The Alpha's Slave Mate novel Chapter 76

Caleb’s Point of View

Words can not describe how proud of Daphne I am. Even with everything that we had going on, she had managed to pull off an elegant but cozy dinner for everyone. The catering company went out of their way to ensure that there was a large variety of food, and drinks available to our guests. Daphne and the girls had managed to turn our formal dining room into a lovely, decorated area for the dinner tonight. I was impressed to learn that she was the one that folded the linen napkins into origami swans. It was beautiful, and classically elegant. Walking into the room I quickly spotted her sipping a glass of wine talking to Scarlett, and Lola. My heart swelled looking at my beautiful mate.

Daphne had chosen to wear a simple black cocktail dress tonight, with simple beading on the bodice, and a peek a book slit on the left leg. I swear that there was no woman that could outshine her radiant beauty. “We are lucky men, aren’t me?” Marcus asks as he comes to stand beside me.

“Yes, I do believe we are brother.” I answer him. We stand there for a moment in silence simply enthralled to watch our mates conversing and laughing. I love seeing Daphne relaxed. Soon the room is filling in with our guests. The girls had placed name cards earlier. I signaled that everyone should be seated so that we could be served dinner.

“Where is my angel? How come she is not at this dinner?” Alpha Axle was upset that Hannah was not currently in attendance. I looked at Daphne equally unsure as to why Hannah was not here. Even though this dinner was for the visiting Alphas and their families, Hannah has always been readily accepted as our kin.

“Hannah has opted to stay and visit with her new friend Isabella. You may not have heard but one of our pack members has recently adopted three siblings, and Hannah insists that she ensure their comfort and stability in their new home.” Daphne answers without missing a beat.

Axle turns and looks at his Beta with a large smile on his face. “See she already acts like a Luna. I cannot wait to introduce her to our pack.”

A large growl ripples through the dining room, and I can see that Theo is having a hard time controlling his emotions. Scarlett reaches over and pats his arm affectionately; it is an attempt to calm him.

“Alpha Axle I mean no disrespect but please consider your words more carefully. You happen to be discussing our daughter, and although we will be happy if you are her destined mate, it is still shocking to both of us.” I admired Scarlett’s ability to be political about the situation. Axle murmured an apology and quickly looked down at his plate like a chastised child.

The catering company quickly sent their servers in with a variety of appetizers and a variety of drinks. Once they had scuttled off Alpha Jerome stood to make an announcement. “My pack is already aware of what I am about to say but seeing as how I have an alliance with almost every pack around this table, I would like you all to be the next ones to know.” He takes a deep breath before continuing. “Although it has been a huge pleasure for Alma and me to be the Alpha and Luna of the Mission Pack, I am going to be stepping down within the next month. I had hoped that my eldest son Elliot would be taking over as Alpha, but he and his mate Winona have told me that they are returning to her pack. It is with great honor that I take this moment to announce that my son Hawk will be the next Alpha of the Mission pack.” His son stands and shakes his father’s hand before enveloping him in a hug. “Since we are here as friends, I hope that the alliance I have in place will continue as my son steps into his role as Alpha.” With this last bit Alpha Jerome sits back down.

“Alpha Jerome it will be our pleasure to continue the alliance with the Mission pack if your son wills it moving forward. Hawk congratulations, you have had an excellent mentor in your father. I hope that you continue with the values that he has set for your pack.” I let the soon to be Alpha know that he will always find a friend in our pack. Marcus, Cole, and Noah all state the same to the young man. It did not escape my notice that Axle did not offer up any words of encouragement, but I choose to speak with him later about the subject.

After the announcement, the servers bring us out a variety of main course dishes, and soups. The table settles into each of us talking with our neighbors, catching up, and enjoying the evening. I felt bad for Alpha Cole as he was seated next to Heather. She was flirting shamelessly with him and staring at him as if he were a buffet. I took advantage of the moment of peace to compliment my mate. “You did great my love. Dinner has been amazing, and the dining room looks splendid.” I leaned over and whispered into her ear.

“Thank you, Caleb although Scarlett did most of the decorations. She has an eye for it.” My mate forever remains humble.

By the way that dress looks phenomenal, although I think it would look better on our bedroom floor. I choose not to resist the temptation to send her a message through our mind link. I watch in pleasure as her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink, and she gently swats my arm in warning.

I was just being honest love. In truth when I first seen you in it, I thought of throwing you on this table and ravishing you like a starving man. I loved watching the pink turn to a deep red as she started to envision the same thought. I could hear her heartbeat speed up, and I knew that I was having an affect on her.