Chapter 54 The Debut of Alpha Hope

(Alexander POV)

My beautiful mate was seated in the middle of my penthouse suite being photographed in the gold off shoulder ballroom gown Amanda had made for her. She was a picture of perfection. He hair was in a bun at the back of her head, diamonds circling around it, with little curls around her neck. Her pendant glistened with every click of the camera. The gold of her dress matched her eyes. The bouffant skirt spread around her swaying with her every move. I took a picture of her too. Another screensaver for my phone.

She was in good spirits and happy she was wearing comfy gold ballet flats. I was happy she wasn't as tall. I can now kiss the top of her head which I have grown accustomed to.

The photographer ends the session saying he had enough photographs for Amanda. He said he wishes to be Hope's photographer if she ever decides to do a piece for a magazine.

I put her shawl around her. "Are you ready? This will be your first official event. Don't be nervous. I will be by your side the whole time."

"Promise?" She gazed up at me with panic in her eyes.

"I promise. Oliver and Alicia will also be right beside you. So, nothing to fear," I assured her.

"Ok. I hope I don't trip. I can't see where to step in this thing."

"We'll walk slowly. Don't worry. I will guide you and keep you in my arms."

"Ok. Let's do this." She inhaled deeply and breathed out to calm her nerves.

The venue of my party is a convention center which can host a thousand guests. Before, many would RSVP that they could not attend. Tonight, however, everyone invited would be in attendance. I knew it wasn't because of me.

When we arrived in our limousine, the media was already there wondering if this was the one with Hope. When I walked out, people started screaming and all the media hounded the car door. My men had to push everyone away for Hope to exit. When she got out, the cameras clicked away, reporters were asking for a few words, fans were screaming and cheering at the back. The photographers all wanted a solo of her, but she wouldn't let go of my hand. So the photographers had no choice, but to have me with her.

I put my arm around her and guided her through the steps into the entrance. We walked slowly so she could get her footing. I saw her nervousness in her eyes. "Love, nothing to be nervous about. Remember, they are here for you. Not the other way around," I said.

"So many people are staring at me, Alexander. How about if I spill my drink? Have food in my teeth? Say something wrong?" Hope asked. I chuckled at the different scenarios.

"I'm with you. I'll see to it you don't have food stuck in between your teeth," I answered her.

She laughed and I saw her relax a bit. Inside the venue, I guided her around and introduced her to people. The mayor was there and was hoping Stella Foundation would continue their partnership. She nodded her agreement as they shook hands. I introduced her to some of the owners of other businesses Ulrich Group does business with. They also hoped for more business dealings in the future now Hope is part of the company.

"Alexander, Happy Birthday. I took the chopper to head here first before the territory," a familiar voice said behind us. I turned around to find my brother in law, Lucian.

"This is a good surprise. Lucian, I want you to meet Hope. Hope, love, Lucian, Amanda's mate." Hope's eyes lit up.

"Oh my gosh, I've heard so much about you. It's nice to finally meet you. Amanda has made me her new Barbie Doll." Hope gives Lucian a hug.

"Amanda's really happy. Actually, she's even more happy she listened to you Alexander about the whole modelling thing with Hope. Now, she has a celebrity." Lucian chuckled.

"All good things come to those who wait," I said.

"Hope, I was hoping you'd grace our annual event. It's a fundraiser for certain charities we support. With you there, I know more people will come...with their checkbooks." Lucian smiled at Hope.

"I already RSVP'd. I'll be there," she said.

"Great. Is it possible I could add Stella Foundation as a contributor?" Lucian asked her.

"Sure. Anything I can do to help," Hope answered with a smile.

"My father is going to be very happy you said yes."

"How is Lawrence?" I asked.

"My father is doing fine. He's in New York. You'll meet him at the event. He's really excited to meet you,"  Lucian told Hope.

"Alpha, we have a problem. Damian and Derrick are here and there was a box delivered by courier. It's addressed to Alpha Hope Ulrich," Oliver said through mind link.

"Allow them entry. Sniff out the box. Make sure it isn't dangerous. Then open it before giving it to Hope." I mind linked him back.

"Ah, Hope, the Lancaster men are here," I said. Lucian raised an eyebrow. He doesn't like them either.

"Are you serious? I can't believe they'd..." Hope was about to say something when a voice spoke behind her.

"Alpha Alexander, Happy Birthday. We heard you'd be holding your annual ball so we took the liberty to be here," Damian said, shaking my hand.

"Luna Hope, look at you. You are very beautiful to-.." He gasped when Hope turned around to face him. I looked at her. Green eyes! Oh boy.

"Damian Lancaster. I didn't know I'd be in the company of such FINE gentlemen. If I had only known." Hope smiled sweetly, but her smile didn't match her eyes. Outside I could see the flickering of light. Here we go with the lightning again.

"Ah, we wanted to personally thank you for your generous donation to our pack." Damian looked around, looking for Derrick. Derrick, unfortunately, was busy with a pretty blonde.

"Of course. That was on behalf of my pack, Crescent Moon. I am ALPHA after all. I hope the conditions I stressed will be followed," Hope said quietly. Lucian stood by enjoying himself.

"Yes, no one from your pack is to be touched or harmed. I'm sorry, but your pack has been exterminated," Damian pointed out.

"Not everyone, Damian. I am still alive. However, you won't be if you cross me." Hope stood her ground.

"What will you do? Cast a protection charm?" Damian laughed out loud like Hope was a joke. I growled. No one speaks to Hope that way. I was about to say something when I noticed he couldn't breathe. Hope's hand was up, her fingers moving in a swirling motion.

The tie he was wearing started to tighten. We could see him go red and struggle with his tie. Oliver signalled the men to block us from everyone's view.

"What happened, Damian? Your joke isn't funny anymore?" She flicked her fingers making the tie around his neck tighten some more. "That's a problem with rapists. They think women are a joke." Hope puts her hand down. Damian falls to the ground, coughing. "Another condition was to address me as Alpha Hope, to make sure you know your place when you see me. Help him up, please and get him to a table and give him some water or whatever he needs. Remember our agreement, Damian." My men helped him up and escorted him to a table. Hope excused herself to go to the ladies to calm down with Alicia following her.

"I am so glad I came this year, Alexander. Too bad Amanda wasn't here to see that. She'd probably take pictures." Lucian started laughing. "Alexander..." Lucian pats me on the shoulder, "good luck!" My brother in law howled with laughter.

I ran a hand through my hair, "Happy Wife. Happy Life. I need to make that my mantra."

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(High Elder POV)

I looked up at the sky and noticed the stormy weather from this morning has lifted. I know the weather was due to Alpha Hope. Something was clearly troubling her. When she messaged me to prepare a monetary donation to the Blue Moon Pack with a list of conditions stressing all of it should be followed once it was accepted, I knew she had found the family of the former Beta of Damian Lancaster and adopted them as her own.

The packs believe I am but this senile old man who makes money for all them. The only one who genuinely respects me is Alpha Hope, the one who is the richest among the packs. All of them believe it to be Lawrence Hemming. Little did they know he was experiencing some financial trouble. Social media has eaten a lot of his revenue and he is having trouble trying to update his business.

Adella and Davis. Davis Brandt was also a struggling Alpha when he was annointed. His father practically squandered his inheritance with gambling debts. When news of Adella's power spread, Adella would require payment for her services, a proposal thought of by Davis and Damian. Gold, diamonds, rare gems, jewelry, land...anything with great value. This left other packs without protection which led to their extermination. There were over 60 packs around the country before the war. Now, there were only 25 left, one pack on the process of restoration through the goodness of Alpha Hope.

I rarely attend functions, but tonight I decided to attend Alpha Alexander's party. I was informed Alpha Derrick and his father were on their way to grace the celebration which was against the wishes of Alpha Hope. I wanted to witness firsthand the downfall of Damian Lancaster.

I disguised myself as part of the media. I saw the arrival of Alpha Alexander and Hope. How she never let go of Alpha Alexander's hand, how they slowly walked up the steps so she wouldn't fall and how she gave Lucian a welcoming hug. When the arrival of Damian and Derrick was announced, I knew she would become angry. She faced Damian with those murky green eyes I saw from this morning. I saw her hand gestures and how Damian had difficulty breathing. I tried to come as close to them as I could so I could hear her.

"That's the problem with rapists. They think women are a joke," I heard her say. Damian had raped the daughter of his Beta. His past was definitely catching up to him. He lost Adella when he made a deal with The Rogue Lord. If Hope only knew. However, this is punishment enough. Whatever connection he had with Adella, he will not find it with Hope.

Hope bumped into me as she walked to the washroom area. "Oh my. I am so sorry. I didn't see you. Are you ok?" Hope asked me. I glanced at her eyes. The green was gone and all I saw was gold.

"Yes, Mrs. Ulrich." I smiled at her.

"Do you need anything? Water, juice, dinner? My friend here Alicia will get you what you need."

"I'm ok, Mrs. Ulrich. I'll have dinner later. How about a picture?" I showed her my camera.

"Sure. Is here ok?" She positioned herself and smiled. I lifted my camera to my eyes and clicked.

"How about a picture with your friend?" I asked. They both smiled. Alicia walked to stand beside Hope and they gave me their biggest smiles.

"Perfect." I took their photo and she excused herself to go to the washroom. I smiled. I have another photo to add to my collection.