C7 One hell of a Family

~~

Diane had resumed her duty as her step sister's serving maid and today was the day of the Luna's ceremony. The day her destined mate, Alpha Xavier is going to announce her very own step sister as the Luna of his heart and his pack instead of herself. And regardless of that, she was still forced to prepare Hailey for the ceremony. Apparently, the universe cares nothing about her. Diane stood by Hailey's room entrance, anticipating her presence back into the room. She had excused herself earlier, complaining about the urge to pee. Just as the thought slipped, Hailey scurried back into the room, her face Bright and radiant. Of course, Xavier wasn't the only one that's a happy traitor, Hailey was too.

'They make just the perfect duo' Ivy, Diane's wolf scoffed.

Diane resumed the duties of detangling Hailey's hair.

"Ouch!" Hailey yelped, swatting Diane's wrist as she attempted to detangle it.

Hailey glared at her through the mirror.

'How frustrated are you that you are willing to take it out on the Alpha's Luna?!' she yelped, abruptly leaving her seat again.

Diane heaved an exasperated sigh. 'I'm struggling to make this work, Hailey. Please, cooperate by sitting still..'.

Diane's plea earned her a death glare from Hailey.

'Whatever' she blurted before settling back down.

Approximately an hour and half later, and about thirty two uncomfortable yanks and tugs, Hailey was ready. Diane flashed a satisfied grin, proud that she pulled the hairstyle off pretty well. She had pulled the hair into an elegant low bun with protruding end curls which framed Hailey's face lightly. She caught a hint of surprise and contentment on her step sister's face when she looked at her reflection but it soon disappeared.

Diane stood by and waited for her to get dressed in the blue dress she had picked out for this day. A pang of jealousy settled in the pit of her stomach when Hailey came out beautiful as ever. The blue dress cascading around her in soft, beautiful, waves.. She smiled slightly.

'The dress, Hailey... It's beautiful'.

In response, Hailey jutted out her chin stubbornly. ,'That's right. A Luna's ceremony is half a wedding for an Alpha. I have to look my best for him'

Involuntarily, Diane's eyes began to water. She threw her head back to stop the tears from falling. These weren't tears of happiness. They were that of denial, resignation. After the ceremony, he's going to mark her and once he does that. It's literally over for her. She'd have to live with the pain of watching her mate love someone else.

'How about you rethink your decision about this? Will you pretend to be his real mate forever? What if you find yours unexpectedly. How are you going to deal with it?'

Hailey turned sharply. 'Let it not be heard by anyone that I'm not the Alpha's mate, Diane. If this news starts to circulate, I promise I'll send you to your late father. You both can have a little reunion by the way' she sneered.

Diane sniffed, contemplating whether or not to state the obvious. 'But you do know that the Alpha of Stealth Pack is my destined mate..'

Hailey showed no hint of surprise at the news. Instead, contempt rolled over her features. 'He doesn't want you Diane. That's why he came for me' she sized Diane up with an unimpressed look. 'Moreover, a poor orphan like you don't worth him. Increase your worth and come back to him after. He might consider accepting you then. Now, lead me out, I've got my loyal subjects waiting on me'

Diane swallowed down the bile that formed in her throat. And led her out of the room. soon enough, they arrived the entrance of the hall where the celebration was being held. The white and gold decorated door soon flung open swiftly, revealing the duo. Hailey's face lit up with a smile as her fingers traced the silky texture of her gown. The crowd cheered excitedly, acknowledging the presence of their Luna. Diane started to walk behind her at a steady pace.

'You should stop here. I'll take the remaining walk myself' she ordered quietly.

Diane blended in with the number of crowd present and watched the ceremony unfold. She saw Xavier. His appearance striking as usual. He had a blue tuxedo on as well. His outfit matching that of his Luna except that his face was blank.. Expressionless. It was hard to tell which emotion he felt.. happiness, sadness, enthusiasm...

'So you're here too. How can a lowly maid be invited to the Luna ceremony of the Alpha!' Diane exhaled sharply, sure she'd hear her mother's voice. She turned to the direction of the voice.

'Mother'.

Abigail didn't wait to hear whatever Diane had to say, she left, walking gracefully to where the Alpha's parents sat. Behind her, was Crooks, who overall seemed pleased too. Diane wasn't dumb enough to not know that they actually knew too. Infact, there's a high possiblity that the whole idea was all theirs.

'Hey. Watch out. You freak! You're standing in the way' one of the pack members ranted, pushing Diane quite harshly..

Ivy growled. 'She's the one who should watch out!'

'I'm sorry' Diane quickly put in a word of apology, even when she wasn't standing in anybody's way.

The little scene earned her more attention from others.

'I can't believe they actually allowed her in here. We don't want no bad luck at the ceremony today.. Now, she would know better than seducing the Alpha since he's found his Luna....' Words continued to fly around in whispers. Whispers audible enough for Diane to make out.

They all soon fell quiet when the Alpha started to address the Pack.

'It's no news to you all that I've been blessed by the goddess with my Luna. And today is the day I officially announce her as Mine. You shall respect her the same way you respect me. You shall treat her with equal loyalty as well and make her feel as welcome! I shall now declare Hailey Crooks of Crescent Pack as your Luna!' he completed.

Diane's lips trembled horribly, just as she was about to flee from the hall, firm hands held down her shoulders.

'Just say the word. And I'll have her dead in seconds..'

Diane doesn't need to be told that the 'her' in this context is Hailey Crooks.

She panicked, spun around to see Michaelson looking back at her with a sly grin.

Her eyes widened horrifically when her pressed his mouth closer to her ears again.

'Just an order.. and I'll get it done' he repeated, very much serious this time.

~~

The perfect way to react to the statement, that, Diane couldn't tell so she flashed a nervous smile which she very much know is capable of making Michaelson cringe. Had he read through her mind? Her emotions? How was he able to tell she was unhappy at the union of the duo.? She shook the thoughts off her head. No way he knows.. He ain't a mind reader or something. She cleared her throat.

'Michaelson. I Kno you're new here but it's wrong to utter such words. Especially when it involves the Alpha. You might get killed or thrown into the dungeon' she cautioned, whispering quietly while scanning the environs to make sure no one is concentrated on them.

'I doubt they'll be able to control me' he snorted indifferently, his brown eyes narrowing on the Alpha who seemed to also be sneering back at him.

Diane looked from the Alpha to Michaelson a couple of times. Perhaps, he had heard their conversation using his wolf's hearing ability.. Diane started to get panicky, afraid they'd both get punished after the ceremony. She quickly nudged Mick.

'Stop staring straight back at the Alpha..' she whispered fiercely.

'I can't help me curiosity. He seems like an interesting one'

Thankfully and to Diane's relief, the moment of hostile, heated gazes soon elapsed between the two. She exhaled deeply, releasing the breath she had been holding the whole time. Quiet murmurs started to erupt from the crowd. Diane looked towards the direction every other wolf was curiously staring at. The Alpha's mother, Luna Melanie neared the duo. From what Diane could recall about what was rumored about her.. she treated a son with more favor than the other. No one knew why or better still, they pretend not to know why.

'Well, my fellow wolves. It's a pleasure to have my son stand before you with his destined mate. Luna Hailey Crooks. She's now a part of our pack and one of us. I hope they have a long happy union especially considering the fact that my son, the Alpha was quite adamant about accepting her...' she stated, her feminine voice holding a malicious tone, matching the devilish smirk she wore.

Diane sensed the Alpha's fists balled as he looked at his own mother with equal contempt. However, the crowd didn't fail to disappoint, shocked gasps here and there and indistinct chatters

'Please, do not mind it. My son has always been a stubborn one from the start. I'm glad he did own up to his responsibilities by claiming her...'.

The crowd fell silent all at once, gasps and murmurs buried deep in everyone's mind. Sweat, fear and anger filled the air. Everyone could see the Alpha seething in an obvious rage..

'Haha. Well... I think the ceremony is such an interesting one. While y'all enjoy the goodies, I'll lead the Alpha and our Luna to their private space.' A vividly familiar figure appeared, saving the atmosphere.

Diane's eyes lit up when she recognized, Ace. His words worked a great deal and everyone started to merry as he led them out through the back porch.

'They're one hell of a family. Aren't they?'.

'Why did she have to spoil the aura so bad'.

'She didn't. To be honest, I think it was boring till she came along' Michaelson disagreed.. 'Moreover they never get along because they don't share the be same blood'.

Diane looked up to him, eyes widened in disbelief. 'How do you mean?'.

'The only thing keeping them together is the former Alpha and Xavier's father, Scott.'.

The answer clicked. 'Alpha Xavier was born of a different mother?'

'Hmmm hmmm' he responded, walking towards the exit. Diane followed.

'How come you know all of these? I thought you said you're new here..'

'Let's say it's all thanks to my supernatural ability' he smiled.

Diane soon parted ways with him and headed to Chef Eric's restaurant where she would resume her work. Except she didn't know what attack was waiting on her.

~~