The Game Of Quadruplet Mates
Chapter 9

It turns out, I was on the wrong floor.

So engrossed in the beauty of my surroundings, I accidentally went up another flight of stairs and into someone else's room. It was strange... I can still feel his eyes on me despite already being one floor down. Descending the grand staircase with only the soft glow of the lamps to light the way, I felt those eyes following me, making my skin prickle and my heart beat erratically. Twice I looked back, expecting to see him, but I didn't. Who was he anyway?

My nose was still stuffy from the cold lake, making it hard for me to smell him and I didn't see an identifier... did he give it to someone?

I couldn't shake the man off my mind even when I finally found my room. It was directly under his-whoever he is.

It was strange because even when I was in my room, the bolt of silk sitting on top of a four poster bed, I still felt his piercing stare. It was impossible, but it felt like he was still watching me.

I force my attention to my room, the luxury of it dawning on me. Everything was gold encrusted, the walls glowing with rich material. If I take just a piece of this wall, my pack would be taken care of for years to come- but they check our bags before we can leave at the end of the weekend. Especially us. For the exact reason of what I was thinking about doing.

The room is for royalty, complete with luxurious fur carpets, satin curtains and dozens of pillows that I can already tell are very soft. The large princess bed could fit at least three families and the room itself can fit half of our pack inside it. I had a full couch set in one corner with a fireplace right beside it. There was also a decent sized crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the room and big windows overlooking the woods and the bright moon outside.

My sad looking luggage sitting in front of a wardrobe stuck out like a sore thumb here. It was a reminder that I'm only here for the weekend and I shouldn't get too comfortable.

The bathroom was another surprising sight. Every corner is detailed with genuine gold and the marble flooring is so clean you can see your reflection on it. By the window, a circular shaped bathtub made of smooth granite sits beside it. With the moonlight shining directly on the entire room, it was definitely a sight to behold.

A clock on the wall reminds me that I have to hurry or else I'll miss dinner. Quickly, I fix the bath and strip off my wet dress. The water is hot and soothing, the smell of fresh flowers and something sweet wafts in the air. I lit a few scented candles that were placed around the bathtub and slowly slipped under the water.

I never thought a bath could be relaxing and something to be enjoyed.

Unable to resist, I took my time in the tub, my attention focused on the moon as I submerged my entire body under the warm water. Again my mind goes back to the man staying above me. The encounter haunted me. The shadows hid him well. I could only see a vague outline of him. Tall, muscular and mysterious.

The eyes though.

I blow out a breath as a shiver runs down my spine.

Dunking my head under the water, I tried to regain control over myself. I was being ridiculous and, after a quick glance at the clock, I was now ridiculous and late.

A quick rinse and I was bolting out of the bathroom. My sad looking bag wasn't hard to replace as I dug around for something to wear. All of the attendees from our pack were supposed to wear our nice imported clothes the entire day- all the way to dinner, but with my dress still dripping wet, there wasn't much I could do. Biting my lip and debating if I could just dry out the dress, a knock on my door came.

Hesitantly, I opened the door and was surprised to see an older woman outside. She has her head down, her arms out and holding a nicely folded fabric of some sort.

"The Beta Konstantin sent this over for you." She says quietly. The woman is much too old to be in the Games but I can tell from her scent she's one of the 'helpers' everyone apparently brought with them. Currently, numerous amounts of these helpers are frantically running around the hall carrying clothes, brushes and make up bags along with a shout from a distance demanding them to hurry. "Please take it, Miss." She presses, looking incredibly worried as she looked left and right. "I was told to provide you with whatever you may need tonight."

My cheeks flushed. "I couldn't... I-"

"The women that came with him have hundreds of dresses.Thousands, Miss." The woman gestures to the dress in her hands once more. "They will not miss one. The Beta chose this specifically for you."

I could tell without touching that the dress in her arms probably costs three times more than the dress the Alpha gave us. Maybe more. It's a deep red and it looks long. The fabric is of great quality and from where I was standing I could see a few gems sparkling. Something about being dressed by Beta Konstantin just didn't sit right with me, but I didn't have many options at that point. Unless I really wanted to stand out and go to an outdoor dinner n a k e d.

"If you don't like this one, I could go back and get you more." She says, panicked. "In fact, he has five more dresses to send you. I just couldn't carry them all-"

"I love it, the one you have." I reach for it and the woman beams.

"I can help you get ready?" She suggests, pointing towards the vanity inside my room. "I've brought make up and hair products."

My fingers ran through my damp hair. "That's too much, I think..."

"Nothing is too much, Miss. The Beta demands it." She invites herself in and walks to the awaiting vanity.

"But aren't I keeping you from someone?" I asked, following after her.

"The city pack brought two hundred helpers. I will not be needed." She insists, setting down her bag and pulling out bottles of every color and several brushes of varying sizes.

Two hundred helpers... the city pack's helping staff alone outnumbered us. "Why could you possibly need two hundred?"

Her eyes flickered at me briefly. "The future Alpha is very particular."

The words were heavy on her lips, making me think that there was more to it. "I see."

"She plans to replace her mate this year. Everything must be perfect." There was fear in her voice, a lot of it. "She hopes to replace another Alpha but that's very unlikely."

I bit my lip. "If she can't mate with an Alpha, who will she mate with?"

She looked at me from under her lashes and I knew this wasn't going to be good. For me. "Her Beta Konstantin."

Konstantin.

The man that sent this woman to help me.

If he knows no other Alpha will come and he knows his Alpha will mate with him, why is he openly doing these things with me? It's disrespectful to his Alpha and bad for his pack. I know he won't ever choose me for a mate. Even if I am just a joke or a plaything for him, to elicit some kind of reaction to his future Alpha by using me is still insulting.

I stayed quiet for the remainder of our time together. My mind was numb from all that I had learned. I knew things were being played here, but I just didn't realize how big it was. And I'm even more confused that I'm in some way involved in this situation. Everything felt wrong.

I should just have worn my ruined dress.

But it was too late now because she slipped the dress on me. It looked tailor fitted to me, the dress fitted me just right. It was long and elegant but also very revealing. Very, very revealing. The slit goes as high as my hip, leaving my left leg completely bare. My entire back is bare as well, the dress backless with merely a few strings to keep everything together.

There was the possibility of my intimate parts to show if I had taken the wrong step and I was slightly unnerved by this.

"Werewolves are naked all the time." The woman reassures, which doesn't really help. "Girls from the city pack don't even wear underwear."

Again, it didn't really help me, but she proceeded to work on me, my face and hair her main focus. By the time she finishes, I am ashamed to admit that I am amazed by her work. I was worried I would look like a clown with thick make up, but surprisingly... I was still myself, but, a better version.

She tamed my wild hair, made my eyes brighter than they were and transformed my skin into this soft dewy look. It was not at all the feral and unkept appearance that the farm pack were known for.

"You're ready, Miss." She says, taking a step back. "It's time."

My eyes drift towards the clock and gasp. "I'm late!"

I mutter a goodbye, waving at her before I leave the room and head for dinner. The hallway outside my room is quite a scene, there were shouts coming from all directions and so many people running. It was a beautiful chaos as helpers were coming in from left and right, hurrying as fast as they could while carrying colorful dresses and other things.

Girls in dresses of every color and men in various hues of black suits come in waves. The ones that were ready were chattering in excitement as we all walked down the staircase.

Again I felt those amber eyes on me again, watching my every move, but when I looked back, there was nothing. I shake the feeling off and continue my descent.

Just as I made it to the doors leading to the gardens, I saw him.

"Beta," I bow low to keep things respectable and professional, hoping to set boundaries.

Konstantin smiled warmly. It looked as though he had been expecting me. "June, you look absolutely gorgeous."

"I have you to thank for that." I felt very conscious of the stares we were getting. The judgement in their eyes was heavy as they whispered. I can tell they didn't even realize who I was until Konstantin called me.

"No thanks needed." He took my hand, placing it on his arm. "I like to spoil you."

I have a feeling he didn't just like to spoil me. In fact, I think he spoils many women. He was the type of man that likes to taste his merchandise.

"I've reserved us seats. Let's go replace them." He pulls me forward but my feet stay in place.

But what about Jeremy?

Jeremy said he was coming and to save him a seat. What will he say if he replaces me with Konstantin?

"What's wrong?" Konstantin asks, his hand on my arm tightening.

"I..." I trailed off, grasping for words. "I promised to sit with my pack members."

He laughs, charming as always but forced. I could see the strain in the corner of his eyes. "I'm sure they would want you to be with me tonight."

"But," I start to pull away, but he clamps down on my arm.

"June, come on." Konstantin doesn't let me say another word and yanks me towards the gardens. "Trust me. We're going to have a good time. Your pack members will know where you are and they'll respect that."

He didn't have to say it, but I know what he really meant.

'It's not every day a Beta shows interest on low quality blood.'

Losing his patience, Konstantin nearly had to drag me towards the gardens. I didn't make it easy for him, as I kept my head down and my feet planted on the ground. There was a second when I thought he might actually carry me, but stopped when I caught sight of the gardens.

Thousands and thousands of twinkling lights fell like stars down the gardens, the tall trees holding a stream of incandescent lights. Countless candles in globe like glasses are hung from above as well, creating a warm atmosphere.

The attendees gather around long tables that are beautifully set using golden plates, glasses, utensils and even golden candelabras. As it was, drinks were already being served in tall flutes, the shimmering liquid inviting. Everything looked so elegant, so enchanting and so beyond any world I've been to. All the attendees were busy drinking and laughing and having the best time. It lifted my spirits a little.

I also noticed how most have already paired up, claiming their future choices. Larissa was one of them, standing beside a boy. I felt proud for her. If she does choose, I hope it's her choice.

Silently, I prayed that everyone gets good matches by the end of the weekend.

Suddenly, my eyes replace Pete holding a different girl in his arms. He's smiling at her, feeding her strawberries while they drank together. His eyes met with mine and they narrowed. He glances at Konstantin before smirking.

'That won't last. You'll be all alone, but don't worry, I'll still choose you.' He says through the mind link, his hands gripping the girl tighter. 'It's just a fling, June. Everyone will go back to their right place soon!

I shuddered at the meaning and didn't bother to respond.

Konstantin doesn't notice my change of mood and continues to drag me towards a table filled with city folk. They turn to him as he arrives, their heads bowed low. "I want you guys to meet June."

No one says hi.

All of them glare.

Awkward and ready to leave, my eyes desperately scan for someone I was supposed to be with tonight: Jeremy.

But he was nowhere in sight.

None of his pack members were here either.

Konstantin has me sit down at a table full of people that gave me the stink eye. I can tell I disgusted them. No amount of make up and a pretty dress can change what I really am.

And they know this.

I know this.

It's okay because it's true.

Konstantin starts talking to the man beside him, leaving me to sit alone and stare at my hands. I think an hour went by and there was still no sign of Jeremy. Some time after that, food is brought to me on a plate by a city pack helper. It was filled with food I wasn't familiar with and it looked very complicated to eat. Some of them were raw and some of them had a thin sheet of gold in them- is that even edible?

When I looked at the table beside us, the attendees there were being offered different food by the organizer's staff. It looked less complicated and very cooked. They had chicken in theirs, steak and other things I've just learned today. "Can I have that?" I quietly asked a city helper that passed.

The helper's eyes widened.

Apparently, everyone at the table heard because they burst out laughing, even Konstantin.

"We don't eat those things, June. That's peasant food. We brought our own delicacies and chef." He tells me, still laughing. "Have some fresh oysters and caviar, or this delicious white truffle. Have a taste of this foie gras too. It's a delicacy." He sounded like he was speaking in another language and I know if I asked what it was, I would only get laughed at some more.

So I kept quiet, feeling like I was shrinking with every passing second.

Again I got the feeling that I was being watched. It definitely wasn't Konstantin and it wasn't Pete because he was drunk and kissing yet another girl. A chill went through me but I kept my head down.

With nothing else to do, I listen to the city pack and their conversation. At first it was like they're speaking in another language again, talking about clothes and brands. And then they talk about where they've travelled.

Traveling to see other packs isn't frowned upon, but it's also not normal. Werewolves normally stick to one place where their pack is unless they marry into another pack, but apparently, with their wealth, they can go anywhere. No rules applied when money could bribe people.

I discover new things about other packs, like how the sea pack enjoys the summer season all throughout the year or how the valley pack has fields to run around instead of forests and woods.

"Where's Cora, Beta?" A girl asked loudly, pointedly looking at me with accusing eyes.

"She's eating with her father. You know how she is. She doesn't like to mingle with," Konstantin gestures to his back where the other attendees are. "These people."

"It must be great to have everything," The girl said jealously.

This girl was just talking about seeing the world- traveling lavishly with no care about the expense, and now she sounds as if she has nothing.

"Everything but a mate." Another girl spoke up, a sly smile on her face. "Won't you choose her, Konstantin? At least try to? You're the highest ranking male to attend this year."

To Konstantin's benefit, he looked uncomfortable. "Who knows at this point?"

"But it's your responsibility." She presses, glancing at me with a grin that makes me want to punch her. "You're supposed to mate with her when no one will."

"I suppose it is." He says, unable to meet my eyes.

So that's it.

He will choose Cora and I'm just here to feed his ego. I was just a little play thing that he wanted to show the world... a play thing he could easily have.

It stung.

It did.

Pete was right. Not that I ever thought differently. It just stung being slapped in the face with it.

"I, uh, need to go to the toilet." I muttered pathetically, standing up and praying my knees didn't fail me.

Konstantin stared at me, studying my face. "I can come with you-"

"It's fine." I said quickly. "I can go alone."

"June," He began a little loudly, which gathered more attention to us. "Let's talk about this. I'm a Beta and you're,"

I didn't let him continue, turning my back and walking towards the mansion. This was ridiculous. I should really just accept my fate and either be Pete's mate or be mateless. My father would have to suffer for me yet again.

Too angry to notice, I crashed into someone. The force almost topples me over, but strong hands keep me in place.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking." I said without looking up, refusing to let anyone see my face. Whoever slammed into me didn't move, staying where he was- which was directly in front of me.

This man is big, towering over me and he doesn't say a word. I felt him lean down, near my neck before taking a deep breath.

My identifier is still with Jeremy and with the clothes I'm wearing owned by the city pack, I can tell he's having a hard time pinpointing what I really am.

I move around him before he can figure it out and slip through the doors of the mansion. Worried that Konstantin might follow me to my room, I stood in front of the board where the room assignment was... looking until I found it.

Making my way to a completely different wing, I search for Jeremy's room until I replace it tucked away from everyone else. My knuckle hovers over the door in quiet contemplation and after I realized just how silly I was being by coming to his room, I take a step back and start to walk back where I came from.

But as I take about five steps, someone comes out of the corner. His blonde hair is like a beacon to me and when his blue eyes widen at the sight of me, my entire body relaxes in relief.

"June? I was looking for you down-"

I didn't let Jeremy finish, running towards him and wrapping my arms around his neck. "Hi."

He automatically returns my hug. "Did something happen? Are you okay?"

"I am now."