Chapter 12

I almost wish I hadn't worn my new blue dress this afternoon because I can't possibly one up it at dinner. In lue of that I went with a long skin thight black dress I deemed both elegant and sexy. Dani wore blue. In fact, I've never seen her wear the cheerfull yellow that her name suggests. We walked together to the door of the mansion where a guard stood at attention to greet us. The wolves in waiting pulled open the heavy doors for us and the guard announced loudly,

"From Cabin B, Elma and Dandilion!"

A massive dining table had been brought out turning the throne room into a very fancy dining room. Dani and I were lead to our seats where I quickly scanned the other particapants at the table. The first thing I noticed was that I had the great misfortune of being sat directly next to the Alpha's second cousin. His place tag read the name Boison. I also noticed Oakly had not yet been sent home. Damn. Luckily Rayven and Jules were still in attendence along with another seven wolves who want to be Luna and a couple friends and family strewn in. Food was served before Boison could start bothering me. Steak, extra rare, my favorite. Such a delicacy is rare because so few wolves have the self control necessary to raise cows. I took a sip of wine and turned to Jules on the other side of me. 

"Our numbers have really thinned since the first day. I bet we only have a few weeks left."

"Yes," she replied, "I heard that they typically really like taking their time picking between the last few people. Are you anxious to see loved ones back home again?" I thought about my mother and my little brother. I missed them, but more than anything I missed my brothers that are out fighting in the war. That's who I really wanted to see, but I couldn't see them until I had the power to take them home."

"I do. But I won't go home until the Alpha and I are mated."

"Ooh your're very serious. I can respect that."

"Do you have people back at home that you are competeing in this for?"

She nodded solemly and leaned over to whisper in my ear,

"My daughter."

I nearly dropped my fork. A daughter? Was she even eligable for these games or did she already have a mate waiting for her back at home. 

"I see."

This little piece of information has the same potential to throw the game as my own family history. Why would she risk telling me this?

"I'm sure you miss her," I said sympatheticaly.

"Every day. But coming out of here with an Alpha mate could really change her life. It is hard enough to get by with only one wolf able to provide for her, but also her pack status fell a lot ever since her father walked out."

"Who are you talking about?" Oakley pitched in from the other side of the table and Jules eyes widened.

"Her sister," I said confidently and went back to ignoring my cousin who eyes the two of us suspicously. 

"I have a little brother I miss as well, but in some way I am here for him as much as I am here for myself." Jules nodded, getting teary eyed.

"Excuse me a moment," and she headed off to find the restroom. 

Boison put his arm around my chair and I brushed it off in annoyance. I wasn't here for him.

"You really think you can seduce the Alpha looking like that?" The mischievous grey wolf beside me whispered. He was trying to make me give up, but I had to come out the victor in these games for my pack and my family. He slowly took one clawed finger and slipped the strap of black gown off my shoulder in front of the whole table of wolf royalty.

"That's a little more like it," He coaxed, "Look at him with all of those other attractive wolves to choose from. You'll never catch his attention like this." I stared at the end of the table where the Alpha sat. He was dark of hair and broad of chest and always had a smile and was willing to lend a paw to a wolf in need. He was laughing at something the stunning blonde she-wolf beside him had said and that cheerful couple drew a sharp contrast from the Vampire on his other side. Victor was pale and lean but his eyes were dark, cold and...and never seemed to leave my face.

"Just give up the games now," the grey wolf continues, "fall into my arms instead I can take care of you just as well as some fancy Alpha can. Close your eyes, you won't even notice the difference." I felt his tongue from my collar bone to my jaw. That is my final straw.