Chapter 13: THIRTEEN

J A D E

“Have you picked out an outfit for the ball? You need to see my dress! I’m so obsessed with it.” Ava gushed, walking into her closet.

I had been bored out of my mind in Markov’s house and decided to step out to meet the girls. Eliza had some errands to run so I was currently at Ava’s.

“Ball?” I called out, confusion lacing my voice.

“Yes, durhh!” Then she peeped from the closet. “Don’t tell me you don’t know about the ball?” She asked, staring at me wide eyed.

I slowly shook my head and she looked at me in horror. She ran out of her closet and stood in front of me, searching my eyes. “You’re kidding, right?” She asked again.

“No, I’m not. I was never informed about any ball. Nobody ever mentioned a word to me. Not even Markov, but maybe he did and I just forgot. What ball is this, anyway?” I wasn’t really interested in it. I had basically lost interest in everything since Markov’s incident. I just wanted to escape this reality.

Ava took a step back.

She looked stunned. Her jaw dropped as she continued to look at me.

I was becoming increasingly annoyed by her reaction. I knew she would start talking soon so I prepared myself.

She opened her mouth.

There it goes.

She started speaking, slowly, still staring at me.

"The ball is thrown every year to celebrate the Alphas of every packs. It is one of the biggest events held here in the city. All the pack leaders come together for a night to discuss business. But mostly they just eat and party. There is a big dance hall and the whole place is decorated. Oh, it is so beautiful, Jade. I can't even put it into words. All the wolves are invited and everyone dresses up. And I mean EVERYONE. I remember last year, it was the first time I attended it. It was the most fun I had ever had. I wish you could have come last year. The girls and I were on the dance floor, having so much fun. We danced the night away."

I could see the happiness in her eyes, the way her face lit up. It was the first time in weeks I saw her truly happy. It made me smile, despite me being upset. I couldn't bring myself to smile at all, even the slightest. But I was glad that her joy made me smile.

"But, I heard your pack didn't attend. The Alpha was absent. Some said he wasn't well. And his son didn't show up either. I wondered why." She looked thoughtful.

I remembered vividly that Mason and Alpha Dane had missed an important event last year. But, I wasn’t really given details about it. All I knew was that both the Alpha and Mason had caught some kind of flu. But I suspected something more than a flu.

"They were sick. So, I didn't get a chance to go last year. I hope I can make it this time. When is the ball?" I asked, looking down at the dress I was wearing.

"Oh, tomorrow. Yes, we're getting dressed up tomorrow.”

“I think Markov would have informed me about it if he truly wanted me to come. I don’t even have a dress yet. Maybe it’s best if I asked him first before I decide to do anything else. Plus, I don't know if I would be well enough to attend an event. My head is still hurting. I'll ask him and see."

I really wasn’t in the mood to attend anything. I wanted to lock myself up in my room, and not talk to anyone. I didn’t want to go out anywhere. Everything just felt so wrong to me. But Ava was really looking forward to going to the ball. I didn’t have the heart to decline.

Ava nodded. "Sure, that sounds better. Go ahead and ask him. I'm sure he would say yes. It's going to be so fun. I'm really looking forward to seeing you there."

We walked out of the closet and into the living room, where Ava sat down on the sofa and grabbed her phone. I watched her as she texted.

She dropped her phone and smiled when she heard the doorbell ring. She ran to the door and I saw a familiar man pull her into his arms and kissed her passionately.

I was surprised to see Tristin, Markov’s friend and Beta. He was Ava’s mate? How did I never know about this? Only tells how much I’d been away from reality, dealing with whatever baggage Markov came with. Or the fact that my wolf had turned her back on me.

They walked into the house and Tristin smiled when he saw me, holding out his hand.

"Hello, Jade. Nice to see you again."

I placed my hand in his and smiled back. "Hello, Tristin. It's nice seeing you, too. I never knew you were Ava’s mate.”

“Remember when I said I think you and my mate would bond well? I guess I was right. I didn’t know you guys already met each other. Small world, right? But, Ava and I have been mates for a couple of months. And she’s been an absolute pain in my ass, but she’s also been the love of my life. I couldn't be more blessed." He smiled lovingly at Ava and kissed her forehead.

I was jealous. I was envious of the relationship they had. I had this with Markov, he was my mate, but why doesn’t it feel right? Why does my wolf reject the mating bond? And why has Markov refuse to tell me anything about him no matter how much I asked?

"Well, I hope you take good care of her."

"You bet I will."

Ava rolled her eyes. "Enough chit-chatting. I'm hungry, let's order some pizza."

We all laughed and agreed on the food choice. We spent the afternoon watching movies and eating junk food.