My Say

22

Tonight was the opening ball. Amelia nor Red would be here due to the arrival of their bundle of joy, Boann. They said they'd tell me the story behind the name sometime. But the male and female who inspired it would be at the meeting, just not at the opening ball. Ame swore I would love them.

"I think I'm gonna be sick." Pressing my hand to my stomach. Leaning into the wall.

Elizabeth laughs, "We have studied too hard to not go. Go get dressed, put your big girl panties on... can you wear panties with that dress?"

"Funny, very funny. Ever consider taking that on the road?" I was heading back toward my room. I was still at Elizabeth's. No one had come to drag me back, I'd received no messages, in fact nothing had occurred. I was on pins and needles waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Elizabeth and Amalie had chosen a beautiful sapphire blue, long sleeve, off the shoulder, billowy dress. I hated it. Loved the color but despised the style. There were several in that color in the closet and all but that one was backless. They didn't want my back seen, it was an embarrassment. A lack of control of their Alpha. For me it was a sign of survival, a billboard that screamed survivor. I was wearing a sapphire blue full length, slit up both sides, off the shoulder, BACKLESS sexy dress. I put off coming out until the last moment.

"What did you do?" Elizabeth was aghast, her face paled, her knees weakened. Nate had ordered her to cover Paton up, no one was to see her scars. Yet here she stood, proudly showing them off and there was no time to fix it.

"Shall we go?" Elizabeth was upset, it pained me to do it. But damn it this was my coming out part and I was going to show all those Alpha's I was a survivor, don't fuck with me.

"Are you sure you want to do this"? Delta Jax had become my, self appointed, guard. Where I went he went. When I asked why he told me that anyone who would do what I did for his men deserved protection. That anyone who survived what I survived deserved all the respect in the world. I think the fact that I forgave his men went a long way on this for him.

"Want is the wrong word. This needs to happen, don't worry. When this is done you, me, a case of lemons, multiple bottles of tequila, and a shaker of salt. We'll show these boys how it's done", throwing him a wink. Closing my eyes, deep breath, standing up straight, I center myself.

The door is before us. Elizabeth grabs my hand "You go in there and knock 'em dead. I love you". Jax bumps my shoulder. They step away, a nod to the greeter, the world narrows to this moment.

"Luna Paton Stone, Luna of the Blue Lake Pack".

The whispers sound like bees swarming. Approaching the lead table, "Sorry I'm late, darling. Time just got away from me.". Leading over to kiss his cheek, instead he moved and I brushed his lips. It takes everything to not pull violently away. Game on!

"It's fine, I myself just arrived.". Grabbing my hand he seats me next to him, "let me introduce Alpha Maximilian De Avalon, Alpha of the Fire Ridge Pack." The male is smaller than Ridge, his eyes are sharp and cunning. He's a male to pay attention to. "Alpha Morgan Lasender, Alpha of the Pine Mountain Pack.". He too appears to be one sharp tack. His eyes are a piercing hazel, he'll either be a staunch friend or foe. "Alpha Xe Wi, Alpha of the Golden Dragon Clan." His eyes were a bright Golden color, what was he? Here are the Alphas of the largest packs in the former Americas. He raises my hand to his lips, "Alphas may I introduce my mate, Luna Paton Stone."

They murmur their hellos ignoring the females that are at their sides. "It's a pleasure to be here." Turning to the females, "It's wonderful to have you here. I'm looking forward to our talks. We are stronger together". The males stare, Ridge's gaze is contemplative. He can't get into my head, so all he can do is guess what's coming. " Please excuse me".