1 Chapter 1. Heartbreak and Reality

I've been waiting for this night for as long as I can remember. Tonight, the packs will finally know about Kurt and I.

"Aly, we have to leave soon. Kurt said he'll pick you up at eight." Ryan, my older brother repeats in exasperation. I'm too busy attacking my auburn locks with a flat iron, wondering if my navy dress is formal enough for this evening. I wouldn't want Kurt to think I'm underdressed, especially since he's deciding to make such an important announcement at such a prestigious event.

It's the annual Moonlight Gala, the one night where all twelve werewolf packs in the country are reunited. Whether we like it or not, all of us must get along and the Moonlight Gala is an attempt to encourage social relations between each pack. Only high ranking pack members are allowed to attend, which is why this is such a big deal for me. Kurt and I are not mates. We've been dating for over a year and we couldn't be happier. Despite his position as Alpha, Kurt has the same beliefs as me - mates are a myth, they don't exist. By taking me as his 'plus one' to the Moonlight Gala, he's making a statement. I'm the girl he wants to be with and no supposed soulmate can change that. I am his soulmate.

"I think you're making a big mistake, Aly." Reese, my other brother chips in. I continue to feign ignorance, pausing to glance briefly at my twin brothers who are both staring back in concern, their identical faces showing disapproval. As senior pack fighters, Ryan and Reese are on good terms with Kurt. However, they can't stop him from seeing me. I know they're starting to dislike Kurt due to his audacity by dating me so openly. "This is my life, guys. My choice. My decision." I hate being so stuck up with my brothers. The three of us are inseparable and any spats between us are usually light hearted.

"Aly, one day ... Kurt will find his mate. He's an Alpha. Do you really think he'll ditch the future Luna of this pack for a teenage romance?" Ryan refuses to give up, his tanned features turning red.

I slam the flat irons down on the dresser, refusing to take the bait. They'll never understand what Kurt and I share. No-one will. I walk past their towering frames, slipping on my black stilettos.

"If it were up to us, we'd put a stop to this. Dad would put a stop to this." Reese adds, scratching his shaven chin.

That's when I cave in, huffing indignantly.

"Well he can't. None of you can!" I snap, losing what little composure I have.

Ryan and Reese blink in surprise, slightly hurt by my temperamental reaction. I'm never like this, I'm usually so calm, this whole situation has been throwing me off for the past few months. Instantly, I regret losing temper. They're only looking out for me.

"Dad is Kurt's Beta." I whisper calmly, smoothing my hair down. "Therefore he can't question Kurt's actions. He can't stop us from being together, so he'll just have to deal with it."

We're interrupted by a brisk knock on my bedroom door. My father pokes his head around the corner, the signature frown present on his broad face.

"Alanna, Kurt is here. Don't keep the Alpha waiting." His disapproving eyes scan my appearance, frown growing harsher.

"I'm ready." I nod, reaching for my clutch purse. There's nothing else left to say and to avoid another argument, it's easier to leave without another word. Dad steps aside, ready to let me pass.

"Think about what you're doing, Alanna." He states, grabbing my elbow firmly. "This will end badly and you'll be the one with the tainted reputation."

Don't overreact. He's just doing his part as the concerned parent. We should listen to him.

I ignore my wolf, tuning out her protests. She's waiting for our 'mate' and according to her, Kurt is a waste of time. Even his Alpha status isn't attractive to her and wolves love power and dominance.

"I'll see you guys at the Gala." I mutter tersely, prising my arm out of Dad's grip without looking back.

He reluctantly lets me go with a deep sigh. I leave my family standing in my bedroom in awkward silence as I hurry down the stairs to meet Kurt in the manicured driveway.

He's sat in his sleek sports car, nodding his head to the thumping rap music as he checks his appearance for the hundredth time, spiking up his short, corn blonde hair. He senses my presence as soon as I close the front door, leaning out of the window with a lazy grin. As I approach the car, he flashes his all-American smile in my direction with a wink of his cerulean eyes.

"Hey babe, you look hot." He calls, as I walk around the car and open the door, slipping inside.

You know what else they call a babe? A pig. So technically, he compared us to a pig.

I hush my wolf silently, wishing she'd give up with the snide comments already. Yes, I know she hates Kurt but he's our Alpha and she has to respect him.

He didn't even bother getting out of the car to open your door.

"You ready, Aly?" Kurt asks lightly, squeezing my knee in affection. He starts the car, reversing out of the driveway and speeding off down the road, ready to make the fifteen minute journey to the manor where the Gala will be held.

"Of course, babe. I'm so glad we're going together." I emphasise the word, trying to annoy my wolf. She responds with a growl, showing her distaste regarding my choice of words.

"Good, I can't wait to show you off to the other Alphas." Kurt waggles his eyebrows playfully, making me giggle. Of course, I don't cackle like I usually do. Instead, I use my girly, reserved tone because I know he hates my real laugh.

Oink oink. Stop acting like a Barbie doll. I love your laugh.

"How come we're leaving without the rest of the pack?" I inquire, wondering why Kurt insisted on picking me up so early. The Gala doesn't start till late.

"As Alpha, I have to turn up a little early. The Gala's being held on our turf this year, so I need to greet all the other packs personally." He grumbles, rolling his eyes as he steps on the accelerator, zooming down the dark country road.

He's not our Alpha. He never will be. He's just a pretender.

Stop making this so difficult! Why can't you just agree with me for once?

I'm just stating what everybody else thinks. This fool will never be the great Alpha his father was.

Michael is gone. Kurt's taken over and he's doing a decent job despite being so young, while having to deal with his father's death. Now stop it.

"I was thinking, we should go away for a while. A vacation." Kurt unknowingly disrupts the mental argument I'm having with my wolf.

"I'd love that." My smile fades instantly. "But I don't think Dad would approve."

"Mike can't object." Kurt insists arrogantly, raising an eyebrow in superiority. "As my Beta, he has to listen to everything I say."

Asshole.

----

"I can't keep my hands off you." Kurt whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my skin.

"Well you'll have to. We've got a sea of werewolves watching our every move and my Dad's pacing the halls like a madman every time he looks at us." I murmur back, placing a hand over his larger one. He tightens his grip on my waist, grabbing a delicate flute of champagne from a waiter. I study my shoes nervously, wondering if I've done the right thing by showing up here.

Every werewolf regarded me with a shocked expression as I stood by Kurt's side, letting him welcome each pair to the event. There are thousands of people present, all hailing from every corner of the country.

Alanna, this is a big mistake. You're ruining your reputation. These people think you're a side chick.

I'm silent, beginning to agree with my wolf for once. So far, eleven out of the twelve packs have show up. In the process, each Alpha and Luna of their respective packs have silently judged me like I'm some sort of escort. I'm such an idiot, thinking I can parade around here like I'm attached to Kurt's hip. Everyone will disapprove and unsurprisingly, they all do.