Chapter 39

KATHERINE.

I frowned at Priyanka’s response. “That’s rude.”

“It is,” she burst out like she’d been waiting for someone to say it all along. “That’s why I want to kill him.”

I raised a brow at her even though she was clearly joking. “If you want anyone dead, shouldn’t it be the people doing the comparison?”

“They’re too much. I’d become a serial killer then.”

“Do you think they’ll stop the comparisons after you kill him?” I asked and she paused for several moments before frowning.

“Damn it… I hope he’s not coming to the dinner.” Lenore, Josie and I gave her gentle pats at that and her frown deepened as she caught our gazes in the mirror. “Eww, don’t get all sappy on me. If you pity me, you should help me get rid of him if he shows up. Lenore, you’re up,” she added before we proceeded to help Lenore get dressed. Hers was a white, floor-sweeping, body-skimming dress that featured a two-way zip from neck to hem, the chunky gold fastenings unzipped at either end to create a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit.

After we put on our jewelry and shoes, we were ready to go and I hoped I’d make it through the night without embarrassing myself.

****

We walked into the building for the event ten minutes after the event started and I couldn’t help but gawk at our surroundings.

The grand ballroom was a testament to the school’s wealth and taste and crystal chandeliers draped in white silk drapery hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the room. The floor was laid with a rich red carpet while the walls were adorned with gold wallpaper and a large fireplace dominated one end of the room. Each table was set with a stunning display of crystal and china, and the centerpieces were filled with exotic foliage and flowers, while there were tables at another end of the room that held snacks alone.

Every detail of the room had been thought out and executed with precision, and it was clear that Blackwood wanted to create a luxurious space.

“Wow…” I muttered before realizing that the ballroom was already ‘filled’ and the guests were equally as opulent, with women dressed in sparkling gowns and men in elegant suits. Alphas, Betas, council members, and CEOs of big companies moved around, mingling, and I swallowed as I watched them.

My gaze then fell on the Alpha of a pack that ended their alliance with my pack after my father died because he didn't think ‘a child' could handle the position and I frowned. Some of the students in the group of people he was talking to glanced in our direction and surprise washed over their faces but they didn't seem pleased when they noticed I was there too. Big surprise.

I rolled my eyes and looked away before focusing my attention on Josie. “Where are we going to sit?”

“Do you want us to sit with my parents?”

“Oh, uh…” I didn't think her parents would like that.

“Bye guys,” Priyanka suddenly called out and I glanced at where she’d been standing to see her getting hauled away by Dave.

Just as I waved at her, I spotted Theo walking towards us from one end of the hall and I paused. He was dressed in a slick black suit, with the top buttons of his shirt left open, and the suit was tailored to fit him perfectly. The fabric of the jacket strained across his broad shoulders and the pants of the suit hugged the curve of his legs, while his hair was slicked back in a way that made him look business-like and sexy.

‘What– Sexy?!’ I subtly shook my head sideways in an effort to dispel that thought because I didn't want to start seeing him that way. He was mean, and though he might be my mate, he already marked my friend, so no.

‘He’s not mean though. Don't you remember Friday?’ That thought slyly slipped into my mind and I cleared my throat while he came to a stop in front of us.

The handkerchief folded in his breast pocket reminded me of his handkerchief in my drawer in the dorm and my cheeks warmed.

Typical Theo though. He didn't acknowledge my presence.

“You're here early,” Lenore said and the corner of his mouth turned up before Josie cut in.

“Wow Falone, you clean up nice.”

“I try, Baxter,” he replied while holding his arm out to Lenore. “Come on.”

“Bye, guys. Text me if you need me,” she said and we waved at her before she left with Theo.

“Guess that leaves me and you, babe,” Josie said as she held her arm out and I giggled, linking my arm with hers.

“That's right, babe.” I returned my attention to Theo and Lenore who were walking away and just ahead of them, I caught sight of Blake.

He was dressed in a well-cut suit, a dark tan that complemented his golden hair. The light reflected off the surface of the suit’s fabric, giving it an almost satin-like sheen and just like Theo, he wore no tie and the top buttons of his shirt were left open.

He was smiling widely at whatever his father and brother were saying to him and as I glanced at the women around him, trying to figure out if any of them was his date, his gaze began to slide in my direction. Before he could see me though, Josie suddenly pulled me.

I stumbled but quickly caught myself before I fell and when I shot her a surprised look, she gave me a sheepish smile.

“Sorry.” She resumed pulling me towards the end of the hall where the snack tables were and just before we got there, I saw Hunter eating a pinwheel sandwich next to a table.

He was dressed in a way that was both classic and slightly unconventional, with neat dress pants and a soft-knitted sleeveless sweater on top of his shirt. The contrast between the two created a sophisticated look and made him even more handsome.

The moment we stopped next to him, he looked up and blinked at me in surprise. “You look–”

“Amazing. We know,” Josie cut in and he absent-mindedly nodded with his gaze still on me, making me smile. “Why are you standing here like some sort of reject?”

That drew his attention away from me and he sighed gravelly. “Because I am. Dad told me to get lost.”

“Ouch,” I muttered and he glanced at me once more.

“The blue really brings out your eyes.”

Heat crept up my neck. “Thank you,” I replied and he grinned at me before Josie spoke moments later.

“...Am I interrupting something here? I feel like I shouldn’t be standing here.”

“Something like what?” Hunter asked, looking genuinely confused, and Josie’s suspicious, narrowed gaze bounced between him and me. “What?” he asked again before something across the hall caught his attention and he dropped his champagne flute on the tray of a server walking by. “Dad’s waving me over. See you around.”

“See you around,” I replied and he flashed me another smile before leaving. I then glanced at Josie to see her still staring at me suspiciously and I tilted my head.

“What?”

“Do you like Hunter?”