Scarlet Flame

Chapter 2

Shelby's POV

When we arrived at the pack house gate there were already so many people there, our pack contained about 500 werewolf families totaling well over 20,000 individuals. Elite families from neighboring packs had been invited as well, Trevor squeezed my hand "It will all be ok," he knew I hated going to these public events. Though most people were fine with the idea of a female beta, my father always managed to ruin the peace once he started drinking. I prayed that tonight would be different.

We were escorted to a special line for elite families and we got out of the car within a few minutes. Once again Trevor held his arm out for me and I took it, walking up the stairs getting ready to face thousands of praying eyes to wonder why I was being escorted by the neighboring Alpha. Once we got inside I noticed some of the staff looking at me with sad expressions, brushing it off as pity glances from being dumped I continued walking.

"Shelby," A voice called and I turned around. It was Luna Cross, James's mother, I had always loved and respected her. "Alpha Trevor," she greeted.

"Luna!" I was slightly shocked to see her. "What can I do for you?" I asked bowing my head slightly in respect.

"There has been a bit of a change to the seating plan," she said awkwardly. "Instead of being at our table with the rest of the pack leaders. I thought it would be better if you sat with Amanda. I heard about the breakup and just..."

"I understand Luna," she did not want me to harm her son or anyone else during the ball. I truly did understand.

"Thank you so much," I heard the sorrow in her voice but could not understand it. "I will see you in there," she was using her fake smile and I could not understand.
Trevor and I went into the ball room to socialize when I saw Amanda. She looked slightly upset and when she saw me with Trevor, she looked pissed. I looked down to see what she was looking at and realized that Trevor was still holding my hand. "We've talked about this," I told him gesturing to our hands.

"I'm sorry," He scratched the back of his head and let my hand go.

"Glad to see you made it," Amanda said when she had got to us. 'I thought I told you not to be stupid,' She mind linked me.

'We've held hands since we were kids! It didn't mean anything,' I argued.

"If you are going to fight, I suggest doing it out loud. At least than I will have something entertaining," Trevor commented.

"We aren't fighting," I stated.

"Yet," Amanda said. I sent her a glare and she put her hands up in surrender. "James is about to make an announcement. Let's go listen," Amanda lead the way purposely getting in between Trevor and I. She grabbed my arm and linked it with hers so that I was stuck on that side of her. I could feel Trevor's anger from where I was but he would not do anything to Amanda, he knew what she meant to me.

The room began to fill, and I was starting to wonder what could be so important. Normally these things went like 'Another year with peace. May the friendship continue, blah, blah, blah,' then all of the adults get drunk and the kids go home. However, there was an eerie feeling in the air that made me step closer to Amanda and hug her arm. She did not look at me, but she placed her hand over mine as if saying everything will be fine.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for coming out tonight," I heard his voice and my eyes immediately found his. Even after everything we had been through part of me still loved the way his eyes softened when they met mine. This time was different though, he looked in pain for just one second, then tore his eyes away looking everywhere but me. "This year though we are still glad for the peace," there was polite laughter throughout the room, but I remained silent in my confusion. "This year I have a special announcement. As many of you know I have been hesitant to pick a Beta, but I am proud to announce that I have finally made a decision," his eyes finally looked at me and I was getting ready to step forward when I heard the name he called. "Thomas Knight," I took a step back in disbelief. This is why his mom asked me not to be at the table with them. She knew he had chosen and that it was not going to be me. I looked to Amanda, who was watching my reaction and squeezed my hand.