I just nod and he pulls me in for a hug. He has left me speechless more times than I can count today. He gives me a light kiss right on the top of my head and I smile, he is so like my big brother and I love it. The King and Queen make it to us and we are all lined up in front of the doors to the ballroom. The make-up and hair artists check all of us to make sure we are picture ready. I can hear someone make the announcement of our arrival and then the doors are opened and we parade in.
The ballroom has been transformed since lunch. The round table have been moved to the perimeter of the room to allow for a large area in the middle for dancing and mingling. The massive chandelier in the center of the ceiling is lit dimly giving off a soft warm glow. The crystal sconces along the wall are at the same brightness. It’s just enough to see and be seen, but not as bright as during the day.
The whispers start immediately when Xander and I walk through the doorway. It’s a tidal wave of murmuring and hushed sound. We make it up to the small platform our rectangular table is on, but instead of moving behind it to sit we line up in front of it. Alpha Reggie begins a speech thanking everyone for attending, stating that this was one of the most productive conferences he’s attended in along time.
He lists the alliances that have been renewed and plans we have as a kingdom to continue the fight against the Rogues. He continues speaking, but I am distracted as Xander pulls his arm from mine and wraps it around my waist, pulling me closer.
I look at him from the corner of my eye trying to school my features, but also ask what happened. He gives an almost imperceptible shake of his head and gives my hip a squeeze. Something is going on, but I have to trust him and his actions until he can tell me.
He noticed something that made him cautious, whether it was for himself or for me, I’m not sure. I have a pretty good guess though. So I lean into his side, letting him know he’s taking the lead over whatever this situation is.
When Alpha Reggie’s speech is done, he directs everyone to sit while dinner is being served. Xander doesn’t drop his hand from my side as he leads me around the table and instead of sitting next to his mom he pulls out his usual chair for me to sit in between them.
“What did you notice that I missed?” I whisper to him in an almost inaudible voice, but I know with his Alpha senses he can hear me.
“Just movement I don’t like.” He breathes back, my hearing is just as good”
I wish I could mindlink you so I could explain better. Do you trust me?”
“Of course, just want to know what to look for.”
“For now, you are attached to my hip. If I can, I will explain later, right now we are under a microscope.”
