4. Facing them

Rosalie caught a glimpse of Tristan getting up right away, which caused his mate to give him a stern look. For an instant, she disregarded the couple and faced her father instead. "A very wonderful birthday, my lovely father and Alpha," she grinned broadly.

She approached him, arms extended, and he gave her a nice, tight hug. "Thank you, my child. The presence of both my daughters here with me makes me the happiest man already; that is a priceless gift," he murmured in her ear. "And you, my daughter, look amazing."

"My dear father, you too are incredibly handsome." She said, "Mom should take care not to lose you tonight; you could get abducted by some ambitious females." She approached her mother and spent a considerable amount of time congratulating her on her mate's birthday.

In reality, she was buying herself some extra time before she had to deal with her sister and her former mate. She also acted as though she wasn't very excited to meet them, Tristan in particular, given the lengthy wait. However, she was positive that everyone in the room sensed her sister's hateful gaze. Finally, she turned to the couple to greet them.

"Hey, Kristine! It has been a while! I'm so happy you managed to free yourself up to attend Dad's birthday celebration," she fiercely remarked. "Both you and your mate are welcome to Silver Moon once again. After all this time, I'm sure the pack is glad to see you again." Rosalie kissed Kristine on both cheeks and took her by the shoulders before bringing her close to her.

After a few moments to process the shock, Kristine pulled her away with just enough force to avoid her falling, to prevent her from falling into the arms of her mate.

"Rosalie," she said rigidly in greeting. "Good to see you once more. Also, I think my long absence from the pack should be a little expected. I'm a Luna and I have so many responsibilities, therefore, I'm always so busy. My Alpha is also quite clingy. He doesn't let me leave his sight." She leaned close to her mate to emphasize her deep meaning. She could no longer neglect the fact that Tristan was present.

"That's fantastic," Rosalie grinned in response.

"Stan, hi, it's good to have you here. I hope all is well with you and your pack." She held out her hand for a handshake, asking in a courteous but distant manner. However, he grabbed her hand to draw her up against his chest rather than taking it. She could still feel the sparks at their point of contact, but they dissipated fast.

"Rosalie! You've come a long way! Look at how much more gorgeous and womanly you've grown in just the last three years since I last saw you," he said foolishly. Behind him, there was a deep growl, and her eyes fell on Kristine, whose face was flushed with rage. Rosalie could completely understand how her mate's remarks had sparked her jealousy. No female would like to hear her mate compliment another woman, saying she is beautiful. Kristine did not take her eyes off the both of them and kept fuming.

Rosalie and Reign both braced themselves to avoid the physical touch.

She replied calmly now, refusing to allow any lingering connection or attraction to overcome her. Taking three steps out of Tristan's arms, she gave him a small smile. "Many thanks, Stan. Both Kristine and you look amazing. I wish I had unlimited time to work out at the gym. However, you two look amazing as one."

She sensed her father's presence behind her.

It was obvious that he was attempting to diffuse the awkward situation Tristan had created with what he said. "How about we wait outside the door for Beta Maddox to summon us to the stage? He says, "I can hear the music, they're about to call us in."

Rosalie was the youngest daughter and was positioned at the hand of her father, who was standing next to her mother, as they all lined up as directed. Kristine stood with her mate's hand in hers, to her mother's right.

They immediately heard the beta announce their presence.

All five of them entered the passageway that ended at the podium. She nodded to her pack members and expressed her gratitude to them for coming, a broad smile plastered across her face. The pack sang the customary "happy birthday" song as they made their way down the red carpet to the podium as a family, with the customary background music playing.

Her gaze swept across the first three rows of guests' seats. Every Alpha, along with his Luna, and perhaps the Beta as well. Nearly every pack in the vicinity were their allies. When it came to facing off against opposing packs, her father was a ruthless and ferocious fighter but he was also quite friendly with other Alphas who shared his views.

Luckily, there weren't as many vicious ones as there used to be, so practically every Alpha in that sector was there.

Everyone was staring at them when they went on stage and the song stopped.

Naturally, her father was the focus of interest, being the celebrant. However, she was aware that events such as this were utilized by single Alphas to search for their mates. Inquisitive gazes studied her neck, finding with satisfaction that the mate's mark was absent.

Rosalie spotted several misty eyes; the Alphas were debating whether or not she was their destined mate with their wolf. They expressed disappointment on their faces after learning that their quest would not be fruitful this time too, and they accepted this reality. Nevertheless, some persisted. They were still attracted to her and now regarded her as their chosen mate.

She then communicated to the unmated that she was unavailable by releasing a small amount of her Alpha energy. She was shocked to hear a terrifying growl emanate from her mother's other side. It was Tristan

She scowled, displeased.

She was certain that this would start another round of rumors, as the visitors and pack had undoubtedly heard it too. Being associated with Tristan in that manner was the last thing she wanted at that moment.

For crying out loud, he was her sister's mate! It was time for him to give up and fight the remaining remnants of his affection for her. As an Alpha and a mature man, Tristan was aware of the potential consequences of conflict within the Alpha family better than anybody else.

Except he had something else in mind and was doing all these intentionally. She pondered.