The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

I was not sure how long I had slept but when I woke up, I woke up with a bad headache. Every single muscle in my body ached and my eyes felt extremely heavy.

I did not want to wake up so I just gathered the sheets and pulled them up on my head. A gentle tap on the door made me roll to the side and got up to open the door.

I opened the door and it was Violet. Immediately she saw me and she bowed her head and said ” Sorry to bother you, my Lady it’s almost time for dinner, you have to dress up and come downstairs.”

” Okay! Just a few minutes and I will be ready.” I answered and she smiled and left.

I closed the door and leaned on it. I felt a little nervous going down for dinner knowing that I would likely meet my husband-to-be. I was so nauseated with fear and worries that I felt that I might throw up at any minute.

If I kept overwhelming myself with those thoughts, I would break down and cry but I won’t allow it to happen. I can’t meet him with puffy eyes.

I had to be strong. I’m strong just that I lacked a little trust in myself.

I decided to pick out a beautiful dress that will impress him. I sighed as I brushed out my hair and left it loose, as the long blonde-colored curls were one of my best assets. I stared at myself in the mirror and decided to wear light makeup just to add some definition to my eyes and I applied a shimmery nude gloss to glow my lips.

I took out a green silk dress and put it on, it fits perfectly like a glove, enhancing every single curve. And I wore black flat heels to compliment the look. I looked great, I can’t remember the last time I made so much effort to look good.

I turned around checking my looks for the last time, I opened my door and walked out of the room. I gently climbed down the stairs one at a time trying to navigate my way to the dining hall. Immediately I got to the ground floor, I saw some pack members scurrying around in preparation for dinner.

I noticed Violet running towards me her face rift in a smile and her eyes lit up as I stopped to wait for her

” There you are, my Lady! The Queen had just sent me to go fetch you. The meal will soon be served. You look very beautiful, I love your dress.” She gurgled cheerfully and led me to the dining hall. We stopped at the large oak door that was closed and Violet opened the door for me to enter and I was surprised that the dining hall was filled up unlike in the afternoon when it was empty. The dining hall was filled with elegantly dressed men in their velvet robes and the ladies looked gorgeous in their glittering gowns.

I was nervous and I did my best to strengthen my backbone and walk normally. From every table, heads turned to gaze at me and people whispered and I felt blood drain from my face. I’m not really a shy person and I also don’t like being the center of attention. I was having mixed feelings about the whole situation but I was trying my best not to show it.

” Isabella my daughter, Here you are! Over here, please!” The Queen stood, hugged, and gestured me to an empty seat and I went to sit while Violet bowed to us and left the dining hall back to the kitchen. My gaze swept over the massive hall that was filled with large ornate tables.

I gazed around hoping to see the Queen’s children. I was looking for Arden but there is no sign of anybody that fits the description Violet had given me earlier.

As if the Queen sensed my thoughts she patted my back and whispered to my ear “My boys will soon join us, please relax and enjoy the dinner.”

I nodded and gave her a little smile while she started introducing me to the people at our table and they offered a small friendly smile and a handshake which I returned the gesture with the same affection.

Soon the Pack chef came in with some staff and they started going around the hall serving food. ” Today is our annual Lupercalia festival, so we always gather together to have dinner and celebrate.” the Queen explained, as trays of grilled chicken, bowels of salad, and cheese lasagna, and carved ring and ball glazed doughnut were arranged at each table.

The aroma of food filled the air and it smelled delicious and the Queen didn’t hesitate to commend the chef on her excellent cooking

” Chef Lucinda please meet Isabella Cross. Arden’s wife.”

” Isabella my daughter, this is Chef Lucinda, she is our Pack chef and she is passionate and skilled when it comes to food.” Chef Lucinda blushed a lil and bowed

” Thank you, my Queen. Nice to meet you, my Lady! You’re welcome to the pack. If you will excuse me, please I need to get the dessert ready.” and she hurried off

The dining hall was filled with laughter and quiet murmuring of people who were relishing their feasts and having casual conversations.

Suddenly the entrance door flew open and a pin-drop silence blanketed the large dining hall. Striding into the hall were two young men and immediately I felt an unfamiliar sensation take over my body. It was something entirely different from anything I had ever felt before. I could feel the shift in the air as if a pressure weighed down on me and I found it difficult to breathe.

It felt like my heart was burning and putting some pressure on my chest. Could it be that I am having a heart attack? But I wasn’t feeling any kind of pain, rather it was a warm and pleasant sensation.

I held my head at the temples and peeked through my hands at them.

” Violet was right”