Werewolf Compilations novel Chapter 119

My hand stays caught in James' as my eyes roam over her large belly again. "Hi," she says surprisingly and straight-to-the-point even though it is one word. "I know we kinda already introduced ourselves, but I'm Ava, again."

We seem to separate from our mates, creating our own conversation while they ramble on about the rogue situation. "I'm Rae, again."

She smiles, and out of all the smiles I've been given tonight so far, hers seems the most genuine. "I see you glancing at my belly," she says, relaxed. "I'm pregnant—just in case you thought it was because of some other bizarre reason."

"Oh, no. I know. I'm sorry for staring."

She shrugs, her gold dress flowing from her body with hints of sparkles as it cascades down. Ava looks to be truly glowing. "I don't mind. A lot of the woman in here stare at it and nudge their mates. The men, not so mesmerized, but the woman are constantly asking to feel. So, are you wanting one for yourself or are you just intrigued by the fact that I've been standing for this long?"

A short laugh escapes me. "No, no I'm just intrigued, I guess. I mean, I'm mostly just glad to see someone around my age who's also in my position."

"Yeah, not a lot of young ones right now. Honestly, it's pretty nice talking to someone who doesn't scold their mate for not giving them a baby yet after talking to me. So, you're not Alpha Blood? That's what I've been hearing. The crowd whispers."

I shake my head, happy that someone finally brought it up. Sure, at first it was a relief that no one noticed, but after a few stares and hints, I've been growing impatient. "No, I'm not Alpha Blood, I'm regular blood."

"Well, how regular can you be if you're mated to Alpha Grant?" She asks, not really asking, though. "Honestly, there's no difference besides the whole born with power thing."

"There's the pain," I share, not knowing why I feel so comfortable around her. At this point it can't be her age, it must be her personality. Something about Ava tells me that she's not judgmental.

"It hurt when he marked you, huh?"

I nod. "But I'm sure that's it, though there are not many people to ask. The chance of an Alpha being mated to a non-Alpha Blood is more unlikely than I first thought."

Our easy conversation continues until I notice someone out of the crowd. First, he appears in the corner of my eye, then as a flash in the crowd. I carefully look from person to person, not seeing him anymore. A feeling rises inside of me, and I grab James' arm. He breaks conversation with Alpha York and looks down to me. "Is everything alright?"

My eyes find his immediately. "Is your father here?"

"No, Rae. He hasn't been back. Why?"

I gaze at the crowd again. "I thought I saw him."

"Are you sure?"

"I don't know, maybe I just got him mistaken with someone else. I'm probably seeing things."

James looks over the people himself then says, "Excuse us," to Ava and Alpha York before grabbing my hand and leading me away.

"Did you see something?" I ask in a hushed tone, my voice rushed.

"No, but I'm going to talk with a guard."

Coincidentally, James walks up to Theodore and motions for him to follow us. We go into the back corner of the room before James tells Theodore to

"Walk around the room and send a few guards outside to scan the area. Rae believes she saw my father and we just want to make sure."