Amelia was now picking at what remained on her plate, half a role, some coleslaw, and a few ribs. She took another long drink from her cup, savoring the bitter taste as it burned down her throat. That’s the thing that sucked about being a werewolf. Alcohol burned off too quickly, barely allowing her the chance of feeling buzzed. The only way to truly get drunk was to drink hard and fast.

“I can’t believe that girl found her mate.”

Amelia’s ears perked at the sound of a conversation some tables away. She could tell by her brother’s tense posture and her friends’ sudden silence, they could hear too. Stupid werewolf hearing.

“And to Alpha Gabriel. That man shouldn’t have to be tied down to one bitch his whole life. Have you seen him?”

“I’ve heard he’s a bit of a player. Chasing new tail every night. Who knows, one of us might get lucky enough.”

“I just feel bad that he’s mated to her. She’s got no sense of propriety, loose morals, you know I’ve heard she’s slept with half the males in her pack.”

That was it. Amelia pushed herself up from the table, ignoring her brother who tried to hold her back. Cordelia immediately got up to follow her. She always had her back. Amelia didn’t recognize the woman, she must be from a visiting pack. She was sitting at a table surrounded by at least ten other wolves. The few facing her direction saw her coming, and instantly stood up, looking wary.

The bimbo was completely oblivious until Amelia tapped her on the shoulder. The girl turned around on the bench, noticing it was her, she stood up. She was a few inches shorter than her, her hair was dyed blonde, made obvious by her dark roots. She was pretty but that would soon change.

“If you have something to say I suggest you say it to my face.” Amelia said.

Those gathered around the woman’s table all began to stand, taking notice of her stance. Others nearby could hear the tone in her voice that told them she was itching for a fight.

“Amelia’s about to fight the bitch.” Someone nearby whispered.

“She’s gonna need some serious plastic surgery when she’s done.”

Amelia wanted to smirk at her pack's support but didn’t want the girl to think she was anything but serious.

“I’m sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about.” The blonde said.

“You know being dumb is one thing, but playing the dumb blonde is just pathetic and a complete cliché.” Amelia said, taking a small step forward.

“Who do you think you are?” The blonde shrieked, clearly offended.

“I’m Amelia Smoke. I don’t mind a good shit talking, but the minute you wanna run your mouth and lie about me, then we have a problem.”

The blonde scoffed, faking innocence. “I was just saying what I’ve heard. Your mate is better off with someone of higher class.”

“I’m an Alpha, bitch. It doesn’t get any higher than me.”

Before she knew what was happening, Amelia snapped her fist out, her knuckles connecting with soft tissue. The blonde’s nose was spurting blood, her friends were ready to leap at her. Amelia welcomed the challenge, she didn’t mind watering the grass.

“You keep your mouth shut about me and my mate, or else I’ll leave you off worse than with a nose job.” Amelia growled, her Alpha aura growing, flexing around her, leaving the wolves in front of her backing away.

Thought you didn’t want a mate. Damon remarked

An even louder growl, rippled through the air, making those in front of her instantly cast their gaze down to the floor. The blonde bitch was shaking as she was trying to stem the bleeding from her nose.

Gabriel stepped forward, the surrounding people parting ways for him. He glowered at the idiots in front of her that looked like moments ago they were ready to fight her, now looking like they were about to piss themselves, which only meant one thing. They were some of his own pack members.

Gabriel looked over Brittany, blood pooling down her face, her hand holding her broken nose. He overheard enough of the conversation to know what’s going on.

“I’ll deal with you later.” He growled at her causing her to flinch back. “Leave.”

The blonde quickly fled the scene, some of her friends following after her. Gabriel spun around, staring down at his mate. He gripped her arm tightly before dragging her away from the crowd.

Amelie did not appreciate the way he was manhandling her but she waved off her brother and pack, assuring them she was fine. She allowed him to pull her away from prying eyes, past the tree line. Once they were a good distance away, the sound of laughing and music was distant and barely audible. She dug her heels in the earth, pulling her arm from his iron grip.

“That’s enough.” She said, shaking her arms from his grasp.

Gabriel turned on her, letting her go just as quick. “What do you think that was back there?”

“She was running her mouth. She deserved worse than just a broken nose.” Amelia told him. Was he actually mad at her?

No one speaks about our mate that way. Rey spoke up.

Not now. She said, ignoring her wolf.

“As Luna you can’t just go around punching everyone who says something inappropriate.” Gabriel said, trying his best to stay calm.

“I’m not a Luna and Luna or not, I will never stand by when someone makes false accusations and is trying to spread nasty gossip.” She said, defending herself.

“You need to learn to control your temper. You won’t like it when I’m angry.” He said, warning her.

Is he threatening us? Rey asked, genuinely intrigued.

Sounds like it.

She stepped closer to him, closing the distance between them, tilting her head back to keep eye contact. “What will you do if I don’t? I don’t know what kind of woman you're used to entertaining, but I’m not one to generally follow the rules.”

“You’re gonna learn real fast.” Gabriel said, his voice deep and husky.

Before she had a chance to reply she was forced back, pushed up against a tree.

So much for talking.