CHAPTER 7

***Amber’s POV***

I couldn't speak properly because I was so nervous! Only God knows how terrifying it was for me in a matter of seconds! The venue's entrance was framed with lovely flowers, and the aisle was adorned with lush greenery. I expected to see a red carpet for me to walk on, but instead, I found numerous red rose petals scattered on the ground. Except for the butler, I didn't recognize anyone when I looked around. I searched the crowd for Dale but couldn't find him!

"Calm down, darling. You appear tense," Alpha Marcus observed.

I kept my head down as he walked alongside me. He seemed pleased about something, but I couldn't think clearly! My thoughts wandered to someone else, and when we arrived at the platform, he motioned for me to take a seat beside him on the upholstered bench.

"Don't be afraid, darling. Take a look at the women in front of you! They were so envious of you right now," he said quietly, and without warning, he grabbed one of my hands.

Despite my glove, I could feel the warmth emanating from his hand. For a brief moment, I refused to look at the hands that held mine. I didn't want to hold his hands, but I was in a situation where I couldn't help myself!

"Smile, my dear," he said.

I nodded in agreement, but then I noticed him in the crowd. His attractive face would definitely attract a lot of women, and our gazes met as he slowly raised his head. My mouth dropped open in awe at how magnificent he appeared! Dale Ramsay was, without a doubt, the most attractive man in the group! He was such a charming young man to me!

I couldn't help but feel nervous as I looked around. I wasn't used to going to parties, let alone ones that were planned specifically for me. When I looked at Alpha Marcus, he appeared to be very happy. I noticed how he motioned to the butler and then announced that food would be served immediately.

A servant arrived and piled delectable dishes on our table, and my mouth watered at the feast before me. I grew up in a low-income family with little or no food on the table. Alpha Marcus's eyes remained fixed on me as we began to eat, and I became uneasy. Before speaking to him, I picked up the napkin and wiped my mouth.

"Is there a problem, Alpha?" I inquired, but he only smiled.

"Nothing's wrong, dear. I just can't take my eyes off your beautiful face," he said, but I wondered what had gotten into him.

Although it wasn't the first time he complimented me on my appearance, his words seemed to have a different meaning this time. "Thank you very much, Alpha." I was grateful for his kind words, but I wished he could back them up with actions. He was mostly a cruel man who enjoyed asserting his dominance over women. It happened several times to me, but as a powerless woman, I had to submit to him. Things would hopefully change soon!

Alpha Marcus treated everyone to fine wines and liquors after a sumptuous dinner of meat, fish, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Laughter and giggles erupted throughout the venue. I tried to relax at the party until I noticed Dale talking to another woman. I felt jealousy seeping through my heart as I watched them intently. I shouldn't feel this way because our relationship was only for our benefit. Dale vanished from the crowd, and jealousy resurfaced in my chest. My gaze sought him out, but he was nowhere to be found.

“Dear? Are you ready?"

“Huh?” When Alpha Marcus spoke to me, I was taken aback. "I apologize, Alpha. I'm just too tired from the party," I lied, but the truth was that I wasn't paying attention to him.

"Are you ready for my surprise?" He asked, smiling, but before I could respond, he stood up, and the entire venue fell silent. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have a very important announcement," he began, but the audience seemed perplexed as well...just like me!

Then Alpha Marcus kneeled in front of me and took my hand in his. When I saw a diamond ring being slid onto my finger, my eyes couldn't believe it. The audience gasped in surprise, and I was rendered speechless! When I looked at him, he gave me a tender smile.

"Are you willing to be my new Luna?" When he asked, everyone fell silent.

As a low-born woman looking to gain some power, I should say yes right away. I couldn't, however. I was wary...because of Dale Ramsay! "I, Amber Mcbride, accept you to be my-"

“Stop!”