Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder by Alice Knightsky
Chapter 25 – Unwanted Questions
The large formal dining hall was decorated in red, black, and gold. A band was playing soft music in the background, and at the other end of the room, a beautiful fireplace made the whole space warm and welcoming.
The room was crowded with guests already, men in suits and women in evening dresses. They scattered around, socializing in small groups.
Vicky was right – I didn’t overdress.
Servers were busy laying down the food plated in delicate dishes on the dining table. I couldn’t stop admiring everything. For all dinner parties I could remember, I was the one busy serving the guests, and never had the leisure to really enjoy the event.
“Alpha, here’s Miss Rosalie.” Talon had brought me straight to Ethan.
Ethan’s blue eyes locked on me. I saw surprise in them, but after that flicker, I couldn’t discern any other emotion. Was he not pleased with how I looked?
“Alpha…” I said softly. Then, noticing the others in the room. Quickly I bowed my head to him, and then did likewise to Alpha Romero next to him.
“Why, don’t you look stunning,” Romero said, stepping forward with a smile. “Absolutely stunning.”
His words were complimentary, but I was still very uncomfortable around him. The fearful shiver that crept up my spine had me hesitating in my approach.
“Join us,” Ethan said, and held out his hand.
I looked at Vicky and Talon, and they both smiled, giving me the nudge, I needed to accept the offer. My hand slid into
This was the first time I had felt his hand in mine. His palm was dry and warm, and as soon as he held mine tight, my nervousness about being around Romero faded away.
Keeping myself composed, I tried to remember what Vicky had said – just be myself.
A scoff came from Madaylnn as she looked me up and down. Her glare made her distaste for me clear. “We were still talking…” she grumbled.
However, she seemed to be much more polite compared to this morning. To my surprise, she didn’t finish her sentence. Instead, she bit her lips and managed to put on a smile.
Ethan gave her a glance, and then turned back to me. “The conversation can continue over dinner.”
“I agree. I would hate to have such lovely women eating cold food because of us. Let us sit down,” Romero added, smiling at me.
“After you,” Ethan replied to Romero, and then gestured for me to follow.
I followed behind Ethan as he pulled my chair out for me. After I took my seat, I realized that he had sat me near the head of the table – next to him.
My eyes fell down. I placed my hands in my lap and waited until the others took their place. Talon took a seat on the other side of me, and Vicky next to him.
“Alpha Ethan, thank you again for your hospitality. We very much enjoyed our stay here. I look forward to working together with you.” Romero raised his glass. “Cheers.”
“My pleasure.” Ethan replied, nodding his head.
I watched as Romero’s eyes turned towards me.
“I am glad you are able to join us, Miss Rosalie.” Romero’s words seemed polite, but I just couldn’t shrug off the unsettling feeling he gave me.
As we settled in and the food began to be served, I started to feel trapped in a social situation in which I didn’t belong.
“I have to admit, Ethan, your pack is quite lovely,” Romero said after a moment of silence.
“Thank you. I have been trying to keep up with the changing times,” Ethan replied.
If my memory served, Ethan had spoken more words tonight than in all the time I had ever been with him added up.
Romero chuckled at what Ethan said before his gaze slid over me again.
“So, Rosalie… How did you manage to find yourself in the Drogomor pack?”
His question caught me completely off guard. But, remembering how to be an Alpha’s daughter, I smiled politely at him.
“I was… saved by Alpha Ethan. He has been kind enough to allow me to stay in his pack until I am well enough to leave.”
I wasn’t completely lying, but at the same time, I didn’t want to tell him something I shouldn’t either.
Ethan also tilted his head. Although I couldn’t tell whether he was happy with my response or not, I knew he was listening.
Then I looked at Talon, whose eyes met mine, and a small smile formed across my lips as he gently nodded his head in approval of what I had said.
“So, you have plans, then – for when you leave?” Romeros asked.
I stopped eating my food and looked up to him again.
“One day, I hope to be able to do some traveling. There is so much of the world I wish to see – but of course, that will be with permission from Alpha Ethan.”
I looked towards Ethan. Seeing no negative reaction from him, I continued, “I love to read, and my books give me ideas of places yet to explore. One day, I hope to be able to see those things for real. There is still so much I know nothing of…”
A cold feeling made me turn my head and look right into Ethan’s piercing blue eyes. There was something in his gaze that made me flinch.
“…But of course, that will be with permission from Alpha Ethan…”
My eyes shot toward Vicky and Talon. Both smiled, seemingly pleased with what I had said.
“Oh, very interesting.” Romero said, sipping his drink.
“I have never known a book to make me want to visit somewhere…” Madalynn said with a sarcastic tone.
I turned to her with a smile. “I’m sure the books you are reading are equally entertaining in other respects.” She just glared in response to my words.
“Madalynn isn’t much of a reader,” Romero replied for his daughter with a chuckle. “But if you happen to pass by my pack sometime… I would love to have you stay with us. Show you around my home, and take you to see some of the wonders we hold.”
I couldn’t help but feel like there was a hidden message in his words, and that did nothing to make me feel more comfortable about what was going on. Even Ethan’s aura seemed to change a bit, and the tension grew thick in the room.
Laughter filled the air as the conversation changed for the moment. Madalynn decided to go on about how she had traveled to different places and learned things from well-experienced Lunas – things she offered to share with Ethan later, if he was curious.
As much as it was plain that Madalynn admired Ethan, it was the way Romero looked at him that really made me believe something was going on.
And like she said, she… was supposed to be the future Luna of this pack.
“You know, Ethan… Having a companion is always a wonderful thing. Besides, eventually, you have to settle down and find a Luna to take care of the womanly things around here. My daughter seems very comfortable in your pack, and I believe she would make an amazing Luna for you – don’t you think?” Romero offered boldly.
My eyes widened at his remark, and before I knew what was happening, my fork clanged against my plate. All eyes turned to me, and a shock ran through me. I coughed, having swallowed my food too quickly, and gave Ethan an apologetic look before looking down at my plate. My face was flushed red with embarra*s*sment.
“I am flattered by your offer,” I heard Ethan say, “but I am not seeking a mate at this moment, Romero.”
“That is a pity,” Romero replied. “I thought you would make a wonderful pair.”
A giddy laugh came from Madalynn, who was next to him.
“Oh father, that isn’t how you purpose a union. Ethan barely knows me yet, and I am sure, if we spend more time together, he may change his mind. I am very sk*lled at proper etiquette.”
I couldn’t help but feel, from the way she said “etiquette,” that it was directed at me. As my eyes locked with hers, I saw the sneer upon her face – although it faded away as soon as other people turned their attention to her. “That may be so, dear, but unfortunately, etiquette isn’t the only quality a Luna should hold.”
Vicky’s voice rang clear, and as I looked her way, I saw the shocked expression upon Talon’s face. Vicky simply shrugged her shoulders with a smile as she continued to eat.
“I am sure Miss Madalynn will find what she is looking for in the capital. I hear the halls are flowing with eligible men.” Ethan’s voice was firm in his stance on the situation.
I lowered my gaze, lifted my glass to my mouth to cover up a relieved exhale.
If he were seeking a mate, then he would have no need for me anymore. Although I would need to leave here eventually, I had to admit, by now, that I was more and more drawn to him – and was enjoying the small moments I had with him.
“What about you, Rosalie? I take it you have no mate. Are you looking for one?”
Shock filled me once again, and as I looked up to Alpha Romero, I found myself speechless. There was a dark look of lust in his eyes, and I wasn’t comfortable with the way he was gazing at me.
I didn’t know how to respond, and unconsciously glanced at Ethan.
What would he say?