Classical music played softly throughout the grand ballroom. People of every shape and size were attired in their finest clothes. All of them mingled regardless of their apparent social status. The middle of the ballroom allowed enough room for couples to roam and dance gracefully to the light sway of the music. At the far end of the wall there were tables laid with the most delectable dishes and treats. Drinks were also provided as wait staff moved around silently, invisible to those in attendance. Each waiter tactfully presented a tray to anyone with an open hand, offering champagne and an array of liquor. This was the social gathering of the century. Select young wolves were groomed for this event. When an invitation arrived for an Alpha to attend the ball in London, it was an honor. It was an evening full of dancing, eating, drinking, and, most importantly, scenting the air for a potential mate.
"You really must visit one day, my lady. Your brother says you have never seen the Tower!" Maryse gushed in her heavy French accent.
"Perhaps one day when my duties lighten and I have time to travel. Paris will be kept in the forefront of my mind." Airami nodded politely with a tight smile, but kept her true thoughts to her own mind.
She would never have time to leave England on a vacation, nor would she desire to. She was Airami Windsor, the Duchess Alpha of Pack Windsor. She and her twin brother had a pack to look after. Since neither was mated, they shared Alpha responsibilities as a mated pair would typically do. It was a responsibility they inherited when they had come of age. If her brother were to find a mate and groom her well enough to be a leader of which Airami approved, she would back down. If Airami by chance found her mate, she would accept her fate. Although, she shuddered in despair at the thought. It was an upheld tradition that females traveled to the males' pack.
"Well our home is always welcome to you and your brother. Perhaps even to you and a mate one day," the French woman offered with a wink and took a sip from the champagne glass in her hand.
"Your humor is amusing," Airami told her with a small eye roll. "My family has hosted these gatherings since the beginning of our creation. If my mate is not one of the Alphas that has attended countless times, then he's not worthy of my status."
Maryse's eyes widened in shock at the English woman. "But, ma chère, worthy? What about love? What about finding the one destined for you?"
"Oh please, Maryse. For hundreds of years, nearly every Alpha from all over the world has been invited to our home once every fifty years. The goal in mind is to have us all exposed to potential mates. My brother and I have been leaders of the Windsor pack for the past five hundred years. That's ten gatherings, not to mention all other global events I've hosted. If my mate is out there, he's not an Alpha," she replied with a shrug, taking the opportunity to drink from her own crystal glass of champagne. Anything to make the night by faster.
"But you forget, the Americans are coming this year."
Airami coughed, nearly sputtering out her alcohol. She clasped her hand over her mouth to contain it and began coughing softly to catch her breath.
"W-what did you say?"
"About the Americans? New Alphas have taken claim. They haven't been able to attend to previous --"
"No, no. Not that. Are you insinuating that one of the
Americans
is my mate?"
"Well I suppose it could be a possibility-"
"Stop your thoughts. There is no possible way that one of those is capable of being my match."
"Oh, but come now, Sweet Sister. You never know." A male voice drawled, swooping into the women's conversation. He came up beside Airami and wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing her cheek politely.
Daniel Windsor was the spitting image of his twin. With flawless waves of brown hair and deep hazel eyes that accented his strong cheekbones and defined jawline, most women wished they were lucky enough to be destined with him. Daniel was easily the most powerful Alpha in the world. His good looks were merely a plus.
Daniel and Airami's power wasn't merely from the size of their pack; it was from their ancient bloodlines. The first shape shifters originated in England, spreading out over the world as they grew in numbers. Packs split off and expanded, but remained loyal to their origins. It wasn't easy for the original Windsor Alphas to run their pack and all the others.
The Council was formed. Many volunteered for the duty, but only a handful of their wisest and most sensible wolves were selected. The Council decreed their most sacred rules, taking the weight off of the Windsors. The Windsor Alphas were sworn members, but their first priority was always going to be their pack. The Council's sole duty was to ensure that their rules and way of order was followed. If not, consequences always followed.
"Really? What about you, Daniel? One of them could be for you," Airami retorted, her lips pursed as she gave him a sour look.
Daniel merely laughed, showing off his pearly white teeth. His canine fangs extended longer than usual, hormones reacting to the amount of Alpha testosterone in the room. "I highly doubt one of those uncivilized rebels could be up to my standards. But I invite them to come and try."
Airami nodded, knowing the twins shared the same views on mating. If it happened, they would accept it. But for now the two of them were perfectly happy to share the duties of Duke and Duchess Alpha. Airami would receive the blunt end of the stick if such a thing ever happened, though. When a male claims his mate, the she-wolf is expected become Lady Alpha at his den. It was the woman's duty to uproot and embrace her mate's family as her own. But England was the place she was born and raised, and she wasn't prepared to leave. On the contrary, if Daniel found a woman, nothing would change in his life. That was just the way it always had been. It was a man's world when their civilization was born, and it had been a man's world ever since. Traditions were always followed.
