#Chapter 2: One Night

Emily The clean and earthy scent of sandalwood with a hint of sage filled my nose. As I opened my eyes, I saw the white silk sheets on the other side of the bed. And they were empty. A thin stream of light came through the heavy curtains, and I knew it was already later in the day. Usually, I don’t sleep so late, but the events of yesterday must have really worn me out. Between Michael cheating on me with my half sister Chloe and heading to the bedroom with a man I had just met, it was a busy day. Now, I was waking up alone. It was almost a relief that he was gone already. Now I didn’t have to face my shame. Still, a part of me had hoped to wake up in his arms. I thought we had a great night. Did I do something wrong? I shook my head to get rid of my thoughts of him. I need to get out of here. I tossed the sheets back and gathered my things. I tried to tidy up a little bit as I searched for my clothes. I sighed and ran my hand over my face. My life was already a mess, and I had to go and do something, or someone, and make it even worse. If anyone found out, I would be in serious trouble. Especially Chloe, she’d spread this around on the gossip train, and I’d never hear the end of it. Father would be furious, and my step-mother would only stoke the flames. I groaned and tugged on my clothes. I left the penthouse behind me, and I wished none of it had ever happened. I made my way home, but the pit in my stomach got larger as I got closer. It was as if I was walking into a dark cloud. The idea of facing my family after being gone all night made me sick to my stomach. As I always did, I reached up to take my necklace into my hand. It was an item of comfort for me, and one of the only things I had left from my mother. Only, when I went to touch it, it wasn’t there. My heart nearly stopped, and a new wave of panic overwhelmed me. It felt as if the darkness was closing in. Things had gone from bad to worse. Did I lose it? Had he taken it? Logan Eight missed calls from my father had me sneaking out of the hotel room while my one-night-stand slept. From the voicemails, I already knew there was a storm brewing at home. All he said though was that I had been caught on camera and needed to get home as soon as possible. So that is what I did. I drove home, all the while wondering what the big deal was. What did he mean I was caught on camera? And what did it matter? For two years, I have been playing it safe. I kept my head down, did what I was supposed to do, and I always got results. All I wanted was to become the next Alpha and to prepare for my campaign to be the next Alpha King. When I went around casually, I didn’t throw around my name, and instead I often introduced myself as a Beta. So what’s the big deal now? I arrived at the packhouse, and before I got out of the car, I grabbed my jacket off the passenger seat. A lump of gold fell into my lap. I didn’t remember putting anything in my pocket. As I picked up the golden necklace, I recognized the symbol on it. It was the family crest of the Blackwood pack, a wolf howling in the trees. Chloe, my original date for Valentine’s Day and official girlfriend of two weeks, was in the Blackwood Pack. But I don’t remember her ever having a necklace like this one. I remember her complaining a lot about her sister though, Emily. I ran my thumb over the howling wolf, following the texture through the trees. Did I just sleep with my now ex-girlfriend’s sister? I couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly. What a small world. Chloe was dating me, but cheated on me with Michael, who was dating Emily. Now Emily and I have slept together. I got out of the car, squeezing the medallion in my hand. This doesn’t feel like the type of thing I should have. I must have scooped it off the floor when I picked up my jacket. While I walked to the front door of the house, I put it in my pocket. I’d have to return it at the first opportunity I have. It’d have to wait until I finish handling whatever it was my father had determined was an emergency. Before I can think anymore on it, I walk into my father’s office. It’s a large space, fit with a solid oak desk and matching bookshelves behind it. An executive chair was on the other side of the desk, and there sat my father. As usual, he was well-dressed and garnished with gold jewelry. “Finally,” he said as soon as I walked in. “Alpha,” I said, my voice and face black as a clean plate. “Take a look at this,” he says as he slid a piece of paper across his desk. I stepped forward, and then I saw my step-mother and step-brother sitting on the couch on the far side of the office. I ignored their smug faces. As I approached the desk, I saw the piece of paper. It was a picture, an unclear one, of Emily and me. “Explain,” said my father. I picked up and picture to get a closer look. The picture was from behind us. All that could be seen was that we were linked arms. Emily was looking to the side, allowing the camera to get a small profile that was really just the tip of her nose behind her hair. I looked forward, and the details of my face were hidden. “It’s a picture,” I said, “with no discernable features.” “You think so? Everyone in here knew it was you,” said my father. “Who is she?” Of course everyone knew it was me. My step-family was out to get me. My half brother was also trying to become the next Alpha, so they’d do anything to keep me from succeeding the position. I’d bet my fortune that it was one of them who took the picture in the first place. The only thing I didn’t know for sure was if Emily or Chloe was in on it or not. My father, however, took my silence wrong. “That is not the kind of behavior I’d accept from you, Logan. You need to learn to think about the future and what your actions will do. If you want to be Alpha, you need to be smarter. I’m about to step down as the Alpha of this pack, and I thought you wanted to be next.” Imagine the Alpha messing around with girls, it was something my father would never forgive. Especially not from his heir. Remaining silent was not my style. “I am thinking about the future, and not just mine, but the future of the pack as well.” “How so?” “That is the Blackwood Pack’s Alpha’s daughter.” I spared a glance at my step-family on the couch. They seemed shocked at the news. It would seem they didn’t know who Emily was. This could be my chance to get ahead. An Alpha, and especially a potential Alpha, was stronger with a Luna at his side. “And who is she to you?” my father asked. “She is a strong candidate for my Luna. I need a strong, capable woman at my side, and Emily is perfect,” I answered. I heard an audible gasp from my step-family, but I didn’t pay any attention to them. Instead, I watched as my father leaned forward. “Is this true? Are you dating this woman?” “Yes, Alpha.” I answered instinctively. I don’t know what came over me. I wasn’t normally this reckless, but this was a window of opportunity. “Why haven’t you said anything before?” “It hasn’t been long, but things are getting serious more quickly than I thought.” “Well, then you should take it to the next step. This picture is the start of a scandal, but if she were your fiance, then there would be nothing to be worried about.” “Yes, Alpha.” “Make the arrangements quickly, before this gets out.” I nodded and stepped back from the desk. “Thank you, Alpha,” I said. I left the office without another word. I would need to make arrangements with my Beta as soon as possible. I needed to contact the Blackwood Pack and arrange a meeting before things got out of hand.