The Mates of Monsters
Chapter 15

After lunch, and after the Luna leaves, I help Helena prepare for tonight's dinner party, assuring her that I have the time. All twelve places at the dining table are dressed with decorative, fragile plates and heavy silverware, expensive-feeling napkins and tame, floral centerpieces. My fingertips trail on the backs of the chairs as my eyes wash over it all. A woman who I recognize from assisting with last night's dinner comes in with crystal wine glasses, gently placing one at each seat. "Elegant, isn't it?" She asks.

"Yes," I murmur, "it looks lovely."

"Nothing you would like to change?"

I shake my head. "No. No, it's perfect. You all are better at these things than I could ever be."

As the sun begins it's decent, it starts to rain. I head to my room to get ready, listening to the pattering as I prepare for my stylist. Even though things have been unclear between David and me, I am still looking forward to seeing him. It's bizarre because I spend so much time conditioning myself to be cautious around him, and despite these self-given rules, I feel butterflies in my stomach when his presence is expected. I never know what will happen; what he will say. The unknowing puts me on edge and I've begun to crave it. My chest aches with anticipation, and no matter how many times I tell myself to cut it out, I can't.

It's like there are two people inside of me. There is Brigette who desires to protect herself to be on her own. And there is the Brigette who falls to her knees for the bond.

Tonight is a little more complicated, however. David and I have to appear to be the happy couple I described us as to Aurora, more so than simply trading food like we did last night. I'll stand by him and every so often place my hand on his arm. It's something I've seen my parents do. I'll touch him like I'm making sure he is still there, still solid and real.

Once the stylist is done with me, and once I've managed to get into the fitted, sleek red dress that Jeremy praised, I make my way back downstairs. I brush my long, soft waves off of my shoulders and search around for David. Helena and her assistants stop me to compliment my look, so I ask, "Have you seen David? Has he come downstairs yet?"

"I don't think so, dear. I'm sure he'll be down any minute."

I wander the house like a ghost walking the hallways at night. The lady in red-forever looking for her lost lover. Music plays in the background and the scene is set along with a few candles lit around the rooms. The flames bring a warmth that was lacking before. I hold my hand over one tiny flame, feeling the heat rise up into my palm.

There is a second table dressed for dinner near the first. Furniture has been cleared, and for a moment I think about where it all went, and where this second table came from. Eight more chairs, as well. I consider who these chairs could be for. Two Alphas; two Lunas. Alpha Nicodra's party. David's Beta-I'm curious to meet him. Others of high-standing, mates, and maybe a child or two.

I turn at the sound of footsteps. My hands drop to my sides like a disobedient child, touching and questioning everything, seeing how long I can hold my hand over the candle flame before the pain becomes too much.

David peers into the room then enters. "There you are," he says while buttoning the minuscule buttons on his cuffs.

"I've been looking around," I murmur and step away from the candles. I try not to stare at him for too long; he looks as he did when I first met him-all dressed up and gorgeous. No matter what he wears, he looks like he belongs in one of those romance movies my mother watches in pairing with a glass of wine.

"People should be arriving soon," he tells me. "Alpha Nicodra seems to have taken a liking to you, so I need you to be cautious, more so than last night."

"He likes me? Why?"

"Possibly because you are new, because of your personality, your looks. He can be bold, so maybe it's best you stay near me."

My face lights up. "That's perfect. I told Aurora about how close and happy we are. So, you know, we have to look close and happy. Everyone should think that, right? We should look like nothing is wrong between us." "You want to play pretend?"

"I know it's a good idea," I say proudly. "I'm sure the first thing Alpha Nicodra wants is to see us arguing or being distant."

David eyes me then carries on to the foyer. The doorbell chimes promptly and I follow behind him, theorizing on his ability to sense company at the door.

I do what I said I was going to do. I greet every guest kindly and stand beside my mate like I deserve to be there. Everyone appears to be excited to meet me. I'm the new baby everyone wants to babble to and hold. I don't know anything, so there is no chance I'll argue with them about politics or diplomacy. Men's mates ask about my family or comment on my pretty face. Children greet me shyly. And the men-they smile and give David a look saying lucky you. Never have I felt like more of a woman than I do now. "Brigette," David grabs my attention, "this is my Beta, Tarlo."

Tarlo is tall like David. I shake his hand and say, "It's nice to finally meet you. Please, call me Brigette. My father is an Alpha's Beta-I know how much you do, and I thank you for it."

"Well then, I need you to talk to my mate," he says jokingly. "She wanted to come and meet you tonight, but she's at home with the twins."

"Twins?" I question. "She must be busy then. I'll have to set up a lunch with her or something."

"I'm sure she would love that."

The last guests to arrive are Alpha Nicodra and Aurora. My eyes shift from Tarlo to the two of them as they enter. Aurora is looking at the many faces in the room-possibly for an ally-but Alpha Nicodra's gaze quickly connects with mine. Instead of obliviously peering off, I touch David's shoulder and nod in their direction. Soon we are in a mental agreement, and David partially extends his arm out for me. I bring my own around it, looped like a key on a keychain as he brings us over.

It's strange to touch him like this, but my mind is far too distracted to contemplate it. I've been taken over by a strategic and loyal Luna who loves to play games-ones where fooling other leaders means we win.