Chapter 5: Get Ready for the Ball

Alora's POV

"Are you insane?!" I whisper-yelled as my heart rose up my throat in nervousness. There's no way I'm going to meet this stupid Alpha's father right now!

I'm still in the process of digesting his presence and adding his father who's most likely a beastly alpha too would be too much.

Just too much.

"She's been begging me to meet you since we got engaged. She said she can't wait to see how her father-in-law would treat her." He raised his eyebrow in mockery while my nostrils flared in anger.

I clenched my fists to the side and glared at him. But the stupid smile plastered on his face that looks like it isn’t going anytime soon annoys the hell out of me.

"Hm. Is that so?" His father asked at the other side of the door. His voice is steady and deep but lacks emotions. That is the reason why I can't decide whether my existence thrills him or not.

"Yup. Whatcha think, pops?" Conrad leaned sideways, preparing to fully turn the knob and face his father although his eyes were glued on me.

There was a beat of silence that followed. It was so thick and uncomfortable that I swore I heard every tick of the clock.

"I'll meet you downstairs."

---

"G-good morning, sir!"

Stupid, stupid!

When we were finally downstairs in the dining room, Simeon or whatever his name is, made me stutter like a fool with his incredibly intimidating aura.

It was my instinct telling me to submit before a stronger and bigger wolf.

"Your name's Alora." He uttered with a hum before lifting his cup of tea and taking an elegant sip. As my eyes wandered through his face, I noticed the eerie difference in his facial features compared to his son’s

His eyes are brown and hides a silent threat and aggression just like the black abyss that I know. Although both of their high noses and the sharp contours of their faces make them impossibly handsome, Simeon’s skin is lighter compared to Conrad. And the way he carries himself with dignity is a complete opposite of the playful yet dangerous personality of the younger alpha.

"That's right, sir."

Maybe Conrad takes after his mother. It doesn’t matter. Only one thing is for sure, there's a certain air of elegance in Simeon that could only be shaped with time and experience.

And brutal leadership.

He did not comment on my trembling hands and the way my voice sounded small and anxious. Instead, he slowly crossed his hands atop each other and eyed me with a stoic look.

"Hm..."

I gulped in intimidation. I can't believe this type of man exists.

"What do you think of her, huh? She's pretty and hot. Right?" Conrad elbowed me playfully and when he leaned towards my shoulder, I took my chance to stomp his feet.

"Aww. What was that f--"

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir." I forced a smile before inhaling and turning my head towards the asshole of an alpha beside me. "I've always wondered what the family of my future husband would be like." Out of nowhere, Conrad stiffened when my fingers brushed his hair lovingly and my eyes roamed his face with innocence.

"He's been nothing but lovely to me and I love him so much."

Boom. Conrad's eyes dilated on the spot. His eyebrows furrowed as he assessed my face silently. It's funny how his lips parted slightly but words seem to have been trapped in his throat.

I grinned.

"Your ears are red, honey. Stop making it so obvious that you're head over heels for me." I teased, pinching his lobes playfully.

I giggled like an innocent child. There's an incredible empowerment that surged through my body catching him off-guard like this. Fine, I thought. If he wanted me to play his games, I wouldn't back down.

But just when I thought that I finally had the upper hand, the Alpha mirrored my grin and I swear that even if the room isn't dimly lit, his canines shone in hunger. The mischievous look in his face is back.

"Oh, but what can I do..."

The sound of my chair being dragged sideways when he pulled my body close to his effortlessly resonated in the walls.

Damn it, it was my turn to heat up when his hands secured my hips. The fact that he isn't fazed one bit at the thought of flirting with me in front of his father is not helping at all!

"You already know, baby. I'm addicted to you."

His lips made its way on my lobes and my eyes widened in terror of how close we have become. "And I'm so glad to hear that you are just as addicted to me."

Without warning, Conrad bit my right ear and the sudden sensation was enough to make me moan.

“Ah!” Gasp.

"I'm s-sorry. I didn't mean to--"

"HAHA YES YOU DO! IT'S OKAY, BABY. SHOW MY FATHER HOW MUCH YOUR BODY CRAVES ME!"

"Will you stop?!"

"Ehem..." Simeon suddenly cleared his throat and the simple wordless sound silenced us both. Slowly, Conrad let go of me and we both turned our heads in his direction as the older alpha straightened his posture.

“It seems like you too are quite busy. I won't keep you long." He stood up and prepared to search for something in his inner coat pocket, stirring our curiosity. "Conrad, we'll discuss confidential matters some other time. For now..."

After a few seconds, his slender gloved fingers holding a small rectangular black paper reached out to us.

"I want you both to prepare for the ball."

---

Conrad's POV

"Shit, make it stop. MAKE IT STOP."

The incredible pain that wrapped around my head was back. My vision started becoming blurry and my skin felt hot.

"Damn it, I swear to god...HAH!"

Why? Why did my rut cycle change again?

RIIIIING. RIIIIIING.

I pressed the answer button on my phone before looking at my messed up reflection in the bathroom mirror, wiping the hot steam that covered it.

"What's up, man?"

Thank God, Luis sounded sober. As I struggled to control my breath, I gripped the edge of the sink and put him in a loud speaker.

"Listen. Remember the Omega I bought in the auction?"

A soft rustle was heard over the line before Luis answered my question. "Yeah. What about her?"

"Well, after spending a few fucking days being close to her, she seemed to have messed up my cycle again." I gritted my teeth and steadied my breathing while fighting the urge to rub my raging boner over any tight fucking hole available."

"Shit, man. I thought you had it under control. Have you taken your pills yet?"

"Not working." I growled.

"Okay, okay...What do you want me to do? How can I help you?"

His question made me assess my reflection once again. I swallowed hard knowing that there's no way I can control this any longer.

"Bring me omegas. A lot of them."

Luis’ voice sounded closer. I could tell that he's already getting ready to do what I asked.

"Roger that, man. Just to be clear, no specifications whatsoever?"

I inhaled, closing my eyes and instantly imagining Alora's face. Somewhere at the back of my mind, I suddenly felt a wave of shame that I haven't felt before.

"As long as they're not her."