and sigh. 

“There’s no need for you to stay if you have other things to do. I can manage on my own.” Let me explain. Sasha was the Omega that I just saw my husband sleeping with. It wasn’t the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Before that, she’s always been ugly to me. As far as she’s concerned, I’m beneath her even though she’s only an Omega. 

Sasha sighs and inspects her nails as if she’s bored. “Luna sent me here to watch your weak kid. Just tell me where she is already.” I hold the door open and plaster a smile on my face. 

“Really, it’s okay. Thank you so much for coming. I will make sure the Luna knows that you were very helpful.” Sasha looks around again before walking to the door and pushing past me. 

“Whatever. I didn’t want to watch the little brat anyway.” I close the door and sigh. There’s no way I would leave my daughter with that nasty woman. I will just take her to the packhouse and play it by ear. My phone rings and I quickly answer it.

“Alayasia, where are you?” 

“I’m on my way, Luna. Give me 10 minutes.” 

“Hurry.”

I sigh and rush into Zara’s room. Luckily, I keep a bag packed for her just in case. It has clothes and snacks, along with a tablet and headphones. I will leave her in the kitchen. The head cook has a soft spot for Zara and will set her up in his office. 

 “Zara, honey, change of plans. You have to come with Mommy and we have to hurry.” I grab the bag and her hand, rushing out of the house. 

⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱⤱

I step out of the packhouse, smoothing out my dress. Luna Olivia and Alpha Axel are already waiting close to the curb. I look around as I move to join them, but I don’t see Maxim anywhere. I’d imagine he’s on top of someone right now.

Luna Olivia reaches out to me as I get closer. “You look lovely, Alayasia.”

“Thank you, Luna. Hello, Alpha Axel.” He looks at me and grunts before turning back to the road. There’s no love lost between us. I know he is aware of most of the things that Maxim does to me, and he does nothing about it. He’s not much of an Alpha as far as I’m concerned. I shake my head and change my focus. For now, it’s time to be the Beta female.