Pregnant With Alpha’s Genius Twins

#Chapter 104 – Gala

The hall is truly gorgeous, candle-lit chandeliers hoisted high in the ballroom, casting a glowing golden light down on all of the attendees.

Victor stands at the entrance to the hall, his mother and father on one side, Rafe and Bridgette on the other. Victor has his hands in his pockets, surveying the room. It’s a big night for him – one which could, perhaps, make or break him.

His mother gives his hand a small, subtle squeeze. “You’ve got this, my boy,” she whispers. Victor gives her a quick smile, and then, as one, they walk into the room.

It’s a charity event, like so many others for Alphas from their communities. This one supports widowed wives and their children, an honorable cause which Victor has famously supported before.

While he’s here to support the charity, it’s also an opportunity for Victor to make further connections with community leaders, solicit further donations for his school project, and to feel out his reputation with the other wolves after his disastrous almost-wedding.

A few steps into the room and Annabeth Prath sweeps over to him. “Victor!” she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “So lovely to see you.” Victor gives her a warm smile, glad to see that she, at least, is still on his side.

“Hello Annabeth,” he returns. “You remember my mother?” The pair engage in a quick exchange of introductions before his family leaves him to fetch drinks from the bar.

“Who is that little piece of meat your brother has shown up with?” Annabeth says, grimacing. Victor shakes his head. “Bridgette,” he explains. “Rafe’s latest flame, though I don’t know why he thought it appropriate to bring this one home, when he’s never bothered with anyone else.”

Annabeth raises an eyebrow. “Is he going for your seat?”

Victor blinks, startled at her perspicacity. She laughs at his shocked expression. “You’re single now, Victor. With Amelia gone, half the men in this room are either looking to depose you or marry you to their daughters.”

Victor grimaces, looking around to see that many eyes are, indeed, on him. Annabeth takes his arm and leads him towards the bar as well. “I hope you have some tricks up your sleeve, Victor,” she says. “I believe the hyenas are circling.”

They walk up to the bar behind Rafe and Bridgette, the former talking loudly, the later leaning heavily on his arm. “- Completely shattered by the betrayal, hardly gets out of bed,” Rafe says to a gathered group of Alphas. “If he wasn’t my brother, I’d say –“

Victor interposes, his voice calm

darting as he searches for words. “That you’ll never be

you, Rafe,” Victor says, joining the circle and speaking for himself. “But I believe that anyone would be shaken, at least slightly, by the loss of a beloved mate, even if it was my

the group nod, considering the truth in that statement. Others frown, or, stone-faced, walk away unwilling to let him see their reaction. As the group breaks

brother –“ Rafe says, attempting to

under your control.” With that, Victor shoves Rafe away from him. Rafe wraps his hand around Bridgette’s waist, pulling her away and trying to joke, but Victor can see that he’s

passes slowly, with Victor seeking to speak to every Alpha he can, letting them see that he’s as calm, controlled, and powerful as he ever was. It’s hard work, keeping his head straight when half of

Victor did not anticipate, but Annabeth did – is the number of women who have begged a moment of his attention that night. Mothers, mostly, who find a reason to casually mention their daughter’s accomplishments, and

who slink towards him and make subtle (and not-so-subtle) hints that they’d be willing to consider a date, or

a deep breath and straightens his tie. He had to deal with this more in his younger years, but since

before her, he had found easier ways out of those conversations. Only once, really, had he let himself be pulled into a dark alcove, and

a little, pushing away thoughts of that night. He’s grateful, a moment later, when Annabeth sidles up to him with a glass of water. “Speeches, soon,”

that he is and she heads

of the largest donors to the cause, Victor has been asked the make a speech. It’s something that’s been scheduled for months, but since his marriage failed only days ago, he thinks he’s a bit more of a draw tonight. People have been so curious about the fallout from the broken engagement, and this is his first time facing

showing, Victor climbs

charity, and thanking the tireless workers who have

returns them to his pocket, speaking extemporaneously. The crowd perks up,

announce a development,” Victor says, “regarding the rules

sees his father, seated at the front of the crowd, go pale with fury. Pack

other unfortunates within the wolf community. From this day forward, Rogue wolves – men and women, along with