Page 1 of The Alpha's Envy
1
JONATHAN
As soon as I sit down, I realise why I’ve been feeling on edge since I stepped inside the ballroom. I thought it was simply nerves from being at my first alpha conference since taking over the leadership of my pack. Turns out that’s not why my heart is racing, and my palms feel clammy.
She’s here.
Across the room, I see her glossy, dark hair sway as she turns her head from side to side, looking for something.
Or someone.
One of the thin straps on her gold satin dress slips off her tanned shoulder as she swivels around in her chair while scanning the crowd. Still smiling, she continues to make polite conversation with the older alpha sitting across from her, but she’s distracted.
She knows.
“Alpha Jones?”
Suzanne, the manager of my family's hotel bends, placing herself directly in my line of vision as she tries to catch my attention. Much to my irritation, she’s blocking my view of the captivating beauty on the far side of the room. The top buttonof Suzanne’s white blouse is open strategically to reveal her ample cleavage and the sexy lingerie she’s wearing, and she aims a flirtatious smile in my direction, not picking up on my impatience.
Previously, she may have caught my attention, despite the fact that I know she’s more interested in my family’s assets and status than in me, but not tonight, or ever again. With a wave of my hand, I dismiss her, refusing to be distracted.
“Whatever it is, it can wait, Suzanne.”
Nothing is more important than this. The hotel could be burning down and I’d tell her to find someone else to deal with it.
“Jonathan, where are you manners?” My sister Helen chastises me, glaring at the side of my head when I refuse to look in her direction, ignoring her as well. I love my sister, but right now, she’s just another thing keeping me from going to her.
Helen squeezes my arm, irritated by my rudeness, but I brush her hand off and slowly climb to my feet. Folding my white linen napkin on the table, I push my chair back. The sharpness of my tone and the unexpected movement attracts the attention of other guests at the large circular table. I only just sat down and now I’m leaving again.
They watch intently, waiting to see what’s about to unfold as I move determinedly across the floor, making a beeline straight for the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. The gossip is already beginning as they lean into each other, hushed whispers follow my path, speculating about what’s going to happen next.
A room full of alphas inevitably leads to tension. Fights aren’t uncommon, and while they’re frowned upon in theory because we’re supposed to lead by example, they’re still highly entertaining when you’re not involved. The other alphas instinctively expect the worst, but tonight, I have no interest in any drama. Only her.
I don’t care that everyone is staring as I close in. Nothing else exists at this moment except me and her.
Long, slim fingers tuck her hair behind her ear as she shifts in her seat, sensing my approach.
As our eyes lock and she smiles softly, red painted lips curl up to reveal perfect white teeth as she finally spots me. We’ve never met before, but that doesn’t matter. We both know exactly who we are to each other.
Fated mates. Two people destined to be together. The most treasured bond of all.
It’s undeniable and impossible to ignore.
The room falls silent as I come to a halt at the edge of the table, the electricity in the air unmistakable. Everyone can feel the magic. The ballroom is filled with senior members of the Reynold’s pack, our closest neighbours and occasional rivals, and one by one they fall silent and look up in anticipation.
Without looking away from her beautiful face, I extend a hand, and she places her delicate palm in mine. Sparks shoot up my arm, and instantly, it feels so right. Her fingers belong in mine. I can already feel the bond stretching between us, strands winding together and getting stronger from just that one touch.
We’re meant to be.
Destiny brought us together, and nothing but death will tear us apart.
“Well, well, well. The moon goddess has done well..”
Marie’s voice is like velvet as she extends a hand for me to kiss, which I take willingly, my eyes never leaving hers. The twinkle there is undeniable. I smile, knowing she’s going to be a handful already.
“Jones? Is this what I think it is?” Alpha Reynolds inquires, his gaze darting back and forth between us. We continue to stare at each other, completely wrapped up in the miracle unfolding as I nod, and a gasp goes up around the room, followed by a waveof whispers, which travels around the room as everyone realises what’s happening.
My mate stands gracefully, her extended hand still in mine as she turns to face the alpha, stepping into my side where she belongs. The move is so natural, as if we’d been together forever. My arm slips around her waist, and she leans closer, pressing her body to mine. Without even realising, my thumb starts rubbing circles on her skin, needing to touch her constantly.
