"So tell me again why I have to go to this stupid dinner?" I ask annoyed as I scan through my clothes looking for something nice and girlish to wear.

Mom sits on the bed tapping her finger against my comforter.

"Trinity was nice enough to invite us to one of their family dinner's. You should be thankful for this opportunity to see your father. I'm sure he misses you."

I roll my eyes, "Bull shit he misses me."

"Lucia! What did I tell you about disrespecting your father's feelings?" She shuns.

I growl but comply to her wishes, "Fine. Sorry." She really doesn't need me adding stress to her life. She has enough already.

I see a black shirt and grab it from my closet. I turn to my mom and hold it up to my chest to give her the effect of what it will look like.

"What do you think?"

Her face tells it all, she scrunches her nose up and shakes her head. I grunt and hang the shirt back where I found it. Who would have thought that finding a nice shirt would be so difficult?

"Here let me take a look," she says as she approaches my closet. As she is scanning through my things, I see nothing but disapproval on her face. I don't think I have ever felt this judged by my mother before, it kind of hurts a bit. "How did I let you get any of these things? They are all dark colors and baggy! Is this how you always dress?"

I sigh and walk back to sit on my bed, "Yes mom. This is how I always dress. You see me daily."

"I know but I didn't know it was this bad," she announces as she gets to my last shirt and sighs. "Well, there is nothing we can do now. Come with me. I still have some clothes from when I was younger. We can see what I can scrounge up."

Raising an eyebrow in her direction, I give her a disgusted look, "You're clothes? You understand that our styles are nothing alike and I would never wear something that looked like a unicorn threw up on it."

She rolls her eyes and grabs my wrists, dragging me from the room. "My clothes do not look like a unicorn threw up on them. Believe it or not, I wore very respectable and classy items when I was your age. And trust me, anything is better than what you have in that closet. We need to toss those raggedy things out as soon as possible."

"Mom!" I shout, "those are my clothes, we aren't throwing them out because they aren't girly!"

We get into her room, "How else do you intend to attract that boy to be your mate?" She questions loudly,completely out of the blue, and suddenly my face heats up.

"That has nothing to do with this!"

"Oh it has everything to do with this. Now sit," she instructs as she motions me toward her bed.

I follow her orders and plop myself down. I can't believe how pushy she is being! She even brought up Greyson... that's a low blow.

She starts to take out boxes from under her bed. One by one, the room slowly clutters with her old clothes. As she pulls out the pieces one by one, I notice that she doesn't just have "some" clothes from when she was younger, she practically has all of them.

"You seriously kept all of your clothes from when you were my age?" I ask stunned.

"Not all of them!" She adds offended by my comment, "just a few. Believe it or not, I still fit in most of these things."

Its true, my mom is a MILF. Yes, she is the type of mom who has a toned body and looks like she could be my sister. I guess it never hit me in how similar our body types are until now. I just assumed because she was older, we wouldn't fit in the same thing.

"Perfect!" She announces and holds up a short white summer dress.

"Oh no. I am NOT wearing a dress." I state horrified and jump from the bed and away from her.

"But Lucia-"

"Absolutely not."

She gives me her best set of puppy dog eyes, "Oh just try it on."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"For me?"

"No way."

She grunts and stands from the floor. "You have the same stubborn personality as your father. Now get your ass over here, take this dress and go try it on."

I stare at her dumbfounded. Did she just get mad? Well she is right in one sense, my father and I have the same stubborn personalities. I suppose I should give wearing the dress a try... I mean what could it hurt?

I sullenly walk over to her and swipe the dress from her arms. I see a satisfied smirk plaster onto her face as I walk back to my spot in the room. She is so pleased with herself that she just can't seem to contain it.

I roll my eyes and strip from my clothes. Slipping the dress over my head, then proceeding to tie the straps at the neck. I sigh and turn to my expecting mother. Her eyes gleam in happiness.

"It's just as pretty as I remember."

I roll my eyes at her comment. Of course she is fantasizing over the stupid dress. I look down at the airy material and turn from side to side examining it. Surprisingly, it's pretty comfortable. Unfortunately, it is so not my style.

"I hate it." I admit. Although maybe a small part of me kind of likes it...

"That's what you are wearing."

I look at her shocked. "What? No way. Everyone knows I would never wear a dress."

"Oh pish posh. People don't know that clearly, because you are wearing that tonight. It is perfect. Come look."

She urges me to follow her to the bathroom. I roll my eyes, but of course I follow her. I'm a bit curious to see what I look like. I don't think I can remember a time when I was wearing a dress. So this will be a first.

She stops me in front of the mirror and flicks on the bathroom light. I stare dumbfounded at the girl before me. Who the hell is this person? To my surprise, she actually looks pretty good in a dress. I can not believe I am thinking these things...

"See what I mean? You look beautiful Lucia." she says as she pushes some of my hair behind my shoulder, revealing more of the dress.

"Well.... I mean, I guess I don't hate it." I quietly admit.

Unfortunately, that small bit is enough to take my mom over the edge, "Perfect!" She announces, "now sit so I can start your hair and makeup."

"What?" I shout.

"You heard me. You have to look great tonight."

"Mom that is too much change."

"Of course it isn't! My baby girl is growing up!" She cries happily and begins to pull out curling irons and eyeshadow.

"Mom no. I agreed to the dress. Don't push it." I say sternly, to get the point across that I am serious.

She looks deep into my eyes. After a moment she understands, and says, "Can I just touch up your hair a bit then? No makeup, I promise."

I sigh, "Fine, but nothing extravagant. I can't handle much more of this girly shit...."

She smiles and plugs in the curler. "You won't regret this!"

I roll my eyes. I really hope I don't...

----

"Lucia! It's been so long." Trinity says to me as Mom and I enter the dinner quarters.

"I saw you the other-" An arm jerks into my side, throwing me off a bit. I glance to my right to see my mom glaring at me. I roll my eyes, "I know it's been forever. It's nice to see you again."

She smiles, welcoming us into the giant room. A huge wooden table lines the middle of the floor and is covered with plates and silverware that is perfectly set. I remember the days when Mom and I would eat in here with my father and the Alpha's family. We used to laugh at stupid inside jokes and my father would make this goofy face just to make me giggle. Too bad those days are long gone.

"It's great to see you too. I've heard many great things about you from Emanuel. He says the squad is running very smoothly under your control."

Ha, like flattery will get her anywhere with me. The bitch broke my family apart. How can I forgive an act like that?

"I wouldn't say that I am running the squad. I'm the assistant leader not the actual leader." I point out.

She laughs, "Oh you are so modest Lucia."

Ugh, when will this end? Kill me now please. I dart my eyes toward my Mom, pleading to get out. She gives me a glare, telling me that escaping this hell pit is impossible.

I hear chatting come from the other side of the dinning hall. Sounds like a group of people are heading our way. Trinity giggles and tosses her blonde, perfectly straight hair over her shoulder as she crosses the room. Leaving my mom and myself behind to meet the new guests.

"-coming to our pack. We need to figure out a way of keeping the Ichor Pack away from us. Some of the older women are feeling unsure of their safety with them getting so close to figuring out our where-abouts." My father says worriedly to the Alpha as they walk into the room.

The Alpha holds his hand up to my father, "That's enough of this talk for now. We should continue this after dinner."

My father nods in agreement.

Wait. The Alpha? I didn't know he would be here too. I nervously glance at Mom and notice that she is surprised as well. If the Alpha is here, that must mean the rest of his family is coming.

"Ah, Lucia and Carolyn! How are you two ladies doing?" Alpha Serg asks as he notices us.

He, Trinity and my father join us near the table.

"We are doing wonderfully. Thank you for your concern Alpha." My mom answers for us.

He smiles at that and turns to me. His dark eyes bore into mine curiously.

"So, how are the two newcomers doing?" He asks.

"Very good sir. Greyson stepped up and took control of the mission this morning with myself." He eyes me curiously.

"You and Greyson? Derek told me that Damien was going to be running this mission with you."

Damien? He didn't even come on the mission.

"Well I believe that was the plan at the beginning sir, but-" I'm cut off by a booming voice entering the room.

"But I decided to test Greyson instead. To see if he was worth all the effort to keep." Damien struts into the room. His eyes jump to mine and he stares me down angrily.

Oh shit. He is mad. He knows I was about to tell his father that he didn't go on the mission this morning. Oops... 

"There you are Damien." The Alpha takes note as his son joins us in our little circle that we have formed. "That was a smart move. How did he do?"

"Well enough. He needs some improvements but so far so good." Damien adds.

I roll my eyes. He is such an ass. He wasn't even there. Greyson did a great job, and now Damien is getting credit for not even participating. How annoying.

The Alpha claps his hand onto Damien's shoulder happily, "Well I'm sure you can get them in top shape before we know it. You aren't leading this group for no reason."

Ugh, gag me. He is only leading this group because he is your son.

"Well I'm starving." My father cuts in.

"Perfect because we have a great dinner prepared! Shall we all sit?" Trinity suggests to the group.

"Of course!" Alpha Serg adds, "We love all your meals Trinity, I'm excited to see what you have for us tonight." The Alpha says, starting the movement to the table.

Everyone begins the walk to their spot. I have no idea where I'm sitting so I decide to follow my mom. As I'm about to step toward her, an arm laces through mine. I glance to my right, surprised to see Damien there.

"You're going to pay later, for almost throwing me under the bus." He hisses angrily.

I squint my eyes at him, "I didn't know that you didn't tell your father about not showing up for the mission."

"You can assume that this isn't something I would tell him" he snaps back.

"Well where were you anyway?" I ask annoyed.

"That isn't your business." He growls.

I roll my eyes as we get to our seats. To my surprise, Damien unlaces our arms and pulls a chair out, offering it to me. I eyes him curiously as he motions for me to sit down.

"Um... Thank you." I state, very confused as I seat myself. Was he not just hissing at me? Now he is being a gentleman?

"No problem." He adds platonically.

I look up and notice the Alpha looking over at us. His eyes appear happy, confusing me even further. What the heck is going on?

"Dad!" A little voice screeches as a little eight year old girl in a white frilly dress comes running into the room.

"Milena," The Alpha announces happily, "Where have you been?"

She giggles running to him and hoping onto his lap.

"I've been hanging with Palmer." She adds, her long black hair falling messily down her back.

"Milena, don't go running off!" Palmer says as he storms into the room.

Palmer is my younger step-brother. Yes, this annoying twelve year old is Trinity's son. To be honest, it is obnoxious that he is treated more as the Beta's child than I am when I'm actually the Beta's daughter! It's so unfair.

Milena giggles, "Sorry Palmy."

He stops running when he sees that she is in the Alpha's arms, "Hello Alpha." he adds quietly.

Serg smirks, "Hello Palmer. I see that you and Milena here have been getting along nicely."

Palmer reaches up and scratches the back of his head nervously, he is clearly intimidated by the Alpha. I mean who would't be, look at this guy. His pitch black hair and piercing black eyes. Don't even get me started on his giant build. He is huge.

"Yeah," he adds quietly.

My father shakes his head, "Palmer please take a seat. You are late."

Palmer glances at my father apologetically, "I know, I'm sorry Dad. I got distracted."

He walks over to the seat across from me, and sits down. When he notices my presence he squishes his face disgustedly and says, "What is she doing here?"

"Palmer! That is no way to talk to a guest!" Trinity adds, clearly shocked by her son's response to me.

I sigh, "It's fine, no need to worry about it Trinity." I say, just trying to keep the peace.

"I'm so sorry. Palmer, apologize this instant."

Palmer glances at his mom and then lets out an annoyed grunt, clearly dissatisfied with having to say his sorry.

"I apologize."

"It's fine. Don't worry about it." I say.

"Well..." My mom cuts in, "This meal looks delicious Trinity. What kind of seasonings did you use on the mashed potatoes?"

Thank goodness for my mom. She always knows how to soothe an awkward situation. The table quickly erupts into different conversations. My mom is surprisingly handling this whole thing very well. Even though my father and Trinity are here, she is completely calm and collected. Maybe she really has accepted the fact that they aren't mates anymore.

I look up and see Palmer glaring at me. After a moment he sticks his tongue out and gives me a weird alien face. Oh man. This little shit is going to get a piece of my mind if he does this to me anytime after dinner. I quickly glance over at him and give him my death stare.

He locks eyes with me. This starts our staring- wait no- glaring competition. After a minute, he finally blinks, leaving me victorious. I stick my tongue out at him and laugh a bit. What a loser.

"What are you, five?" Damien whispers to me.

I glance over at him. Shit, did he just see that?

"No..." I whisper back.

"Try not to act like a child. Especially with the Beta's son."

"I'm the Beta's daughter, plus he is being super annoying. He needs to learn his lesson."

Damien rolls his eyes, "Whatever. You just look like a fool. Don't let anyone catch you being weird." and continues to eat a piece of his steak.

I huff annoyed, "I can be as weird as I want, when I want. Since when do you care?"

"Since... Nevermind, just stop. Try to act your age. It's annoying otherwise."

I roll my eyes. Could this night get any more strange?

I continue to eat my meal and make small talk. Surprisingly, the rest of the dinner goes well. Palmer doesn't make anymore stupid faces at me, and the adults include me in most of their conversation. I guess it isn't as bad as I assumed it would be.

After we devour the fruit tart that Trinity made for dessert, we are all dismissed. Mom and I graciously thank our hosts and make our leave. We get back to our suite and shut the door. I let out a relieved sigh.

"Well thank god that is over!" I announce, plopping myself onto the couch.

Mom laughs and joins me on the sofa. She runs her fingers through her perfectly curled hair, loosening some of the strands.

"Oh, it wasn't that bad."

I glance at her, "It wasn't that bad? Mom, Palmer practically embarrassed the shit out of me at dinner and Emanuel didn't even yell at him! Speaking of which, he didn't even look at me today. It's like he is ashamed of me or something. What is up with that?"

"He isn't ashamed of you Lucia. Don't think like that. Plus the Alpha was there. Your father didn't want to cause conflict with him around. I'm sure Palmer will get a stern talking to tonight."

"Yeah right. Like Trinity would let that happen."

"She did yell at Palmer earlier."

"Yeah but barely. It was more like she was embarrassed by her son's reaction." I say and turn onto my side and cuddle into the couch pillow.

"Well why wouldn't she be? That was a terrible way to react to you. I wonder why he doesn't like you? He has only met you a few times." My mom says as she grabs the remote for the TV.

"It's probably because I'm his only competition for being the Beta's favorite. But clearly our father likes him more so he has no reason to hate me." I add as House Hunters comes onto the TV.

"Maybe, but I wouldn't say that he is your Dad's favorite. Believe it or not, your Dad loves you very much." She says and then turns to me, "So, I hear that you and Damien seem to get along well."

"What?" I say and spring my head up.

She eyes my reaction carefully, "Yeah, Alpha Serg says that you two have been getting along very well lately. He even says that you guys are handling taking care of the new guys and the team. You work well together."

My jaw drops open, "You have got to be kidding me."

She raises an eyebrow curiously, "No, this is what he was telling me."

I let out a sarcastic laugh, "Oh my god. Damien is one lying piece of shit."

"Lucia!" My mom shouts, "Don't you ever say that!"

I look at her annoyed, "Why? Because he is the Alpha's son? Well that's bullshit. He literally takes credit for doing absolutely nothing. For instance, I'm the one who is taking care of the new pack members. He doesn't know anything about them. Also, I'm the one running the team. He didn't even come on the mission this morning! It is complete bullshit that his dad thinks he is so special. Yeah, he might be strong, but that is just from his bloodline. He does nothing for himself. If he were to actually to become Alpha, this pack will go to shit."

She stares at me dumbfounded and silent. She really can't believe that I said all of that.

"Lucia, you can't act like this."

"I can't tell the truth?" I yell.

"Yes." She snaps, shaking her head then gently placing her fingers on her forehead, "You can't talk bad about the Alpha or his son. Please, Lucia. This is the one thing I'm asking of you. Just don't defy them. It could put both of us in really bad positions..."

I look at her sad disposition. My anger still clearly boiling inside of me. I take a deep breath and try to calm down. She is right I suppose. I can't defy them, or else we will be kicked out. If Damien wants to take credit for all of this, then he can. No one can stop him unless his dad found out. But if any one of us told his dad, then Damien would have our asses served on the next dinner plate.

"You're right." I say calmly to my mother.

She sadly looks up at me and I smile gently and touch her shoulder.

"Don't worry. I won't do anything stupid to make our position worse. I mean it is bullshit that he gets away with all of this, but I guess I can be happy that he is at least giving me credit for what I do. Even if he is taking half the credit."

My mom sighs in relief, "Thank you for being understanding Lucia. I know you have your father's enthusiasm, and he hates when others take credit for the things he does. I'm just glad you can see where to draw the line."

I nod, "I understand. I'm going to go to bed though. It has been a long and weird night. I really need to cool down."

She nods and smiles gently, reaching up to tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear, "Alright, goodnight. I love you, Lucia."

I stand up and head to bed, "Love you too Mom."