"Because my mate is getting engaged" Diane said casting a glance at Ian who could hear her clearly before she swiftly turned to face Ares with a smile on her face.
"What a scumbag" Ares cursed softly, and Ian squeezed his palm behind Lilian's body.
"It just didn't work out between us" she said a bit infuriated at Ares statement.
"Maybe the moon goddess had a reason" Ares said.
"For making a wrong choice?" She asked and he chuckled.
"Excuse me a second" he said before letting her go and making way to the stage.
He picked up the microphone lying on the speaker and breathed into it to draw everyone's attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen... Alpha Ian and his beautiful bethrothed Lady Lilian" he paid special respect and Lilian smiled.
"I would like to propose a toast to the beautiful couple who we have gathered here for as well as thank them for a gathering like this.." he said and the waiters passed drinks round.
"That is Ares Clifford, the Alpha of the Nightingale pack, one of the packs we are looking to make alliance with, he must have traveled this far for that" Logan whispered into Ian's ear.
"Then why didn't he just maintain that?" Ian asked with disgust.
When the drink had gone round everyone raised their glasses.
"Well I will like to make three toasts" he said raising his glass.
"The first is to the success of the Alpha's marriage to the beautiful woman beside him" he toasted.
Everyone echoed "cheers" and Diane felt hurt.
"The second is to the success of the alliance between the Evergreen pack and the Nightingale pack as we become comrades in war and peace"
"Cheers" their loud voices rang out.
"And the final one is to me" he smiled.
"For in this special occasion of the Alpha's engagement I have found a woman whose hand I want to hold and dance with for as long as I shall live" he said pointing at Diane.
"Lady Diane I would like to court you officially.." He was not done when the sound of glass shattering was heard from the back.
Ian had squished the glass in his hand but no one dared to assume such.
The maid fell on her face pleading.
"I am sorry my Lord" she fell on her face, Lilian was about to act rashly when Ian said.
"You are dismissed"
"Alpha Ian are you alright?" Ares asked drawing closer to him.
"I am fine" he replied but the blood dripping from his hand spoke otherwise.
His gaze was fixated on Diane who looked away from him, she moved away with the intention of returning to her room when Ares caught up to her.
"You did not give me a reply up there" he said.
"You only said you wish to court me, you did not ask my hand in marriage" she smiled and he chuckled.
"What if I ask your hand in marriage? What will you do then?" Ares asked.
"I am unsure Alpha Ares" she replied.
"Walk with me" Ares said and was about to take the first step when Ian walked over.
"Alpha Ares, I believe this is the first time we are meeting" Ian said.
Ares smiled.
"Truly it is" he stretched out his hand for a handshake.
Ian reluctantly takes it.
"I'll leave the both of you now" Diane excused herself.
"Wait Miss Lee, how do I find you?" Ares asked, Diane stared at Ian momentarily but he seemed to wear no emotions.
"If the moon goddess wills it, we will meet again" she smiled before walking away.
Ares chuckled staring at Diane figure as it slowly disappeared.
"Ares?" Ian called out before Ares could focus on him.
"Congratulations once again on your engagement, how's your Hand?" Ares asked regaining his composture.
"Thank you Ares my hand is in perfect condition" Ian replied.
"Shall we get to the treaty signing?" Ian asked but Ares paused the offer.
"Life should not be rushed, the war is not coming tomorrow, today is your engagement, the Alliance can wait till tomorrow" Ares suggested and Ian laughed.
"Plus I have travelled a long way to the pack, won't the Alpha spare me a place to rest in his villa?" Ares asked and Ian chuckled.
"I heard that the Alpha of The Nightingale pack does not go head over heels for any woman" Ian said.
"I fear I might have heard wrong and has failed to prepare women to warm the Alpha's bed" Ian said.
"Oh no you heard perfectly, but you see the woman I danced with tonight is no ordinary woman" he smiled as his mind traveled back to Diane.
"I have always told myself that the first time I fall in love it will be magical and this did not fall short of my expectations" Ares continued.
"Was your first meeting with your soulmate like this?" Ares asked and Ian had a rethink.
He mind ran over that tiny moment where in he had been lost in anger and had reached the boundary line to calm down, by the time he got there he saw a woman at the brink of breaking down, normally he had been a wolf full of control but just for that night, that night alone he had lost it, before he could even move to grasp her, he had fallen, deeply for her.
He knew that she was his mate, he had tried to control himself but he found himself straying, into the lands he swore his foots will never tread on, pinning her against a tree in her own land their eyes met and a strong connection established - the mating bond.
He was about to mark her, to take her there when a single word from her lips stopped him.
"Please, don't kill me" her voice echoed once again in his head, and it was all it took to tame a raging wolf.
He turned to Ares nodding head.
"Truly it was like that when i met my soulmate"