“She isn’t," Ethan stated, a slight irritation in his tone.
“I don’t an to quarrel, but I would like to hear what the lady has to say, Ethan. Plus, you have kept her away from us up in that room the entire ti we have been here. I am intrigued to know more of her – and why you are so taken with her.”
When all eyes fell on again, I turned to Ethan. He had a hesitant look in his eyes.
But with a small nod, he gave permission to respond– not that I wanted to.
“I– well... One day I do hope to et my mate and have the life I have always dread of – with a man who loves , and will protect . But, for now, I have other priorities.”
I hadn’t thought I would have the courage to say what I did, but it felt great to let it out.
However, I imdiately felt that cold atmosphere descend again. Knowing where it was coming from, I didn’t dare to look at Ethan this ti.
“That’s wonderful. But you do know that, in society today, won often do not worry about destined mates. That is a thing of the past. When they are offered a proposal, won take it. It becos their social standing, after all. Tell , what is your station in society?”
The man was asking too many questions I didn’t want to answer, and I was more than uncomfortable. I wish I could return to my room already.
“Father, it isn’t polite to ask an Oga that kind of question,” Madalynn replied for as she sipped her drink.
I couldn’t argue back. What was I supposed to say? Should I tell them that, no, I was also an Alpha’s daughter?
That my own family sold ?
“Rosalie is no Oga.”
Suddenly, Vicky’s words rang from the other end of the table.
“She is the daughter of an Alpha and deserves respect.”
I was shocked at Vicky’s words. Even Talon looked at her with disapproval in his eyes. But Vicky showed no sign of regret and simply shrugged her shoulders.
Madalynn was surprised for a mont, and then her smile revealed even more contempt. “Is that so? Tsk, tsk, poor thing...”
She needed to say no more. I was an alpha’s daughter, but I was not with my pack – aning, ye, I was abandoned by my people. How pitiful was that...
Talon gave Vicky a stern look, while Vicky seed sorry that her words hadn’t help , but actually seed to put in a worse spot.
Worst yet, Madalynn wasn’t done with .
She raised her glass gracefully and looked in the eyes. “Rosalie, I heard you have a nice voice. I’m sure everyone here would love to enjoy so entertainnt from you.”
She did not hide her scorn in her tone, and her words made it sound like I was a lowly maid or slave, to be ordered around just to please the masters. I bit my lip, trying to fight back the tears in my eyes.
Vicky was terrified for – I could see the worry in her eyes – but Talon pulled her down to her seat.
I didn’t look at Ethan. There was no point. What would he do? Tell off Madalynn? Why would he? She was their distinguished guest, and I was just a breeder, bought by him. He would never offend her because of .
I felt that coldness coming in waves off of Ethan again. From the corner of my eyes, I saw his fist clench.
Was he upset that I didn’t do what Madalynn asked imdiately?
“Miss Madalynn, unfortunately, Miss Rosalie hasn’t been feeling well...” I looked up, and saw Talon putting on a polite and an apologetic smile, trying to talk Madalynn out of the idea.
“Oh, really?” Madalynn interrupted. “I thought she may not want to sing because she doesn’t like .”
She then turned to Roro. “Father, am I really that dislikable?” she whined like an innocent girl.
Ethan’s eyes were narrowed, and I could sense that he was getting upset – and dangerous.
Before he could react, I slid my seat back and stood at the table, surprising everyone.
“Beta Talon, thank you for your concern, but I feel fine to sing.”
No matter what, I could not get Talon in trouble for helping . I couldn’t make Ethan more upset. I needed to do sothing!
I may have hated my father for what he did to and for the life I lived – but I was still an Alpha’s daughter. I had to start standing up for myself, protecting myself.
I clenched my fists and took a deep breath.
“Miss Madalynn, it would be my honor to sing for you.”
She sneered, seemily pleased with being so cooperative.
Then I walked over to the band to whisper to their leader what I wanted. He seed a bit surprised, but then gave a smile.
I used to perform in restaurants, so I knew how to handle difficult custors. As soon as the music started to flow, I started to sing along with a professional smile on my face.
It was a rock song – the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
As I intoned the opening verse, my gaze traveled around the room. But when I crescendoed into the first chorus, I tilted my head over to look toward Madalynn – who still seed to be happy with getting what she wanted.
I repeated the words of the song’s title over and over, my eyes shining and a grin on my face.
As I finished the chorus, I couldn’t help but glance over at Madalynn. Her victorious smile had been wiped away, and she was biting her lower lip, hard.
I turned next toward Talon and Vicky, both of whose jaws had dropped. I smiled. Music always brought confidence and strength.
I’d been feeling impulsive when I decided to do this, but I didn’t care whether I would be punished later. However, I could not help but look at Ethan.
His face was emotionless for a mont. Then he chuckled. He shook his head as if he was extrely amused.
Hopefully, that ant he wasn’t too upset.
Next, I glanced over at Madalynn, and her expression was... priceless.
I bowed to the crowd, then I lowered my head towards Ethan.
“Alpha, may I be excused...please?”
I didn’t want to spend a single more minute in the sa room as Roro’s pack. I didn’t want to give Madalynn any more opportunities to insult .
He nodded his head, and I took the opportunity to quickly leave the dining area making my way up the stairs.
After the dining hall was fully out of sight, my nervousness returned. The stunt I’d pulled had exhausted all my courage. My knees felt weak, and I tripped on the steps in front of .
But before I fell down, soone helped up.
I turned quickly to see Vicky’s apologetic eyes looking at .
“Rosalie, I’m so sorry for making things worse.”
As she helped up the stairs, a small laugh escaped my lips, and I shook my head. “It’s okay. I made a fool of myself down there...”
“Are you kidding ? You did amazing! I was so impressed! And it was great to see Madalynn’s reaction. Ha!”
“Ethan won’t be happy with how I acted...” I said worriedly.
“I can speak for myself.”
His sultry voice wrapped around , and I turned in the doorway to see him standing behind us. His gaze still had that dark, lusty glint that made my heart feel like it was going to explode out of my chest.
“I’ll leave you two, then.” Vicky winked at , and disappeared down the hall as fast as she could.
As my eyes turned back towards Ethan, I couldn’t help but notice that his attire matched my own. The black suit fit him in all the right places, and his burgundy tie matched my dress perfectly.
“I– I’m sorry–” I stuttered.
But before I could speak another word, he stepped forward, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling close against his body.
“So, you’re still hoping to find your mate?”
His deep tone made my breath catch in my through. My heart raced as I stared up into his eyes.
“Answer .”
“Ye–” I said breathlessly wondering why he cared if I wanted a mate. Out of all the conversations from tonight’s dinner, that was what stuck with him?
“It actually ans that much to you, huh?” He interrupted .
His touch clouded my judgnt, and the awareness that he was closer to than I could handle slowly ca to the forefront of my mind. I was trying to understand where he was going with the conversation, but I didn’t dare answer his questions.
Finally, I whispered, “Yes, it ans everything to .”.
As my last word fell from my lips, his mouth descended upon , and took away any breath I had left.
A rush of bliss sward through my veins as I let myself be lost in the way he made feel.
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