Page 6 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“Believe me, I have better things to do than watch an erotic movie with my brother,” I say.

“It had alien porn,” Eugene snorts.

“You say that now, but that guy with the tentacles…” I muse. “You are sleeping on that one. Just imagine-“

“No, I won’t imagine,” Eugene groans. “Just shut up. You are making me want to start getting drunk already.”

“Aw, we can’t have Dad’s favorite boy getting wasted too soon,” I tease.

Eugene tries to punch my shoulder, but I dodge swiftly. We both laugh. “You are such an idiot,” Eugene sighs after we have both calmed down. “Dad loves you, too, you know.”

“Maybe, in his own way,” I admit. “I am just not the child he hoped I’d be.”

That was Eugene. I know Dad favors him. As kids, it made me jealous sometimes, but Eugene didn’t let it get to his head, and Mom always had my back, so I kind of learned to accept that Dad and I just might not be each other’s favorite person.

“Marc,” Eugene mutters.

“You think I would look good with Mom’s eyelashes?” I ask, grabbing the box of fake lashes my mom sometimes uses when she meets with her friends in a bar.

Eugene stares at me and then at the box. He grins, teasing me for being silly. I’m glad I was able to distract him, because the last thing I want is to ruin my evening and birthday party by talking about my father.

There is a knock at the door. “Are you two ready?” Mom asks. “Olive is already here, too.”

I open the door for her, stretching out my arms. “How do we look?”

“Dashing,” she beams. “Both of you look amazing.” She hugs us both before taking Eugene’s face between her hands. “I’m so happy to see you doing better.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he smiles. “So, Olive is here already?”

“Yes, make sure to hurry and greet her,” she says, before she turns to me. “Do you also have a date for tonight?” she asks me.

“No, but thanks for reminding me that I don’t have one,” I say.

“I can be your date,” she offers.

“Wow, Mom, that wouldn’t be cringey at all,” I laugh.

“Or-” she says.

“Oh no, you did something, didn’t you?” I groan.

“Well, I just happen to know that my friend, Lucy, has a boy who is totally into you,” she says. “And my other friend, Bridget, has a daughter with a crush on you.”

“Mom!” I groan.

“They are both beautiful and so sweet, and funny,” she blabs.

Goddess, save me!

“I will talk to them,” I say. “Just like with all the other guests. I can’t play favorites at my birthday party… You know, as the future alpha and all.”

Mom seems to buy my feeble excuse, but not without grumbling. She is such a matchmaker, always has been. She doesn’t care about rank or status; at least I have to give her that. And at times it’s funny, but only when she tries to play wingman for others.

“Are you coming?” Eugene yells from downstairs. “We are waiting!”

“Sure, the fifth wheel is coming!” I call towards him, before making my way downwards. Finally, this is the night that will hopefully change everything for us.

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