Waiting in the shadows. (book 2 in the silver wolf series)

CHAPTER 5: AN AWKWARD DINNER.

CHRIS

The rest of the summit went smoothly. I managed somehow to keep my head on the business at hand. As much as I was dying to look over at my mate, I resisted the urge. There was a big dinner planned this evening to celebrate the end of a successful summit. We all headed back to our rooms to change and clean up before heading back down to the hall, which would have been transformed into a banquet hall for the night. I found myself wondering what she might be wearing tonight. Then I thought of her husband, enjoying the sight of her, touching her. I wanted to end him. She was my mate, not his.

I slumped down onto my bed. I know that I had done some pretty shitty things in my life, but why had the Goddess appeared to have completely forsaken me? First, I had been struggling with my lingering feelings for Amber, who I could never be with, and now I had found my true mate, and I couldn’t be with her either. If Chloe had been happy with Alpha Simmons, it might have been easier, but she was miserable. He didn’t love her. I would cherish her the way that she deserved to be. Life was cruel and unfair.

Once I was done wallowing in self-pity, I got ready and headed down for dinner. I had checked the seating plan earlier and was relieved to see that Alpha and Luna Simmons were sat at the other end of the room. I hoped that distance would make this easier to handle. After dinner, I planned to go and speak with Council Member Perry. Hopefully, he could arrange to mediate the dreaded meeting that would need to take place. I knew how it would end. Alpha Simmons would surely insist on us rejecting each other. He would be completely within his right as her husband, especially as he had an agreement with her father. Maybe it would be for the best.

I walked into the banquet hall and took my seat at one of the tables. Amber and Adam were to one side of me, and Paul, Marcus, and Council Member Perry were next to them. There were still three empty seats, and I had seen in the plan that Alpha and Luna Rivers and their beta would be sitting there. I was confused when they walked past, giving Amber a friendly squeeze on the shoulder as they did. They joined another table at the other end of the room. I picked up he name tag in the place next to me and froze. ‘Luna Simmons’ it read. Oh no! How was I meant to get through an entire evening with her right next to me? I couldn’t move them either, though. That would look odd.

I still hadn’t come up with a solution when they arrived. She didn’t look exactly pleased to be sitting next to me. I wanted her to know that I hadn’t done this. Her face softened, and I realised that the look on my face had told her, and she believed me. Damn she really was perfect. Alpha Simmons puffed out his chest, looking pleased as punch. “I am honoured to be sitting with both of you.” He said, looking at Council Member Perry and Amber. He didn’t look quite so pleased about Adam. He was one of the only Alphas to have an issue with him being a beta by blood. Adam had more than proved himself capable. So, to have an issue with his Alpha position was just snobbery. Especially when you consider that given he shared some of Amber’s extra abilities, he could easily kick the arse of every Alpha here. Including mine. Mind you, he was a fantastic fighter even without any of that.

They sat, and the kitchen staff brought out the first course. Alpha Simmons took a big forkful and groaned in happiness. “Chloe, this is how an Alpha should be eating, not the slop that you serve me. Maybe while we are here you should get cooking lessons.” He said. He took her plate and pushed the food off onto his own. “You don’t need the calories.” He said, summoning a member of staff. “Fetch her a salad, would you.” He demanded. Chloe blushed and looked down at the table. It took everything in me to control myself and not punch him straight in his mean mouth. I hated that she was hurting and embarrassed. He hadn’t exactly said it quietly either. The staff member looked over at me, unsure what to do. Council Member Perry cleared his throat “Alpha Simmons, I’m afraid that all of the food for tonight has been planned, and nothing else will be available. Luna Simmons will need to eat the same thing as everyone else. Alpha Cooper did ask two weeks ago if anyone had any dietary requirements.” He said, then looked at the staff member “Please bring the Luna a fresh plate.” I was so very grateful for him in that moment.

I couldn’t help myself. I reached across under the table and gave Chloe’s hand a squeeze. I hoped that my closeness would at least provide her some comfort. She glanced up at me while Alpha Simmons was shovelling his double portion into his mouth. My heart was beating so hard as our eyes met. I wondered whether everyone else could hear it. A sharp pain in my foot made me break eye contact. Turning, I saw the look on Amber’s face. I coughed nervously and gave her a smile. I was lucky to have her watching my back. I realised that Chloe and I were still holding hands. Her food arrived, and we let go so that we could continue eating. Alpha Simmons looked at her disapprovingly as she took a tiny bite. “Just don’t overdo it. I don’t want a fat wife.” He sneered. Chloe looked sad again. I felt myself burning with anger. I wanted nothing more to defend my beautiful mate.

I felt Amber’s hand wrap around my clenched fist. “Alpha Simmons, your Luna is stunning. It would take a lot more than one meal to make her fat.” She said, making eye contact with him as she spoke. I looked at her and smiled. After everything I had done to her, every lie I had told, I was so lucky to still have her as a friend. Chloe smiled at her and took another bite, a bigger one this time. Alpha Simmons just grunted. He wasn’t about to argue with Amber. I could see how conflicted he was. She was a woman after all, yet she was also the silver wolf. So he couldn’t possibly respect her, but he did fear her. He went back to eating, though he scowled through the rest of the course.

The rest of the meal wasn’t much easier. At some point, Chloe and I linked feet under the table. It felt so good just touching her. The tingles were running up my leg. I wanted her in my arms so badly. The thought of her going back to his room tonight made my stomach turn.

Alpha Simmons had had a few drinks and started making lewd comments towards Chloe. “My Luna, I hope that you are ready to bow down to your Alpha tonight. And while you are showing me your respect, your mouth can show my d**k some respect, too.” he slurred. She looked disgusted and embarrassed. I had to excuse myself. I wouldn’t be able to contain my rage much longer. As I left, I heard Adam telling him that he should probably keep that kind of talk for the bedroom. It wasn’t appropriate at the table, and that he was embarrassing his Luna. Alpha Simmons responded by laughing and drunkenly telling him to f**k off. That was the last thing I heard before the door closed behind me.

I was almost at my office when Amber caught up with me. “I’m sorry that you had to listen to that prick. Chloe deserves so much better.” She said. I thanked her and we went into my office. I pulled out a bottle of vodka and two glasses. We sat and chatted as we drank. I had always been at ease with her, that’s why doing my father’s budding had been so easy. I enjoyed spending time with her. Now, though, my romantic thoughts were consumed by Chloe, so my feelings for Amber felt like the purest friendship. She knew everything about me, things that Paul didn’t even know. Amber was my best friend. I asked how things were going with Adam, and she told me that they were trying for a baby. I was truly happy for them.

I wasn’t sure how long we sat there, but after a while, there was a knock in the door. I called for whoever it was to enter, and Adam opened the door. He was quiet at first but then looked at Amber. “I brought you dessert, seeing as you missed it. I know that it’s your favourite part.” He said. Amber squealed and took the dish from him. She tried it and looked happy. “It’s not as good as your Dad’s obviously, but it’s pretty good.” She said. He chuckled, but it seemed half-hearted. I wondered if he was down because she wasn’t pregnant yet. I was sure that he had nothing to worry about. These things can take time. Maybe I should have a bit of bro time with him tomorrow and try to ease his mind. They left to go back to their room, and I decided now was as good a time as ever to go and see Council Member Perry.