Chapter Fifty-Two Hers

The limo pulled up in front of a huge house. Ollie placed his hand on my bouncing bare knee, holding it firmly so I sat still for a moment. He chuckled and eyed me from his leaning position. I fidgeted with the necklace he gave me. I loved how the chain was long enough to hold it near my chest and play with it when I was nervous. The cool metal possessed this odd calming effect, similar to Ollie's one over me.

"You all go first," Ollie commanded, and everyone shuffled out the door while Ollie watched me. "Don't be nervous."

"Right. I'll try not to think about the fact that I'm going to a party full of mythical beings and announcing that I'm fucking their king."

Ollie's eyes darkened and raked over my body like they had earlier on the stairs. "You don't have to announce anything. My mark and scent will do that for you."

I playfully glared at him, "Are you saying I smell?"

"Yes." He grinned wolfishly, taking a deep inhale near my neck, "You smell like me, and it's so unbelievably sexy that I could ravish you here."

Ollie cupped my jaw as I pulled at his navy lapels. Ollie's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me to him. He kissed me sweetly on the lips, and then his face grew serious, "Remember to stay by my side, and if I have to leave you for a moment—"

"Stick to Finn like gorilla glue," I murmured before kissing him. Ollie tipped his head back so he could see my face and knew I was taking his instructions seriously. Whatever Ollie saw in my expression seemed to satisfy his need for control. He gave me a few more deep kisses before gently moving me back to the seat beside him. I bit my lip and fidgeted with the necklace some more. I was so beyond nervous that I didn't think anything could honestly calm me. Ollie watched me, patiently waiting for my thoughts. I reluctantly let out a shaky breath, "I don't want to embarrass you. Mother stopped taking me because I didn't behave to her standards. Thinking about going into a room full of etiquette I know nothing about and embarrassing you is almost crippling me with anxiety."

A knock sounded on the window, and Ollie pinched the bridge of his nose. "Nyx, I need you to hear me." His hand gripped my free one, "there is nothing you could do that would embarrass me. In fact, everyone here will think I'm the luckiest guy in the world to be chosen by you."

Another knock sounded, and Ollie made an irritated growl. I touched his thigh and assured him, "I'll be right by your side, Ollie."

His eyes cut to mine before another knock sounded, "Right by my side or Finn's."

Ollie swung the door open, sliding out onto the driveway with an agility that amazed me. He buttoned his suit jacket and turned back toward me with a reassuring smile. I attempted to give him the same smile back. I gripped his outstretched hand and clumsily stepped out of the limo. Once I was steady, Ollie guided my hand into the crook of his elbow, and I turned toward Neal, who was holding my wrapped engagement present. I looked up at the path we would take.

I was memorized at the brilliant scene before us as it looked like something out of a Hollywood movie. It is definitely on a whole other level than the parties I previously attended with my mother. The giant white mansion had a grandiose cement stairway leading up to an arched entryway. The arch topped two giant white Roman-style pillars surrounded by exotic flower pots at the bottom. The front doors were plainly designed, with a simple window revealing the elegant parlor. I tightened my grip on Ollie as I watched Aurora ascend the stairs gracefully in her soft yellow-draped dress. She turned slightly when Hugo, with a matching yellow bowtie and pocket square, extended his arm to her before continuing up the stairs.

Finn stood behind me in a full bodyguard stance. I glanced at him nervously, and he gave me a reassuring nod. I mentally pleaded with my body, Please don't trip, don't fall, be elegant and swan-like. It was a mantra I'd used all my life for every ball or party my mother dragged me to.

"Ready?" Ollie asked, and I gave a quick, nervous nod. At the entryway, a doorman opens both doors, swinging them open to a grandiose forayer with people all around, making their way up and down the U-shaped staircases and through the main hallway underneath the adjoining platform of the two. Ollie slowly guided me through that hallway into a giant ballroom. The marble-looking floor was filled with clothed round tables, with an entire dinner wear set including a unique candle centerpiece and decorated chairs. Name cards sat in the middle of each plate, and I wondered briefly if Ollie R.S.V.P'd an extra spot for me. I felt instantly rude for not double-checking that it wasn't inconvenient, but at least I remembered to bring a small gift.

A long table was decorated with flowers and string lights at the far end of the room. Next to one end of the table was a live quartet playing an elegant melody that no one seemed to be dancing to yet. I looked at Ollie and was surprised to see a bored expression on his face. I knew he hated these events, but I wasn't expecting a mask to slip on so quickly.

Suddenly, Neals's voice from directly behind us made me jump a bit, "Darius is incoming."

I looked forward just in time to see a stout but muscular man with a receding hairline and a clean-shaven look. He shuffled over to where we stood and held out a hand with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Your majesty! Attending my son's humble engagement party is so kind of you!"

"Holy shit, Ollie, you actually are royalty." I stammered, then bit my lip to prevent any more words from spewing out of my mouth. I heard Finn snort, and Ollie smothered a smile. The man's smile faltered as he glanced from me back to Ollie.

Ollie, returning to the bored expression, shook the man's hand. "Darius, It is my pleasure to attend such a momentous event. This is my mate, Nyx."

Instantly, the room fell silent, except for the soft music playing in the corner. I glanced around the room and found almost every eye on us. I gripped Ollie's elbow harder, yet he didn't show any change. Darius rubbed his hands nervously, his eyes quickly moving about the room, "I apologize, Alpha, I didn't realize you had chosen a mate."

His disgust at the word mate matched the expression on his face. A woman appeared out of nowhere, placing her hand on Darius's shoulder, "Your majesty! It has been far too long. Shall I guide you to your seat?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, let my wife show you where to go, and I will have someone bring your drink," Darius said.

"Whiskey neat for both of us." Ollie's voice was laced with a commanding tone. I hesitated because I didn't want to seem weird to others by drinking something so masculine.

I tilted my head toward Ollie and whispered, "Ollie, can I get something else instead?"

His gaze met mine, and he jerked his head once. I smiled, then turned toward the woman, "I'd prefer something lighter: a white wine or perhaps a mojito?"

The woman did not look my way once; she only glanced at Ollie and her husband. Growing up in high society, I knew this was a tactic to put me in my place. It was evident by the tension in the room that I was being sized up, measured, and evaluated—this situation I could handle without hesitation. Mother's friends were far worse with their backhanded compliments. I would never allow anyone to disrespect Ollie through me. Ollie stiffened beside me, and I gently leaned into him, ensuring the woman looked directly at me before I spoke more firmly, "Yes, I'd prefer a mojito."

The woman slowly nodded, and as if on command, the room resumed its merriment, and she escorted us to our places at the head table. As we walked, Ollie leaned over and kissed my temple, "Get 'em, goddess."

I glanced at his expressionless face; frowning, I whispered, "Next time, we stay home."

Ollie's eyes cut to mine, and I continued in my hushed tone, "I'm not a fan of seeing your masked facade. It worries me to see you so serious. I'd rather see your O face as you are buried balls deep in me."

His eyes shuttered, and a very tiny smirk appeared at the corner of his lips, "Anam Cara, you are making it hard to be serious."

I pulled his arm down to get my lips as close to his ear as possible, "I'll make you a deal, Mr. Conri. In two hours, I will make an excuse to head home and show you how hard I can make you."

We abruptly made it to the table as Ollie shifted and gruffly greeted the happy-looking couple standing there. "Andrew, congratulations on your pending union."