HIS LITTLE MISCHIEF

Idiots. Every single one of them is a fool.

I let out a laugh that simultaneously turned into a cheeky smile.

I take a quick look around before pulling up at the magnificent mansion where the party was being hosted. And, I should add, a celebration that started without my beautiful presence.

How thoughtful.

I pull my hood up before heading through the residence's massive doors and toward the ballroom. Folks danced and talked. There were laughs and smiles across the large room. I winced. It is absolutely terrible to be in a room full of werewolf odors.

I twisted up my nose. In this place, how in the hell do you find your mates?

An annual meeting is hosted by the council-sorry, the council. It was anticipated that werewolves sixteen and up would take part. Its goal is to bring unmated wolves together and the Alphas above everything else. As expected, the newlyweds converse, fall in love, kiss, make out, fuck, and have a little nevertheless, everyone who belongs to any rank of werewolf-Alphas, Betas, Omegas, etc.-is "invited." The mating ball is kind of required, if I may put it that way. That didn't really matter, though, because practically all of the wolves were eager to go in the hopes of meeting their soul mate.

the Royal Crimson Pack excluded.

They are strong, authoritative, and well-liked. They were superior to the Council because of this. No, they didn't misuse their authority or destroy packs at random. However, once they become angry, they won't show you any mercy and will methodically tear you apart, ensuring that you receive the worst execution anyone has ever seen. I've heard that, anyway. The Royal Crimson Pack is unstoppable for anyone who dares face them. You can run, but you can't hide, as they say.

However, that wasn't important to me, was it? As if I would ever become involved in their affairs.

The rumors were what mattered to me at the moment. I've attended this event for three years, and in that time I've learned enough to say that the young leaders of the Royal Crimson Pack were, to put it mildly, amazing. Men and women alike exclaimed over their stunning appearance and captivating personalities. It piqued my interest.

Word of the new company spread, as though the Moon Goddess heard us poor, unlucky peasants. It appears that the Crimson Pack will be present at the Mating Ball this year.

Finally, fucking. Something to soothe my ennui was what I needed.

I walked around the room aimlessly, not wanting to come into contact with anyone. I mean, no disrespect, but these folks are boring. without incident. Put differently: unfun. It is a waste of time to interact.

I head to the food area because I'm hungry and grab a plate and four tiny slices of cake. I practically started to drool just looking at it. It had such a lovely appearance. I was going to make the most of my pricey meal, as I hadn't had any in a long time.

I notice the gossip that reverberated through the room as I raise the fork to my mouth.

"Were they visible to you? I've never felt-I'm not sure how to put it-like this! However, I feel like my heart is about to explode." One grinned, her cheeks very red.

I sampled a piece of cake. It tasted great.

"How could anyone be so perfect?" asks another person. How fortunate could the mate of Alpha Theo be? She must have accomplished something noteworthy in a previous life."

I wag my eyebrows, curious.

"I feel as though I've fallen from heaven," a man utters, his gaze vacant.

One more person says, "Imagine what a great fuck that is."

The snort that escaped the ladylike facade I was digging for was unavoidable.

Like the refined lady that I am, I use a tissue to wipe my mouth clean after eating. I gather myself up, straighten the hood of my black cape, and give the outfit I recently stole from a girl a gentle pat. I'm happy the fabric was comfortable.

All I would like is for it to be crimson so that it appears really menacing. On the contrary, I looked like a saint in the white outfit. Pft.

My curiosity piqued, and I strolled in the direction that the folks were leaving.

There were around five young men and ladies in the visible crowd. I was ecstatic, as always. My veins are full of vigor; therefore, it made me feel excited.

The Royal Crimson Pack was it.

The majority of them sneaked glances while making a concerted effort to hide their attendance, acting as though it didn't even somewhat interest them. It was a catastrophe. It was obvious that the crowd was evaluating the performances as though they were works of art.

And I acknowledge that I was in that group of people.

They were really of high caliber.

I could see the power in all five of them with just a glance. Curiosity was racing through my head, and I couldn't help but become more and more enthralled.

One of them, a handsome guy with curly hair, olive skin, and stunning honey brown eyes, had a bored expression on his face. To be honest, I didn't hold it against him. The celebration could be even livelier. I thought the guy looked like someone who could have portrayed the jock in a romantic teen film. There was something very macho about him.

I saw that his powerful arms were encircling the waist of someone else. His countenance softens as he looks at her.

A tiny smile couldn't help but appear on my face. There was never any doubt in my mind about their beauty as a couple.

With her blonde hair falling in lovely waves, the girl rests her head on his shoulder. Her complexion was pale, and her eyes were ocean blue. She exudes angelic beauty and exudes the same vibe as the girl next door.

My gaze moves to the individual on her right, whose features are identical to hers. identical twins.

The youngster had the same ocean-blue eyes and straight blonde hair that reached his ears. On the other hand, he appears to be a bothersome little devil, a joker, or the life of the party. A miscreant, if you will.

Observe who is speaking. It wasn't as though I was unique.

His eyes were wide, and his lips were pursed. After some time, I came to the conclusion that he was making an unsuccessful attempt to soothe his partner.

The girl's skin was fair and glowing. Her bangs were combed to one side, and her dark hair was pulled up in a high ponytail. Her brows were furrowed, her countenance dissatisfied as she scowled at her mate, giving off a kind appearance. He protruded his tongue.

What a strange couple.

There was another man next to them, and I would be lying if I didn't find myself drawn to him more than the others.

In some way, he seemed more formidable. More intriguing. More captivating. The stunning young man had a sly smirk on his lips and a cunning look in his exquisite gray eyes. He had a look on his face that gave me the impression that we were the pieces in a game that he was playing.

His facial features were exquisite, perhaps sculpted by the Moon Goddess herself. I was torn between wanting to be him and wanting to be his.

How come she couldn't make me look this good?

I couldn't help but be drawn to him for some reason. It was drawing me in and persuading me to approach. I was drawn to him because he was the most attractive man I had ever encountered.

I felt a stirring inside of me and a strong desire to see him. I'm driven to do anything that includes him, inside and out.

I'm not sure how long I kept watching him. And, to be honest, I wasn't all that bothered.

And then those hypnotic gray eyes met mine.

Goddamn, motherfucking crap.

I wanted to seize this opportunity and hold onto it forever. My heart begins to beat more rapidly. I could no longer see my surroundings and was only able to concentrate on the attractive young man. It felt as though my heart might suddenly leap out of my chest.

A strange, unanticipated thought crosses my head.

I cock my head, examining him closely. He followed suit.My mouth twitches in a frown. He followed suit.

We were both observing one another and taking in the unexpected idea.

"Copycat!" I exhaled deeply.

Though the concept was deeply ingrained in my thoughts, it didn't feel real.

His eyes sparkle with interest as a smile spreads across his face. He looks me up and down, pride swelling in his chest, and his stares cut right through me.

"Pleased to meet you, mi amor," he says as he opens his mouth to speak.

His deep, velvety voice gave off an uncontrollable, chaotic vibe in my head. My heart is thumping with passion and energy. Unconsciously, I shudder.

I smile as the edges of my mouth lift up. How fascinating.

"I'm glad to have met you as well, buddy," I reply, speaking slowly and clearly.

We didn't avert our gaze. Not at all.

There was a yell after that.

"Capture her!" The mob dispersed. The guards rush in my direction. Whoa.

I salute my mate and try to capture his beauty as I look back at him one last time. I failed to notice the chuckle on his face.

Did I not say that rogues were not allowed at the mating ball?

Hehe, sorry.

I took off running.

The way his hair looks bothers me.

Shall I simply murder him?

I turn and flick the dagger in my palm, feeling the presence of roughly twenty wolves all around me. They all appeared to be just as angry. Oh my.

I laugh. Guys, is it just me? normal, same gorgeous chick. Recall?"

Not a reply. I go forward, taking a steady stride back. "Come on, everyone! It's our fourth year together as friends! Do we not get along well? Would you like to get a few drinks? My pleasure!"

The main warrior, Jerik, growls at me without amusement and advances a few paces.

At last, he says, "It's you again, you annoying piece of shit."

Oh no. It hurts a little bit. I scowl and give a little "ouch."

"I will catch you this time. And I'll make sure you suffer for a very long time when I do," Jerik swore. His eyes gleamed with excitement and piqued curiosity. "Do you not realize how incredibly annoying you are? You enrage me!"

I swallow, but I give him a shaky smile.

Well, somebody is furious.

You know, you would think that the main lead would charge, win, and possibly receive some cuts or even a blow to the head. Then, a prince charming will come to the rescue of his beautiful damsel in distress and even shed a few tearful goodbyes. Horrible, huh?

Unfortunately, I lack your bravery and talent. However, you know what I excelled at?

sprinting.

Thus, I did.

Not before, though, as I point the dagger at Jerik's leg to make sure I don't kill anyone. Despite our blunders, I still think of him as a close friend.

Baby, hit and run!

I give him the finger and flee before the others have a chance to respond.

After ten minutes of the same practice, I noticed a familiar tree in my field of vision. Breathless, I reached for my bow and trembled, cradling it against my cheek and whispering, "My little babies."

I keep running.

It's definitely enjoyable.

My attractive partner has a way of getting inside my head and bothering me. I was annoyed with myself for becoming so enamored of someone I had hardly met.

His striking gray eyes, sharp jaw, dark hair, and, my goodness, those plump, seductive lips made even me envious. How am I so fortunate? I could feel my heart racing just thinking about him. I thought about his hair and how it would feel between my fingers and during his hugs.

Then my stream of thought is interrupted by an ugly voice I recognize. "YES, SHE IS THERE! DUMMIES! merely get a picture of her."

I squinted to see behind me. Jerik was there, in the empty space. stumbling. Cleaned blood adhered to his aging and deteriorating skin.

I couldn't resist laughing, so I stopped walking. He glared me terrible while the other warriors stood, perplexed, beside him. I laughed harder after reading that. I was laughing so hard that I was having trouble breathing. I double over, clenching my gut and drawing in sharp breaths.

Observing the silence and the indignant growls, I clear my throat, getting my bearings back.

"Are you finished, you filthy rogue?" growls Jerik.

Jerik and his entourage of fighters advance on me, reducing the gap that had previously divided us.

I put on a painful face. "Can't you be a little kinder, Jerik?" I put my palm over my heart and said,

He responds, "I thought you were smart," and continues to drag. I decided to take a chance and look around after figuring out I had no power over this circumstance. "You should know by now that kindness doesn't ever apply to you."

"And clearly, shutting up doesn't exist in your dictionary," I say.

I thought about striking, but I didn't have a close-quarters weapon with me. I'll have to pull off another hit-and-run, I suppose.

He approaches me on foot. The person who wouldn't stop talking about their friendship says: He says, mocking me, "Why don't we go grab some drinks? My pleasure!"

I could smell his horrible breath because his face was so close to mine. I tried not to inhale his aroma while holding my breath. God forbid, it was enough to kill me!

I give him the sharpest scowl I can manage.

"But don't you think your cape's a little outdated?" he asks, feigning laughter.

I boldly put a scowl on my face that threatened to take over.

Stupid. Nobody makes fun of my cape.

Jerik just smiled, which made me angry. What do you think would look good on you? You are down in the cellars. famished. cuffed and beaten to death while wearing chains."

"Yeah, I bet you and your wife enjoyed that," I say with a sneer.

He smirks, which makes me happy. Anger wells up in his eyes. "Achieve. Not at all. Never again discuss her in that way, you dog, or I'll tear you to pieces. You had best hope you don't get such a harsh penalty if I capture you and hand you over to the Gamma."

"Oh, don't worry, Jerik," I snidely reply. "I assure you nothing that bad could happen, judging from your wife's account."

He swings his body around to take aim at my neck.

I avoid it and move in the direction I had intended to run in.

I'm not a moron; I understand my strengths and weaknesses. You survive in this way.

And as usual, my number one go-to answer for The Key to Surviving by Me is to run.

I ran outside.

A breath of relief slips from my mouth. Unfortunately for me, the relief was short-lived.

My ears prickle. A loud 'woosh' pierces the stillness of the atmosphere. The arrow flies by my ear as I grab hold of it and grasp it firmly between my palms.

I yell, "Whoever shot that, your aim sucks!" as I turn to face the rear.

I smile, relishing the absence of monotony. This, my folks, is how you have fun.

I turn my head to face forward once more. I was hoping for the best when I realized too late that the figure that had been standing motionless in front of me was there.

A smell catches my nose, and I'm spellbound. It had an earthy, natural scent to it, like lavender and fresh rain. Almost instantly, a feeling of tranquility sweeps over me, and my muscles appear to let go of their tension.

I'm pulled closer to them by the stranger, who grips my wrists. My skin begins to glow with pleasure, and I can't help but gasp out loud.

Mate.

When I lifted my head to check, I was greeted with the same enthralling stare that I had already grown to love. My heart rate spikes, and my breathing becomes labored.

I start to say something, but he gets there first.

His steely gaze scrutinizes them menacingly. He shifts his gray eyes away from me and moves behind me.

He gives them a strong order: "You can go; I'll be taking care of her from now on."

I turn my head to the side and see Jerik and his friends lower their heads in surrender and then hastily make their getaway.

Yes, I did not realize they were even there.

My captor-er, mate-releases his grip on my wrist and puts his arm around my waist, drawing me in. I feel a chill run up my spine.

"Woah!" I exhale.

His stunning gray eyes meet mine, and a small smile spreads across his face. There's a swirl in his eyes that I couldn't quite understand.

"Interesting," he murmurs under his breath.

"That's my line."

"Last time I checked, your name wasn't on it."

"Sucks," I reply. "Because last time I checked, you don't even know my name."

He laughs, obviously amused. "Touché. Do you mind, my dear, telling me your name?"

My heart turned around.

First, I adjust my hood before responding. a routine I have.

"Alexandria," I muttered to myself.

"Alexandria," he says again in a seductive, seductive voice.

When the werewolves said that there was a strong mate link, they were telling the truth. Even though I had just recently met him, it took all of my strength not to throw my arms around him and give him a bear hug.

I was afraid of the mate bond, though, in a way. Even though I've only just met him, the mere sound of my partner shouting my name gave me chills. I rarely felt the feelings he made me feel. It didn't escape me to imagine what we would look like in a few years.

That is, if we ultimately choose to stay together.

I tilt my head to the side and beg him to respond. "Your name?" I inquired, perplexed that he didn't catch the message.

"Call me Theo."

Theo, Theo, Theo.

I started to respond, but another voice interrupted me.

"THEO!" A voice shouts from beyond the trees-a guy's voice.

Four people soon come to light. I observe that he attended the ball with the same friends.

Additionally, I noticed that they were irritated, and I suspected that this had anything to do with me.

Someone is in peril, oh. The idea makes me chuckle.

Theo looks at me, his mouth still twisted into a smile. "What's so funny, Alexandria?"

"Nothing," I reply, trying to contain my little outburst.

His buddies looked at him and then at me. For what seemed like an eternity, they said nothing and showed no interest. I move my weight from foot to foot because I don't like the looks I keep getting.

The man with the brown eyes and curling hair suddenly moves forward. His visage is completely devoid of emotion, only disdain. I wanted to strike him in the face because of it.

All of a sudden, he lost his attractiveness.

He yells, "Who is she?"

Do you think I'm offended?

With a smile, Theo says, "She's my mate, Giovanni."

I furrow my brow, wondering how he found his friend's response funny.

Giovanni, the male, runs a hand through his hair, seemingly having just heard the world's most distressing thing.

I laugh incredulously.

He turns to face his partner, who tries to calm him by rubbing his arm in circles. Then I saw a change in color in their eyes. I stifle a groan as I come to that understanding. I look to Theo for approval. He also had bright gray eyes.

That's right, they are disparaging me behind my back. Cuties.

I fold my arms in frustration at having to wait.

After fifty years, six years, and fifteen weeks, their secret conversation came to an end.

The first person to speak was the Asian girl with the ponytail. "Theo, she's a wild child." Bitchch, it's good to meet you too.

One of the twins, Giovanni's partner, had a worried look on his face. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing at the way she looked at me. Me? Sordid? Never!

Her eyebrows wrinkle as she says, "Scarlett and Gio are right. Once it has occurred, it cannot be allowed to occur again. Please, let's not take the chance."

Okay, whore, screw you too.

Theo looks at them without saying anything. He was clearly acting as though he was considering his options, but there was nothing else that might sway his choice.

The woman's twin, meanwhile, has a silly smirk on his face. He found amusement in the chaos inside his pack, and I concurred.

He sneered, "Seriously?" "Are Beta and my dear Celestina scaredy-cats?"

Bravo, young man.

Giovanni gives him a scowl. Emilio, what about Scarlett? Moron, she's on my side too.

"Gio, you know very well that I'll be dead as meat if I ever talk smack about my mate," he responds. Emilio is struck in the head by his mate, who snatches him by the shoulders. K. O. As if to instigate a quarrel, he begins to cuff his dress shirt's sleeves.

Celestina, I assumed, yells for them to halt as though it were normal. The hilarious couple immediately gets over their disagreement and straightens up.

Celestina looks at Theo for a little moment and asks, "Is she not going to talk at all?" as if observing my prolonged quiet. She said something that stopped me from wanting to talk further. "Oh, please! For heaven's sake, we don't need cowards in the pack!"

I flash her my middle finger and give her a kiss.

She responds with a surprised expression. Her partner instinctively lets out a low growl, hating the "disrespect" she received.

"Theo, I really don't like her," he says, emphasizing each and every word. Regards, Captain Obvious!

I smirked under my hood as I used my other hand to flip him off.

I give Theo a quick look. With a smug grin on his face, he looked back at his friends with his arms crossed. "Che peccato," he says, glancing at me. "Because I'm liking her."

Well, I wanted to say, well, duh, I'm your mate. But I didn't want to talk because it would take up valuable energy. It is just a useful tool for getting away, or better yet, for annoying the living daylights out of someone.

I mimic Theo's gesture, crossing my arms and putting my chin up as though I'm making fun of them.

They stare at us in shock, unable to accept that they would have to put up with me.

Together, he and I were trouble. The Moon Goddess took a chance when she paired us off.

But every now and then, the world needs a little taste of its own anarchy.

There is a benefit to chaos. It is essential.

It was the last year's mating ball. Gradually, groups of old and new acquaintances began to exit the estate. The next day, the workers only had to undo the tasteful decorations and any leftover garbage.

I watch as the mansion's gates are closed by the final warriors who guarded the occasion.

Now, five Greek gods and me, the most gorgeous of them all, were the only werewolves that remained.

Theo says firmly, "I'm bringing you with me," in spite of the tension in the room. He doesn't give a fucking crap, or he may not be able to sense his environment.

I quickly respond, "Okay," not really sure what else to say. I still hadn't come to terms with what was actually happening. It was simply too surreal.

Still, enough was enough to cease running, stealing, and beheading werewolves.

Obviously, temporarily.

I chose to disregard the other side of myself that questioned my acceptance and suggested there were more factors at play.

Jolting me out of my reverie is the sound of Giovanni, the guy, laughing icily. My mind was racing with laughter as I forced myself to restrain myself from killing this son of a bitch.

"My friends, let's not hurry and act inappropriately. He looks at me. " We're going to seek Alpha's permission on her behalf. "Oh wait-you don't have a pack."

With a laugh, the blonde gives Giovanni a back pat. I also believed that he supported me. What a betrayer!

Not only were these folks obnoxious, but the fact that I was becoming upset rather than them lit a fire under me.

I'm the only one who can goof around, honey.

"I'd tell you to shut up or I'll cut off your dick, but-" I say this. Like he did, my gaze mockingly moved up and down his body. "You don't have one."

The blonde laughs unflatteringly, and his sister gives him a stern look in return.

My hood falls off due to a strong breeze that arrives as if on cue.

The blonde's partner, Scarlett, advances a few paces.

She responds, sounding a little disgusted. "I suggest you stop talking, rogue." "You're crossing the line."

"Sorry to inform you, but I don't do boundaries." I give a wink.

With a snarl, she steps toward me, but stops abruptly when her partner grabs her by the waist and draws her to him. His grip instantly causes her body to relax.

Alright, alright. Will you give that a look?

There is beauty in chaos.

The anxiety in the air was palpable. It was picking at us, making me struggle with them as well.

They obviously felt that my presence undermined their authority and that they were hungry for power. They were obviously not particularly fond of me, and they would use violence if necessary.

The guy with the curly hair charges at me, as expected. I had ample time to react because of the distance between us. I smile and go into shooting position, raising the bow just in time to fire before he can get close to narrowing the gap between us.

It's been a long time since I fired an arrow. It's been much too long since my hands were free of blood. I also got a new arrow. glittering with a silver tip.

Giovanni would make an excellent trial subject. I'm curious how adorable he would appear with blood streaming from his eye. What a masterwork! I was ecstatic with this concept and was very certain that I was grinning in an unsettling way.

I catch the string of the bow, draw it, and let go, aiming for his eye.

Maybe this new trend would make him look even hotter.

He tries to crouch when he realizes this too late. With the task accomplished, my smile grows even more.

But before it gets to him, I spot my partner right in the middle of my vision. A needle between his hands. With a trembling breath, he snaps it in half and tosses it to the ground.

His brow was furrowed, and he appeared irritated for the first time.

How charming.

"Fuck you," I growl. "Theo, that was really fresh! You realize how difficult it was to steal that?

He tells me in a matter-of-fact manner, "Since it's so easy for you, you can just effortlessly steal another one."

"All right," I sigh.

He orders, "Now set aside the bow." I give him an inflexible gaze. Seeing me motionless, he says, "Alexandria."

I maintain my eyes on him and see the terrifying bright gray change in his eyes.

Oh my god, no.

I let go of my bow and shivered to the ground like a bullet. I return to my solitary state by pulling my hood over my head.

Theo looks to his friends.

"I want everyone to understand that I am your Alpha." Remember, even if I wasn't the Alpha," he says with a pause, demonstrating his might. He gives his allies a chilly stare. The Lycan is who I am. Avoid having me punish you. It is unacceptable to treat someone with such disdain. I hope that everyone begins to treat one another with respect. God, it seems like you guys are behaving more erratically than she does."

They submit by nodding and lowering their heads. "Yes Alpha."

Giovanni stays silent as he uses his finger to elevate his chin. But his expression betrayed his anger.

"You are my Gamma, am I right, Gio?"

He stumbles over his words and finally responds, "Yes, Alpha."

"Then act like one."

I nearly gave a snort.

"The same is true for everyone else. Please don't make me regret giving you these prominent positions," he continues. Then his eyes and brows seem to soften as he looks at me. His smile is so devilish that it makes my heart skip a beat. "And like it or not, she's coming with us."

Giovanni grunts, earning Theo an ill-treated stare.

I am surprised by Theo. He stood out from the other wolves for some reason. He had a distinct feeling. It had nothing to do with the fact that he was my mate, an alpha, or even the Lycan, the name given to the most formidable and well-known wolf still alive.

It was the slyness that was in his face. The same cheeky grin and glimmer in his eyes, as though he had discovered something intriguing, were still there. He felt different because, in some respects, he was like me-full of cunning and secrets concealed beneath a false grin. He was inexplicable, though.

I've always been perceptive, and I could always find the secrets they so carefully guarded with a single touch of my finger. Theo was so much more nuanced, to my detriment. Much more calculated.

This annoyed me.

I was afraid that I was putting myself in a situation that I would come to regret. Usually, I knew what to anticipate, so I could prepare for whatever lay ahead.

He resembled an enigma that eluded me. I pondered the kind of cunning plots he had already hatched.

I look into his eyes, seeking clarification. He gives me a sly smile.

"Shall we depart?" He queries. His gaze pierced my heart. "Before we try to uncover something we shouldn't have,"

I put on my hood and glanced down.

It is enjoyable at first. That was the issue at hand.