I Do (Not)

Crimson Twilight

The party is in full swing when my Father walks up to the front of the Venue, standing on the makeshift stage, projecting his Aura to make an announcement.  "Attention, Crimson Pack!"  His voice booms, using his aura as a microphone to reach the ends of the crowd.  "As you may have heard, We have been hosts to a few Epsilons of the Twilight Pack," Father raises his glass towards the group of men, and while everyone looks towards them, I use this opportunity to move to a corner of the party, close enough to hear Father's speech but separate from the party.  Tonight, my Father wears a full tux, his mate by his side in her own formal wear.  As Epsilons of our pack, we all must be wearing formal wear for Pack Events, whether the rest of the Pack do or not.  It can be a pain, sometimes.  Since my identity is meant to be hidden tonight, my mother let me get away with semi-formal.

My Father has always hidden his age well, however as time passes, it gets harder.  His brown hair is greying out, wrinkles forming around his eyes and mouth.  His brown eyes even seem to be dimmer with age, either that or the stress of being Alpha.  "We have been quite busy since their arrival, forming a Peace Treaty with our fair neighbors."  The crowd cheers, happy to hear talks of Peace and alliances being formed.  "Tonight, we have all come to an agreement!"  They cheer again, more excited to have created an alliance with one of the strongest packs in the country.  "However," he holds a finger up, silencing everyone with the mere motion.  "That is not why we are gathered tonight."  With another dramatic pause, the crowd murmurs, anticipating what tonight is about.  Surely there must be a reason for this grand party, the free food and booze?  "I am proud to announce the engagement of my precious daughter Annabel Crimson!"  More murmurs, more excited, but confused.  

"Annabel has no wolf," I hear among the crowd.

"How could she have a mate, let alone find him?" Another asks.

"She found her mate?"  Someone calls out, and I bristle at the idea.  Oh, how I wish I had a soulmate.

Father ignores him as he continues.  "A month from now, Annabel will wed Alpha Gray Dawson as her chosen mate, ensuring the continuance of the great Crimson Lineage!"  People cheer, but some are appalled at the idea of a chosen mate.  

"How could she take away someone else's right to a mate?"  One asks another.

"How selfish of her.  I'm appalled by what these young Epsilon have come to."

"Just like her sister.  Who would take a chosen mate other than those heathens?"  I can't help but wince at their words, but no one notices as they all continue.

"You mean that disgrace of an Epsilon chose a woman over her mate?"  A young mother asks her own elderly mother, who scoffs at the question.

"The Esteemed Moon Goddess would never pair two women together, or two men, for that matter.  The simple idea is ghastly."  The elder grumbles, returning her attention to the Alpha.

GROWL.  The crowd spins towards the Twilight Epsilons, the White Haired guest glaring at the crowd as claws extend from his fingers, fangs extending in his mouth.  "SILENCE.  Your Alpha speaks."  The venom in his tone is terrifying, an angry aura coming off him in waves as the crowd backs away in fear of the man.  Looking at the four men, they all look angry, except one.  Adam Carter.  His face is cold, stone cold.  He's looking straight forward, as if ignoring his surroundings and somehow, I'm able to tell he's hurt.  I've seen the same look from my sister when she overhears similar talk among pack members, and the only thing anyone can do, especially with the traditions of society, is to bear it.

I want to hug him and make the pain go away.

Gold Eyes places his hand on the White Haired man, his touch immediately calming the angry wolf.  White Hair retracts his claws, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.  After a moment, Gold Eyes looks up to my father, bowing slightly.  "Apologies, Alpha.  Please, continue."