I think the more that I go through this the easier it gets. It wasn’t formal wear tonight, not long gowns and tons of hair pins, but it wasn’t a power suit kind of night either. I still didn’t even know what we were doing here other than playing barrier for Xander and Oscar, who I guess has been targeted by a few of the ladies who have intelligently taken their sights off of the future Alpha, but decided the perks might be just as good going after his personal warrior.
Mina and I had a great laugh when Luna Anne told us that. I guess it was quit comical to watch him flounder as several girls tried to distract him at a dinner about six months ago and the attention has not wavered since.
“You should have seen his eyes as they walked right past Xander and straight to him. Pawing all over him while he was trying to do his job and stay near the prince. You would have thought they had three heads the way he was scrambling all night to avoid them. And of course Xander did nothing to help him, poor guy.
I had to finally step in and remind them that he was in fact working and had a very important job to do, something his mate would understand and not get in the way of.” SHe smiled as she mentioned that conspiratorially.
“Is that why they both need dates tonight?” I ask. “Because they are both being targeted by social climbers.”
“Yes, and tonight Reggie is going to talk to all the Alphas in our territory about the impending situation with the Rogue King. We are still trying to flesh out if the information you were given about that guy Tyler’s pack is accurate. We still believe you were right and something is going on inside our ranks.
There’s no way that he could maneuver outside of our notice this well for this long without the help. And while Alpha Sharp is the natural go-to for blame since he seems to always be at odds with someone, I don’t think he is smart enough to be a worthwhile asset for the Rogue King.
He would more than likely want someone who flies under the radar a bit more. It would be easier to get things done if no one is looking your way all the time. But Alpha Sharp could be part of the problem as a distraction. That is where you will come in, Jena.
I am not going to give you any information on the Alphas present tonight. I want you to flush out whatever you can from everyone you can, without any bias from us here. I think we are too close to the situation and that might be part of the problem.
So when Alpha Reggie asks, you were briefed and are ready to go, but I want your opinion as an outsider on everyone you witness tonight.”
Jena nods her head. “That actually sounds like a reasonable plan and I have Nathaniel who can help me identify people quickly if and when I do find anything.”
“That’s my girl.” Luna Anne smiles. “Now for you two,” She looks pointedly at Mina and I, “You both are about to have an irritating amount of resistance from the ladies who have gotten comfortable in your absence and they seem to be playing dirty and not very subtly. Just be on your guard and don’t let them goad you into anything. If you don’t know how to respond, just smile and stay quiet.
The less words from you they have to repeat the better. And they will definitely call you unapproachable or cold and b*thcy, but that is better than words that can be taken out of context. But you won’t be able to avoid socializing tonight. Listen for anything out of the ordinary as well and report back to Nathaniel so he and Jena can compare notes with everyone later.”
We all nod, understanding our jobs tonight. We all do a last minute check in the mirror before we go and I forgot how good Luna Anne was at this. We look amazing.
We are all in cocktail dresses that hit mid thigh, but that is where the similarities stop. Jena’s dress is solid black, long sleeved and form fitting, but when she turns around the back is completely open showing off her honey colored skin.
Her brunette hair is in soft waves hitting just at her shoulder blades. Her amber eyes almost glow under the soft smokey make-up. She looks whole and healthy and completely fierce
