Chapter 8 Eight

Calista's POV

I lifted my hand and looked at the invitation card that arrived in my pack a few hours ago.

The alpha of the Fang pack was throwing a birthday party for his only daughter and he had invited me over.

I stared out through my office window. With a slight sign, I turned my face to the hard portrait of my father on the wall.

Darius was back and ready to fight me for the alpha position.

This pack was my father's legacy.

I couldn't let him have it.

Perhaps I could discuss my proposal with him right after the party.

I was sure other alphas would be there and it should be a good chance to mingle and make myself known.

Five years and I have never stepped out of my territory.

It was time to answer all the curious questions. Show myself to all those who have heard yet haven't seen me in person.

The next day was the day for the birthday.

The drive from the crystal to the fang pack was a six-hour journey.

We finally arrived and Alpha Thomas was kind enough to receive us in person.

It was almost dark by the time we arrived and the man had personally taken me to a guest room.

I might be a woman but my pack was one of the strongest in the west. We have lands and more to offer and I knew he was being nice to me because of my pack's reputation.

I didn't miss the look of disgust in the old man's eyes.

He probably thinks I should go and mate with a male and leave politics to the men.

Everyone thinks the same.

Politics wasn't for women.

He was free to think whatever he wanted but I wasn't interested in knowing his thoughts.

Whether this alliance happens or not I would have to move to another alpha.

The Fang pack was among the strongest and having them by my side would benefit me.

" Come in," I said and Ray walked in.

" Calista." He bowed and I turned away from the window. It was dark and cold outside.

The Fang pack was located in the south. It was the only pack that existed on that side.

" Just as we suspected. Darius isn't sleeping," he informed me and I swallowed.

He wasn't sleeping.

He saw this as an opportunity to strike and claim the pack.

" What is he doing?" I asked, curious about who he was planning to use now.

" He is going after them, the elders." I chuckled.

" Thank you, Ray," I said turning back to the window.

I didn't need a seer to tell me the elders would take his side.

I was a woman, they would say.

Back then they only kept quiet because there was no one else to carry on the alpha duties.

They let me rule for five years only because my father had only me. I was the only descendant of the Ruker bloodline and now that my uncle was back, they wouldn't think twice to settle behind him.

Their role in this would be to support him and encourage me to step down for him.

" I will prepare your bath," Ray said but I stopped him.

" I can do that by myself. You need to rest. The party is in a few hours." I reminded and he nodded.

Fang pack wasn't on my trusted cards. I couldn't but I wasn't some tower princess that needs someone to raise the sword to protect her.

" I can handle myself." I let him know.

" I will come to pick you up in a few hours then." He retreated and walked out of the room.

I let out a sigh.

I walked to the door and locked it before heading to the bathroom to prepare a bath for myself.

I adjusted the water temperature to my liking before pulling off my dress and stepping into the tub.

The water felt warm around my body.

So peaceful and relaxing.

For a moment I let my thoughts slide down from pack issues and suddenly I recalled the time I had with Zane.

The sex.

His rough yet careful touch.

I brushed it off immediately as I shut my eyes and opened it back.

I wanted to bury that memory away and focus on other important stuff.

I already have Ronan by my side. Having the fang too would be a step to winning against Darius.

He could manipulate the elders as much as he liked, but he wouldn't claim the pack without going through me.

I got out of the bathtub and pulled a white towel from the side to cover myself.

I picked up my phone to look at it only to realize it was time for the party.

It was thirty minutes past the time.

I set down my cell phone on the bedside after reading Ray's texts and replying to him.

He was ready and heading up here.

His room was on the ground floor.

I told him to use the spear key with him since I would be dressing up in the bedroom.

I took out the red dress from the bag and laid it on the bed.

I watched myself in the long mirror on the wall before releasing the towel from my body.

I grabbed the dress and pulled it on.

Long. Rough fabric and a long cut from my left leg to the mid thigh.

I stared silently at my reflection.

The beautiful feminine girl in the mirror was the girl my father raised.

Feminine and gentle.

I grabbed the box from the bed and began applying makeup to my already smooth face.

I grabbed the red heels sitting at the side of the bed and shoved them on.

I brushed my silver hair slowly behind me and finally applied a red lip gloss to my lips.

I gave my lips a touch before I grabbed my phone and headed out of the room.

Ray was standing beside the window, waiting for me.

" Ray. Let's go." I said and he turned to look at me.

His eyes stared at my face for a while before they lowered to take in the other parts of me.

" Gladly " he said without a compliment and I appreciated that.

The hall was a bit far away so we took the car.

Just the two of us.

The car halted in front of the building after barely five minutes.

Ray opened the door for me.

I hoped this would work.

' Mate!' my wolf howled in my head as I stepped into the hall.

Eyes spun in my direction.

Some whispered among themselves while others stared at me like I was some mystery.

Those who knew me couldn't hide their displeasure.

' He is here.' Isla whispered