The devil She-wolf

Lonely at the wedding

*Sterling*

I’m not certain why I take such notice of her.

Later, I reflect on the moment and wonder if it’s the vibrant red of her hair that first captures my attention. Or perhaps it’s the fact that she stands beside my sister, Evangeline, at the altar while she marries Lucian Langdon, the Alpha of Claybourne. Maybe it’s the way… during the reception held at my newly acquired brother-in-law’s residence… that three men migrate toward her, circling around her, each in his own way claiming his territory, much like I have witnessed lions in the dark lands behaving. I’m surprised none of them roar.

Standing by the window in the drawing room, holding my flute of champagne, I wait to make the obligatory toast so I can go the hell home. I watch the almost shy smile she gives each of the men, the way she speaks with a slight inclination of her head as though imparting a scandalous secret, and I long to know what it is. She is much too far away for me to hear her voice, yet I imagine it carries the sweet dulcet tone of an angel… or perhaps she offers the wicked song of a siren, because it’s apparent each man stands as mesmerized by her mere presence as I am.

Obviously, they share something exceedingly special. Even from this distance, I can see the affection she holds for each of the men mirrored on her lovely expressive face. I wonder if at one time or another she has been a lover to each of them, for there is a familiarity between them that goes far deeper than friendship.

The three men are of little interest to me, except as to how they might view their role in her life. The first I know well enough. Jack Moondancer, owner of the notorious gentlemen’s club that I frequently visit since my return to Blackrock City. The second, taller and broader than the others, isn’t someone I wish to meet alone in an alley at night… or even during the day, for that matter. The third gentleman is Bill Grimley, the physician Claybourne sent for when Evangeline swooned during our father’s recent wake.

I watch with interest as Claybourne now approaches the small group, and they welcome him as one might a brother, with broad smiles and claps on the shoulder, handshakes and perhaps a bit of ribbing. No hug from the she-wolf, simply a warm smile that speaks volumes. She admires him, she is overjoyed for him, she wishes him well. But most of all, she loves him.

They are together then, the five of them. All products of the street, no doubt. Thieves, pickpockets, murderers, and only the Goddess knows what else binds them together. That realization should quell my interest in the she-wolf. Instead, it only serves to further captivate me.

Hearing the light, familiar footsteps, I mentally mark their approach, turning toward my sister only when she is near and it’s obvious I am her destination. Her blond hair is swept up, her cheeks carry a slight flush from the joy of her wedding ceremony, and her blue eyes sparkle like the finest of jewels.

“Fascinated by them, are you?” she chides gently, and I realize my staring may have been not only rude but also obvious, although I’m fairly certain the other guests are taking note of the group as well.

I shouldn’t be surprised that so many of the Alphas and lunas have made an appearance. News of the hastily arranged wedding between the ‘Devil Alpha’ and Evangeline is the talk of Blackrock City. The curious among the high packs have filled the small chapel where the ceremony took place, and now they have been welcomed into Claybourne’s home. Even Marcus Langdon… who it was once believed would inherit the Claybourne title… is in attendance. It seems he has accepted his fate as the successor who will never be. Without a doubt, everyone is intrigued, and scandal is certainly a whispered rumor away.

“I possess a mild curiosity, that’s all,” I say laconically. “They’re not the sort who usually attend our functions. The she-wolf. She stood with you at the altar.”

“Frannie. Yes, we’ve become very close. Had you bothered to attend the celebratory dinner we hosted last night or arrived at the church early enough this morning, I’d have made introductions.”

Ignoring her chastisement… I wouldn’t have been comfortable at the dinner and she wouldn’t have been comfortable having me there, when all is said and done… I turn over the name she’s given me. Frannie. I expect… or perhaps I only hope for… something a bit more exotic, and yet it seems to suit. “She dresses rather plainly.”

The drab blue dress she wears seems almost as out of place as she does. I envision her in violet or scarlet, the silk sliding over her skin to pool at her bare feet.

“I’ve learned of late not to judge by appearances,” Evangeline says.

I hear the censure in her voice because she knows that I do judge by appearances and a person’s station in life. I recognize the elite… and then the others with whom I don’t associate unless absolutely necessary. I’ve never had a reason or a desire to associate with former criminals.

“Do they provide for her?” I ask.

“Pardon?” She asks.

I give a small nod towards the group, “The gentlemen circling her. Are they related? How does she make her way?”

“Those are hardly appropriate inquiries.” My sister huffs.

I give her an intense stare. “Is she someone’s mistress, then?”

Although I can’t imagine Evangeline associating with, much less including a she-wolf of questionable morals in her wedding party, if the she-wolf is a friend of Claybourne’s from the streets…

Evangeline scoffs. “Whatever gave you that notion? She’s a bookkeeper at Jack Moondancer’s full Moon club.”

A polite name for an impolite place. It makes the gentlemen’s club almost sound respectable, which I assume is the whole point. “Unusual.”

“I find it admirable. Not every she-wolf is fortunate enough to have a father who provides for her.”

“Put away your claws, Evangeline. I wasn’t insulting her, but you must admit that occupations for she-wolves are usually found within households, not within businesses.”

She touches my arm. “I’m sorry. I suppose I’m a bit protective of Claybourne’s friends. While you were away, they helped me out on occasion.”

So my absence has forced her to turn to known reprobates. That must please our father no end and provide him with yet one more reason to be disappointed in his heir… whom he views as a wastrel.

I readily admit that I’ve lived a life of indulgence, seeing to my own pleasures above all else. Father and I have argued about my choices, but he’s been unable to comprehend what it’s like not to be in control. He doesn’t know how one’s flesh prickles when fear takes hold. He doesn’t understand what it’s like to gaze into the future and know that it will be nothing more than a dark and lonely place.

“I should introduce you,” Evangeline says brightly, as though realizing that my thoughts have begun to travel down bleak paths.

“Not necessary.” I don’t think the gents would appreciate my edging into their territory.

She shakes her head, “You’ve changed, Sterling.”

“So you’ve commented before. We all change, Evangeline. I could say the same of you.”

“Not to the extent you have. You’ve become quite the cynic.”

“I’ve become a realist. Join your husband so I might make my toast and be done with this affair.”

A quick flash of pain passes over her eyes, eyes as blue as mine. I grab her hand before she can walk away. “I apologize. I do wish you all the happiness you so rightly deserve, you know that. Having been away for a while, most of my time spent outdoors, I’m not quite as comfortable confined in a crowded room.” Moving through the maze of people without bumping into someone has become a tedious chore. If I had realized Evangeline and Claybourne were going to open their doors to so many, I would have said my good-bye at the church.

“Is that the reason you’re hovering near the window as though at any moment you intend to leap through it?”

“Into the storm?” I glance quickly toward where the rain patters against the glass. The clouds are so dark and heavy that although it is morning, it almost appears to be night, and night has become my enemy. “It’s a rather dreary day.”

“I don’t find it dreary at all. It’s the most wonderful day of my life.”

Recognizing that I’m acting the curmudgeon, I offer a bit of repentance in my tone along with the truth of my words. “I suspect it will be the first of many wonderful days for you.”

“I know you don’t approve of Claybourne as my choice for a mate, and that, like many, you hold his singular past against him, but I hope that over time you’ll come to know him as I do and appreciate his finer qualities.”

Not likely, but I have no plans to further dim her joy with the truth of the matter. As though recognizing that I have no intention of commenting, she says, “I suppose you’ll be turning your attention toward securing a Luna now that you’ve returned from your world travels.”

“Eventually. We’re in mourning. I didn’t expect this affair to be quite so lavish.”

“It’s hardly lavish. A few more guests than might be appropriate, but they’ll ease Claybourne’s way into the thick of pack Society after years of walking along its edge. Besides, men are never held to the strictures of mourning as diligently as she-wolves. You could attend a ball tonight and no one would chastise you.”

I sigh, “Ah, the power that comes with the Alpha title.”

“Was there anyone you thought about while you were away?” Evangeline offers.

“Playing matchmaker already? Surely you’re planning to take some sort of wedding trip.”

She shakes her head, “No, we have some matters to attend to in Blackrock city.”

“Still, I suspect your mate will expect to have your undivided attentions for a while. I’m perfectly capable of securing a mate without troubling you.”

“It would be no trouble.” She squeezes my arm. “I’ve missed you, Sterling. I’m truly glad you’re here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to join Claybourne, so you may make your toast.”

As she walks away, her words spark my guilt, but I tamp down the uncomfortable emotion. I want to be anywhere other than where I am. I drink my champagne, signal to a servant, and take another glass. Will this affair never come to an end?

Evangeline sidles up against her mate, and the man gazes down on her with obvious adoration. Why should he not adore her? She is the daughter of an Alpha, her lineage the very best the high packs has to offer. She understands her place in the world and fits well within it. I can no longer say the same for myself.

The need to escape roars through me, and I lose the tether hold on my patience. I begin lightly tapping my glass, and the murmurings in the room quiet. I raise my flute. “To my sister, Evangeline, the new Luna of Claybourne, and her very fortunate husband. May the sun always shine for you, my dear… even during the darkest of days.”

I down the sparkling brew while a round of cheers and clapping echoes through the room. Claybourne and Evangeline drink their champagne, then kiss briefly. People laugh, cheer again, and offer them well-wishes.

I reach for another flute of champagne. Maybe if I swallow enough, I can drown the pain of knowing that I will never possess what the newly married couple obviously does: true love and happiness.