Page 31 of He Claimed Her Heart

“So, when do you want to start opening all of it?” dad askedcheerfully rubbing his hands together.

I just looked at him and handed him the clipboard.There were big boxes, medium sized boxes, and small boxes. No telling what was inside of them. What on earth. “Dad, I can’t keep this stuff, can I? I mean, it would be rude to send it back, right? What is protocol in this instance? Dad??” I whined trying to figure it all out and failing miserably.

“I’m not really sure. I can ask Alpha Bennett what he thinks. But I think it would be rude to send it back. It would be a sign of disrespect,” dad explained.

“Really? Even if I don’tchoose them to date?” I groaned as I lifted a box and shook it.

“Hold on while I ask the Alpha,” dad said as he sat down at the kitchen table. “I was right. Alpha Bennett said it would be a sign of disrespect to return the gift even if you don’t choose to date the Alpha.”

“Okay, let’s get started opening the gifts and notating who sent what so we can send out thank you cards.Will you help me dad? Please?” I pleaded using my best puppy dog eyes.

“I will help you. We need to set the alarm so we canstill prepare for the banquet and arrive on time. It would be bad form for the guest of honor to be late,” dad chuckled as he picked up the clipboard and a pen.

We set to work after I set the alarm. We got through three-quarters of the gifts before the alarm went off.We stopped so we could get ready for the banquet. I went to my bedroom for a shower and to await Beta Angela’s arrival. She arrived twenty minutes later. She came in with Veronica to help her with my hair and makeup. Once that was done, it was time for the dress. I was wearing the dress dad wanted me to wear. The one that he bought without me knowing about, the one that hugged me in all the right places. It was the one that I wore for the when Alpha Blaine told me about the list and revealed the holiday in my honor.

I could not leave the suite until everyone was in place downstairs in the banquet hall.So, Angela and I started opening the remaining gifts. Dad broke the boxes down after we opened them which made it a lot easier to move around the room. Now, with all the gifts opened, I could thank them personally tonight for the gifts if they were present. I would still send them a handwritten thank you note as protocol dictates.

Dad was given the signal for us to walk downstairs to join everyone.We stopped outside the double doors and waited for our signal to walk in. From the other side of the door, we heard Alpha Bennett call for everyone’s attention:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please. Please draw your attention to the double doors for our guest of honor tonight being escorted by her father Beta Theodore, please welcome Breonna Mathis.” Cheers and howls were heard as the doors opened and we walked through. Dad escorted me to our table of honor. I looked around the room and I found him. I found Drake looking exceptionally handsome in his tuxedo. His smile almost had me melting on the spot. He winked at me and I at him.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as you know we are here to honor Breonna Mathis for winning the Grand Forks Tournament this year. Which is quite a feat considering our pack hasn’t placed within the top five in the last four years. She won the women’s tournament. We are all very proud of her and her accomplishments. Not only did she finish first, but Bonnie finished third, and Zaria finished fifth among females. Javier finished fourth among males. Not bad considering our four-year drought.

Breonna will you step forward please? I believe this trophy belongs to you. You asked me to take it for you after you were presented it at Grand Forks.”

“Yes, Alpha, I asked you to take it for me. Alpha Bennett, it is my honor and privilege to present to you and to the Blackhawk Pack the Female Trophy of the Grand Forks Tournament. You see, this trophy does not belong to me. It belongs to all of us. I am a mere representation of you and the pack,” I stated as I knelt in front of Alpha Bennett extending the trophy to him.

“Rise Breonna Mathis. I accept this trophy on behalf of the Blackhawk Pack. You really will make a wonderful Luna,” Alpha Bennett announced as he took the trophy from me. Howls and cheers were heard at his announcement.

I blushedat his praise of me being ‘a wonderful Luna.’ He’s right, that’s what I was going to be when all this dating business was going to be over with, a Luna. I looked over at dad who was beaming with pride.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we will eat dinner. Then, we will have our festivities. Everyone has been briefed as to what to expect tonight. Enjoy dinner.” Alpha Bennett exclaimed in a cheerful voice.

Dad escorted me back to my chair. Dinner was served. I kind of missed sitting next to Drake for dinner. He fed me last night. I liked it a lot. I must have had a goofy grin on my face because dad leaned over and asked, “what are you thinking about?”

“Oh, something that happened recently. I kind of liked it,” I explained to dad as I looked over at Drake who was looking at me. It’s amazing how I can become accustomed to something in such a short time. I smiled at him, and he winked at me.

Dad noticed our exchangebut didn’t say a word. He simply raised an eyebrow and sat back in his chair. He continued to watch us all through dinner.

Once dinner was over and everything was cleared away. Alpha Bennett had the stage set up for the festivities.

“Ladies and gentlemen, now at long last comes our program for the evening. By now you all have heard about the list of Alphas who have to find a Luna or forfeit their packs. Breonna is on the list of potential female mates because she lost her mate not too long ago. We have among us tonight nine other Alphas who want Breonna to date them, get to know them, and maybe become their Luna. One Alpha that came here, found his mate among us, my sister to be exact and has since left to rejoin his pack.

Now, I will introduce our remaining Alphas then go over the rules of our ‘game’ if you will. If any alpha does not wish to participate, then they will be excused from the program and will not contact Breonna again. They will move on to other females on the list. Am I clear so far? Good.

When I introduce you, you will go up, greet Breonna. Then have a seat in the chair in the front of room. Any questions? Good. Bree, take your place please so we can present the Alphas to you.

Introducing Alpha Drake.Alpha Drake walked confidently up to me and presented me with a red rose. “Hi honey,” he said before he kissed my lips and winked at me. Then he strode to his chair and sat down.

Introducing Alpha Travis. Alpha Travis walked over towards me with a gleam in his honey-colored eyes. “It’s very nice to finally meet you Breonna,” he stated as he presented me with a red rose, and he kissed my hand as he bowed toward me. He winked at me before he turned to go take his seat.

Introducing Alpha Martin. Alpha Martin sauntered toward me. He bowed toward me and kissed my hand. “Very nice to meet you,” he bellowed before he turned on his heel on walked away.

Introducing Alpha Rex. Alpha Rex walked over towards me. His steel blue eyes caught me off guard. They reminded me of Andy. I gasped and almost fell back. Rex caught me as before I fell. “Are you alright Breonna? I apologize if I startled you,” he statedas he held me around my waist.

“I’m alright. You didn’t startle me; I just need something to drink. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” I explained as I motioned my dad for some water to drink. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rex.”

“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you,” he replied with a cocky smile.

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