Chapter 66 Belle of The Ball

(Alexander POV)

Yesterday was a day for the books. We defeated a pack of she-rogues, Hope is now High Priestess of Lupa with a very young Maria as her number two and Alarick and Amelie are now engaged to be married and mated. They are scheduled to wed and mate tomorrow at The Plaza Hotel. How Amelie was able to squeeze in her wedding and mating ceremony on such short notice at The Plaza was proof of her status here in New York City. Hope was to be her maid of honor, an honor Adella would have no doubt been given if she were alive.

We all got tipsy last night at Amelie's restaurant celebrating their engagement. Amelie closed the restaurant, pulled down all the curtains, even blocked the view from the entrance so Hope could join in on the festivities.

"Your mother, Hope, was a good friend of mine," Alarick said, raising his glass of ale in remembrance to Adella. "Yeah, she could get bitchy when she wanted to, but she had a good heart. She just had to follow appearances and tradition. She was the one who helped Amelie put up her business and mentored her, introduced her to the right people. She knew talent when she saw it." He took a quick gulp of his beer before continuing. "People thought she hated humans, that she was greedy, asking for all this gold and diamonds, that she looked down at all them wolves who were down in rank in the hierarchy, but when she was here in New York, she'd help at the soup kitchen, give coats out to the homeless, she even had this building made into a shelter. Once she even gave out free hotdogs to everyone." Alarick's speech was already slurring a bit from all his drinking.

"I remember that, mon amour, the vendor was so happy Adella bought all his hotdogs. He needed money for his sick daughter. The shelter your mother put up, I myself fund now. When I came to New York, I didn't have a home nor money. I decided when Adella left this world, I would help continue her legacy." Amelie wrapped her hands on Alarick's big arms.

"Aw, that's so nice of you, my love," Alarick said, giving Amelie a kiss on her cheek. She went ticklish with laughter. Amelie slapped Alarick's arm and coughed, switching back to being serious so she could continue her story.

"Adella wanted to help all the packs during the war, but Davis forbade it," Amelie went on. "She would have to travel all the time to help all the packs and that wouldn't leave her any time with him at the territory. That jerk Damian suggested that Adella ask for gold and diamonds in return for her sevices because it was typical currency among wolves. Davis agreed with Damian's suggestion so Adella began asking for payment for her services so she can at least help as many as she could and so Davis wouldn't blow his top all the time," Amelie explained.

"You're right. Damian is a jerk," Hope said, agreeing with Amelie.

"You've met Damian Lancaster?" Alarick asked, surprised. He shook his head. "No. Stay away from that wolf. Far away," he cautioned. "Anyway, I promised Adella I'd watch over you. I thought you died during the slaughter of Crescent Moon. I beat myself up with regret for months. When I heard the news of your mating with Alexander, I felt like a proud father. I promise I'm not going to allow The Rogue Lord touch a hair of your head. You have my word." He patted Hope's hand.

"Nor I, ma cherie, you are a daughter to me. I will introduce you to my business partner tomorrow at the charity ball of the Hemmings. She is also human and gave me a home when I had none. So you and I, we have much in common." Amelie looked at Hope's parents with much respect. "Do not worry. I told her long ago about the world of wolves. She knows what I am and who you are. She is very excited to meet you. She and Adella were also good friends."

After a fun-filled night, Hope was now with the High Elder attending board meetings downstairs. She asked if I wanted to sit with them, but I know how boring board meetings are, so I declined. Anyway, I also had some business to attend to. While she was busy with her foundation, I finished a business deal to market the wine Hope helped me create here in New York City.

Our wine will be making its debut tonight at the Hemming Ball. Oliver and Mark were already at the venue making sure all the boxes of wine would be delivered on time. Amelie, on the hand  had reserved several boxes for her wedding and mating ceremony tomorrow night and has also signed a contract for a monthly shipment of Hope's wine for her restaurant.

Maria and Grace went with all the others to shop for tuxedoes and gowns for tonight's event. Amanda had already sent Hope's gown for tonight and is fuming mad she wasn't going to be able to dress Amelie for her wedding since it was so...spontaneous. She however was happy Hope was allowed to wear whatever she wanted and that meant she could squeeze in another of her creations at an event that will definitely have a lot of media coverage and mileage. Just as long as she's able to dress Hope, she's content.

Whatever people knew of Adella, there was always another side to her only a few were able to see. I now see why my mother has always been loyal to her. She had a generous heart and went against tradition when she could. My mother came this morning to apologize to Hope. She knew Cecilia was after the ring and because she had always wanted to be anointed, she almost agreed to Cecilia's conditions.

Hope walked to her where she sat and kneeled down in front of her. She took my mother's hands and caressed the wrinkles that have started to show from her years. "You are our rock, Mother. The Moon Goddess blessed you with a good life because of your good heart. A loving mate, two wonderful children, many friends, riches. You are much more than just a Priestess. If you do not see your worth now, you will see it soon." She kissed my mother on the head and all the sadness my mother felt went away. My mother looked at Hope with tears of joy in her eyes.

"Adella would always say that. You are my rock. The one who brings me back to earth when I float away. I miss her so much. I'm so glad I have you. Amelie and I, we are much the same. We were both alone. She made us her family." She started crying.

"There, there. And now you are my family." Hope hugged her and I hugged them both. Ah, Hope.

I heard the door open and looked at my watch. It was already late afternoon.

"I hope my mother bought the flats I asked her to get or I'm wearing sneakers." Hope walked in barefoot.

"How were the meetings?" I asked her.

"Good. I got them all drunk with our wine. All the investments I have are pouring in money. I just have to agree on some charities they want to fund. Arthur didn't agree to a few so, I need to check on why he doesn't want to fund them. The High Elder is scary when it comes to business," she answered. "He told me to take a course in business. I'll probably take it as an elective when I start university. So much to learn, so little time." She starts to undress, unzipping the back of her dress.

All of a sudden, someone knocked on the door. I opened it to find Hope's assistant Christy with a box of New York City Pizza. " Sorry Sir, but Miss Hope had me order Pizza," she said, twirling a piece of her hair over her ear

"Thanks. Do I need to pay for anything?" I smiled at her. She was blushing.

"No, Sir. All paid for by Miss Hope. Sir, I'm a huge fan of yours." No wonder. She was fangirling. "Sir, if it isn't too much trouble, can we do a selfie together?"

"Is that my pizza, Alexander? Hope walked out of our room in a shirt and a pair of shorts.

"Yes, and Christy here wants a selfie. She's a fan," I replied.

"Sure. Why don't you guys stand over there at the view of the skyline and I'll take the photo," Hope suggested.

"Really Miss Hope?!" Christy squeaked.

"Of course. Come on in." Christy handed Hope her phone and instructed her what to click while I put down the pizza. I stood beside Christy and put an arm around her. Hope signaled for us to smile and she clicked so many times. "There. Many to choose from." She handed the phone back to Christy.

"Thank you, Miss Hope. Thank you, Sir," Christy gushed, looking through the pics.

"Christy time for you to get ready. I need you at the ball," Hope said, ushering Christy out of the suite.

"Yes, Miss Hope. More pictures later!" She waved goodbye and closed the door behind her.

"She's going to the ball?" I asked Hope.

"Yes, I had Amanda send me a gown for her. Maria, Grace and Ava wanted to purchase their own." Hope shrugged and bit into a slice of pizza. "This is so good."

"Easy on the pizza. Amanda said the gown went on a bit tight." I raised an eyebrow at her as she devoured the slice.

"No problem. I'll fix it if I have to. If my mom didn't buy me flats, I'll fix my sneakers too." She smiled, reassuring me.

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(Hope POV)

I looked like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Amanda had sent me an off shoulder golden yellow ballroom gown that looked like the one Belle wore when she had a date with the Beast. My hair stylist even patterned my hair to look like Belle's, a half bun with my long hair in curls at the end.

Alexander took one look at me and started singing the song. "That makes you the Beast." I told him.

"Hmmm... I know and in reality, I am a beast," He whispered in my ear that sent tingles down my spine.

"It's hot. Don't any of you feel hot?" My hair stylist exclaimed. He was looking at Alexander and I knew what he was thinking. I laughed.

"Thank you for making me look like a real life Belle. One of the charities I'm eyeing is for kids so, it works. I'll see you tomorrow night for Amelie." I hugged him goodbye.

"I'm doing both of you tomorrow at The Plaza. I can't wait." He kissed me goodbye and left.

"Let's go. The limousines are all waiting as well as our entourage. The High Elder already went ahead to pick up Amelie." Alexander wrapped my hand around his arm. "So beautiful and so mine."

We had commissioned three limousines to transport us to the venue. The last limousine parked was just for me and Alexander so, Mark, Oliver, Grace and Yuri could arrive ahead of us at the Hemming Convention Center so they could serve as our security when we arrived.

Two thousand five hundred people are said to grace the event and Lucian was very happy to announce that because Stella Foundation had pledged support, other philanthropists were eager to attend. He was also very grateful the High Elder would be with us as well as Amelie. It would be the first time the High Elder and Amelie would grace the event all thanks to me.

The media surrounded the red carpet and when it was our turn to disembark, once again, I had trouble exiting the limousine. "Media is just as tenacious as ever when it comes to you Luna." Oliver gave me a hand and together, he and Alexander pulled me out of the limousine. Yuri and Mark pushed away the press so I could get on the red carpet. I finally got my footing, thankful, my mother remembered to get me a pair of flats. I started waving at everyone when a little girl appeared out of nowhere asking for an autograph.  By the time Alexander finally found her mother, I had already signed her book and posed for a picture with her, the press clicking their cameras one after the other. "Here, this is for you to remember me by. If you need me, just call me." I opened my hand and the little girl took the necklace with a small locket that had my number inside it.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally entered the convention center. Grace had the door open for all of us. I was thankful to get away from the press.

"Alpha, you ok? Water?" Grace had a glass of water for me in her hand.

"Yes, I couldn't breathe with them crowding me like that. Are they always like that Alexander?" I asked.

"Well, for me it was always because of the women I brought with me." I gave him a dirty look. "Not that there were many of them to begin with. Ahem. I'll get us something to drink." Oliver and Mark laughed as Alexander left my side to get us something to drink.

"Hope, sugar, you're here. Come now. My father in law has been asking everyone every two minutes whether you've arrived. Big brother, I got a bottle of champagne for you. Leave the scotch." She took my hand and Alexander's hand and led us to the front where the High Elder and Amelie were talking to an older looking Lucian. "Father Lawrence, I would like to present Alexander and Hope Ulrich," Amanda said, introducing us to her father-in-law.

"Finally I have the pleasure of meeting the CEO of Stella Foundation and the daughter of Adella. So nice to finally see you." Lawrence gave me a warm hug of welcome. "Arthur here speaks so highly of you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Sir." I smiled at him.

"None of that sir. We are family. Call me Lawrence." He positioned me into the light. "My word, you look almost like Adella."

"You are right, mon ami, identical," Amelie said, agreeing with him. Lawrence then turned to greet Alexander.

"Alexander, my man, good to see you son. It's nice you brought your mother." He pointed at our parents who were already seated at a table with Alarick and another woman, drinking and laughing.

"She rarely gets out the house, but this time she asked to come," Alexander told him.

"Good for me. More people to donate money for the cause." Lawrence laughed and gave Alexander a pat on the back.

"Amanda shouldn't you be seated down?" I asked her, concerned.

"That's nice of you, sugar. Yes, I better sit down. Baby Leo here is heavy." I helped her to my parents' table and sat her beside her mother. She patted my hand, grateful all was well.

"Hope, you're finally here. We saw the paparazzi crowding you a while ago." My dad raised his glass to me.

"Seem like you and mom are having a good time." I kissed them both. Amelie then came and guided me to the lady with dark hair and eyeglasses seated near Alarick.

"Hope, ma cherie, remember I said you and me are alike? I would like you to meet Jennifer. She is like a sister to me." She stood up and gave me a hug.

"It's so nice to meet Adella's daughter. Every time I saw your mother, I always wished I could be like her. She was always so smooth. And look at you, you are just like her. So pretty." She gently pulled a strand of hair from my face. "So these are your parents. It must have been fun growing up with them?" I nodded my head.

"They're the best. I can't imagine life without them," I told her. She gave me a big smile, happy another wolf thought highly of humans.

"Miss Hope, you need to get on stage. You need to say a few words." My assistant Christy came rushing to my side.

"I WHAT?" I think I said it a little too loudly because heads turned to look at me.