Chapter 24

I did notice how keen this pack was on making sure you could tell the lower,

middle and upper classes apart. It seemed a bit cruel. Of course it was normal for pack members to contribute in some way, but to make them dress like actual maids seemed a bit extreme.

We finally reached the dining room and to say the least, it was fucking extravagant. The walls were a rich deep dark red. A beautifully large crystal chandelier hung over the ginormous oak dining table. I'm sure over thirty people could be seated at this table. Behind the table was a large window allowing the setting sun to shine in its final moments before the moon took over.

Brandon, the Alpha, sat just in front of the window with his Beta to his left an empty seat to his right. It was clear that he didn't have a mate, since apparently he's too busy chasing after other mated she-wolves. On the other end of his table is where his father sat with his mate and Beta. There were plenty of other people sat at the table such has the rest of the Alpha and Beta family, along with the third in command's family. They tend to be the best warriors, seeing as though they train all the warriors in the pack.

The she-wolf led us to front end where Alpha Brandon sat. Ajax took a seat next to the Beta and his mate and made sure I was to sit in between him and Samuel.

"Octavia, if you wish to sit higher at the table you could have a seat next to me." Brandon spoke up catching the attention of most people on this side of the table.

I'm sure the shock was evident on my face. I was just about to take my seat as he said this. I looked around hesitantly and was about politely decline before Ajax spoke for me. "She's fine sitting here, beside her Alpha and mate." He emphasized his words carefully, sending a clear and direct message for him to back off. I smiled apologetically and took my seat in between my Alpha and Beta.

"Very well." Brandon drawled and took a sip of his wine. I could feel him staring at me but I simply kept my head down or turned my attention to the conversation that Ajax and Samuel were having over me.

Ajax was clearly furious, but he was trying his best to see if this alliance would be a good choice for his pack. I quickly became bored of their conversation has they began to talk about how two twins whom were coming of age and were having party to hopefully find their mate. I unknowingly frown at the thought of it as flash backs from the night I was taken by Ajax flashed through my memory.

My sister had just come of age and was supposed to mingle amongst the men at her party and hope to find a suitable male to be mated too. From what I've heard recently it doesn't seem as though that has happened. Also there was an attack at the party. I wonder if they ever figured out who it was...

Their conversation is interrupted by a butler who kindly asked us what we'd like to drink. Ajax and Samuel both asked for beer while I simply asked for a glass of water with a lemon.

To say dinner was awkward is the understatement of the year! Once we had received our drinks Brandon announced that the main course would be lobster. I was disappointed immediately since I'm not fond of any type of sea food really. I was questioned by Samuel and Ajax four times about why I wasn't eating and if they could have what was left over on my plate. With a roll of my eyes they were sneaking piece of lobster off of my plate and devouring it themselves.

Time seemed to pass slowly and the butler was kind enough to refill my water a few times. The intense gaze of Brandon made me extremely uncomfortable and claustrophobic. I unconsciously checked everyone's plate from time to time hoping they would finish soon.

I was pleased when Brandon raised a toast to us for being his guest and considering an alliance with his pack. Although he did seem a bit sketchy when a evil smirk arose on his lips. This pack and its leader gave me the creeps. I was only pleased with his gesture because that meant that dinner was over and we could all retire to our rooms.

I was practically the first one out of my chair and up the stairs, Ajax and Samuel were hot on my heals. It was like I had "I'm trying to escape" tattooed on my forehead or something. In someways I was trying to escape, I felt trapped underneath the gaze of that strange man. Somehow he seemed... familiar. His father does know mine, maybe I've seen him before.

"Dibs on taking a shower first!" I call behind me to Ajax once we reached the hall where our bedroom was. I picked up my pace at the sight of our door and rushed into the room. I was dying to get out of these shoes and out of this dress. I've literally been wearing it all day.

I didn't even bother to grab together a few clothing items to dress myself with. I headed straight to the bathroom and turned the shower on. I was pleased to find clean towels and silk robe hanging neatly on the back of the door.

I pulled my hair up into a high bun, not wanting to get it wet. I took my heals off and then my clothes and jewelry before hoping into the shower, allowing myself to feel the warmth of the water spraying all over my body. My muscles felt tense and tired. I didn't really understand why but they did.

I guess pretending to not hate Ajax in front of thirty or more people is pretty stressful, especially when the Alpha of the pack you're staying with won't stop staring at you. Creep.

I quickly washed my body and rinsed before getting out and drying myself completely. I pull the luxurious silk robe over my shoulders and secure the tie around my waist so I don't accidentally flash anyone. Just as I secured it Ajax decided to barge in.

"Don't you know how to knock?"