*Emily*
“That stupid b***h!” I mutter to myself as I head back to my room to change clothes.
Margaret and Betty are right behind me, agreeing with my every word, as well they should, but there’s nothing they can say to make me feel better.
I know who the girl was. Hell, the entire kingdom knows. I was there when she was presented to everyone. I stood in the back, near the four Alphas, my four Alphas, at least, that’s how I liked to think of them. This stupid b***h probably thinks of them as hers.
I can’t wait to see her face when she finds out how f*****g wrong she is!
Back in my room, I find another gown and change into it quickly, downing another glass of wine before I leave the room. I’m late now, and my cousin, King Gene will not appreciate that. But I’ll just tell him the truth: that stupid little twit of his got in my damn way.
“All right,” I tell the others, checking myself out in a full-length mirror one more time. I look great, of course, I do, but I don’t like this red number as much as I liked the other one. “Let’s go.”
“Yes, Emily,” Margaret says with a grin. “You look lovely.”
“Maybe we’ll see one or more of the Alphas along the way,” Betty adds with a grin.
“Maybe we will,” I tell her, “but I can guarantee you, even if we do, none of them will pay you any mind. You look like a big poofy cloud in that stupid dress!” I see her face crumble and I turn away to cover my laugh. Some people say I am cruel for being so honest, but I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks.
I know why these two are here. They pretend to be my friends because I have power, but they really just want my leftovers. I understand that. I would probably do something similar if I was ugly and had no connections.
Even though their fathers are powerful Deltas in my pack, they’re really no ones in the big scheme of things. Back home, they’re used to having their asses kissed, but not by me. And at the castle, they are no ones with a capital NO.
I head back down the hallway, making sure to steer clear of that klutzy b***h, and make it to my cousin’s office about half an hour later. His assistant, a tall, thin reed of a man named Timothy, is standing outside of his office.
I wonder where his secretary, Leana, is. That old cunt always makes me want to smack her in the face every time I see her. She thinks she can talk to me like I’m an ordinary citizen, and I hate her for it. But Timothy is putty in my hand.
“Ah, Miss Emily,” he says with a nod. “The king was just asking for you.”
“Yes, I’m sure he was. I’m late because that stupid b***h Breeder spilled wine all over my dress.”
“I will let him know,” Timothy says, stepping back into the office. He’s allowed to do that, which I guess makes him feel pretty special.
He’s back a moment later, and he holds the door open for me. Margaret and Betty sit down in chairs in the hallway, waiting for me. I see that Margaret is still dabbing at her eyes, and I can’t help but chuckle under my breath.
“Emily!” my cousin says as I walk in. He stands and I go around the desk to hug him and air kiss both cheeks. “You look lovely. Timothy told me about your accident. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, darling,” I tell him, sitting down across from his desk. “That girl is… something else.”
“Yes, I wonder why she thought it necessary to be drinking so early in the morning,” he says, shaking his head.
I don’t correct him and let him know the wine was mine “Well, coming from her miserable little pack, perhaps that’s the only way she can make it through the day,” I supply, glad I didn’t bring my wine glass in with me. I rarely have it out of my hand, but since I am a shifter, it’s difficult to make me drunk. It’s not like I’m a frail little human who gets affected easily by alcohol.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here now,” he says with a wide smile. “How are you liking the castle?”
“It’s wonderful,” I tell him. “I’m really enjoying my time here. I will be happy when that Breeder’s job is over with though. She’s not very pleasant.” I wrinkle my nose.
“Is that so?” he asked. “Beta Adam was telling me earlier that his wife, Shelby, thinks the girl is a delight.”
My face creases further. “Oh, dear King Gene, my cousin, my darling, that Shelby is something else as well. I’m afraid she’s not quite sophisticated enough as a lady to know what she’s speaking about. But… I guess they are both fine in their way. They can’t help their backgrounds.” I think my cousin must like this awful Shelby girl, so I scale it down a bit.
“Yes, indeed,” he says. “Well… if you’re not going to be friends with them, at least you will be able to get along. Assuming there are no more incidents.”
“Indeed,” I say with a smile. “Perhaps I can even help them a bit. Shelby will be here for the long term, so she should know a bit more about being a proper lady. As for the Breeder, well, maybe she can return to her own pack a little more… polished.”
I don’t intend to help anyone with anything, but I want my cousin to think that I’m capable of being helpful.
The only thing I can guarantee him for certain is that there will be further incidents. I just can’t help myself! I love to see people like that Breeder girl squirm when they know they are in trouble.
It would be a shame if the Alphas all decided she was reprehensible. But then… I suppose I’d rather have her get all fat and pregnant, rather than me. I’ve never cared to have a child. Let her do all of that, and I’ll just stick around to reap the benefits.
“Have you met the Alphas yet?” King Gene asks me.
I shake my head. “No, sadly I have not. I believe I saw them at the announcement yesterday, but formally, no we have not met. Perhaps we could have a ball?” I say, clapping my hands together. I do love a party.
“A ball?” he repeats. “That’s an interesting idea. Possibly… later on. Right now, they are all busy getting to know the girl. They don’t know about you being here yet, dear. We’ll save that for a later time.”
I nod. I already know that. But it wouldn’t hurt to have them aware of my existence.
I don’t need my cousin’s help with that, though. I’ve always been quite good at helping people to notice me.
“Well, I am here and ready to do whatever you’d have me do, darling,” I tell him. “My father always said you were his favorite cousin, even before you claimed the throne. Now, I must agree. It’s so lovely to be here in the castle and to finally have a chance to know you better.”
King Gene smiles at me. My charm is working overtime, which is good because every word that comes out of my mouth is a string of lies.
“Thank you, Emily,” he says. “I’m so pleased you’re here and that our plan was agreeable to you. I have no doubt you are the perfect woman for the job.”
I smile as he stands and comes around the desk. Realizing our discussion is done, I rise and wrap my arms around him. “I’m so pleased you thought of me.”
He kisses my cheek. “Who else could I possibly choose for such an important job?”
With confidence, I tell him, “No one, cousin. I am the perfect woman for this position, and I will not let you down.”
He kisses my cheek again, and I begin to wonder if he’s forgotten we are cousins. Oh, well. We are distant cousins, after all. May as well let him get his jollies.
When he’s done kissing me, I twirl around and head out the door, feeling his eyes on my backside. I can’t blame him. I have a nice ass. All men watch me walk away.
I head out into the hallway to collect my bitches and then head back toward the area of the castle where I’m fairly certain I can find an Alpha or two. I may not be able to pounce on them just yet, but that won’t stop me from getting to know them and making sure they have their eyes on me.
When my work is done, all four of them will only have eyes for me.
That other b***h can pack her bags and go back home—right after she pops out that baby.
Poor ugly, fat f**k.