Welcome Party

Caliana's POV

I woke up the next morning with puffy eyes, showing how much I had cried. The door opened and I didn't have to remove the covers to know it was Juanita. The young girl's cheerful voice was enough to tell me, she came to tell me that breakfast would be ready in twenty minutes. 

I got up as soon as she left and took a shower, I wore a low-cut dress and fixed my hair and makeup most adhering, before I went downstairs. I hope they don't eat breakfast together too. Dinner is enough, goddess. Please do this solid for me and I'll forgive you for the situation you put me through. I prayed silently. 

My hands nervously tugged my dress as I went downstairs. I was dreading finding my mate or the brothers, even though Jamal is polite enough. I reached the dining room where the three brothers were sitting in their usual place. Unfortunately, Jamal was not around. 

"Good morning," I tried to sound as normal as I could. They nodded. Marcos even gave me a tiny smile. As I took my seat, my gaze swayed towards my mate. He wasn't looking at me. Alpha Edward might not have said the words, but he was rejecting me as a mate with his attitude and it hurt more than I'd expected. I knew he wasn't a good man, but I expected some sort of kindness, since we are mates. I slowly started to eat when Marcus said, "People are excited that they have a new Luna," He was teasing his elder brother and with the way he reacted, he got what he wanted. Alpha Edward glared at me in annoyance and continued to eat his sausage. 

"She's here as Luna, right, Edward?" asked Marcos. They always talk about me as if I'm not there! 

"Yes," came Alpha Edward's curt reply. 

"Candace will flip, she thinks you'll make her Luna," My angry eyes snap at the Alpha, and jealousy takes over me. I grip my knife tightly against my hand until my knuckles are white.

"Easy Luna, she's just his main whore, no need to cut yourself over it," Marcus winks and I'm livid by how casually he says it. As if it meant nothing at all. 

"He likes blondes with big boobs," he said, pointing out what I wasn't... My breasts are not too big and I'm a brunette. 

"But it's fine, you're more beautiful than she is," Marcos adds. His sinister eyes stuck on the Alpha who seems tired of their games already. 

"Don't you think so, brother?" 

"I'm leaving," Alpha Edward got to his feet and turned on his heels to walk away from us. Deciding that I'm done eating, I go back to my room and sit on the couch. I was so bored in this place.

The door opens a few minutes later and Lena walks in, a few other servants behind her. They all bow to me at once and a huge man brings in a rank of clothes.

"What's going on?" I asked softly, 

"Today is the Luna introduction party and everyone who's who will be in attendance," She informs me. I started to fidget with my fingers, tapping them against my dress. 

"It's alright, Ma'am, we are all here to help you get ready," 

"Yes, you'll be the prettiest in the room, I'm a professional," a ginger head says with a smile. I smiled back at her. 

We first started by picking out a dress. Lena said it should be elegant and no skin must show but Catia, the stylist argued. She said it can be elegant and sexy too. She picked out a beautiful cream-white strapless dress that had a slightly low neckline only to tease and a long slit on my thigh. My hair was styled in a bun that left some strands loose and I wore nice heels that went well with my look. 

"Perfect," 

"We forgot the red lipstick and also, the guests are starting to arrive," I didn't realize that it was past 6 already, we took 6 hours just to get ready!

I stared back in the mirror pleased with myself and nodded that I was ready. I made my appearance and looked down at the people in the ballroom. They all lifted their necks to me as I walked gently down the stairs, making sure to keep my head high even though I was nervous. My eyes found someone among the crowd, Alpha Edward. He was in awe, ogling me and I was pleased. I kept my eyes only on him and it calmed my nerves, I felt... safe. 

"Beautiful," Jamal smiled as he extended his hand to me. I took it and he helped me down the two remaining stairs. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, meet your new Luna, Caliana Meyers of Dandelion Stone Pack," he announced. The crowd was silent for a few seconds, and to my surprise, they erupted in cheers and relief washed over me. 

They each came to greet me politely and complimented me on my outfit or how beautiful I was. Some ladies my age even invited me to go shopping with them or for tea and lunch. I couldn't believe it. Was this the ruthless "Golden Stone Pack of the mighty Lycans? A group of girls glared my way. I could tell by their hair and dress that these were the mean girls of the pack, the ones who were believed to be better than the others. I smiled at them and went to greet them. They were plain rude to me. 

"Don't get too comfortable, you are just a wolf and we are Lycans, you are under us," The girl with the perfect blonde hair and a short sequin dress said, before I could retort, I heard his voice... the voice that made me shiver in delight and fear.

"Candace, is this how you talk to your Luna?"