The Grand Ball
Tonight, as the omegas finished their ministrations, I stared at my reflection in the vanity. The woman gazing back was not the hollow–eyed wolf who had fled Foreland. This woman had a renewed spark in her eyes, a subtle curve to her lips that hinted joy. The emerald body hugging gown, a gift from Vincent, shimmered in the soft light, clinging to every curve. My hair, styled in an elegant updo. revealed the bare expanse of my back. I looked breathtaking. I knew it, and for the first time in a long time, I felt it
Even Vincent, when he entered the room, paused, his eyes widening, a silent gasp escaping his lips. His wolf’s scent, usually o commanding presence, softened into something akin to awe. He was speechless, and a thrill, warm and unfamiliar, bloomed in chest.
Then we arrived. The grand doors of the Alpha King’s hall, towering and ornate, swung open, revealing a dazzling tableau of power all opulence.
The moment we stepped across the place, a hush fell over the room. Every eye, it seemed, swiveled towards us. Whispers erupted, a lo curious murmur that rippled through the crowd. I felt their gazes, sharp and questioning, as they took in my presence beside Alpha) Vincent Why was Ivy, the Luna of Foreland, now walking hand–in–hand with the formidable Alpha of Nightshade Pack?
Vincent, sensing the unspoken questions, merely tightened his grip on my hand, his thumb stroking my knuckles in a comforting gesture. He held his head high, his powerful wolf radiating confidence.
As a broad–shouldered Alpha from a neighboring pack approached us, his eyes wide with curiosity, Vincent offered a firm, unapologetic smile.
“Alpha Vincent,” the wolf greeted, his gaze flicking to me. “A pleasure to see you. And… forgive my directness, but your companion. Vincent’s smile widened, a possessive glint in his eyes. “This is Ivy, my fated mate and soon–to–be Luna of Nightshade Pack.”!
The words landed like a thunderclap. A collective gasp rippled through the hall. “Fated mate.” The whispers intensified, charged with shock, and disbelief. Fated mates were rare, a blessing from the Moon Goddess, a bond that transcended politics and pack alliances. To claim it so openly was a declaration. The sheer audacity, the raw, undeniable truth of it, silenced even the most hardened Alphas. Just then, a fresh wave of scents cut through the air–familiar, unwelcome. The sweetness of Farah’s scent, underscored by Ethan’s heavy musk.}
clinging to his arm, her
My eyes were drawn to the entrance. And there they were. Ethan, his posture stiff, his jaw clenched, and Farah clinging eyes darting around the room, a smugness battling with apprehension on her features.
Our gazes met across the crowded hall. A flicker of shock flared in Ethan’s eyes. It mirrored my own. He hadn’t expected to see me, not like this, not beside him. His gaze, usually so dismissive, was now piercing, fixed solely on me, a desperate, bewildered intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.&
I looked away first. I had no reason to meet his gaze, no obligation to acknowledge him.
The music swelled, a graceful waltz, and Vincent’s hand found mine, pulling me gently onto the dance floor. His other hand settled firmly on the small of my back, guiding me with ease. The close proximity, the familiar scent of him, the rhythmic sway of our bodies–it was intoxicating.
Every rhythm of the music seemed to resonate with the beat of our united hearts. I felt every brush of his fingers, every subtle shift of his weight, every breath he took
We moved as one, a seamless blend of strength and grace, drawing envious glances from other couples. The tension from Ethan’s amval still hung in the air, but on the dance floor, enveloped in Vincent’s embrace, I felt nothing but our bond.
As the waltz drew to a close, the final notes lingering in the air, a shadow fell over us. A familiar scent infiltrated my senses. My wolf growled low, a warning rumble in my chest. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.!!
“Ivy,” Ethan’s voice cut through the pleasant murmur of the crowd. He stood beside us, his gaze fixed on me. His hand, extended, trembled slightly. “May I have this dance?”
My breath hitched. The entire ballroom seemed to hold its collective breath. All eyes, once again, were on us. I felt Vincent’s muscles tense, a low growl rumbling in his chest. His grip on my waist tightened possessively. He was jealous, of course. He didn’t like it. And for a fleeting moment, a vindictive satisfaction bloomed within me. This was what it felt like to be wanted.X
Topened my mouth to decline, to utter the words that would finally cut him off. But before I could, Ethan’s hand shot out, not waiting for my acceptance. His fingers closed around my wrist, his grip surprisingly tight, and he pulled me towards him, his other hand already reaching for my waist, intent on claiming the dance.
“She’s dancing with me,” Vincent’s voice was a low snarl, lethal in its quiet intensity. His hand, equally quick, clamped onto my other arm, pulling me back towards his chest.
The air crackled with a dangerous energy. The two Alphas, my past and my present, stood locked in a silent battle for possession, their eyes narrowed, death glares exchanged across my bewildered form. Their wolves were barely contained, radiating a raw, primal aggression. Neither liked the situation. Neither liked the other X
The tension was suffocating, threatening to overwhelm me. The sheer audacity of Ethan, the fierce possessiveness of Vincent–it was too much.
With a sudden burst of energy, I pushed both of them away, tearing free from their competing grips.
But I didn’t care. I spun on my heel, ignoring their calls, ignoring the stunned silence of the ballroom. I needed to breathe.E
9.06 PM
Dogression. Neither liked the situation. Neither liked the other.
The tension was suffocating, threatening to overwhelm me. The sheer audacity of Ethan, the fierce possessiveness of Vincent–it was too much
With a sudden burst of energy. I pushed both of them away, tearing free from their competing grips.)
But I didn’t care. I spun on my heel, ignoring their calls, ignoring the stunned silence of the ballroom. I needed to breathe.
