Sold To The Alpha
Blood L**t Chapter 10

Following Iris down the steps, Halle looked around herself nervously as she held the gown above her

to make sure she didn't trip and embarrass herself.

Stepping into the foyer, Iris led her toward a heavy wooden door, pushing it open and standing to the side so that Halle could enter. As she stepped through the doorway, her footsteps faltered slightly at the large ornate room in front of her, a large polished mahogany table stood in the centre of the room, surrounded by ten hand carved chairs with deep velvet seats. The table had a red silk runner along the length that was decorated with intrinsic golden embroidery. Bone china plates were placed in front of each chair with crystal wine glasses and solid silver cutlery. Deep black velveteen curtains were drawn across the windows and the room was lit with candles that flickered lightly in the breeze from the open doorway. Steering Halle toward the table, Iris sat her in the chair directly to the left of the head of the table murmuring, 'your cutlery is stainless steel your Highness, do not worry' before steeping back and making her presence unobtrusive.

Moments later, the door opened again to reveal Viktor and a tall young man who Halle assumed must be Vallance, pushing back her chair, she hurriedly rose to her feet as the Vampires approached.

Grinning broadly, Viktor approached the young girl and raised her hand to his lips, brushing her skin in a gently kiss, 'My dear, you look like royalty' he complimented as Halle blushed slightly.

'Thank you your Highness, the dress is beautiful, I have never worn something so stunning' she admitted demurely.

'As our future Queen, you shall only ever have the finest things my dear' Viktor replied with a smile before making his way round to the head of the table, the young man taking the seat on his right. 'Halle, allow me to introduce my son Vallance' Viktor said as they all took their seats.

'A pleasure to meet you your Highness' Halle replied with a forced smile.

Raising his eyes to hers, Vallance glowered slightly at the sight of her before bowing his head, 'The pleasure is mine miss' he replied, his tone clipped and distinguished.

Halle could feel the slight chill that emanated from the handsome Vampire across from her, shivering slightly under his unwavering gaze, his red eyes staring at her with what felt like an undertone of dislike.

Turning back to the Vampire King, Halle stiffened her shoulders and gave him a small smile, 'your home is stunning Viktor' she complimented sincerely.

'Thank you my dear, it has been in our family for generations, when you and Vallance assume the throne it will belong to you, though I hope you will still allow this old timer to reside with you' he added with a dark chuckle.

Smiling nervously, Halle giggled, unsure how to answer, she was saved from replying when the servants appeared with their meals, the table was soon groaning under dishes of perfectly cooked vegetables, a terrine of steamed potatoes, and a plate stacked high with deliciously cooked steaks.

Her mouth watering, Halle fidgeted as she waited for the waiting staff to place food on each of their plates before an older gentleman stepped forward holding two bottles, one a clear white wine, the other a deep crimson red. Walking to Viktor's elbow, the old man poured some of the red liquid into his glass before stepping back and doing the same for Vallance. As the pungent smell of blood reached her nostrils, Halle had to force herself not to grimace as the server stepped to her side and filled her wine glass with the white wine.

As she turned to thank the old man, Halle's eyes widened as his scent hit her over the blood, he was a werewolf. Seeing her expression, the old man shook his head ever so slightly side to side, raising his eyes to the Vampire King before bowing his head and stepping back.

Looking back toward Viktor she saw his studying her, smiling brightly, Halle said, 'this looks delicious, I cannot wait to taste it.'

Smiling broadly Viktor indicated for her to start as he picked up his own knife and fork, 'We obviously have no need for food but I have to admit to being partial to the flavours of a well cooked steak' he mused, cutting a small sliver from his plate and placing it in his mouth, his eyes closing as he savoured the flavour.

Cutting into her own steak, Halle took a small bite and had to refrain from moaning as the flavour played a symphony on her tongue. Seeing Viktor watching her again, she swallowed and said, 'this is amazing, I have never tasted anything so good! Nodding happily Viktor reached over and patter her hand that rest on the table holding her fork, 'only the best for you Halle, what ever you desire to eat, just tell us and my servants will make it happen for you! he said earnestly. Sneaking a glance over to Vallance, she noticed that the young prince was pushing his food around his plate but not actually eating, his face blank as he stared unseeing at the table.

'Vallance, your father tells me your birthday is soon?' Halle spoke up deciding she should at least try and converse with the man she had agreed to marry.

Looking up at her, Vallance nodded, 'just over three months time' he replied before looking back at the table.

Staring surprised at the indifferent Vampire in front of her, Halle tried again, 'are you excited? This is your coming of age year isn't it?' she asked, keeping her tone light and friendly. Shrugging Vallance stared toward the door, his whole demeanour telling her that he wanted to get as far away from her as possible.

'Vallance' Viktor suddenly growled angrily, 'the lady asked you a question, I expect you to be gracious around her' he said with the hint of a threat in his voice.

Flinching at his fathers tone, Vallance met Halle's gaze and replied, 'I am sure I shall be more excited as the date draws near, currently it's still a way away Miss Halle!

Nodding, Halle decided to let the conversation rest as Vallance obviously did not wish to speak to her. Finishing their meals, Viktor indicated to Iris who hurried forward and pulled out Halle's chair before leading her toward the door.

Turning back to Viktor, Halle bowed her head respectfully, 'thank you Viktor for the delicious meal and wonderful company' she said shyly before allowing Iris to take her from the banquet hall and back up the stairs to her room.

Once inside, Iris quickly placed the shoes that Halle kicked off her feet, back into their drawer, before she helped Halle from the ball gown, folding it carefully and placing it on the back of one of the armchairs. Standing up, she hurried around the room getting her simple day dress and helping her into it as well as placing the necklace back in its box and positioning it back on the vanity.

'Do you need me for anything else your Highness?' Iris asked as she stepped back respectfully.

Shaking her head Halle replied, 'I think I'll just sit in here and watch TV, is that OK? I'm still quite tired from the journey here.'

Nodding respectfully, Iris handed her the remote control from the bedside table and helped her on to the bed, pulling a blanket over her legs before pressing the button on the television and leaving the room with a bow.

Sighing deeply, Halle flicked through the channels until she found a light comedy. Settling back into the plump pillows, her mind wandered to her family, wiping the tear that spilt down her cheek she silently hoped that they would respect her choice and allow her to do this for their pack.

So far Viktor had been an excellent host and she felt that he had been telling the truth when he said she would be safe with him, his son on the other hand did not seem so keen on her arrival.

Shaking her head in confusion, she put Vallance and his strange behaviour from her mind, pulling the blanket up to her chin as she watched her film until her eyes drooped and she fell asleep.