Stephan Buther said, "Mom, this is the training field."
"Let him alone."
Elizabeth dragged me past Stephan Buther without seeing him.
I looked at Stephan Buther as I was hauled away. He grinned when we met.
Stephan Buther's latest smiles melted my heart.
Elizabeth showed me Stephan Buther's home. She patted my hand as we entered the home.
Stephan Buther approves.
"I've never seen him like a woman."Her directness made me flush.
Stephan Buther liked me? Unbelievable!
But I had to accept Stephan Buther liked me. We'd faced death together.
He rescued me several times. He never left me in danger.
This made my cheeks burning. I'll quit bothering you two.
Elizabeth wiggled my hand.
"If you workout every day, you won't have time to bond."
She stroked my hair like a daughter.
Stephan Buther's Pov
I was at a mall, daydreaming when a salesperson's voice woke me me.
Daina looked like a princess as she left the fitting room.
She shone in the spotlight like a princess.
My mom planned a ball.
I bought Daina a frock since she had nothing to wear.
"This?"
She grinned, waiting for my clothing criticism.
"It's nice. Now, try something else," I murmured, but I couldn't look away.
I thought her outfit was exquisite.
It fit her well and enhanced her appeal.
I told Daina to remove the dress.
I didn't know what I'd do if she didn't.
I could have given my body and soul to her.
I couldn't stop thinking about Daina's beauty while she put on outfits.
She called from the fitting room, waAlpha me up.
"Pardon."
Please zip me up!
The salesperson said, "Coming."
I signaled for her to leave us alone and went to the changing room.
Stephan Buther chose a dress with an open, crisscross back.
The hemline was embroidered with big flowersk, adding awe without sacrificing elegance.
The garment was flowy.
It was waist-cinched, highlighting my contours.
Stephan Buther's copper-gray high-heeled shoes emphasized my slim legs. I couldn't zip up the dress's back by myself.
I needed assistance from a salesperson.
Please zip my dress.
The salesperson said "yes, miss."
Door opening and shutting after a pause.
"Help,"
Stephan Buther stated.
His voice startled me.
Before I could glance at his face, he kissed me, silencing my words. His tongue entwined with mine, leaving me breathless.
I had heightened senses. His hands traveled over my swinging breasts, navel, and lower torso.
"Wet."
Stephan Buther's gruff voice returned me to my senses, and I seized his hands.
He blinked at me. His face radiated longing.
I forgot myself, Daina.
He nibbled my collarbone. He hugged me and zipped my dress.
I was so lightheaded that I hardly noticed.
I left the fitting room with a flushed face when he zipped up the dress.
Elizabeth hosted a masquerade the following night.
Everyone was invited.
We seldom had fun, so everyone was excited.
All visitors wore masks since it was a masquerade.
My mate connection with Stephan Buther couldn't be made public for now.
Stephan Buther wore a black and gold mask, but his aura was unmistakable. Under the she-wolves' hungry gazes, he went to me and offered his hand.
"Miss, may we dance?"Other she-wolves admired me.
I could hear people speaking loudly, attempting to determine my identity.
My face was mask-covered. I thought nobody knew me.
I accepted Stephan Buther's offer with confidence.
Stephan Buther led me to the dance floor and started dancing with me, much to the crowd's surprise.
Stephan Buther stood in the ballroom and twirled me around, eliciting shouts from people.
We peered into one other's eyes as if the bustling environment didn't exist and we were the only two people in the world.
Someone hit me from behind as the music was ending.
I instinctively glanced up and felt a wind on my face.
Mask ripped off. I saw it fall before Maria scooped it up.
She grinned menacingly. She mock-apologized for accidentally removing her mask.
She feigned to be shocked and raised her voice so everyone in the hall could hear.
"OMG! Daina. "
Her speech grabbed the others' attention, and they all exclaimed amazement.
"Daina!"
"Daina?! Mr. Stephan Buther's date tonight? Oh, Daina captivated Stephan Buther! I assumed they were rumors. "
Maria gasped and grabbed her lips as if she had accidentally uttered too much.
I knew she was trying to harm my reputation. I want to rip her face apart.
"Maria, be careful,"
Stephan Buther whispered.
Maria appeared to be scared and added, "Oh, Mr. Buther, I spoke too much."
Her statements spotlighted myself and Stephan Buther.
Sophie said I seduced Stephan Buther.
Although the prince sent her away, the story spread among the trainees and hurt my reputation.
All the trainees whispered after Maria's comments.
"Daina is sneaky!" Who knows how she seduced Mr. Stephen Buther?
"Shameless b*tch!"
Some she-wolves insulted me.
They wouldn't insult Stephan Buther, so they attacked me.
Their words became worse.
Dason on my side, but he couldn't stop the she-wolves from assaulting me.
I hatefully looked at Maria. She'd repeatedly attempted to injure me.
I hadn't exposed her because I lacked proof.
I could no longer stand her after this.
"Don't be impetuous. We must wait to seek retribution,"
Berry pointed out my anger. I told Berry in my head, "Yes, I'll make her pay one day."
Stephan Buther saw my anger and released my hand.
I watched him go in a stupor.
Berry queried worriedly.
My heart wrenched, but I answered, "Berry, don't speak nonsense. He won't be mad at me for this."
Stephan Buther came onto the stage and grabbed the microphone.
"Daina is the lady I love, but she's never seduced me. If I hear anybody attack her, slander her, or create lies about her, I won't spare them."
The audience fell silent in awe.
"How could Stephen Buther like that chick? What? She-wolf groused.
No one spoke after Stephan Buther's harsh stare. I didn't care anymore.
The hall and other visitors vanished.
Stephan Buther's comments filled my heart with warmth.
I'd forgotten what it felt like to be protected after losing my parents and uncle.