Katie Hines
Evelyn
Today marks the return of Alpha Ben’s son, who’s been away since he was fifteen.
After his special training, he spent a few years traveling the world, searching for his mate.
I’m in the kitchen with the other women, preparing for the feast Alpha Ben is throwing to welcome Alex home.
I hope he found his mate. I can’t fathom how anyone could settle for someone who isn’t their true mate.
Your mate is meant to be the one who brings out the best in you, the one who complements you and loves you unconditionally.
What if you end up with someone who’s the polar opposite of your mate? It’s heartbreaking to even consider.
I’m busy setting the long table and arranging the finished dishes in the center.
Over the years, Alpha Ben and I have grown close; he’s like an uncle to me. So whenever it’s time to let him know dinner is ready, the women send me.
We could mind-link him, but he prefers face-to-face communication, and I don’t mind because I enjoy our chats.
As I knock on the door, I notice my hands are covered in flour and other ingredients from preparing dinner.
Alpha Ben’s voice invites me in, so I carefully turn the knob, trying not to leave any traces on it.
“Alpha Ben, dinner is ready for whenever Alpha Alex arrives.”
I stop in my tracks when I see Alpha Ben isn’t alone. There’s an incredibly handsome man sitting next to him.
He has dark brown hair, captivating green eyes, and a muscular build.
Judging by his long legs, he must be quite tall.
His aura is so powerful that I instinctively bow my head in submission and respect.
“I apologize, Alpha Ben. I didn’t realize you had company.”
Alpha Ben just smiles. “No need to apologize. Alex, you remember Evelyn, don’t you?” he asks.
Alex scans me from head to toe, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks.
“Raf and Sam’s niece, right?” Alex responds. Alpha Ben looks pleased, a twinkle in his eyes that I can’t quite decipher.
“Yes! That’s right! Evelyn, why don’t you shake hands with my son.”
Knowing better than to argue, I step forward and extend my hand to Alpha Alex, but quickly pull it back.
I smile awkwardly, “I’m sorry, I should have washed my hands before coming up here.”
I show them my hands, covered in flour and other substances.
Alpha Ben’s smile wavers but quickly returns. “That’s perfectly fine, dear. Why don’t you go clean up and I’ll save you a seat next to my son at dinner?”
I nod and leave the room.
***
It takes me about fifteen minutes to get ready for dinner. I choose a simple light-blue summer dress and white flats, leaving my hair down in its natural waves.
I skip makeup because I don’t want the food to get cold.
Entering the dining room, I see that all but two seats are taken: one next to Alpha Alex and one next to Julian.
Alpha Ben gestures for me to sit next to his son. As I walk around the table, Tessa takes the seat next to Alpha Alex.
Not wanting to cause a scene, I quickly sit next to Julian, earning a curious look from Alpha Alex.
Hoping neither alpha will comment, I fill my plate and start eating.
It’s not that I don’t want to sit next to Alpha Alex. He’s undeniably attractive.
And it’s not that I can’t handle my sister. She’s never trained a day in her life; I could take her down with my hands tied.
I just prefer to stay under the radar and avoid causing trouble.
Mid-bite, Julian nudges me with his elbow.
He tilts his head towards Tessa.
“How long do you think it’ll take for Alpha Alex to fall for her tricks?” he whispers so quietly I have to strain to hear.
I snort at his question and tune into their conversation.
“Alpha Alex, you have the biggest arms I’ve ever seen,” Tessa purrs, squeezing his bicep.
I can’t help but glare at her hand on him. It takes all my self-control not to growl.
Eating more food helps, but I can’t ignore Tessa’s relentless flirting. To my annoyance, he’s flirting back.
Alpha Ben clears his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Evelyn, didn’t I ask you to sit next to my son? Did I imagine that conversation?”
Shit. He really just put me on the spot like that.
I can feel my face turning beet red as everyone looks at me, including Alpha Alex, who seems amused.
Great, he finds this funny. I think I might die.
I swallow my food before I can respond.
“Alpha Ben, I apologize. There wasn’t an empty seat, and I didn’t want to disrupt anyone’s dinner.”
Alpha Ben smirks at me. He knows I don’t like being the center of attention, but this is his way of punishing me for not doing as he asked.
I keep my gaze low, but when Alpha Ben speaks, it’s hard not to flip the table or choke on my own spit.
“That’s perfectly fine. I’m sure Tessa would be happy to switch seats with you. So, let’s get on with it so we can all enjoy our dinner.”
If there was ever a time I wished to be dead, it’s now. Tessa is glaring at me, and I can practically see steam coming out of her ears.
I grab my plate and start to navigate around the table, aiming to bypass Tessa. But I never make it to my intended destination.
Oh, no.
Tessa’s foot darts out, blocking my path, and before I know it, I’m sprawled out on the floor, my dinner plate now a part of my dress.
It takes every ounce of self-control not to shift right there on the spot.
Inhale, exhale.
I force myself to take several deep breaths before I rise, my fists balled up tight. I can feel my eyes shifting to gold, a clear sign that my wolf is on the verge of taking over.
“Alpha Ben, Alpha Alex, I beg your pardon.”
I make a swift exit from the dining room and head outside. Once I’m safely out of sight, I shift into my black wolf form and dart deep into the forest.