Chapter 5

• Olivia's POV
• Anger and disappointment toward Marsh devoured me.
• When I finally found him, he was in the middle of trying on a new suit under the service of an Omega. He looked dashing, yet I wasn't in the mood to admire his charm.
• A hint of unease flashed across his face as soon as he saw me, but he quickly regained his composure.
• "What are you doing here?" he asked.
• "I'm here to ask what you're prepping for," I cut to the chase as I had run out of patience.
• He avoided my gaze, snapping, "None of your business."
• "Is that so?" I sneered, "The pack tailor met up with Emily today. I heard he was making her an evening gown. What's that about?"
• "Watch your tone! I am your Alpha!" he snapped.
• Then he waved his hand. The Omega got the hint and left with the suit.
• Instead of answering my question, he impatiently pushed me away, trying to leave.
• "Are you getting ready for Alpha Zander's dinner party?" I kept pressing.
• Marsh took a deep breath, finally admitting, "Yeah. Alpha Zander's throwing a dinner party. He invited all packs in Los Angeles."
• Shocked, I asked, "Why the hell are you bringing Emily along instead of me?"
• "She used to be a member of the Dawn Pack," he defended. "I don't see anything wrong with that."
• I shot him a glare. "Why don't you just reject me? Any Luna won't take such a humiliation."
• He seemed frustrated and confused at my words. "Why would I reject you? I'm an Alpha, it's perfectly normal for me to have a lover. But you'll still be my Luna, I assure you that. Stop making a fuss."
• "You're betraying our mating bond. Can't you feel it weakening?" I retorted.
• My wolf hardly responded to me recently.
• I guessed Marsh was having the same problem, for his arm movements seemed stiff when he was changing just now.
• It meant that his shoulder wound hadn't healed yet, which was strange. As a strong Alpha, he should've recovered long ago.
• "Just reject me," I suggested again. "Then you're free to fuck whoever you want."
• "I'm not rejecting you," he said firmly. "Never."
• "Why?" I wondered.
• He just shrugged, acting all indifferent. "Cuz my wolf needs you. Just calm down, okay?"
• With that, he shoved past me and left the room.
• Realizing he wouldn't take me to the party, I had to turn to Hannah.
• "Hannah, I need you to get me into Alpha Zander's dinner party," I said earnestly after she picked up the phone.
• She blurted her reply, "How about we attend it together? I happen to need someone to go there with me."
• "Don't you want a guy as your date?" I asked.
• "You're my priority!" she replied, totally making my day.
• ********
• Three days later, the dinner party was set to take place.
• After Marsh and Emily headed out, I rushed to the pack border where Hannah was waiting for me in her car.
• Together, we went to the salon she frequented.
• She had her stylist do my makeup and helped me change into a white silk evening gown.
• Then she changed into a red one with the same design as mine.
• The hems of our dresses were in the shape of rose pleats, adorned with sparkling rhinestones like dew on petals.
• The two of us looked just like gorgeous roses in full bloom.
• All prepped, we came to the party venue, signing in as representatives of the Amber Pack.
• Once we walked into the hall, all eyes were on us.
• I spotted Marsh and Emily, and obviously, they saw me too.
• Marsh looked slack-jawed, while Emily's eyes were ablaze with anger and jealousy.
• He wanted to come over, yet gasps of astonishment caught his attention.
• Following everyone's gaze, I saw a hunk entering in a tailored suit. His presence stood out in the room as soon as he showed up.
• "Gosh! Alpha Zander is so fine. I think I'm falling in love with him," Hannah whispered in my ear.
• I nodded in agreement as I sized Alpha Zander up.
• He was taller than Marsh, with a straight nose and a sharp jawline, oozing sexuality from every pore.
• Although he wasn't bulky, I could totally sense the power under that suit.
• And weirdly enough, he looked kinda familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
• "Alpha Zander, welcome." Marsh stepped forward to shake hands with him.
• However, Alpha Zander just cast a glance at him and took a sip of wine before asking, "Alpha Marsh, where's your Luna?"
• Marsh retracted his hand with an awkward laugh. "She's caught up in something and can't make it here." Then he introduced nervously, "This is my date, Emily."
• "Alpha Zander, a-a pleasure to meet you," Emily stammered as she gazed at Alpha Zander, her cheeks heating up.
• I sneered inwardly, 'Marsh, can't you see your beloved girl is swooning over another guy now?'
• Zander frowned and said to his man beside him, "I remember I requested the invited Alpha to come with his Luna, right?"
• "Yes, Alpha Zander. I have it written on the invitations."
• "So, Alpha Marsh, you brought your mistress to meet me, even though you know her status is lower than mine? Are you insulting me?" Zander's voice dropped, indicating his displeasure.
• I tightened my grip on Hannah's hand, while she gave a snort.
• "Alpha Zander, I—"
• "Save it, Alpha Marsh. I don't wanna waste my time on someone who disrespects me." Zander then bypassed Marsh and walked away.
• "Thanks for being here, ladies and gentlemen. I'm throwing this party cuz I have an announcement to make. My company will soon launch a development project around LA, and I believe any pack involved will earn a small fortune."
• Zander smiled at the representatives of the other packs.
• Marsh and Emily stood frozen, embarrassment written all over their faces.
• Suddenly, Marsh's eyes darted to me.