Alpha Zane's POV
The expression on the rejected Alpha's face is priceless.
I can barely suppress a grin. The boy clearly didn't come with the intention of having an innocent dance with my mate. He has been following her with lusty eyes all evening. He has his sights set on Mercedes.
If that’s really the case, he has underestimated me. I was well prepared for evil hawks like him.
For years I've done research on girls' development through puberty. Look, I'm a man, I only have experience of how boys transform into men. So, I did some research, talked to the elderly, kept my sister busy and spent evenings on the internet obtaining information. That is inherent in having a young, up growing fated mate.
I learned that girls experience hormonal changes early on and in their innocence, seek the attention of boys who are eagerly waiting for their first sex. Their attention to beauty and make-up, their insecurities, I immersed myself in all these factors and sought advice. I want a confident Luna, who knows how to make the right choices and stands firmly in her shoes. And Mercedes has the potential to be that woman.
The first thing I took care of was her financial independence. It didn’t go easy, she felt uncomfortable taking money from me at first. But I convinced her that she had every right to everything I give her. The Moon Goddess consciously entrusted her to me. Everything Selene has blessed me with is hers, not half or a quarter, just everything. So, she's not spending my money, she's spending ours.
Then I let her train with the warriors of my pack. To stay in good shape, but moreover to be able to defend herself when I'm not around. You see, I have noticed that some she-wolves in my pack are jealous of her and try to undermine her by spreading gossip. I want my mate to be able to stand up for himself, be able to shut off negativity and distinguish what matters from what does not. I've transformed Mercedes from a sweet mouthy ten-year-old girl into a confident, beautiful woman who is rock solid both physically and mentally.
Therefore, I’m so aware of her desires, it came with all that’s happening around her. She's been insisting that we make love for a long time, but I know Jax won't be able to control himself. He will definitely mark her at our first sex and I must prevent that by all means, Mercedes' wolf is not ready yet. So, I have other plans with my mate, tonight she will get lucky.
But then this rotten Alpha appears and thinks he's thwarting my plans.
He is some years younger than me, but already at the age to find his mate. He probably doesn't manage that well and has his dirty eyes on mine. The mate of Alpha Zane from the Midnight Moon pack! Who dares!
But this is a great test case.
Now is the time to see all the time and effort I have invested in Mercedes over the past six years is paying off and my mate is ready for the big job that awaits her, becoming my Luna. So, I'm just standing there listening to the conversation between her and this Alpha son. The man is ignoring me, he has his eyes fixed on Mercedes. He thought his title would impress her enough to tear herself away from me. Wrongly calculated, little Alpha!
Her rejection was blunt but straightforward. What had he thought of himself? Watch me, pup!
Mercedes is not an ordinary she-wolf that everyone can toy with at will. And he got a taste of that. Perfect.
‘Jace, is every ready? And make sure you have the best wine in the room', I mind link my Beta. For weeks we racked our heads on how to make this anniversary special for my Luna. And we did well, so far, we are on success.
‘Everything according to plan, Zane,’ he replies. I look over the balcony and see him banging two she-wolves. When he noticed me watching, two thumbs went up.
“Uhmmm, Alpha, if there is nothing else, my mate and I want to make a move. We have plans for tonight”, I now meddle in the issue. I grab Mercedes bridal style and walk with her down and out of the pack's hall. “Are you okay, love?” I ask her, she has her face like often on my neck. She nods but doesn't look up.
Behind us, the music suddenly stops. A disappointed cry goes through the room. But then my Beta is on the microphone, asking the invitees to step outside to witness the climax of the evening.
Mercedes, hearing the music end, lifts her face to me. “Is the party over? But it's too early, babe. It's not midnight yet, it's my birthday," she protests. We look at the exit where the crowd comes out.
I put Mercedes on her feet but still hold her tight to me.
Jace hands me the microphone and then it starts to dawn on everyone. At least they think they know what's going to happen. “I want to thank everyone who contributed to making the birthday of my lovely mate, Mercedes Versailles an unforgettable one,” I begin. “While I know many of you doubt that she's my fated mate and I'm not going to make that a point of discussion today, I still have to compliment her for the amazing woman she's become. She was barely ten years old when she encountered a mate of twenty. Despite her young age, she has made me the happiest mate on this planet. And all I can do is return that happiness a thousand times over.” I pause to kiss her on the forehead. The crowd cheers with delight as my mate blushes an end away.
“Mercedes, my only love. You are the best thing the Moon Goddess has given me. And when you turn eighteen in two years and you feel the mate bond, you will only understand how special you are to me. I love you, my mate, more than I am able to express with words,” I conclude. Overjoyed, she grabs my neck and presses a hot kiss on my lips.
“And now my present to you, my beautiful mate”.
Jace steps forward, everyone's eyes on him. Dancing to his own tune, he goes meters further and pulls a sheet full of roses away from a vehicle.
‘All for Mercedes. Love you, my beautiful Queen,’ is a big sign on the latest Bugatti Sports.
First, there is a deathly silence before loud applause and whistles fill the atmosphere. And then my eyes clash with the devilish ones of the wanna-be Alpha...