Casper
The first person I bumped into when I walked into the ballroom was my father. I fought hard not to roll my eyes at my bad luck.
He always seemed to take it personally when I didn't find my mate, and usually took out his frustration on me, like I was some kind of failure.
I braced myself for it.
"So, did you meet her?" he asked with a glint in his eye.
I was momentarily thrown. Did it look like I had found my mate? I held back my sarcastic reply, and instead said, "No, not this time."
My dad frowned briefly but then his face cleared as he said, "No, not your mate, I was talking about Miss Hartley."
"Oh, yes," I said in response, but then immediately grew suspicious at his tone. "Why, what have you got planned Dad?"
"Oh nothing, nothing," he said patting my shoulder lightly.
I knew him better than that. But I also knew it wouldn't be wise to push him either. I'm sure I would find out soon enough.
"Where is she anyway?" my dad asked.
"Oh, I've assigned a member of staff to her seen as her uncle had to leave. I didn't want her going out there alone considering the history and everything."
"Good thinking. Well done," he said before wandering off to talk with his brother.
What was I? A small child? He really knew how to get under my skin.
Still, he seemed happy enough which was a bonus, and now I could go and enjoy my evening. I needed a drink.
I saw a man walking passed in uniform so I waved my arm and shouted, "Hey you!"
He looked round and on seeing me he bowed down low. "May I help you Sir?"
"Yes, I need a drink. Do we have whiskey?"
"Yes Sir, we have a nice single malt?"
"Great. I'll have a double."
"Right away Sir."
And off he went. See? That is how a normal conversation went with the staff. It was so easy and not stressful at all.
So why was it so difficult with..........what's his name. I didn't know his name. It felt odd that I didn't know his name, but that was normal wasn't it? Of course it was normal. I glanced round the room at any members of staff I could see.
Yes, there was the guy with the oddly white hair, the really tall one, the bald one, and the one that was constantly nodding his head like the dog in the Churchill adverts. See, I did know them all, I just didn't know their names.
Perhaps I should come up with a nickname for him.......hmmm.....what type of animal would he be......?
My eyes were suddenly drawn to the back of the ballroom where Emily had entered with my Valet hot on her heels.
Emily sat down and he went off, I presumed to get her a drink.
I suddenly felt a warmth next to me and turned to see my sister Luna leaning towards me.
"So that's her is it? The lethal Miss Hartley?"
"She seems alright actually," I replied, suddenly feeling the urge to defend her.
Luna raised an eyebrow at me. "Oh my goodness, is my little brother in love?"
I stared at her, giving her my best 'back off' look. Luna was a master at winding me up. She was very perceptive and I always maintained that she used her powers for evil instead of good. Meaning that she used them to get on my nerves at every opportunity.
"So why do you think Dad invited her then?" my sister asked.
I shrugged. "I think he's just getting desperate now to find my mate."
Luna raised that eyebrow again. The one that usually said 'I know something you don't know.'
"What?" I growled at her.
"Oh nothing," she said with a small chuckle. "It's just that considering she's not your mate, Dad seems to be making quite an effort with her." Her eyes glanced over my shoulder.
I spun round in alarm and saw that my dad was indeed talking to Emily. And he was laughing at something she said.
It may not seem unusual for someone who had organised a ball to talk to their guests, but my dad was not a usual host.
My dad was, to put it mildly, antisocial. He thought that most people were too far beneath him to be worthy of his time. He generally only made an effort when he wanted something from them.
I noticed the Valet coming back with a drink, of what looked like white wine.
I felt myself tense. What if he did or said something inappropriate? My dad wasn't like me. My dad would make sure he was punished. And I wasn't talking about just a good telling off either.
I watched as the Valet approached Emily and held out the drink with his head bowed. I could see that my father was talking to him. I willed him to keep his eyes on the ground. After a few more seconds the Valet said something then shuffled away.
I let out a breath I didn't realise I had been holding in.
Luna, who had been watching the same interaction, looked over at me in amusement.
"Why so tense brother?"
There was no point in lying to her.
"I've been working with that Valet today, and let's just say he has a little difficulty sticking to the rules. But Emily seems to have taken a liking to him and I didn't want dad to cause a scene because he didn't bow enough or he said the wrong thing."
"It's not like you to take an interest in the staff," she said, while stirring her pink coloured drink with a cocktail stick that presumably once had a cherry on it.
I shrugged. "I don't usually, but he's Duncan's nephew, and like I said, he's new and still learning the ropes."
Luna nodded her head, seemingly happy with my response.
Luna didn't get on with many people, but Duncan was an exception. I think it was because he used to cover for her when she was little and up to know good. He had a bit of a soft spot for her I think.
A waft of cool air and the smell of pineapples suddenly breezed over to us, followed by a bellowing, "THERE YOU ARE!"
The pink, feathered, cockatoo lady grabbed hold of my shoulders and kissed my cheek before clapping her hands and exclaiming loudly how marvelous it was to see me again.
"I think that's my cue to go. See you later brother," my sister said, before sauntering off with her signature smirk on her face.
I looked back at the monstrosity in front of me.
"And how are you enjoying the ball Lady Elenour?" I asked, ever the polite host.
"Oh it's better that I could have ever hoped for!" she shrilled at me. "But I do feel as though your Beta is avoiding me. Have you seen him anywhere?" she asked while glancing round the room.
I scanned the area in vain. If I could find him, I could dump her on him. No such look.
"Never mind, I'm much happier with you anyway," she said, suddenly linking her arm through mine.
"Oh goody, look the band is here!" she said while pointing to the small 8 piece band that was setting up on the stage. "Oh I love a good dance, don't you?" she said looking directly at me.
I actually hated dancing. And at this moment in time I couldn't think of anything worse than having to dance with this woman.
"I'm not sure I...." I started before being interrupted.
"Oh, it'll be so much fun, you'll see. I think my favourite dance is the waltz, but I do love that music by.....oh what's his name..."
I tuned out as she babbled on. I looked around, trying to find an escape, when I saw the Valet, heading back towards Emily.
I noticed him glance over, and almost do a double take when he saw who I was talking to.
The bastard's going to laugh isn't he.....and there it is.
Sure enough he looked right at me with a smirk, not all that different to the one my sister was wearing earlier.
Without catching the attention of the cockatoo lady, I gestured at him to come over.
He glanced down at the drink in his hand, as if debating what to do, but then headed in my direction.
As he approached, I put my hand lightly on the Cockatoo lady's arm to stop her mid flow before turning to the Valet and saying, "Do they need me in the kitchen?"
The Valet opened, then closed then opened his mouth again, looking rather confused. I glared at him, willing him to cooperate, just for once.
"Looks like you're not needed after all," said Cockatoo lady. "Come on, Casper, you don't want to miss the first dance."
I shot the Valet one more look, that I hoped said something like, 'you better get me out of this or I'm going to make your life a living hell.'
It seemed to work.
"Sorry Sir.....um Master Bournville...but you're not needed in the kitchen yet..."
I groaned on the inside.
".....but you have been requested in the Dining Room. Something to do with the seating plan."
I loved this boy.
"Of course."
I turned to the Cockatoo Lady. "Please forgive me, but duty calls. I hope I'll be able to catch up with you later for a dance."
The Cockatoo lady looked very put out. "Oh, if you must go, then I guess I'll have to find another partner."
"I'm sure anyone would be delighted to take my place" I said, before turning and walking out of the ballroom, gesturing for the Valet to follow me.
As soon as we exited the room, I let out a sigh of relief. I turned and frowned at the boy behind me.
"You don't half like to make my life hard work," I said.
The Valet looked up at me and smiled. "I think you'll find that I just saved your sorry arse out there.....or would you like to go back and talk some more with Cockatoo lady."
"See!" I said, feeling rather exasperated, "you're a bad influence on me! When I look at her all I can see is a Cockatoo now!"
The Valet laughed. And I mean a full on laugh making him bend over and clutch his stomach. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.
It was then that I noticed the drink in his hand.
"Where are you going with that?" I asked.
"Oh, it's for your dad," he replied.
I felt a small knot appear in my chest.
"My dad?"
"Yeah," he said, still smiling. Although his smile began to falter when he saw my expression.
"Is that a problem?" he asked.
"Yes it's a problem!," boomed a familiar voice from next to us.
My body snapped itself round to face my dad who was stood next to us now with a scowl on his face. Thankfully he was looking at the Valet and so I had time to hide the initial expression of fear that will have been on show.
The Valet was not so fortunate. He now had his head bowed low and I heard him mutter out an apology.
"When I ask someone to get me a drink, I expect them to get me a drink. With no interruptions. Is that clear?"
"Yes Sir," the Valet mumbled, barely loud enough for me to hear.
"SPEAK UP WHEN YOU ARE TALKING TO ME!" my dad yelled and swiped at the drink in the Valet's hand sending the glass crashing into pieces on the floor down the hallway.
The Valet flinched back at the sudden movement and noise. I didn't move. I was used to these kinds of outbursts.
My dad moved over threateningly towards the valet, and I wondered whether he would make a run for it. He didn't and my dad grabbed hold of the collar of his jacket and lifted him up so they were face to face.
"If it wasn't for the fact that Miss Hartley has high praise for you, I would be kicking you out right now," he growled into the Valet's face, "but instead I am going to give you one more chance." He put the Valet back on the ground and straightened his collar. And then in a calm voice, like nothing had just happened, he said, "now go and clean up that mess as quick as you can, then get back to Miss Hartley. She's expecting you."
"Yes Sir," said the Valet, more clearly than last time, and he scuttled off towards the kitchen, no doubt to get a dustpan and brush for the broken glass.
My dad turned to look at me. "A word, son," he said then walked away, heading to his office.
I followed obediently. I felt a slight pain in my hand, and lifted it to look, and noticed that I had been clenching my fist so hard that my nails had drawn blood in the palm of my hand.
I quickly shoved my hands in my pockets so my dad wouldn't see.
As soon as the door closed behind me, he turned to face me, an unreadable expression on his face.
He cocked his head to one side slightly then asked, "Why did you allow him to address you in that way?"
I shrugged as though it wasn't a big deal.
"I don't know. He's new and he needs some serious training, but I didn't think tonight was the night to do that. Especially, like you said, since Miss Hartley seemed to take a liking to him."
My dad looked at me and I held his gaze. He was silent for a moment before asking, "do you know him at all?"
"No," I replied, "but I do know he's Duncan's nephew, so maybe I have been a bit lenient with him."
I saw a brief look of surprise cross his face, but it soon disappeared.
"Very well. I'll have a chat to Duncan, make sure he has more training before being exposed at events like these. I suppose he is very young and will hopefully learn quickly."
There was a pause in conversation, so I took the opportunity to change the subject.
"Can I ask what your intention was in inviting Miss Hartley tonight?"
My dad smiled at me. But it wasn't a kind smile. They never were.
"Why for you two to get to know each other of course," he replied.
"And why would you want us to get to know each other?" I pushed.
My dad gave a resigned sigh. "Do you not think it would be beneficial for the the two packs to once again form an alliance? There have been lots of reports about a group of Hunters who have been seen locally and I just thought it would be better if we put all that feud nonsense behind us. And what better way than through a marriage."
I stared at him but kept my expression blank. Over the years I had taught myself not to react to anything my dad said. It didn't take much to make him mad, and I had been on the receiving end of that anger more times than I cared to remember.
Instead I just nodded at him in contemplation.
"Look, I'm not saying you've got no choice in the matter," my dad said, "If you two don't get on then I'm not going to force you into it. But please consider it, and give it a chance. If not for yourself, then for the sake of your pack."
On the outside, I kept my calm facade, and channeled all my anger internally. My jaw was clenched so tightly that my teeth were beginning to ache and once again I could feel my fingernails digging into my palms.
After taking enough breaths to ensure I was calm, I replied, "Ok, I better get back to her then," and I walked out.
Instead of walking back to the ballroom, I walked the other way, going further into the house and away from all the guests.
I hated him! I really hated him! He had my life mapped out for me and I had no say in it whatsoever. But do you know what the worst thing was? It was that he was right. Of course it would be better if we were once again friends with the Hartley pack. And of course a marriage between me and Emily would ensure that. But the fact that my dad once again treated me like some sort of bargaining tool left me feeling empty and used.
Did he not care about how I felt at all? Did he not realise how big an impact this would have on my life?
What I really wanted to do was go for a run to release all the pent up anger, but I knew I couldn't do that. I would just have to walk around like a ticking time bomb until all the guests had left.
"Can I help you Master Bournville?"
I swung round to see Duncan standing behind me with a tray of empty glasses.
"No, I'm fine," I said running my hand through my hair. I felt my hand shaking slightly and so I quickly shoved it back into my pocket.
"Would you like to use my office?" Duncan asked, opening the door behind him.
I thought about it.
"Just let me go and drop off these glasses and I'll be right with you," he said, before walking off in the direction I came from.
I walked into his office and plopped myself down on a chair. I leaned over and put my head in my hands.
Why was I so mad? I knew that he was already planning my marriage, so it's not like I was surprised. It was just I felt so.....I don't know.....helpless. It was like I had no control over my life anymore.
The door opened and Duncan quietly padded over to his chair behind his desk and sat down.
I looked up at him and he was smiling softly at me. He was looking at me, but not in the eye like his nephew often did. Now that I looked at him, I couldn't see any similarities between the two. I would have never guessed that they were related.
"I'm fine, honestly," I said, smiling a little, even if it was forced.
"Is this about Miss Hartley?" Duncan asked, knowing me well enough to be able to see through my act.
I sighed deeply. "Not really," I said. "It could be about anyone, I guess. I just feel so out of control at the moment, you know?"
Duncan smiled again, and nodded quietly.
"But this is who I am, so I guess I should get used to it eh?" I said, this time actually managing a proper smile.
"I suppose it could be worse," Duncan said, "from what I've seen, Miss Hartley seems rather charming."
I smiled at Duncan's choice of words.
"Yes, she does, and she has also taken quite a liking for your nephew so I guess that shows she is a good judge of character."
Duncan chuckled a little at that, "I wouldn't go that far. I dread to think what he said to get her to want to spend more time with him."
I couldn't help but smile. I knew why she would want to spend more time with him, because I also wanted to spend more time with him. I guess he just had that effect on people.
"Oh, by the way," I said, remembering what happened earlier, "my dad is going to be having a word with you about an incident that happened earlier."
"Yes, the broken glass incident," Duncan said frowning.
I raised my eyebrows at him. He really did know everything.
"Just so you know," I said, "it wasn't really his fault. I asked for his help which meant he was delayed in taking the drink to my dad."
Duncan nodded slowly taking in what I had said.
"And was that the only thing he did wrong?" Duncan asked.
I wanted to say yes, but I knew it was pointless as my dad would tell him anyway.
"Well, no. I think my dad was annoyed at the rather familiar way he was talking to me."
Duncan remained still but his eyebrows raised a little.
"Again, it's not really his fault," I hurried to explain. "I should have corrected his behaviour earlier, but I just let it go."
"His behaviour shouldn't need correcting in the first place," Duncan said sternly.
I opened my mouth to defend him, but quickly shut it again, realising that it was pointless. Duncan was meticulous with the standards of the staff, and I would probably just get him in further trouble if I said anything else.
"Ok, but don't be too hard on him will you," I said to Duncan with a smile.
"Of course not," he replied, seeming to relax himself.
There was a short silence before I said, "He doesn't look very much like you."
Duncan chuckled lightly. "No he doesn't, but that's not surprising seen as technically he's not related to me."
I looked at Duncan in confusion.
"He's adopted," he said in response to my look.
"Ahhh," I said. I wanted to ask more, but it probably wouldn't be appropriate.
Thankfully Duncan didn't seem to need prompting. "His mum and dad (my brother) adopted him when he was 3, so even though he does know he's adopted, he's never known any other family but us. To be honest it feels like he has always been part of my life."
It was odd, but I kind of knew how he felt.
"So has he always been a bit of a handful?" I asked with a grin.
Duncan put his head in his hands and shook his head. "Why do I get the feeling that you haven't told me half of what he's done wrong?"
I laughed and put on a pretend shocked expression, "But surely you know everything that goes on, don't you Duncan?"
Duncan smiled and shook his head. "Some might say I have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to that kid."
"Well then, I'm glad I'm not the only one," I said laughing.
Duncan's smile slowly faded off his face and was replaced by a slight frown. I began to worry that I'd said too much.
"What's wrong?" I asked. I spent my life being careful about what I said and how I acted, but I was never that way with Duncan.
There was a moment of silence before he said, "I hope you don't think I'm speaking out of place, but please be careful. When you are alpha, you can treat your staff in whatever way you choose, but while you dad is in charge, he expects certain standards to be upheld, and any deviation will no doubt result in punishment. And I doubt it will be you on the receiving end of that punishment."
I knew exactly what he meant and felt a slight wave of anxiety pass over me at the thought of it.
"Don't worry about it Duncan. I'll make sure he knows the correct way to be. He just needs polishing off a little."
Duncan smiled, clearly relieved that I understood his concerns.
"And don't ever worry about speaking your mind to me," I added, "I wouldn't expect anything less."
"Thank you" Duncan said sincerely.