Different

Evelyn

Today is the day that Alpha Ben’s son returns home from being gone since he was fifteen years old.

Apparently, once his special training was over, he took a few years to travel the world and look for his mate.

I’m in the kitchen helping the other women prepare for the feast that Alpha Ben is having to welcome Alex home.

I hope he found his mate. I don’t even understand how anyone could choose someone who isn’t their true mate to be with.

I mean, your mate is supposed to be the person who makes you the best version of yourself, the person who complements you and loves you unconditionally.

What if you choose someone who is completely opposite of your mate? It’s so sad to even think about.

I am finishing setting the long table and placing the completed dishes in the center.

Over the years, Alpha Ben and I have gotten close; he is like an uncle to me. So anytime someone has to go tell him dinner is ready, the women send me.

Of course, we could mind-link him, but he always prefers to be told face-to-face, and I never mind telling him because I like to visit with him.

Reaching up and knocking on the door, I realize I have flour and other ingredients all over my hands from helping prepare dinner.

Alpha Ben’s voice echoes, telling me to come in, so I carefully twist the knob, making sure not to get anything on it.

“Alpha Ben, dinner is ready for whenever Alpha Alex gets in.”

Stopping abruptly, I immediately notice Alpha Ben isn’t alone. Sitting in the chair beside him is an extremely attractive man.

He has dark brown hair, mesmerizing green eyes, and is super muscular.

I can only assume from the looks of his long legs that he is pretty tall too.

You can just feel the power radiating off of him, which has me immediately bowing my head in both submission and respect.

“I apologize, Alpha Ben. I did not realize you had company.”

Alpha Ben just smiles. “Nonsense. Alex, you remember Evelyn, correct?” he asks.

Alex turns to me, scanning me from my toes to the hair on my head, causing a slight blush to appear on my cheeks.

“Raf and Sam’s niece, right?” Alex responds. Alpha Ben is beaming, with a glint in his eyes that I can’t place.

“Yes! That’s right! Evelyn, why don’t you give my boy a handshake.”

Knowing this time there is no room for argument, I step forward and extend my hand to Alpha Alex; however, before he can take it, I retract it.

Smiling sheepishly, I say, “I’m sorry, I should have washed my hands before coming up here.”

I show my hands and reveal that they are covered in flour and other substances.

Alpha Ben’s smile falters but then returns full force. “That is quite all right, dear. Why don’t you go get cleaned up and I will save you a seat beside my boy at dinner?”

I nod my head before turning and leaving.

***

It takes me about fifteen minutes to get ready for dinner. I choose a simple, light-blue summer dress and white flats and leave my hair down in its natural, soft waves.

I don’t fiddle with makeup because I don’t want the food to be cold by the time I get there.

Walking into the dining room, I notice that all but two seats are taken: one beside Alpha Alex and one beside Julian.

Chancing a glance at Alpha Ben, he motions me to the seat beside his son. Obeying him, I walk around the table, but before I get to the seat, Tessa sits down beside Alpha Alex.

Not willing to argue, I quickly take my place beside Julian, earning myself a curious look from Alpha Alex.

Wishing and praying, neither alpha says anything about it, I pile my plate high and start shoveling the food in.

It’s not that I don’t want to sit by Alpha Alex. I mean, I’m not blind; he is extremely good-looking.

And it’s not that I can’t take my sister. She hasn’t trained a day in her life; I could kick her ass with my hands tied.

It’s just that I’m not much for attention being on me. I like to lie low and not cause problems.

Mid-bite, Julian starts jabbing me with his elbow.

I look up at him as he tilts his head in Tessa’s direction.

“How long do you think it’ll take for Alpha Alex to fall for her games?” he asks me so quietly I have to strain to hear.

Snorting at his question, I tune into their conversation.

“Alpha Alex, you have the biggest arms I’ve ever seen,” Tessa says in her most seductive voice while squeezing his bicep.

I can’t help but glare at her hand touching him. It is taking everything I have to hold back the growl that is threatening to escape my lips.

Scooping more food into my mouth helps, but I stay tuned into Tessa’s relentless flirting. To my annoyance, he’s being flirty back.

Alpha Ben clears his throat, gaining the attention of everyone.

“Evelyn, I thought I asked you to sit by my son? Did I imagine that conversation?”

Shit. He really just called me out like that.

I’m positive my face is as red as cherries as everyone’s eyes land on me, including Alpha Alex’s with a glint of amusement.

Glad that he finds this funny, but I think I might die.

I have to swallow the food that’s in my mouth before I can speak properly.

“Alpha Ben, I apologize. There wasn’t an empty seat, and I didn’t want to disrupt anyone’s dinner.”

Alpha Ben stares at me with a small smirk on his face. He knows I am uncomfortable with a ton of attention on me, but this is his punishment for not doing what he asked.

Keeping my gaze low is easy, but when Alpha Ben speaks, it becomes hard not to flip the table or choke on air.

“That’s perfectly okay. I’m sure Tessa would be thrilled to trade spots with you right now. So, hop to it so we can all enjoy the rest of our dinner.”

And if there was ever a time to wish to be dead, it’s right now. Tessa is shooting daggers at me with her eyes, and I can almost see the steam rolling out of her ears.

Picking up my plate, I start to go around the table, passing by Tessa. But I never make it to my new seat.

Oh, no.

Tessa’s foot shoots out before I can pass by her, and the next thing I know I am flat down on the floor, with my plate of food stuck to the fabric of my dress.

It takes everything in me not to shift right then and there.

Breathe in, breathe out.

I have to take several deep breaths before I stand, fists clenched tightly. I know my eyes are turning gold, indicating my wolf is about to take over.

“Alpha Ben, Alpha Alex, if you could excuse me.”

I walk the hell out of the dining room and head outside where I shift into my black wolf and run deep into the forest.