Chapter 164

Arthur’s Pov

“Smile, Arthur. It’s not a grimace, it’s a smile.” My father hisses into my ear, even though his teeth are clenched some spit still manages to get through. Any of the paparazzi witnessing this interaction would think it was just a friendly fatherly comment to a beloved son.

I take a deep breath and try to heed my father’s advice. It took a lot of strings to be pulled and a lot of promises made in order for us to secure a spot at the Shining Coat event.

So, here we stand on a red carpet lined with a red rope, the only barrier between us and a thousand screaming fans. Behind us is a backdrop that sports the events logo and to the sides of us are other A-list celebrities that no doubt are wondering what we’re doing here.

Ever since I got bit by a vampire and the unfolding of events after that the Hurricane Pack has taken a hit to reputation. Truth be told, I don’t even care if all these fakes like me. I just want Almara’s parents to approve of us.

Our status did peak back up when news spread that my father killed a vampire, of course Jafe was only a rower, practically a nobody. It’s not like my father killed anyone important, important enough to really spike up our reputation at least.

Ever since the calming of those headliner events, some of these so-called friends standing next to us have dodged all our phone calls. I guess I can’t blame them, it was in their best interest.

It’s weird though, I don’t even care about being here. In fact, ever since all the outside drama as calmed down, Almara and I have been having our own internal drama- and I’d much rather the former.

I can’t help but get a feeling that she needs me right now, though that’s not it. I can’t put my finger on it. If Almara was in trouble, I’d know and I defiantly wouldn’t be here. This feeling is a bit more vague, but something is definitely going on.

Until I get that fated-mate signal that she urgently needs me, I guess I’ll have to wait for our nightly phone conversation. Those times have really have been what’s getting me through the day.

I miss Almara and Grace so much, I can’t believe it’s only been a week. Luckily, my father has taken advantage of my alone time by filling it up with glamours events, like this.

The Shining Coat. I think to myself which brings forth an authentic smile to my lips. What a stupid event. A bunch of egotistical bigshots groom themselves and get nominated as the wolf of the year with the best fur, with it comes a bunch of brand partnerships in hopes to sell their products.

I won a couple years back and I didn’t use a single product that I was selling. “Arthur! Arthur!” It’s hard not to grimace as the utter screeching that gets hurled my way as we move further down the line.

I turn toward the direction of the screaming and see a group of young wolves, barely dressed enough to cover their just blossoming bodies. I give my signature smile and a wave and I swear one almost faints.

A couple years ago I would have been drooling over the girls, though of course never actually doing anything with them. The thought of even touching a civilian seemed beneath me. Now when I look at these girls, all I can think about it how I will not be letting my daughter leave the house looking like that.

I feel a paw thud ion my back. “How’d that feel?” My father says with raised eyebrows as if I just scored some points in a game or something.

“Stupid.” I say, though still smiling just incase a flashing camera captures my face. My dad gives me a look that I’ve seen a hundred times, one that says “watch it.” It’s true though. Almara should be here with me, or me with her.

The night goes on, the minutes crawling by. Inside, the event venue is elaborately decorated in a black and white bash with accents of gold. Butlers are hurrying around serving decadent appetizers on trays.

I eat and drink something every chance I get so that I don’t have to busy myself with talking to these dreadful people.

Unfortunately, I think I’ve had one drink too many and now I’m slumped in my chair unable to feel my face. Instead, all I can feel are my heart throbs for Almara.

If Almara were here, maybe the night would be better but mostly she would just remind me of how fake all this is. I’m beginning to realize she’s the one showing me things in the relationship, not the other way around.

I have no idea where my father went, but if he could see me now he wouldn’t be happy.

Finally, the night concludes with the ceremonies which I nor my father won. Instead, some newcomer onto the scene won. A young pup whose starring in some movie coming up. We all applaud and congratulate him, knowing all along he’d be the one to win. It’s all a big promotion.

Just as I’m about to leave, Valarie Gash comes up to me, slithering her way over like a snake. I hope my face doesn’t convey my thoughts. Valarie is not the woman you want to insult. She knows everyone and about everyone. I actually don’t think she’s famous for any talent, I think it’s her ability to know the right people and influence others.

“Arthur!” She beams, her eyes twinkling with delight but beneath that she’s cold and dead inside. “So good to see you here. I’ve been worried about you.” She says, bring her drink up to her lips. I know her well enough to know that’s a lie. Valerie doesn’t care, she’s only curious.

“How kind of you.” I say and that’s all I say.

“Where’s your new girl?” Valerie says exaggeratingly leaning around looking for Almara.

“My wife is at her parents, they haven’t met the grandbaby yet.” I tell her, and it’s mostly true. If Valerie just hears that Almara is at my parents, there’ll be a news story that the Alpha couple split by noon tomorrow.

Valerie brings herself back to center and furrows her brows feigning confusion, though the sly curl of her lips tells me she knows something. “Hm.” Is all she says. I hate to admit that she’s peaked my interest and she knows she has.

“What?” I ask more sharply than I intend.

“Well, it really is none of my business.” Valerie says and I wish we could just skip past this whole act.

“Valerie if you know something about my wife, you should tell me.” I tell her, the alcohol now making my blood run hot.

“Oh please, call me Val.” She says and gives a slight touch on my arm. It takes everything in me not to yank my arm back. Seeing that I’m not amused, Valerie goes on.

“Oh lighten up Arthur, I’m just having fun. I thought you and your wife were into that.” Valerie says, her voice going up an octave as to either taunt or question me. I raise my eyebrows.

“Excuse me?” I say, clenching and unclenching my fists at my side.

“You don’t know?” Valerie clicks her tongue and shakes her head. “Your wife is on a date.” She says simply.

“She’s home with her parents.” I say leaving no room for argument, but Valerie just shrugs her shoulders.

“I have some friends that saw her out with some guy. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Valerie says and then her attention is grabbed by someone else. “Oh, I must go Arthur. It was so good catching up.” She says and tosses her long black hair over her shoulder.

I want to believe Valerie is just making this up, but that’s not her style. Valerie doesn’t so bold face lies. She takes snippets of the truth and amplifies them, which means at least something of what she said was true and that’s enough to send me in a spiral.

Screw waiting two more weeks. I’m going to bring my wife home. Now.