Suspicion

When Erina stands in front of us with her hand coquettish at her side, I give her a standing ovation.
Drina immediately stands up too and the rest of the Alphas reluctantly follow my example. On my other side, I see Jace staring at her, full of adoration. Erina smiles blindingly from all the attention she gets and walks back. She appears a few more times, much to the delight of those present. She is clearly a natural entertainer.
Several hours later, a radiant Mrs. Lackson mingles with the guests.
The orders are in, this event has also turned out to be a financial blockbuster. Her assistants collect the cards with the orders written on them. From the explanation of Mrs. Lackson, I understand that her store will contact the new clients to take measurements and other logistics.
At the end of the evening, all models show up on stage.
Erina walks in the front, she is the celebrity of the evening. When she stands before us again and gratefully accepts all the appreciation, she turns to us and throws herself into Jace's arms. He catches her deftly as she wraps her arms tightly around his neck. The Beta showers her with compliments on her performance. The room is quiet again as everyone watches the two. Alpha Remus also keeps an eye on everything. I walk up to them and take Erina from Jace.
She looks at me shyly.
“Alpha King, we sold so much,” she says timidly. I laugh cheerful, this is a totally different pup than the confident Erina who walks through my pack as if she owns it. “Yes, you were so wonderful today. I'm sure most of the purchases are your models," I state. Erina smiles broadly.
And then she sees Drina standing.
The smile on her face becomes reluctant as she peeks at my mate. “Erina. You are now also a swimmer and a successful fashion model. I am so proud of you, my dear”, Drina praises the girl. With one hop, she is in Drina's arms. For a moment I see tears of emotion in Erina's eyes. “Thank you, Drina”, she sobs softly. "I missed you so much. I didn't know you'd be here too," she says before burying her face in Drina's neck. And now the resemblance between them is striking, Jace and Alpha Remus are also surprised.
Jace clears his throat and takes the girl from Drina again.
Wrapping her legs around his waist, he walks her to the changing rooms. “Get dressed quickly, little one. I'll pick you up in a minute. You have to go to bed early to train again tomorrow," he tells her before walking back to us. Everyone stares at him, but Jace doesn't seem to notice.
Alpha Remus looks at us all with his hands on his sides.
“Alpha King, it's time to retire to discuss urgent matters,” he reminds me. I nod, knowing exactly what he wants to discuss. “Let me properly greet the Alphas here. Then I'll meet you in my office”, I let him know. “Jace, can you accompany our guests? Alpha Remus family will stay with us tonight; maybe you can arrange for Clark to escort them to their apartment while you stay with us”. Jace nods and turns to Luna Faith and the rest of Silver Bow's delegation. Alpha Remus walks with Drina and me to greet the distinguished guests.
With Drina on my arm, I walk to the Alphas and shake their hands personally. Some want to speak to me, but I refer them to my secretariat to make an appointment there. My mind is not really on business and solving pack problems right now. The next hour promises to be a stressful one.
The evening has never lasted so long.
Finally, when I've met almost everyone, I walk over to Mrs. Lackson to say goodbye. She is delighted with the extra attention. “Thank you, Alpha King. I hope Erina is always available for my shows. But she claims to have two sisters who look just like her and would also like to pose.” I frown and turn to Drina.
My mate is shifting uneasily on her legs.
“Yes, she is part of triplets. But I don't know if the other two are available. I'll have to tell you about that later at an appropriate time," she replies. Mrs. Lackson now stares intently at Drina. “Are you Erina's mother? She didn't say anything about her parents being here. Where is your husband then?”
An embarrassing silence ensues.
“Mrs. Lackson. Let me know if you also want to use her sister's services and I'll see what I can arrange”, I jump in to bridge the silence. The woman nods thoughtfully, still looking at Drina. I'm not really sure she got the hint. But then I see a gleam in my mate's eyes, urging Mrs. Lackson to cast her eyes down and causing her knees to tremble in fear. Looks like my Drina is using her Luna Queen authority. I clear my throat, grab Drina's hand in mine to calm her down.
"Come on, let's go. I have a difficult meeting in the packhouse with Alpha Remus,” I let her know as we walk away. "I'd like you to be there." She nods and we walk down the aisle to the waiting car with curious looks. Clark is waiting for us with none other than Alcina beside him.
The women stare at each other for some seconds, firing my irritation.
“Clark, didn't you teach your friend the usual pack protocols?” I ask sourly. "I will not tolerate disrespect." Clark pokes Alcina who is looking up at me now. “Alpha King, please excuse me,” she cries apologetically. “Your date's dress held me captive. We, women, have an eye for extinguishing fashion," she argues.
"You didn't look at Drina's dress and I know you already know each other," I tell her in Alpha tone. “No tricks in my pack, Miss. My date should be treated with respect. ”Clark is now also starting to feel awkward. “Miss Weiner. Don't blame my friend," he pleads.
Drina nods at him and gets into the waiting vehicle.
After a tight look at Clark, I get in behind my mate...