Chapter 134
HANNAH
"It's been a long time since we did this," Willa said.
Alpha Wallace gave her an indulgent smile, one of his very rare ones.
He nodded. "That's true. A lot... too much has been going on lately and we've barely had time for a family breakfast."
Part of that, in fact most of it, was my fault after all the drama I had brought to the Wallace's household. As usual, Jace seemed to read my mind. His hand found mine, and gently squeezed it under the table.
"Don't sweat it," he mouthed. "You're part of the family now."
His eyes cut to my mother who was eating her food happily.
Willa said, "It feels nice to be sitting here with you all. We should do this more often."
"I agree," Alpha Wallace said quietly. "Sauce, anybody?"
The Wallaces made small talk while I slowly shipped my glass of juice. Willa of course dominated more of the conversation as she chatted happily with her father about all the details of her life lately.
When the table had been cleared and dessert served, Alpha Wallace said, "I wanted us to discuss something very important."
"What?" Jace said, concentrating on cutting up a huge slice of apple pie for himself. "You mean Alpha Dawson? We took care of him already. No problems from that end."
The ghost of a smile touched the Alpha's lips for a brief moment. Chase had told me earlier that he knew his father wished he had been there to see Dawson's humiliation. At the time he had been away on important pack business.
Sometimes, I wondered if Alpha Wallace hated Dawson for some other reason. Or was it just because of me?
"I already know that," Alpha Wallace said, leaning back in his chair. "In fact, it's because you have eliminated a huge threat that I've finally decided to go ahead with my plan..." He paused and glanced at Willa like he was waiting for her reaction, hoping for it. "...to host the annual Ice Stone Ball."
Willa almost jumped out of her seat as she squealed with excitement.
"Yes!" she cried, pumping her fists triumphantly in the air and giving her father's hand a vigorous shake.
Apparently, she knew what the ball was about.
"A ball?" I repeated.
My mother stopped eating, wanting to hear the explanation too.
Willa giggled. "Yes. A masquerade ball. It's basically religion for us. We host it every year."
Alpha Wallace nodded. "That's right." He turned to me. "The Ice stone ball usually holds on the seventh full moon of the year which is in about-"
"A week's time," Willa interrupted. "I've been looking forward to it. I didn't think we would have it this year with... you know." Her face clouded over a little bit then almost immediately brightened again. "With all that has happened."
"It's an important event," Alpha Wallace continued. "The whole pack is anticipating it. I don't plan to cancel it for minor reasons."
Cade who had dropped his fork and pushed aside his plate the moment the ball was mentioned now cleared his throat. I knew what he was going to say before he opened his mouth. The disapproving look on his face said it all.
"I don't think the ball should not be held this year," he said.
"I understand your concerns, but like your brother said, Dawson has been dealt with." Alpha Wallace said.
"But it's not just Dawson who is a threat," Cade argued. "There are packs, lots of them after Hannah now. How can she be completely protected during a big event like the ball?" His face clouded over as another thought occurred to him. "It's even a masquerade ball, for goodness sake! Anyone could wear a mask, infiltrate the event to hurt Hannah, or maybe even try to kidnap her again."
"If I may..." All eyes turned to my mother. She was frowning. She was worried now. "I agree with Cade. Once news of the ball gets around, you can be sure our enemies will try to take advantage of it to get to my daughter. And maybe to your sons. Even to you, Alpha. Can't you postpone this ball until all this dust has settled?"
"I understand your worries," Alpha Wallace said quietly. "I really do. That is why I'm putting my sons in charge of the preparations. Cade, you're in charge of the guest list. You are to send out invitations only to trusted allies of our pack. If you have doubts about anyone, don't send them an invitation no matter how powerful and influential they are. And as for your friends and students at your school, invite only a few of them. That is if you really have to."
Cade didn't look like he was still entirely happy with the idea but he nodded.
"But is that really the only measure you're taking?"
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