Volkov's Mate

Chapter Three: Without a Plan

The glass door shattered as Nikolai slammed it behind him, not caring about the ruckus he caused. He strode from the corporate building visibly angry at the day's events. Who did these alphas think they were, shaming him for their own selfish means in order to gain his position? Laugh at him all they want, he was never going to give up his place. It was the job his father had, and his memory must be preserved.

Nikolai was still fuming by the time he arrived back at his hotel. He needed a release from the stress, but the area he was in was too small for him to transform into his wolf and let loose. Just as he was about to leave his room he heard a knock at the door. He opened it up to Alpha Pierce in front of him.

"It's not looking too good," he said, letting himself in to the room. "A lot of alphas agree with Jianjun. They don't want you in a position higher than them."

"But that is how we all act. We naturally want dominance over each other. Do you think they have that much influence?"

"Yes."

"What can we do then?"

Pierce sighed, "You can fight this matter, renounce your position, or maybe find yourself a mate."

"Mating someone who is not your destined one is almost as invalid as being alone, Andrew."

"I know, I know, but it will fill the luna position your pack needs."

"And I'm supposed to just pick some random girl? I would still be seen as invalid."

"Unless you miraculously find your mate tonight at the gala, those are your options, Nikolai."

"I think that's a stretch," Nikolai scoffed. "If it hasn't happened by now I doubt it ever will."

"I wish I could be of more help but the most that I can do –that we can do- is just wait, and think one step ahead of our enemies. I would think about what you're going to do; whether you choose a mate or go along with a destined one. I'm sorry, Nikolai. And I have to go. I just thought that I would stop by and see what could be done."

"I'll see you tonight then," Nikolai retorted, opening the door for Pierce to leave.

The gala space was held at the Venezia Plaza, a beautiful structure with an unusual mixture of gothic and art nouveau architectural styles. The external and internal walls were primarily masonry and enchanting metalwork. The main ballroom that was booked was immense. It was dimly light by wall candles and an elegant chandelier. It created an intimate, sexy atmosphere to cohabitate with the décor. Cream tablecloths clad rounded tables that each sat eight. The dishware was gold colored ceramic set up for a formal dinner.

Servers dressed in black tuxedoes and white gloves mingled amongst the crowd, holding hors d'oeuvres or champagne glasses on platters. They were not the only source of appetizers and alcohol though. There were three spaces off of the main ballroom, one for an open bar, another used as a lounge area, and the third for powder rooms.

Nikolai could see many alphas presenting their children. This whole evening was basically a mate-matching debut for eligible teenagers. Although it did not matter what age mates found each other at, it did matter if they were from different packs; then one would have to make arrangements to join the other. It made sense to have the gala on the first day, because if many people did find their mates it would be a lot of compromising for the Council to deal with.

Nikolai's eyes swept over the crowd, in the hopes of finding the table Alpha Pierce would be sitting at with his family. He had only met his children once before, five years prior on a small vacation to the States. There were three boys and two girls all whose names slipped Nikolai's mind. It made Nikolai feel empty, that he was alone in life without a mate and children. He tried dating before but nothing felt like it was a long lasting relationship. Even if he temporarily claimed them, he felt it was disrespectful to them for claiming them as one does a mistress.

A temporary bite, or claim, was a bite that many alphas used to protect their concubines. It omitted a strong scent just as a claim to their mate would. The mating claim though, was the factor that solidified the connection between mates. The initial bite mark was made in public in many cultures, and done under a new moon to signify the new age of the relationship. And those claims, temporary or not, were all that Nikolai could smell. It was so overbearing that he debated ditching. In fact, he was almost out the door to freedom when Alpha Pierce gripped his bicep and comically dragged him back in for dinner and announcements.