Chapter 4 - Trouble

Marly POV

                  Before I could do anything, Cassie moved forward and slapped me across the face.  “Get your hands off my boyfriend,” she yelled, as my parents and the Alpha came through the door.  My mother moved forward and took the coffee from Maxwell, “My apologies Alpha.  Allow me to take this,” my mother said, ever the helpful hostess.

                  Everyone was ignoring my red face and looking to Cassie for an explanation.  “What is the meaning of this, Cassie?” my father demanded.  “My sister was kissing my boyfriend!” Cassie yelled.  “I was not,” I started to say when Maxwell glared at me.  What did that look mean? 

                  “It was a misunderstanding; no harm done,” the Alpha stated with a chuckle.  No harm done?  There was harm done.  Maxwell was lying to everyone.  He had the chance to tell them, and he chose not to.  What was going on?  I knew my eyes had hurt in them, but I could not release the tears that were stinging my eyes.

                  “I am sorry, Alpha,” I whispered, uncertain what else I could do.  I simply looked to the floor, as my father’s anger radiated off him.  “No need to be sorry.  Now let’s enjoy this dessert,” the Alpha suggested.  Everyone returned to the dining room, with the exception of my father.

                  “Whatever the hell this was, it is not over.  You have royally embarrassed this family, and you will be punished,” he promised.  I cringed before picking up the plate of desserts, trying to ignore the stinging of my cheek.  I brought the desserts in and handed them out.  The Alpha dove into his, exclaiming his delight. 

                  Everyone else was incredibly tense at the exchange earlier.  Nerves were swirling inside at what was to come when everyone left.  “So, what do you say, Marly?” I heard the Alpha ask.  “Pardon?” I replied, ignoring the looks of disgust from my parents.  “Will you help with Maxwell’s ceremony?” he repeated.

                  “Oh, of course.  I would be honored to do so,” I responded, genuinely excited to be part of planning our ceremony.  It gave me butterflies to think of being up front of everyone who had treated me like crap over the years.  To then see me as their Luna. Gaining their trust and affection.  I could hardly contain myself.

                  “Wonderful – planning will start tomorrow, as the event will be in just three days.  I want to introduce Maxwell and his mate, as soon as possible,” the Alpha said directing a wink at me.  My mind is blown.  Whatever punishment awaits me, I do not care.  The Alpha is basically endorsing me as the next Luna.

                  I smile and dive into my dessert not tasting a piece of the delicious food.  I am already planning the colors, theme and food for the event in my mind.  I do not know Maxwell’s favourite foods, but the chef can help me with that.  My mind has to be focused on showcasing my talents so everyone will see I am ready and capable to lead as their Luna.

                  Before I knew it, the evening was over, and Maxwell and his father were gone.  I quickly stood to clear the table and clean everything up.  My father came up behind me, “Be grateful you are expected to be at the pack house tomorrow.  Your punishment will have to wait,” he said before leaving me alone.

                  Cassie came in afterwards and shoved me into the counter before cornering me.  “You think you are so smart.  Well, let me tell you something.  I will be Maxwell’s mate, and you will be trapped in this house at my beck and call.  Remember, I promise you, that will be your fate,” she scowled before slamming out the door of the house.

                  I simply smiled after she left.  I would be the Luna, and she would be at my beck and call as the Gamma.  I finished cleaning up and quickly prepared for bed.  I went to sleep dreaming of being on stage, accepting my fate as the Luna and my ceremony with Maxwell.  The sparks that bounced between us were still felt on my lips.  I fell asleep with a smile on my face.          

                  The next three days passed by quickly.  I had every detail covered, and the only thing left was to try and get an appropriate dress for myself.  I knew I would have to try and convince my mother I needed one, and I did not know how that would go.  I approached her the day before the ceremony, to make my request.

                  “Gamma Female,” I said, drawing her attention to me.  “What?” she replied coldly.  “I am wanting to get a dress for the ceremony tomorrow night.  I believe the Alpha expects me to be present,” I said in a rush.  My mother looked to me, and then looked away, “You are probably right.  Take something from your sister’s closet,” she said, dismissing me.

                  “Her clothes will not fit,” I reminded her quietly.  My mother dragged her eyes from what she was reading, “Of course they will not.  You are much bigger than your sister,” she stated in disgust.  “Go to the thrift shop and pick something out.  Here is some money,” she said.

                  I looked at the money, knowing it would not buy much.  But I was creative and would come up with something appropriate for a Luna to wear for tomorrow night.  Thanking my mother, I raced off to the thrift shop and after an hour of searching I found exactly what I was looking for.

                  Paying the clerk, I had enough money left over to purchase a pair of shoes to go with the dress.  It was not expensive, but it was the most glamourous thing I have had the chance to wear.  I hurry back home and tuck my purchases in my closet, just as Cassie enters my room.

                  “What are you doing?” she asked.  “Nothing,” I replied as I tried to move past her.  “Do not think you are going to the ceremony.  You are there to serve,” she said as if reminding me of my place.  I simply put my head down and ignored her as I went to prepare supper for my family.

                  After everything was washed up, I hurried back to my room, eager to work on my dress for tomorrow night.  As I entered the room, I saw the closet door open slightly.  I knew I had closed it when I left.  I moved slowly to the door and opened it.  NO!!!