Jacob

The Gala is all I've been able to think about. It's my first official production as the new Alpha and there's a lot riding at this moment. Tonight, will reflect my reputation and capability as an Alpha, and the Alphas that came before me.

"Please, help me get through this night in one piece. Help me not to disgrace myself or my pack," I pray to the Moon Goddess.

I anxiously fiddle with my tie and cufflinks as I make my way to the meadow. I have employed only the most creative and reliable hands in the pack for the occasion.

I've been distracted through much of the assembly process, but my pack is loyal. Although I trust them to show up for me, I still feel that I need the help of the highest powers that be.

I am dazzled and stunned by the beauty of the scene as I enter the meadow. I arrived at a glamorous affair.

We have set a tremendous white tent up. The assembly team is standing at attention and in their positions, dressed impeccably.

"My Alpha, welcome to the Gala dinner," Kimon says as he approaches me.

"Right on schedule," Derek says, as he follows promptly behind. "And looking dapper, I might add."

"Thanks," I say. And I give him a strong pat on the back. "Not so bad yourself."

Derek's hair is slicked back, and he's wearing a 3-piece navy blue suit with a bowtie, almost identical to mine. He looks like a grownup. I cannot help but wonder where the time has gone between kindergarten and the present moment.

Before we get carried away with the compliments, Kimon interrupts to fill me in.

"My Alpha, if I may," Kimon says.

I nod to let him know I'm all ears.

"We followed your brief to the T. No detail spared. All you need to do is hold this, stand here and welcome your guests of honor"

Kimon places a flute filled to the brim with a sparkly drink in my hand. He walks me over several paces to a table where my title is written on a place card. He bows elegantly and then leaves me to take in the scene and do my rounds.

Every detail is sublime. I look around with my jaw wide open. Each time I notice something new, it takes my breath away. I feel like I'm standing on the set of a shoot for a décor catalog.

There are dainty lights hanging all around, giving the tent a soft, warm glow. They composed the center pieces of different foliage and pine cones. Adding to a rustic and comfortable, yet luxurious ambiance. I make a mental note to thank each team member personally when this is all over.

They are pulling off a majestic feat and making me look fantastic.

There's no time to stand around nervously with my hands in my pockets. I notice an old acquaintance of my father's making his way toward me. An honorable Alpha whose pack has a long-standing alliance with ours.

"Alpha Jacob," he says as he shakes my hand firmly in his.

I've become accustomed to the title, but it feels foreign coming from him. I was half expecting him to say my father's name. I pause briefly before I can snap out of it and return his shake.

"Alpha Marcus," I say. "An honor and a pleasure to have you with us here this evening"

"I assure you the honor and the pleasure are mine," he retorts.

I feel humbled to hear him say so. "Your Father would be very proud. And I don't say these words lightly."

It makes me emotional to hear him say those things, but I maintain the brave front. I stand tall and confidently. I hold my own and remind myself that these brave and revered men are now my peers.

The novelty doesn't wear off, as other Alpha's echo the sentiment of being impressed as I welcome them to the Gala.

For all the stoicism they purport in their demeanors, it comes as a surprise to discover that a common characteristic in Alphas is compassion. Every one of them offers my condolences.

They share anecdotes and funny stories about my father. They offer me words of wisdom and remind me I'm always welcome in their territories.

More than anything, I am reminded that my father was a prominent leader, warrior and friend. We raise a toast in his honor.

"We have all remarked on your impressive ability to find your feet so quickly, during this time of trial," Alpha Marcus says as he raises his glass once more. "You represent your pack with dignity. To your success Alpha Jacob. Hear! Hear!"

"Hear! Hear!" the voices of the Alpha's and some pack members around me echo in a thunderous chorus.

I realize I have overwhelming support and it makes me feel stronger to know it. With a team like mine, who am I not to be great?

I decide to continue to ride the wave of the confidence I'm feeling. I considered the night almost like an inauguration and a commemoration.

Those tasks have been a success, thankfully. But as I look around me now, I am reminded that it's also a celebration. The food and drinks are flowing in endless, abundant streams. It's no wonder everyone seems so jovial.

I loosen my tie, but imperceptibly and only so I can create enough space to undo my top button. We conclude the more formal aspect of the evening; I have a personal score to settle. I have a plan to take my relationship to the next level.

"Dude, why are you being such a buzzkill?" Derek asks me, as he appears behind me from out of nowhere. "This is your party. Relax! Drink this."

He pushes a drink into my hand and I reluctantly take a sip before setting it down on a nearby table. It tastes foul and I'm not even sure what's in the glass. Derek seems to have mixed a concoction of his creation. I wonder how he can stay so composed when he's been drinking poison.

"It's not that kind of party, dude," I tell him, through a chuckle. "You should have fun for both of us, by all means. I am feeling a little tense, though. I need to find out what you think about -"

"Dude, you're already in with the Alphas, you don't have to -"

"No, not about them! About Gisele," I interrupt Derek. "Tonight's the night I plan on asking her to move into the Alpha house with me when she graduates this year."

"Oh, I think that's -"

I don't hear the rest of Derek's sentence because Gisele's scent wafts in and grabs my attention. I've been waiting for her and finally she's here. I look around the room to see where she is, and her scent guides me to the entrance of the tent. I turn to face her for the second time this evening; I am dazzled.

Not by my mate. She always looks beautiful. I'm dazzled by the girl who stands beside her. Ana looks radiant. Has she always been this stunning? I ask myself. When did this happen?

Her light fills up the entire room. More so because she seems completely unaware. To be in the presence of such awesome beauty, and yet I did not know. It seems a waste and a shame.

Ana captures the attention of everyone in the tent. There isn't a single eye that isn't drawn to her. She commands their gazes. She seems bewildered by it at first. Unsure of what everyone is looking at and noticeably raising a brow like she has a lot to contemplate.

She takes a while to realize, but after a moment, it seems to dawn on her. Her face glows bright red. She's blushing and looks down shyly at her sides. I find it quite endearing. She isn't accustomed to being coveted and ogled so overtly.

My pack is traditional, and because of her lower social ranking, Ana is often overlooked. As I look around, I notice that the wolves from other packs don't share our values in this regard.

I gather they see nothing wrong with pursuing an Omega. Immediately, a wolf from a visiting pack makes a beeline towards her and greets her with a kiss on her hand. She shyly accepts the kiss, and I hear her giggle like a schoolgirl.

It doesn't sit all the way right inside me. I feel my stomach twist and turn. Why does it seem like she's approving the advances of a stranger?

Shouldn't she at least see what other prospects she may have? I ask myself. Or is that all it takes to win her affections? A cheesy gesture like that one. I realize what the twisting feeling in my stomach is. I'm jealous.

Immediately I compose myself. What am I even thinking? I looked around to make sure nobody noticed the changes in my countenance. Thankfully, the coast was clear, and just in time, too. Gisele was approaching.

"Hey love," she says happily. She doesn't seem to suspect anything either. I kiss her deeply and it makes me feel deceptive. Like I'm trying to play a ruse. But who am I trying to fool? Or to convince?

Before I can confuse myself further, I take Gisele by the hand and introduce her to the Alphas.

But as I do, my eye keeps trying to find Ana