George and Nora were not the only ones that made Marcy wary. Oh, no.
The next one on Marcy's not-pleasant list was Kalina.
Kalina was not friendly toward Marcy at the Lightclaw pack, and Marcy was hoping that Kalina will soften up. After all, right now, they were both guests of the Dark Howlers pack, but Marcy had the position of Damon's future Luna, so Kalina should suck up to her. Unfortunately, Kalina was still acting high and mighty, like she didn't put Marcy into her eyes at all, and Marcy was trying to figure out if Kalina didn't care about her or if she didn't understand the situation.
Other than bumping into Marcy in front of the ladies' room at the Lightclaw pack, Marcy didn't interact with Mindy before.
As for Maya, Marcy met her when Damon visited the Red Moon pack, but Marcy was so focused on Alpha Damon that she didn't talk to Maya.
And last but not least, there was Talia.
By now, Marcy knew that Talia, who was the host for this gathering, was Alpha Damon's assistant. Marcy also connected the dots that Talia was with Alpha Damon at the Lightclaw pack, the same Talia that ended in the WW Magazine as Alpha Damon's mysterious date, Lia. Marcy didn't share this information with Nora, because she didn't like Nora to begin with.
However, Marcy didn't think that Talia was an obstacle.
Sure, Alpha Damon took Talia with him to a party, and she was working as his assistant, but if Alpha Damon saw Talia as someone important, he would make it official.
Besides, considering what she saw in the Red Moon pack, Marcy concluded that it's normal for Alphas to keep a woman or two on the side. As long as Damon is discrete about it, Marcy would close her eye at Damon's occasional escapades. Who knows, maybe Marcy can keep George?
Marcy was not sure what to think of Talia. Can they be friendly? Will she be able to be friends with a person who is shagging her husband? Currently, Marcy didn't think that would be a problem, but she was not sure if that will change after Alpha Damon marks her.
Fated mates or not, the mark will create a bond between the two, and they will feel a certain level of affection between each other. Will that include possessiveness and jealousy? Marcy didn't know.
While thinking about Damon being with another woman, Marcy didn't feel anything. However, when she thought about George being close to another female, rage bubbled within Marcy and she knew that this was the bond working.
Aaaaand… Marcy was back to thinking about George. Will he stop the silly game he was playing and accept her rejection? Surely, George won't let it drag until Marcy's Luna ceremony because that would expose them as mates and both of them will end up in trouble.
"Marcy… Marcy!", Nora's call made Marcy jolt out of her thoughts.
"What?"
"Are you excited about the party?"
Marcy blinked. "What party?"
Nora rolled her eyes dramatically. "You saw Alpha Damon this morning. Does he have such an effect on you that you can't focus?"
Marcy plastered a stiff smile. What was Nora up to this time? Marcy cursed internally for not paying attention. "I was thinking about something, don't make a big deal out of it. Will you explain what was that about the party, or should we drop the topic?"
"There is a party tomorrow, for you.", Nora said meaningfully.
Marcy was surprised. "For me?"
Talia hoped that her confusion was not showing on her face. She was surprised by this 'party for Marcy', just as much as Marcy was.
Mindy winked at Talia before saying, "Talia is the main person to answer your questions. Everyone who is someone in the Dark Howlers pack will be at the party tomorrow. It's to…", Mindy leaned over the table and spoke in a whisper, "Introduce the future Luna of the Dark Howlers pack."
Marcy perked up and a bright smile slowly bloomed on her face as Mindy's words sank in. Her first impression was that Alpha Damon was trying to wiggle it out, or that he won't treat her well. However, now Marcy realized that she misunderstood him completely.
Alpha Damon was mysterious because he wanted to surprise her with a party!
Marcy thought how she was silly. Of course, Alphas don't have time for courting, chit-chat, and romantic stuff. They are busy with their matters like managing a pack and training and fighting against rogues. But no matter if Alpha Damon has women on the side, or how much work he has, he was still preparing a grand party for Marcy. Isn't he the sweetest?
While Marcy was processing the idea of a party that changed her opinion of Damon, Nora noticed one odd thing about how Mindy delivered the information.
"Why did you say that quietly?", Nora asked Mindy suspiciously.
Maya responded, "Because of where we are. This party is only for important people, and the ones who are not invited might get offended or want to crash the party."
"Oh…" Nora nodded in understanding. Who would want to mingle with those low-level characters anyway?
Nora looked at Marcy enthusiastically. "Did you hear that? A party for you." And for me as well! This will be an amazing chance to mingle with important people!
Nora turned to Talia. Mindy said that Talia was the go-to person. "Is there a theme? Should we buy specific outfits?"
Talia had no idea how to answer this. Talia had a hunch that this was the part of setting up Marcy, but other than a few hints she got from Maya, Mindy, and Kalina earlier that day, the girls didn't tell her anything.
Unfortunately, Nora was looking at her, and so did everyone else, so Talia took a deep breath and improvised.
"It will be late afternoon and evening. Think about an upscale party, but not over the top that would make people stiff. Luna of the Dark Howlers pack should be someone who is dignified, yet down to Earth. Everyone will be looking at her even though she won't attract attention. She can talk to Alphas as an equal, and she will take care of Omegas and their needs."
Everyone at the table gaped at Talia.
'No wonder Alpha Damon is keeping her as his assistant…', Marcy thought. Talia's response was eloquent, and Marcy actually imagined herself showing up among hundreds of important people and being the center of attention.
Nora blinked. Talia said a lot, but she still didn't get her answer. "So… should I dress up fancy or not?"
Kalina stifled a laugh. "Why are you worried? It's not like you are going to be the next Luna of the Dark Howlers pack."
Nora's face fell and if a look could kill, Kalina would stop breathing the moment she finished that sentence.
