Chapter 48

Waking up in James’ arms had become my newest obsession. After another round of slow passionate lovemaking, we were both exhausted and happily satisfied.

I was so tempted to stay in bed with him all day if time had allowed. That pull in my chest remained warm and buzzing with comfort.

James pressed a gentle kiss to my head and told me that he’d scheduled a dress fitting with his sisters for the Alpha Gathering.

So, there I was, up to my eyes and various fabrics of silk, satin, and velvet. I was surrounded by countless shades of styles and color palettes that I felt utterly hopeless. Thank God, I had Lana and Kristen there with me to talk me through the process.

“Remember, try and go with a gown that runs no longer than the heel of your shoes,” Kristen said. “You don’t want to be tripping over yourself all night.

“Oh! And really consider going in a darker shade. The Derek’s signature color happens to be sapphire; however, don’t feel obligated to have to settle for that.”

‘Well, shit...Now what was I going to do?’ I thought nervously.

Lana and Kristen shared a knowing look between themselves before busting out laughing at my worried expression.

“Alright, alright,” Lana giggled. “No worries, we’ll make sure that everything is perfect.”

Kristen nodded. “Agreed. Now, if we’re not going to do sapphire then I suggest we go with either an emerald or a dark purple shade.”

The tensions in my shoulders graciously loosened up. “Is there anything that I should be made aware of before this event takes place or even during it?” I asked.

Lana moved on to glance through some of the shoes the shop had on display while Kristen looked at the various accessories.

“Try and keep your distance from the Callaberos,” Lana stated. “Much like the Quintons, their attendance is nothing more than a social formality; however, they love to try and sink their claws into anyone new they haven’t heard of.”

My anxiety started to creep back in. “So, basically someone like me?”

Kristen gave me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. If anything, you’ve caused nothing but intrigue for these people. That initial press conference gave everyone a lot to wonder about.

“Don’t forget, Mia. You and James basically married out of nowhere, of course, people are going to want to know you.”

I nodded my head. “You’re right.”

“I wonder if Mother has finally come around to warming up the idea of Mia and James’ marriage,” Lana said.

“Oh, who knows,” Kristen muttered.

My mind circled back to the article Monica had tried to hurt me with. It really made me wonder if Diana had become affected by it in any way. ‘Christ, just what I need,’ I thought dryly. ‘Give the woman another reason to hate me.’

“So, am I pretty much expected to meet the rest of your family?” I asked.

“Pretty much. Well, perhaps not everyone...” I glanced up from the dress rack to see Lana and Kristen staring at one another as though they were in on some sort of hidden joke.

I let a moment go by before questioning it. “What is it?”

Kristen’s features were enveloped in hesitation. “Edward Derek, our uncle. He was exiled years ago for trying to take over the family company after a failed coup. Technically, he’s not allowed to be anywhere near the family; however, I wouldn't put it past the psychopath for trying to make an appearance.”

‘Holy shit,’ I said to myself.

“If he knew what was good for him, he would stay away and do us all a favor and spare us the embarrassment and rage,” Lana said firmly.

My curiosity was thoroughly peaked by that point. I wasn’t sure what sort of reaction I would get out of James, but I wanted to inquire more about this unspoken uncle of his later.

“Well, on another note,” I began. “How long does this event exactly go on for?”

Lana sighed. “A good portion of the night, give or take.”

Kristen snorted. “Yeah, it starts around seven and then proceeds to go on until a little past twelve...Or at least until some of the alphas end up getting into a brawl.”

My brows lifted in surprise. “Really? Does that actually happen?”

The sisters laughed and nodded their heads. “Oh, yeah. More than you’d think given the class of people that attend the damn thing. But, really, if you think about it, it’s not that surprising that something so brutish would happen.”

“It’s true,” Kirsten confirmed. “With all those alphas around one another, shit is bound to hit the fan at some point.”

“But, in any case, consider the night to be divided up into three main parts,” Lana explained. “The first part will be the cocktail and greeting session. Followed by a bit of dancing and then dinner. And then everyone disperses and gathers into more selective social groups for the remainder of the evening.”

I nodded my head, hoping that I’d be able to remember all of it.

“Believe it or not, it goes by rather fast.”

I found myself shrugging in turn. “I just don’t want to make a fool of myself.”

I understood the severity of the event from the first moment James had mentioned it to me. It was, after all, one of the main reasons which sparked the marriage agreement between us. James needed a wife and proof of a potential heir to appease the masses.

Once the three of us had settled on our selected dresses and accessories, the shop owner scheduled to have the gowns delivered to the house as soon as the alterations were made.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

I glanced down at my phone to find out who was trying to contact me. I didn’t recognize the caller ID but chose to answer the call anyway.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Mia,” a familiar low voice spoke out. A thousand chills raced down my spine.

“U-Uncle David?” I asked.

The man chuckled in amusement. “So glad that you were able to remember me,” he humored. “As I’m sure you already know, the Alpha Gathering is right around the corner.”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do,” I commented.

Where the hell was he going with this conversation?

“Wonderful, well, I can certainly tell you that both myself and Michael are deeply looking forward to seeing you again. It’s been far too long since we’ve last been acquainted. I’m hoping to change all of that very soon.”