Chapter 20: TWENTY

J A D E

I stared at my reflection at the mirror, and for the first time in my life, I was staring at a completely different version of me. My hair had been braided down the side of my neck, the front strands were curled and pulled back, while the rest were held together by the golden pin that was shining against my blonde hair.

My dress was made from a delicate, yellow silk fabric that accentuated every curve and angle of my body. The hem was cut asymmetrically, revealing the right amount of thigh to create the perfect balance between sensuality and elegance.

I was wearing a pair of black heels that added to my height, and for the first time, I felt confident. I was staring at a confident and beautiful woman and not the thin, scared and broken girl I always thought I was.

The women were still doing the finishing touches on my hair, curling and adding hairspray. They were trying their best to make me look the most beautiful for the ball.

And they had succeeded.

I looked like a dream.

I had never looked this good before, and a part of me didn't recognize the person staring back at me. My makeup was light and natural, with the slightest hint of shimmer on my eyelids and a nude shade on my lips.

As soon as they were finished, they bowed their heads and left, leaving me alone to stare at my reflection in awe.

I heard a soft knock on the door and glanced at the mirror, noticing Markov standing by the door. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, with his dark, thick hair slicked back. His beard had been neatly trimmed, and he was clean shaven.

He looked...

Godly.

And the sight of him stole my breath away.

He looked absolutely breathtaking.

Markov looked...

Perfect.

My mouth had suddenly turned dry, and my hands had turned clammy. My wolf was acting funny, and she seemed to be... Purring? For the first time, she seemed to be reaching out to his wolf, but just as soon as I noticed the change, it was gone.

And so was Markov.

He walked towards me, his steps slow and steady, his gaze intense.

"You are the most beautiful woman in the world." He whispered, his eyes not leaving mine.

I blushed, not knowing what to say, feeling the warmth rising in my cheeks. He extended his hand, waiting for me to take it.

And I did.

Markov placed a chaste kiss on the back of my hand and led me out of the room, walking down the stairs towards the entrance of the manor.

His eyes never left mine, not even for a second.

I was a blushing mess, and I didn't know what had gotten into me, but there was something different in his demeanor. He had been gentle, tender and sweet, and a part of me wished it would always be like this. We stopped at the door and Markov took both of my hands in his. We got into his limousine and drove to the venue. After an hour drive, we finally arrived at a beautiful old fashioned castle.

The car door opened, and Markov got down first and stretched his hand for me to take, and helped me out of the car.

The guards were all looking the other way, probably to give us a moment of privacy.

"You will stay by my side, okay?"

"Okay."

He leaned in and kissed my cheek softly, then opened the door and we walked towards the huge banquet hall. The whole place was filled with people who were dancing and having a good time, and there were so many tables that were filled with food, that I couldn't even count.

I noticed how the room got eerily quiet the moment stepped into the room. The air suddenly felt tense, and there were a few whispers, but the only thing that was echoing in the room was the sound of my heels against the marble floor.

Everyone had turned their attention towards me and the Alpha, and I couldn't help but notice how people were staring at me with so much disdain and hatred.

The smell of fear and perfumes were filling the air, and everyone looked shocked, confused and a bit scared.

But, why?

Wasn't he just like every other Alpha here? What was so terrifying about seeing him that had people cowering away in fright.

I felt myself trembling, feeling nervous all of a sudden. Markov pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my waist, his hold possessive and protective.

And just as quickly as the murmurs started, they were silenced. Markov walked towards the stage and everyone bowed their heads as we passed, and joined the dance floor.

"Dance with me." He said, placing a chaste kiss on my forehead, and then leading me to the middle of the dance floor.

"I- I can't. I don't know how to dance." I whispered back quietly, so only him could hear.

"Follow my lead, love."

He took my hand in his and placed the other one around my waist. A slow, sensual melody started playing, and I found myself moving slowly, trying not to step on his feet.

His touch was so gentle, his fingers were caressing my skin, leaving a trail of fire behind. My eyes were focused on his, and for a moment, the whole world faded, and there was no one else in the room.

It was just the two of us, dancing.

And I never wanted the moment to end.

Markov suddenly bent his head, and I felt his breath against my ear.

"Have I mentioned to you how ravishing you look tonight, my love?"

His voice sent a shiver down my spine. "You already did."

He chuckled, his hold on my waist tightening. "Well, I'll just say it again. You are absolutely breathtaking, and it's taking all my self-control to not carry you away from here, and have you for myself."

I could feel his lips brushing against my neck, and the heat in my core was intensifying, threatening to consume me. I knew everyone could smell my arousal, but at that moment, the only thing I cared about was how good Markov was making me feel.

"You can have me." I felt bold, and I wanted him.

Markov's grip on my waist tightened, and he growled, and the sound had sent a wave of heat straight to my core.

"Careful, Jade. There is only so much control I have. If you keep saying things like that, I will kill every single person in this room so they won't hear you scream when I make you come."

Oh my god.

His words had made me dizzy, and I was a panting, hot mess. I knew he was going to make me lose my mind.

He suddenly stopped and pulled away, and the cold hit my skin, causing me to miss his warmth.

"Excuse me, I need a moment." He said, kissing my hand and disappearing through the crowd.

I was standing on the dance floor, feeling lost, and out of place. I noticed people staring at me, and some whispering amongst themselves, and a part of me was dying to know what was going on.

I decided that I needed a drink.

A strong one.

I walked towards the bar and asked the bartender for a shot.

He smiled. "What can I get you, my lady?"

"Whiskey."

"Coming right up."

He served me a glass and I took a sip. I didn't belong here. Everyone here were big shots, either an Alpha, Luna, or a powerful person. I was just the daughter of an Alpha who was killed, and the mate of an Alpha who I still couldn't understand.

I didn't belong here.

They were all judging me, and the thought that Markov was hiding something from me was making it harder to stand being in the same room with these people.

Because they all knew something I didn't.

And that was pissing me off.

Why couldn't anyone just tell me what the fuck was going on?