Lily found herself alone with Alpha Jack in the private corner of the opera box as Garrett went to get champagne. The air grew tense as their eyes met, and a sense of unease settled upon her. Alpha Jack's dominant presence loomed over her, causing her to instinctively lower her gaze.
"I thought it was amazing. You don't really see many shows that can keep you on your toes during the first episode like that. I mean..." Lily started to break the tension by talking about the show when Alpha Jack interrupted her.
"Why hasn't Garrett marked you yet?" Alpha Jack's voice boomed, his tone demanding an explanation. He had noticed the hickey on her neck, but the family crest was not there as it would be once she was marked.
Lily's heart pounded in her chest, her insecurity rising to the surface. She gathered her courage and spoke softly, "We've decided to wait until spring. I wanted to give Garrett the opportunity to find his fated mate, as he deserves. I wouldn't want to rob him of the chance like it was robbed from me."
Alpha Jack scoffed, his impatience evident. "That's a foolish notion. The idea of waiting is childish and naïve. You need to start acting like the daughter of an Alpha, or someone will take Garrett from you," he stated bluntly, his words cutting through her like a knife.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Lily asked, his voice tinged with irritation.
"Do you think you are the only one competing for his affections? The longer you play this silly game, you're giving other she-wolves more of an opportunity to seduce him. What will you do if he gets one of his flings pregnant?" Alpha Jack answered.
Lily's eyes widened, and she struggled to find her voice. Flings? Was Garrett sleeping with other women? No, that couldn't be true. She would've smelled that and Garrett knew what happened between she and Matthew. He would never betray her like that.
"I... I understand your concern, Alpha Jack, but that would never happen unless it was his fated mate. I believe in giving Garrett the chance to find his true mate."
"And you are okay with letting her have him if he finds her? Are you okay going back to your pack as an Omega?"
"I want him to be happy even if it means we are not together."
Alpha Jack leaned in closer, his voice low and commanding. "You think this is about happiness? This is about power and loyalty. We are still beasts at the end of the day. If you don't assert yourself, if you don't show strength, others will see you as weak and take advantage. You have been lucky so far, but that luck will eventually run out. I like you. I like you more than I ever liked Brandy. But you need to rise to the occasion and stop acting like an Omega. Prove yourself worthy of Garrett. He may oppose me at every turn, but he is still my son and I want the best for him even if he can't see it."
Lily's heart raced, a mix of fear and confusion swirling within her. She never expected this kind of conversation with Alpha Jack. 'This is an opportunity Lily. Don't let him talk to us like this! We are not a child,' Dina growled.
"Alpha Jack, I appreciate your concern, but my relationship with Garrett is none of your concern. Your part in this situation is over. My relationship with my sister is also none of your concern. If you are concerned that we will taint the image of the Grey Blood pack, I assure you I will not. I know how to deal with my family. So you mind your business and I'll mind mine," Lily snapped back, finally making complete eye contact with him even though his Alpha aura was almost unbearable.
Alpha Jack straightened his posture, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. That's what I wanted to see. Don't disappoint me, Lily. The strength of our pack depends on it," he warned, his tone filled with authority.
Before Lily could respond, the tension was broken as Garrett returned with three glasses of champagne. His warm smile and presence provided a temporary relief from the weight of the conversation.
"What's going on here?" Garrett asked, his gaze shifting between Lily and Alpha Jack.
Lily quickly composed herself, forcing a smile. "Just a brief conversation, Garrett. Alpha Jack was offering some advice," she replied, hoping that it wasn't so apparent that they had been arguing just now.
Alpha Jack nodded, his expression returning to his usual aloofness and took one of the champagne glasses from him. "Indeed. I trust Lily will take it to heart," he remarked, his words carrying a veiled warning. He drank the champagne in one gulp. "Good job son."
With that, Alpha Jack turned on his heels and left the opera box, leaving Lily and Garrett alone once more. The atmosphere felt lighter, yet Lily couldn't shake off the unease that lingered within her.
Garrett approached Lily, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright, Lily? What did Alpha Jack say to you?"
Lily took a deep breath, deciding to shield Garrett from the harshness of the conversation. She took the glass from him. "It was nothing really. Just asking me some personal questions that I didn't really want to answer," she reassured him.
"Dammit. I knew I should have just made him leave. That won't happen again," Garrett growled.
"It's fine. Let's not let this ruin the night. I have so much planned for us."