Heir to the Alpha Spin-off: Refusing My Alpha Mate

ARTHUR

She was looking at me, her gaze intense, but as soon as our eyes locked, she turned away and headed for the outdoor balcony. Clair was dressed in a figure-hugging red dress that accentuated her curves, her fiery red hair was neatly tied up in a bun with a few loose strands framing her face. She was as stunning as ever, and it was driving me wild.

The sight of her in that dress made my heart race and my suit suddenly felt too tight. I needed to talk to her.

As she made her rounds greeting the alphas, my eyes were drawn to her standing alone on the balcony. Once I had finished my own greetings, I made my way to join her.

“Were you watching me when I arrived?” I asked, standing in the doorway. I saw her turn slightly, a light breeze carrying her sweet, floral scent to me, making my wolf growl within. I saw her swallow hard as she turned to face me.

“I was waiting for your family, you were late,” she said, her eyebrows raised in a teasing manner.

“No, we weren’t, we arrived on time,” I countered, moving to join her on the balcony. “But if you must know, we were delayed because my father was unwell in the car,” I confessed in a hushed tone.

This was a sensitive topic for me, one I wouldn’t normally share with anyone. I had no idea why I felt compelled to tell her. I leaned on the balcony railing, staring out at the forest.

Clair’s eyes widened in surprise, and she joined me at the railing. “Is it because of the medicine?” she asked softly, as if she was afraid of my answer.

“Yes, he had a round of chemotherapy yesterday afternoon, and he was really sick afterward. My mother said he didn’t need to come, but you know my father,” I said, forcing a smile.

“He wouldn’t miss a party for anything,” Clair added, returning my smile.

I’m not sure how much time passed, but we stayed there, just enjoying each other’s company. I have to admit, I didn’t fully understand it, but I liked being around her.

Our moment was interrupted by a knock on the door behind us. “Clair, darling, it’s time for the dance,” Ethan called out. He was a tall, strong man with green eyes and brown hair, now graying at the temples. He extended his hand to Clair, who took it and followed him into the hall.

But before she disappeared through the doors, she glanced back at me over her shoulder. That simple look sent shivers down my spine.

“I declare the ball officially begun,” Ethan announced as he and Clair entered the ballroom. The orchestra began to play as soon as his words echoed through the room. He pulled Clair into his arms and they began to dance.

I watched as Clair, who always tried to appear tough, looked like a princess, dancing so gracefully that her feet barely seemed to touch the floor. I turned to my parents, who were supposed to join the other alphas and lunas in the dance with Clair and Ethan, but my father was clearly unwell.

“Aren’t you okay, honey?” My mother asked, concern etched on her face. My father shook his head, his discomfort evident. He was definitely not going to dance today.

“But dance with your mother, Arthur,” he said, gesturing with his hand. “I’ll be fine.” He reached for some ice from his glass and popped it into his mouth.

I looked at my mother, her face a mix of concern for my father and a desire to fulfill her duties as luna. I extended my hand to her, and she smiled before hugging me. We made our way to the dance floor.

My parents were always great dancers, and since my mother was the one who taught me, it was even more rewarding to dance with her. We danced until the song ended, and as the orchestra transitioned into another song, Alpha Levi asked my mother to dance.

I turned to see Clair releasing her father’s hand. Without thinking, I grabbed her hand and pulled her into my arms, continuing to dance. She tried to protest, but I held her close, and eventually, she gave in, albeit with a scowl.

Her scent was intoxicating, and having her so close was driving me wild. I could feel myself becoming aroused, and I didn’t know how to explain the effect she had on me. As the song ended, I spun her around and dipped her back, causing her to grip my neck.

Her eyes were wide, and my mouth went dry seeing her so close. The applause in the background made me smirk, which caused Clair to quickly straighten up, release my arms, and storm off to the balcony. I was confused, but I followed her.

“Is it really that hard to dance with me?” I asked as I approached her.

“Why did you do that you idiot?” Clair turned to me, shouting and pointing a finger in my face.

“Hey, what did I do? I just danced with you,” I responded, trying to understand. I moved closer, but she pushed me back.

“You think it’s easy, right?” she started, her voice choked with emotion. Was she crying? “I’ve fought my whole life to create my image, to earn respect, or at least acceptance for a position that is rightfully mine. Then you come back after ten years, disrespect me in the meeting, and now you want to put on a show with me, making me look like a vain girl,” she yelled, completely losing control.

“Clair, you’re overreacting. It was nothing, and I already apologized for the meeting,” I tried to explain, but she wouldn’t listen.

“Just stay away from me, Arthur,” Clair yelled before storming off, slamming the door behind her.