3

Orion's POV

“For the umpteenth time Sophia, stop disrespecting my luna!” I yelled at Sophia as I stormed into her room and she was lazily painting her nails.

She looked at me like I was rabid. “Who?” 

I gritted my teeth as she feigned ignorance. “How many times do we have to discuss this Sophia? Arizona deserves respect from you, she's the Luna of thi-”

“She is? But you'd have to marry her to make her the luna don't you? I don't see a wedding ring on her hand or the rituals being done.” She replied smugly.

“That's because you keep refusing to agree to it knowing fully well that I can't get married unless you're in support of it, don't you want to see me happy?” 

“More than anything else, that's what I want. I already gave my blessings to you, to me, you're already married. I don't understand why you'll think otherwise.”

I growled, irritated by her smugness. “Imogene and I are divorced Sophia and it's been five years, move on!”

“That's because you kicked her out on a rainy day and I've searched the entire country for her but she's nowhere to be found! You kicked out an helpless orphan and you want to be happy?” She replied, sarcastically.

She's still sore from the incident five years ago, after Imogene left that morning, no one else sighted her, it was like she disappeared and I felt guilty about it for a while but the thought of finally being with Arizona made me forget it but Sophia wasn't willing to.

“I have a meeting to attend, I take it that you'll be there too? All alphas and their Luna will be there, please don't be dramatic, Arizona has been embarrassed enough by you!” I scoffed and walked out.

I went back to my room and Arizona was well dressed already. Clad in a red dress that accentuated her figure and made her radiating beauty more evident. I couldn't resist kissing her fully on the lips.

“You look beautiful.” I complimented her and she blushed.

“Sophia?” She asked, meaningfully.

“She'll behave. Let's go.” 

We sat comfortably in the car as the driver drove to the venue.

“What do you think Alpha Jerome has to say? It's been ages since he made a public appearance.” Arizona asked me and I shrugged.

“I have no idea Arizona, though he's the supreme Alpha, he's been inactive ever since his mate died and he has no heir to his throne.” I informed her.

“Maybe he wants to handover to the most competent Alpha?” She asked, her eyes glowing with excitement.

“Maybe, it's probable.” I said, dismissively and sighed. Deep down, I knew that was the essence of the party and it was no news that I'm the most suitable person, it was expedient that I'm the chosen one.

When we got to the venue, we were welcomed respectfully and extravagantly. I could tell that other Alpha's were jealous and wary of me but no one dared to say a word, my pack is one of the three most powerful packs.

Arizona proceeded to mingle and catch up with the other lunas while I headed to Alpha Jerome's corner to pay my respect.

“Alpha Orion! The one whose name surrounds the universe like a belt!” Alpha Jerome complimented me with a loud voice. “Come, drink a glass or two with me, my son.” He added.

“Alpha Jerome, it's great to see you again! You look younger than I remember, have you been secretly working out?” I complimented him as well.

“Work out, you say? For an old man like me? I just have good genes.”

He laughed heartily and offered me a glass of wine which I accepted. I could feel jealous stares coming my way but I ignored it. A form of tension was also created as he referred to me as his son.

Few minutes later, he excused himself and I went back to Arizona who had her head held high with pride.

“Alpha Orion lives up to his name doesn't he?” Luna Rosa flattered.

“Of course! Behind every successful man they say, is a woman!” Arizona replied, showing off.

“They meant his wife and not just any woman, didn't it?” Sophia's loud voice interrupted it and Arizona's face turned sour.

Sophia halted at the little gathering and muttered a greeting to the Lunas.

“Alpha Orion has no choice but to acknowledge the fact that a woman is in the picture.” Arizona fired back.

“Of course there's one, his wife but unfortunately some random woman without a sense of shame is trying hard to replace her for years and still can't seduce him enough to take his wife's title.” Sophia responded, wearing a smile.

Arizona was embarrassed and it annoyed me. “At least she didn't kill her mate who would have been her husband by now.” I blurted and regretted it instantly as Sophia looked horrified.

“He died while saving her, she didn't kill him. He chose to protect her with every breath which is what a mate should do, he didn't leave his mate for some random woman.” A familiar voice replied and we all looked up to see a handsome man walking up to us and my heart skipped a beat as I saw his face.

“Avery.” Sophia called out.

“Hello people.” Avery greeted everyone casually and I could feel the tension in the air but I simply frowned.

Sophia threw herself at him and hugged him tightly. “I thought you were dead, you little rabbit!” She scolded.

“I have a tough skin, I'm not dying anytime soon.” He bragged. 

Arizona scoffed. “Why are you here?” 

“I'm not here for you Arizona, I wanted to see if you still stuck with the man you chose over me and you did, good for you.” Avery remarked, sarcastically.

“Did you hear? She also made him divorce his wife and mate!” Sophia added.

“Sophia!” I growled.

“So I heard, it's a pity. Poor lady thought marriage meant anything to the man that betrayed his best friend and sister.”. Avery replied and they both laughed it off.

“It's nice to see you here. I hope we get along irrespective of the past. I've found a better path, see you around Orion.” He said plainly and walked away like nothing had happened.

Sophia was about to speak when Alpha Jerome mounted the podium and everything was called to order.

“Thank you for honoring my invitation and coming. As you've all known, I've been unavailable these past few years and as the supreme alpha with the highest authority and title, I apologize for being unreachable, however I would like to use this opportunity to introduce the one person who has stood by me and helped run the pack over the years. Avery Giovanni!”

There was a thunderous round of applause while I was mortified. Is Avery Jerome's successor?

“He is also my son-in-law.” Alpha Jerome added as the applause died down and Avery walked up to the podium. This remark sparked murmurs, it was no news that Jerome was childless.

“I know you're all shocked to hear that he's my son-in-law, I am retiring hence a new alpha will take over. Most of you are under the impression that I'm childless but tonight, I'd like to introduce you all to my successor and daughter!”

There was silence everywhere and the curtains were drawn to reveal an astonishingly beautiful woman who walked up to the podium with elegance, poise and her aura screamed respect and royalty and as the spotlight shone on her, my heart raced non-stop.

“Hi everyone.” She said, quietly and smirking widely.

The voice was unmistakable and my eyes widened in shock, my lips quavering. “Im-imogene?”