Alpha's Spoiled Princess - Burgov Series VI

11. Cilia

"Miss Orlov?"

I lowered the magazine I was holding and I set my cold stare at the flight attendant, who looked ready to faint from fear.

"Pilot says we're about to land, so I'm afraid I will have to ask you to buckle up and take your beverage away." - she said in a shaky tone, indicating that she would much rather be anywhere but here with one of the Orlovs.

So would I, girl, so would I.

"Fine." - I answered sharply, waving for her to take my champagne away and strapping the seat belt around my waist.

So the pretending game begins once more.

I sighed and looked out the window at the cloudy sky through which I couldn't yet see the ground, but I knew what was there. A cold and lonely nest of vultures.

I straightened my back and hardened my stare, as if preparing myself for the battle.

No one can know what's deep inside you. No one can know that you wound and scar just as easily as everyone else. No one can penetrate the thick facade that surrounds your soul. Because if they do, they will have power over you.

Home, sweet home.

The plane began to descend and my face stayed unmoved, like the well-worn mask I learned to live with, but my heart squeezed and drummed ready to fly off my chest.

That damn anxiety I haven't felt for so long was back, and to think that visit to my own goddamn home would put me on the verge of a panic attack. It shouldn't be like this. I shouldn't want to dry heavy at the mere thought of being back. But it is.

However, not for much longer, I guess.

That's right, that's just one last step before the better, brighter rest of my life.

Just one day before the tournament starts and then four days of competition and feasts that combined would send me off to a man who proves himself the best and most determined to have me.

That's a good plan.

And five days are nothing. I can do it. No, I have to do it. I pushed the wheel into a spin, and it stops only when my future would be settled.

The wheels touched the ground and the jet came to a stop, with the flight attendant standing by the cabin entrance with her head lowered in respect.

It's showtime.

I unbuckled myself, grabbed my bag and went for the exit, passing two pilots without even acknowledging them. Just like they always taught me. Be above, be unreachable, be as hard as rock that no one can climb onto, or crush.

The morning sun blinded me momentarily, before my eyes landed on the crowd of a few hundreds standing there to greet me.

Ah yes, the pompous welcome to appease the mob and give them something to talk about for days to come. And I know they will talk. In a matter of minutes, the whole pack will be buzzing with the news of my tan, my outfit, my hairstyle. They will quote everything I said, repeat everything I did, down to the smallest movements. Nothing will go unnoticed, not even a single wrinkle on my skirt.

Well, fine, not nothing. My true feelings about coming back home would still be hidden.

My heel touched the ground accompanied by a loud applause and my name being called from every side possible. But that's not what my eyes were looking at. But my brother's cocky smile was.

He was standing at the end of a red carpet laid down for me, with his hands clasped at the front, in a spotless navy blue suit that worked perfectly with his dark hair, and brought out his eyes that matched my own.

I knew the protocol like the back of my hand. That's why I crossed the distance between me and Igor, and when I was in arm's reach, I bowed my head with a small courtesy, acknowledging his superiority over me.

Igor's smile widened and he kissed both my cheeks, and then the top of my hand, as a sign of affection, he wanted the crowd to see between us, but that was sadly never there.

"Welcome home, sister." - he said loud enough for the closest spectators to hear.

"It's good to be home, brother." - I answered equally fake, forcing my lips to curl up.

"Our people have been missing you greatly, and so have I. Come meet them." - he said, hooking my hand at the crook of his elbow and leading me to the welcoming committee consisting of a group of five young she-wolves in traditional colorful dresses with floral-crowns on their heads. The one in the middle held a tray with bread, a small bowl of salt and a few glasses of vodka, as tradition demands.

"Our hearts grow seeing you back, Miss Orlov, the Pack wasn't as bright without you in here." - the girl said in Russian, with her head lowered, but the tray surprisingly staying in the same position. This poor girl must've been practicing this for days.

Useless set of skills, if you ask me.

I reached for the loaf of bread, ripping a small piece from it, then I dug it into the salt and put it in my mouth. After the small bite went down, Igor and I both grabbed a glass of vodka each, and drank. No one flinched. Not even a single muscle on my face moved, even though the burning in my throat combined with the acid in my stomach almost made me gag. Instead, I set the glass back on the tray and smiled.

"There's no place like home." - I said loudly, making the crowd go insane with cheers, chanting Igor's and my names.

My brother then took my hand and led me to the limo already waiting for us. We settled inside and my brother lifted the screen separating us from the driver, before turning to me with a bit more sincere smile.

"I'm glad all the months away haven't made you forget how to act in public." - he said, making me roll my eyes.

"Why couldn't you send Lettie to pick me up?" - I asked with a sigh.

"You know why." - he said with an irritated edge in his voice.

Yes, I knew. Not only Lettie wasn't very good at following all those damn rules, being too open, too cheerful and too much herself, but there was also an unwritten law that the most important guests should be greeted by the most important people.

"How have you been, Cilia?" - Igor asked, and I pursed my lips before setting my glare on him.

"We're alone, you don't have to pretend to care." - he sighed, clenched his jaw and looked out the tinted window. - "Is everything ready for tomorrow?" - I asked.

"Of course." - he confirmed without even looking my way. - "You got over a dozen candidates ready to fight for you."

"Dozen? I hoped there would be much more." - I chimed in, unimpressed.

"Well, I may have limited the number to only those who are at the proper age and have packs of their own."

"How very considerate of you." - I mocked.

"Stop that, Cilia." - he snapped - "I wouldn't want to see you going away with some old man, too gross to even speak to, not to mention sharing his bed. And don't forget you are an Orlov, hence you won't be bowing to anyone because some Beta or Gamma won the damn competition."

"Oh, no. That would have been awful. And what would the people say?" - I sneered with a feigned outrage, turning my attention to the window.

I heard a loud huff coming out of my brother and I knew he wouldn't leave me to my own thoughts that easily.

"So how was Paris? Have you chosen the proper outfits for the tournament?" - he asked.

"Yes, a red sequin mini dress showing equally a lot of my boobs and ass cheeks, so that our candidates know exactly what they're fighting for." - I said, turning to look at him, only to find Igor's icy-blue eyes glaring at me with a vein pulsing on his neck. - "I'm kidding. And yes, I have proper gowns, each for a different day. It was good to use my own money again." - I ended with a purposeful dig.

"You know I did that to get you home." - he ended with a sigh.

"And I'm so happy to be here." - I said with the fakest grin I could muster, stopping my brother from engaging in any further conversation with me.

We arrived at the place I used to call home, but somehow now can't bring myself to do it. The long driveway planted with dozens of armed guards made it feel like a prison that I was never able to escape. But as always, at the end of each dark tunnel there was always light, and this time it took the shape of my parents, Letitia and little Rodin, in her arms.

The relationship with my parents became a bit colder after they agreed to deprive me of any function within a pack, but it never overshadowed the love and respect I have for them. They were my rock for as long as I can remember, even though this rock was often too busy to see the misery I've been living in. But at the same time, I couldn't add to their plates even more with my own problems that I bottled up for years before they exploded in me going away.

Mom's dark brown eyes betrayed her emotions even though her face held only a small publicly- appropriate smile. I bowed before her and Dad, who, just like Igor, was far better at keeping appearances, and I followed to Lettie, who didn't give two craps about who was watching and she smiled broadly, unable to hide her happiness.

"Finally. I missed you like loca!" - she said, giving me a one-arm hug. - "I really have to tell you something." - she whispered into my ear before turning to her son. - "Say Hi to Tia Cilia." - she cooed.

He didn't. And I didn't expect it from a six-month-old, but my nephew smiled at me, showing four milk teeth on his gums and I almost cried from happiness that this place hadn't sucked all the joy from him yet.

"Let's get inside." - my Mom ordered, ushering us from the open into the Pack House and there to the private quarters, where not even staff was allowed during the day and where we could really be ourselves.

Once the doors were closed, I was enveloped in a tight hug, before I got a chance to see who was even there. But I knew the strong arms squeezing the hell out of me like the back of my hand.

"Put me down, Papa." - I giggled, trying to free myself, but it was as difficult as when I was just a five-year-old.

"Not a chance. You may leave again if I do."

The Taigan Beast wasn't as beastly as everyone thought. Sure, my father had his flaws, like everyone else. He was stubborn, cruel when he had to, but to me he was always the sweetest man ever. He might not always be there, due to his tight schedule, but when he was, I felt untouchable and well protected.

"I am going to leave." - I said, patting his broad shoulders. - "That's the whole point of the tournament."

"Don't remind me." - he said, putting me down and looking down into my eyes, the same icy-blue shade I got from him. - "Sometimes I wonder what's going on in your head, Princess."

I almost cringe at the nickname. I never liked it, especially when it was paired with less flattering adjectives. But somehow I managed to keep the smile on my face.

"I think everyone asks themselves the same question." - said Mom, coming to us, and wrapping me in a side hug.

"All the women in the past would do anything to get out of that damn tournament, yet you…" - Dad shook his head. - "You want to go through it at your own request. I just don't understand."

I smiled at him and then at my Mom, hoping that my words would come out strong and convincing.

"I've been around and I haven't found what I've been looking for. And this way I can do something for the Pack." - I said as confidently as I could. They didn't need the story of how much around I was, and what happened between me and my mate.

Mom and Dad shared a look, as if they had a silent conversation, but eventually they nodded and stepped aside, allowing me a better look at the rest of the room.

I was surprised to find Lalo, standing next to Lettie, smiling broadly at me, but the others were the usual residents with my Uncle Yuri, who will be soon stepping down from his Beta role when his son reaches twenty, and our Gamma, uncle Michail, for whom Igor hasn't found a replacement yet, and their families.

On the outside, Dark Woods had a standard leading team with Alpha, Luna and their second and third in command, but compared to our cousins back in the States, our home always felt emptier. I could never pinpoint whether it was because of how big it was, or because there was simply never enough of the happy sounds filling the walls, that I so loved in Harvest Moon and Midnight Banes. But this place felt like it was missing its soul, and as being born to the most prestigious group in the world was a curse not a blessing.

I exchanged hugs and greetings with everyone and we sat down, all with drinks in hand, waiting for lunch to be served in Alpha's dining room, filling the silence with a buzzing of meaningless conversations.

My brother bragged that this tournament would be the best this pack has ever seen, claiming he spared no expenses on his sister's big farewell.

Of course he didn't, he was rubbing his hands together for years wanting to get me off his back as soon as possible.

I smiled politely when they mentioned one contestant after the other. Igor seemed overjoyed that the news about the tournament reached even the lands of the far Orient, with next-in-line Alpha coming here to try his chances. However, the majority were from Europe, none from the States. I know because I listened very carefully to this part.

"Andrei, bring me the book from my office." - my brother ordered his future Beta, and that got me actually to participate in the conversation.

"What book?" - I asked him.

My brother smiled broadly before answering.

"The rule book." - he said matter-of-factly. - "We need to go through them before tomorrow, and before Burgovs comes for lunch."

That made my heart stop from a tiny heart attack.

"Burgovs?" - I frowned.

"Yes. Anya and Sean arrived three days ago to watch the tournament." - my brother said, and I immediately looked at Letitia, who nodded, confirming that was what she wanted to tell me and didn't get a chance with the constant audience surrounding us.

"They stay here?" - I looked around.

"When did they ever stay here?" - Igor answered with a groan. - "They're at Vanya's home."

I nodded, counting that as one of my few blessings.

So Sean was here.

I thought that could be one of the possibilities. I hoped it wouldn't, but you know what they say: hope for the best but expect the worst. I guess now I have got my worst.

But if he wants to stay and witness my union with another man, fine by me. Maybe it will make the revenge even sweeter.

Hopefully he won't do anything stupid. But then again, when has Sean ever done anything crazy or spontaneous? That's right, never.

Andrei returned with a heavy, leather-bound volume that looked like it had a few good centuries on its back. It's a miracle it hasn't turned into dust yet.

"Alright, so here we have it." - Igor said, opening the book. - "The first few pages are about the history that brought the idea of the tournament to life. It's about the XVIIIth century war, between three Packs from the region that was settled thanks to an alliance created after the tournament." - my brother smiled wickedly.

"Do I even want to know?" - I asked, knowing that only unnecessary bloodshed could make my brother this happy.

"Our great, great, great grandfather used his daughter as bait, distracting his rivals. When the fools were fighting over then Miss Orlov, he was building up a bigger army, and when he got a new son-in-law mated and marked to his offspring, he threatened using said army and his daughter if the guy wouldn't help him wipe the third one out." - Igor explained and I raised my brows, unimpressed by my brother's past idols.

"I see you appreciate that in our veins flows the blood of backstabbers." - I deadpanned.

"I appreciate that our ancestor was clever enough to bring peace into the region." - he answered in frustration.

"Sure. Whatever you call it, baby brother." - I sneered, making his nostrils flare in anger. - "What about the rules?" - I asked, distracting him from glaring at me.

"They are quite simple, especially since the purity clause has been taken down." - Igor snickered.

"A what?" - I frowned.

"Till the beginning of the XX century, she-wolves had their virginity checked. But I guess that ship sailed a long time ago for you, sister." - he joked, and I've had enough of his bullshit.

Igor was strong, but I was faster. And besides, he never suspected an attack in his own home. That's why, when my foot landed on his chest, knocking him and the chair he was sitting in back, he almost didn't have time to blink.

But when he got back on his feet, he was panting hard, looking like he was on the verge of shifting.

"Children, not in the house!" - our mother shouted, but it was Lettie, who actually calmed Igor, joining his side and whispering into his ear.

I wonder if being killed by his hand would have been worse or actually better than spending four more days in his presence.

Letitia stopped whatever she was telling my brothers and she patted his chest with affection, but didn't leave his side.

"I'm sorry, that was uncalled for." - Igor muttered, and I think it was even stranger than if Santa was pouring drinks that evening, because my brother never, and I repeat, NEVER apologized to me in all our lives. Whether it was after tripping me by accident when we were small, or stealing my birthright.

Wow. Leticia is a true miracle worker.

I straightened my back and nodded.

"Let's focus on the rules, shall we?"

Igor nodded, put his chair back up and sat next to me.

"The current rules are quite simple." - Igor picked up where we left off, but without that annoying, amused smirk under his nose. - "It's an official event so you have to be presentable to the T. Each competition is, of course, of your choosing, but they should represent different values and virtues that you seek in your mate. Like, for example, you can choose two combative sports, like boxing and archery, but the story you make about it should differ. Like, for example, strength for boxing and ability to see the target. You get the gist, right?"

I nodded, confirming that I did.

"It will be required of you to start each day with a speech, so that contestants can also meet you. You should spend the same amount of time with each of them to prevent raging jealousy. And I wouldn't recommend openly showing your favorites. There was a case in the past when one of our great-aunts picked her forthrunner and the rest killed him the next day. It was considered a tragic accident, but… Well, you're not stupid, so you understand where I'm going with it." - I nodded, because this one was kind of obvious. Nothing is more feral than a wounded animal or a scorned man.

"The tournament can't be stopped, even if your black horse loses. So once we start there's no going back." - he said, looking pointedly at me.

"I won't change my mind. I asked for it, remember?"

"I know." - Igor nodded - "And the most important rule: You can't reveal to any contestant what the task would be. They have to have the same chances, and if it goes around that one knew beforehand, he'll be disqualified. Is that clear?"

"Like the day." - I confirmed.

Igor looked like he wanted to say something more, but it was gone as soon as it appeared in his face.

"Do you want to see the contestants' profiles?" - he asked instead, and I knew him well enough to be sure that wasn't his main thought.

"No. I'd like to make the decision based on my own experience." - I said.

"As you wish." - he agreed, just in time when the private living room filled with the sound of loud knocking. - "Enter." - Igor boomed in his authoritative voice.

One of the Omegas opened the door and peeked in, with her head already downcast in a low bow.

"Alpha, lunch has been served and also your guests are waiting in the dining room. Should I send them in here?" - she asked and my heart sped up, knowing that the said guest was Sean.

I hope he wasn't about to do anything particularly stupid, but either way, I wasn't up to seeing him anyway. Our brief interaction in Midnight Banes was enough for my liking and I'm not yet ready for a repeat.

"We'll meet them in the dining room." - Igor announced, making Omega scurry away as if burned.

"Would you mind if I take the book and call it a day?" - I asked my brother. - "The flight and excitement over tomorrow has taken its toll on me, and I think I'm still a bit jetlagged."

Igor's eyes bore into me, searching my face, probably because of how properly I addressed him. I rarely ever asked for his permission. But thankfully he didn't argue, just slowly nodded, letting me off the hook.

I kissed my parents and Lettie goodnight and, with the book tightly pressed to my chest, I left through the other door, not the ones joining the sitting room in the dining room, hoping my sudden departure wouldn't be all that suspicious.

Today I will rest and gather my strength. Tomorrow I can face him and everyone else, starting the rest of my life. My new life.