Chapter 4

Dove Pov

"I wonder who they let in," I mumble absentmindedly.

"Anyone who fits the theme, who dresses scantily and has no respect for themselves." Eden opens the newspaper again, the corners flopping over.

Tilting my head ever so slightly, I attempt to read the small text. I want as much information about tonight as I can get.

"You're so judgemental. Just because they do things differently in his pack doesn't mean it's wrong," I point out, getting up to pour myself a glass of water.

Eden mutters something under her breath that I don't catch. Despite pressing the boundaries of this packs values of righteousness, modesty and servitude, Eden still fits neatly within them. She wants more from the world, but not enough to stray too far from the path.

"Alpha Varian fucks anything that moves," she exclaims boredly, watching me fill my glass from the tap, bringing it to my lips. "At least our Alpha is saving himself for The water suddenly burns like acid as I choke, resisting the urge to splutter it out into the sink in my shock.

I sometimes forget that's Matthias portrays himself that way. I'm so used to the passionate, hungry man I know that it's easy to forget about the mask he so dutifully wears.

Were he to be seen for who he truly is, people would have a far harder time adhering to the expectations he espouses.

"You didn't save yourself for marriage," I remind her, remembering the day she crawled into her bed across from mine and fessed up to her lost virginity excitedly.

"Well I'm different," she snips. "What's that look?"

"Nothing." I drag my gaze from the paper that I'm attempt to catch another glimpse at. "So the theme is black and red, huh?"

"I guess..." She eyes me sceptically. "Why do you sound interested?"Sinking back into my chair, I dig back into my food. Eden wouldn't think for a second that I intend to sneak out tonight to attend a party. She hasn't seen me attempt anything delinquent.

"I'm not, obviously. I don't even own anything red and the black I have is funeral." That may be a problem, but I'll deal with that later.

She chews thoughtfully on her lower lip as she watches me, setting the paper down.

"Good, because that party is pure debauchery. I've heard rumours that Alpha Varian has a hypnotist going around making sure no one remembers anything from the night..."

I laugh breathily, shaking my head. "Or people get black out drunk and lose their memory."

"...And the hypnotist convinces them to move to his pack. That's after he fucks every last person—"

"Okay, you're being ridiculous now." I giggle into my hand, astounded by such a notion. In my experience Alpha's are virile and can last all night and get going again right after, but fucking every person at a massive party seems a bit farfetched.

I doubt most of the people there even see Varian...

I've heard many rumours about this party, many different versions of what occurs there. I'm sure it's pure filth, but I can imagine it's lavish and expensive and utterly magical.

"I'm just trying to get my point across," Eden states firmly, her no nonsense stare trying to remind me she's two years older than me, therefore qualified to tell me what I can and cannot do.

Boots stomping on the doormat outside has me lurching from my seat. The door opens just as I dig a plate of food from the oven, setting it on the table.

Eden stuffs the paper onto her lap beneath the tablecloth, averting her eyes. I smother my smile at her obvious guilt.Our father shrugs off his coat, passing his gaze off around the room. He seems to age a month every day he comes home from work. The crinkles around his eyes deepen, his eyes grow more hollow and his shoulders slump forward a touch.

Matthias overworks him. Despite war advisor being a coveted position, my father lives on a meagre salary and is supplied these pitiful lodgings on the very edge of his property.

He believes, like many in this pack do, that money leads to sin, to greed.

I think it's Matthias' excuse not to pay fair wages.

"Hello girls," he greets tiredly. "Dinner looks great, Dovely."

"I hope you enjoy it."

Eden and I are silent as he grabs his cutlery and digs in. Our father isn't a harsh man, but he's strict. Speaking about Varian's party at the table would cause him to launch into an hour long lecture far reaching affects that even we are suffering for it.

"Bit cold..." he mumbles gruffly, stirring the vegetables around his plate with his fork.

"You were late home," I remind him uneasily.

"Meeting ran late." He sighs, rubbing his face tiredly. "Matthias was in a pissy mood tonight."

I look down at my plate, digging my knife into the steak. Hopefully his turn in mood was from Varian and his party tonight, and not from me rejecting his advances earlier.

"I'm sorry, father," I murmur, glancing at Eden who gets up from the table.

"I'm showering first!" She announces, dumping her plate into the sink before she hurries from the room. She must have left the newspaper on her seat, not wanting attract fathers wrath.

Turning in my seat, I yell at her as shedisappears down the hallway. "Don't forget you're on dishes tonight!"

She doesn't respond, so I turn, digging back into my dinner.

Father and I sit in silence for a while. He's entirely unaware of what I intend to do tonight, and if he knew, I would be done for. I would feel guilty, but I'm so used to keeping secrets from him.

If he knew about Matthias...I fear he might disown me.

"What's with the face?" He suddenly asks.

"What made you decide it was Alpha Matthias you wanted to work for?" I ask lightly. "Why not any other Alpha?"

"His values align with mine and I trust him."

"What would happen if either Eden or I moved to another pack?" This is the first time I've asked him anything of this nature, but tonight I'm feeling brave.

He pauses, his thick brows furrowing.He's always insisted we live with him, even though we've long since advanced past schooling age.

"That wouldn't happen, Dove." He points his fork at me. "You belong here."

I bite the inside of my cheek, a eruption of disappointment burning inside me. I figured that would be his stance, yet it's disheartening to hear. In his mind, no pack compared to this one, while I tend to disagree.

"I think I'm going to head to bed early. I didn't have the best day at work." I stand, bringing my plate to the sink.

"Something happen?" He asks. "You didn't ask for a promotion and get rejected again, did you? If so, I can speak to the Alpha."

"No...I mean, I'll never be promoted there. Not to a position I want to be in," I mumble, almost laughing at the absurdity of my situation.

I'm done with Matthias. I don't want to be be his plaything a moment longer."Don't give up, Dovely," father urges softly. "You have no idea what you're capable of."

I smile tightly, guilt thumping between my temples.

I'll be back by morning. What my father doesn't know, won't hurt him...

"Thanks dad. I'll see you in the morning."

I give him one last look before I dart from the room.