The house is a whirlwind of activity as we all gear up for tonight’s ball.
Guests began trickling in a couple of days ago, settling in before the big event. I’ve been keeping a low profile, masking my scent so as not to attract any unwanted attention.
Lillith bunked with me last night, so we could prep for the ball together. She’s an eleven o’clock riser, so I made sure to get my shower in an hour before. By the time she’s done, it’s nearly one.
I head to my closet and retrieve my dress, laying it out on the bed. I pamper myself with lotion, powder, and perfume before starting on my makeup.
A thin line of eyeliner, a touch of pink blush on my cheekbones, and a dark, almost black, lipstick.
Next, I style my hair, leaving half of it loose, the slightly curled ends of my dark blue tresses brushing against my backside. The top half is pinned back, with two small braids on the side, gathered into a petite bun shaped like a flower.
Diamond pins adorn the bun and silver shimmer powder is sprinkled throughout my hair, adding highlights and a touch of sparkle.
When it’s time to dress, Megan steps in to lend a hand. She’s already mated and won’t be attending the ball. She assists Lillith first, helping her into a dusty pink dress with a gold waistband.
Lillith’s gold heels make her tower over me. Her hair is swept back from her face, drawing attention to her blue eyes. Her makeup is dramatic, with winged eyeliner, bright red lips, and bronzed cheeks.
She completes her look with white lace gloves, a chunky gold necklace, and matching bracelets. Now, it’s my turn.
I slip into my ultramarine-blue strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline.
The back features a silver ribbon corset that trails past my backside. The skirt is fitted to my knees, accentuating my figure, before flaring out to the floor, forming a train.
Now for the final touches.
I put on the matching gloves that reach up to my elbows and a white gold necklace with diamonds cascading down.
Next, I put on my mother’s diamond earrings and my silver mask adorned with blue gems and a butterfly motif at the corners. Lastly, I step into my glittery silver shoes.
I glance at Megan and my sister, and they’re both in tears. They pull me into a hug, telling me how stunning I look, before Megan leaves to fetch my brothers. They’ll escort us down the entranceway, as is customary for all alpha families.
My brothers walk in, dressed in black suits with golden ties. Josiah, being mated, doesn’t wear a mask, but Adrian sports a black velvet one.
They stand at the door, taking in Lillith and me, before complimenting us on our looks and joking that we’d better find our mates after going to all this trouble.
I know they appreciate my effort, even though I’m not particularly keen on finding a mate.
The ball is about to start, so we all leave the room and head towards the banquet hall.
As we approach the entranceway, Adrian offers his arm, which I gratefully accept. Josiah is escorting Lillith. The sound of music and chatter fills the air.
The doors swing open and we step inside. Alpha Matt and Beta Cole stand on either side of the entrance, welcoming us in as we’re the last to arrive. Adrian notices Alpha Matt’s stunned expression as he takes in my appearance.
Sensing the awkwardness, Beta Cole diverts everyone’s attention towards us.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please! Allow me to introduce our pack’s—Red Claw’s—alpha family... Alpha Adrian, Lady Lillith, and last but certainly not least, Lady Adira.” His voice rings out, strong and proud.
Alpha Matt and Beta Cole step aside, and we slowly make our way down the stairs and into the crowd, marking the official start of the ball.
We mask our scents to avoid attracting false mates as we introduce ourselves to the other pack’s alphas, betas, and high-ranking wolves. Then we head towards the second flight of stairs at the back.
These stairs lead to a balcony that’s exclusively for us and those we invite. We’ve prepared a speech as we’re the future of this pack, though Adrian will do most of the talking.
I follow Adrian up the stairs, being the head tracker, while Josiah stays at the bottom to ensure no one comes up uninvited.
“May I have everyone’s attention, please!” Adrian’s voice echoes through the hall. Everyone immediately turns towards us and bows.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you for being here. We gather tonight to celebrate the bond that unites us—the bond of mates.
“The Moon Goddess has graced us with a soulmate, someone who completes us and loves us unconditionally. Tonight, we are here to find our other halves and build a brighter future for those we hold dear.
“Tonight, we toast to life,” Adrian declares, raising his cup high. We all follow suit, echoing his sentiment, “To life!”
Some return to the party, while others linger, watching us and engaging in friendly banter with allies. It’s not long before several wolves identify their mates within the crowd.
“Lillith, it’s time to release your scent,” Adrian instructs.
I scan the crowd, curious to see who will react to her scent. After a moment, a man’s head jerks up, his attention drawn to her, while the rest of the crowd remains oblivious. I lean in to Adrian, pointing out the man and describing his attire.
He’s clearly of high rank, though not an alpha or beta. It’s not that it matters, but it’s important to know for political reasons.
I step back, allowing Lillith to make eye contact with her mate. I signal Josiah to bring him forward. In no time, he’s standing before us, and the look of joy on Lillith’s face is mirrored in his eyes.
“I am Max Delegrace, second war general of the Moon Tempt Pack,” he announces, his gaze shifting between Adrian and me. With a simple nod, he gives his blessing to their union, and Lillith leaps into his arms, elated.
They share a quick kiss before rushing off to the dance floor, where they continue to celebrate their bond. Adrian and I watch as they eventually slip away to solidify their connection.
Adrian surveys the room, where many wolves have already found their mates. He turns to me, taking a deep breath. “Adira, you should go next. I can wait.”
I offer him a reassuring smile. “No, brother, you should go. I can see it in your eyes—you’re searching for her. I’ll be fine. Josiah will stay with me.”
As Adrian’s scent wafts past me, my eyes dart around the room. A girl catches my eye, and I nod at her to approach. As she makes her way through the crowd, I signal Josiah to let her through.
The moment Adrian catches her scent, he spins around to face her. The tenderness in their kiss brings a smile to my face. I give them a moment, turning my attention back to the ball where the party continues.
I feel someone’s gaze on me. I pat Adrian on the back, dismissing him and his new mate, and signal Josiah to join me.
Adrian lifts his petite mate into his arms and quickly exits the ballroom. The crowd smirks as they pass, recognizing our new luna.
I keep my eyes on the dance floor, aware of the few men who are watching me. I’m the last unmated alpha here.
Josiah notices my gaze and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. He leans in, whispering, “The alphas of Blood Moon are still unmated. They’ve been watching you. One of them hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night.
“He’s been ignoring everyone else, so his brothers have been introducing him from a distance.”
It takes me a moment to understand what he’s implying… It must be Blade Moon or one of his brothers. I look at Josiah, anxiety creeping in.
Josiah kisses my temple in an attempt to soothe me. I look up at him and sigh.
“If I release my scent, will you guard the stairs and only let up the one I link?” I ask, my gaze drifting past the men who are watching me.
I take a deep breath, waiting for Josiah to position himself by the stairs. I release my scent, careful not to draw attention to myself. That’s when I notice a man leaning against the wall, his eyes—so similar to mine—lock onto me.
I hadn’t noticed him before. He must have been hanging back, away from the main party. I flash him a smile and link Josiah.
My brother approaches me, a nervous look on his face.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, swirling my drink.
“Adira, are you sure it’s him?” he asks, glancing at the man.
“Yes, why?” I take another sip, noticing the men who had been watching me glaring at the newcomer.
“He’s a hybrid, like us. He’s an alpha and a king.” Josiah sounds worried. I sigh. This isn’t what I had expected, but he is my mate.
“It’s okay, bro,” I assure him, nodding my head. “Just don’t let Alpha Matt or the others know I found him. They’ll insist I reject him. I should be the one to break the news. Since they all found their mates tonight, I’ve got some time.”
A few moments later, I hear my brother guiding him up the stairs. The scent of my new mate grows stronger. Despite my initial reluctance to have a mate, his scent is irresistible. I set my cup down on the table next to me and wait.
My brother ushers my mate through the door, then shuts it behind him. He heads back down the stairs to keep watch.
I take in the sight of the man, dipping my head in a respectful gesture as he scrutinizes me. A few beats pass before either of us breaks the silence.
“I realize I’m not your ideal mate, but at least let me introduce myself,” he offers, his eyes filled with sadness, as if he’s certain I’ll reject him.
Before he can continue, I flash him a smile, my cheeks flushing. As I step closer, he averts his gaze to the floor.
“How do you know you’re not what I want?” I question, lifting his face so our eyes meet.
He studies me intently, his face etched with worry.
I trace his jawline and gaze into his eyes, trying to convey my sincerity. “I won’t reject you, if that’s what’s bothering you. You’re mine and I’m yours.”
“My name is Leo Greyson,” he reveals. “I am the alpha and king of the Lunar Sun Pack.”
He still seems apprehensive that I might bolt. I can’t blame him—the Lunar Sun is a notoriously feared pack and coven. But I can’t pass judgment on what I don’t know.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, King Leo,” I respond, still grinning up at him—not the grin of someone smitten, but more of a reassuring smile.
His eyes widen in surprise when he realizes I’m not afraid of him. He gently pulls me into his arms and kisses me with equal gentleness.
When I break away from his kiss, he lifts me up and cradles me in his arms, one of my hands resting on his arm, the other on his chest. I take this opportunity to fully appreciate his features.
His face is diamond-shaped with a strikingly defined jawline and chin. His skin is the color of sand, framed by thick blond eyebrows.
His eyes are mesmerizing—deep-set with long lashes, a blend of red and yellow. Yellow encircles the pupil with a red outer layer, creating a golden orange where they intersect.
His lips are a soft rosy hue, fuller on the bottom, and he has high, sharp cheekbones. His face is nothing short of breathtaking.
“What’s the matter?” he inquires, his voice deep and resonant, adding to his allure.
“Nothing. Just admiring my mate,” I reply innocently, before planting a quick, playful kiss on his lips.
He gazes at me, a smile finally spreading across his face, then kisses me passionately as onlookers begin to gather below.
My brother chuckles through the link, knowing I’m right.
“Come with me,” I suggest in a sultry tone, hopping down from Leo’s arms, taking his hand, and leading him to the main floor.
I pause to give my brother a peck on the cheek, then continue walking—my hand still clasped in Leo’s, guiding him—out of the hall and past a group of onlookers who watch us, their faces a mix of shock and anger.
Once we’re out of the hall, I pull his face to mine and kiss him fiercely, pressing him against a tree. His arms quickly encircle me and he breaks away, his eyes locked on mine.
I give him a look full of desire before stepping back and leading the handsome man to the main house.
We pass Megan and a few other pack members. I wink at Megan and press my finger to my lips, signaling her to keep quiet. She laughs and nods in understanding.
