I convened with Elaine and Skylar for an invigorating run. We all aspire to be as robust as possible for tomorrow’s games. Following our run, I dedicated the afternoon to Alyssa. The Alpha ceremony commences at 6 PM, lasting approximately 15 minutes, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. The ball commences at 7:30, with dancing and music in full swing.
The girls arrive at my residence to prepare in advance. I instructed Elaine to enhance my hair with additional curls and create a side part, securing one side with pins. I style Skylar’s hair with curls and incorporate several braids, as per her request. Elaine typically possesses tightly coiled natural curls, and she desires a sleek and straight hairstyle this evening. I meticulously straightened her unkempt dirty blonde hair.
We assist one another with our cosmetics application. I possess a cat-eye makeup style, adorned with a touch of glitter. Blush, mascara, and classic red lipstick. I donned my navy blue dress and slipped into sparkly silver heels. Elaine applies a smoky eye and pink lipstick to complement her knee-length glittery pink dress. Skylar adorns her eyes with a shimmering gold hue, complemented by a crimson lip, and pairs this with her floor-length gold sequin gown. We are all prepared by 5:30, at which time Giselle arrives to supervise Alyssa.
“I have ordered a pizza; it is on the kitchen counter,” I inform Giselle.
“That is agreeable; now depart and enjoy yourself,” she commands.
I bid Alyssa goodnight with a kiss, and we proceed to the banquet hall adjacent to the packhouse. We arrive slightly ahead of schedule and proceed to the bar to order several shots. Alpha possesses a unique reserve of moonshine, which operates with greater efficacy than alternatives; however, we are avoiding it this evening to prevent a hangover tomorrow. We consume several shots of vodka, as the establishment is nearly empty, to alleviate some of the anxiety.
Cohen’s Perspective
“Hurry, we will be late, Cohen,” my father admonishes me.
This is the evening I meet the remarkable Aniyah I have frequently heard about. I am somewhat apprehensive about it. Despite her attractiveness and strength and my fondness for her, I would still be abandoning my companion. I am not anticipating that, and I am uncertain if I am prepared to finalise that option yet. Furthermore, if I lack interest in her, I will inevitably endure my mother’s commentary on the matter for an indeterminate duration.
I don my navy suit and depart from the cottage in the Lunar Howl Moon packlands. The banquet hall is a mere two-minute walk away. Upon arrival, an individual at the entrance will direct us to our seats. The space is congested. We are informed that we are seated with Alpha Eric, his spouse, and their daughter Aniyah. Hooray! Exasperation.
“I will first proceed to the bar,” I inform my parents.
“Why not accompany us and subsequently take Aniyah to the bar?” “We cannot attend the gathering without your presence,” my mother attempts to negotiate.
“Accompany me, and we can still reach the table together,” I propose as I proceed towards the bar. My parents pursue me with an exhale of exasperation. I would like a double whisky served neat. I consume it rapidly and request an additional one. I detect a subtle, delightful floral vanilla aroma. An individual is wearing an appealing fragrance, which is excessively sweet to be the natural odour of a wolf.
My parents are scrutinising me, prompting us to approach the Alpha’s table. As we approach, I observe Aniyah. Her parents are seated at the table conversing, while she is standing and engaging in dialogue with a man I recognise. Gavin. She is attractive. Her hair is light brown and styled in a high ponytail. She is adorned in a revealing purple silk dress. Her physique appears exceedingly slender. Somewhat emaciated. She lacks substantial substance, which is disappointing.
Upon reaching the table, my parents introduce me to Alpha Eric, Luna Selah, and their daughter Aniyah. I extend my hand to everyone, including Gavin, and offer my congratulations. We have both attended several Alpha training seminars over the years. I have always appreciated Gavin; he was an impressive individual and exceptionally strong. Perhaps Aniyah is a pleasant individual. We converse briefly to reconnect.
“You must meet my wife, Norah,” he states, gesturing towards her.
She observes us and subsequently approaches. She appears exquisite, and her gown is suitable for a Luna. She exudes a fragrance reminiscent of floral vanilla. It must have been her perfume that I detected earlier.
“I lost you momentarily,” Gavin smiles while drawing her nearer.
“I needed to inform Celine; she must not discover it alongside the others,” she beams at her companion.
“Naturally, you did,” he remarks with a laugh.
“Norah, this is Cohen Foster, Alpha of the Bloodfang Moon,” Gavin presents us.
