Chapter Fifty-Three: His

As we walked toward the head table, Nyx yanked on my arm, prompting me to lean closer to her. Nyx's breath tickled my ear and sent shivers down my back as her sultry voice whispered, "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."

She shifted away from me, and I had to use my free hand to adjust my semi-hard dick discreetly before we arrived in front of Andrew and his new mate. I attempted to make my voice even, but it came out gruffly, "Andrew, congratulations on your pending union."

I could see Nyx's mischievous half-grin out of the corner of my eye and couldn't help thinking how incredible she was. Everything that I could imagine I'd want or need in a partner. Andrew bowed slightly, "Your Majesty, thank you for gracing us with your presence. It is truly an honor to have you bless our union."

I allowed a small smile to break through the bored facade I always wore at these events. Andrew is a fantastic Alpha; he has transformed an archaic and tradition-bound pack into something more modern. His allegiance to me in all aspects would be a tremendous asset. Neal and I had laid the groundwork for this fidelity even before Andrew's father had retired, handing over the title to his son. "The honor is mine for being invited; your union joins two prominent packs together. It's a momentous occasion to find true love and partnership in another."

Andrew had a boyishly shy grin, and the woman next to him turned beet red. She was beautiful by society's standards and paired with Andrew; they had that perfect boy/girl next door feel. Nyx let go of my arm and presented the wrapped gift she had been holding onto for the couple. They both looked up at her in surprise, and Andrew quickly turned to me for permission. Again, I donned a small smile, "This is my mate, Nyx. She brought you both an engagement gift."

Nyx rolled her eyes at me, then grinned at the couple, "Ollie told me that it was unnecessary to bring gifts; however, it's polite to never crash someone's party without at least a gift. It's not much, but I hope you will accept it."

The couple gawked at her, and I knew traditionally calling me by my name and rolling eyes was a sign of disrespect, but Nyx was so adorable I let it be. I shrugged and reached for the beverages that a waiter appeared with. The woman took the gift from Nyx with a slight bow, "Thank you, Luna, how thoughtful."

Nyx beamed with excitement, "You're welcome. I didn't catch your name."

"Oh, yes, my name is Cassie. I mean, it's Cassandra, but I go by Cassie. " The woman stammered. She turned toward Andrew with an embarrassed expression, and Nyx chuckled. I loved hearing the sound of her laughter. It felt like everything was right with the world.

"Cassie, would you be so kind as to open it now? I'd like to explain my gift." Nyx was busting at the seams with excitement.

Cassie bit her lip nervously, looking toward me for permission, and nodded when I did. She pulled at the bow, quickly undoing it and pulling the paper away. I laughed uproariously as the couple stared at the book in their hands, confused. Nyx gave me a toothy grin and turned back toward the confused pair. "It's a book to write letters back and forth to one another for the first year of marriage. It's called an exchange diary. You read it on your first anniversary night to remember everything from your first year together."

I tried hiding my grin but loved that she gifted them a book -- Not just any book, but one that would be filled with meaning and could bring them closer in this first year of marriage. I noticed a few looks sent our way and realized that Nyx was bringing out a side of me that many of these people had never seen. She glanced my way with apprehension, and I winked at her.

I nodded toward Andrew, "Excuse me, Andrew, I will take my leave now."

He bowed in return, smiling at his mate as she excitedly flipped through the book. I took Nyx's hand, kissing the back, and enjoyed the pink blush that crept up her neck and across her cheeks. Her lips parted slightly, and memories of those lips gliding up and down my hardened shaft. I leaned back, trying to think of anything else not to have to adjust myself for the millionth time since she walked down those stairs.

I cleared my throat and hoarsely asked, "Do you know how to waltz?

Nyx laughed unrestrainedly, earning a few more side eyes from the increasingly nosy crowd, "My mother had me in etiquette lessons at four. Of course, I know how to ballroom dance, Alpha."

My whole body flinched at her calling me Alpha. My entire life, that title has been respectfully earned and upheld; however, as that word left her mouth, it felt off. I met her gaze, and her expression mirrored how I felt. She shifted her weight, bouncing on her toes, and shyly said." Sorry, Ollie, I can't call you by that title. In fact, I don't think I could call you Your Majesty either. It feels wrong and very cold."

I sighed in relief and smiled at her, "You are the only one in any world who can call me whatever you want. However, I agree that my title should not leave these lips again."

Nyx giggled, stepping closer to me as the music started so only I could hear her, "I'd prefer to call you Ollie or Mr. Conri. I guess I must address you as my mate to others, but that feels too platonic."

I pulled Nyx into my embrace, taking the proper Waltz form and leading her feet in the correct pattern. She freely trusted my lead, and I revealed in the courage it took her to do so. A thought popped into my head and left my mouth before I even knew it, "How about my husband?"

Nyx's body tensed, and her eyes sliced to mine in genuine surprise. I held my breath, focusing on the music to avoid misstep. Nyx trusted me to keep her steady, and I wouldn't fuck this up. She pressed closer and gave me a smile that did not reach her eyes. I noticed many spectators with calculating eyes watching our every move, so I whispered in Nyx's ear, "Forget I said that for now."

She examined my expression when I pulled back and bit her lip. "Another topic to be left on the table for another time. Not too far into the future, I hope."

I spun her on the music's cue and pulled her back flush against me. A spark of lust shining in her eyes egged me on to continue hoping for a day she would eagerly say yes to marriage. I reminded myself that Nyx had already agreed to complete the claim mark and eventually become my Luna. Nyx's body moved in time to my own. Every step, turn or shift felt so right. She was so breathtakingly beautiful that the world around me disappeared until my goddess was the center of my world. Memories of us as children blended with the time we've spent together as adults as we reversed turned with a music change. Usually, her face would turn away during this move, but our eyes remained staring directly into each other's souls. I broke proper form, pulling her close to me; my forehead touched hers. I could feel Nyx's breath hitch, and I couldn't resist placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. A satisfied moan released from Nyx's lips before I went back to the proper form. When I rotated Nyx and dipped her, I caught Neal standing on the edge of the dance floor, holding our two drinks and wearing a concerned expression.

I heaved a sigh, then looked directly at Nyx. Her face was full of understanding, and she smiled bashfully. "Do you mind if I dance with Finn or maybe Hugo while you are away?"

A possessive growl threatened to leap out of my chest at the thought of her dancing with anyone but me. My jealousy set my mouth in line, and my thoughts ran rampant. I quickly did a change-step to move us away from the crowded dance floor. Instead of jumping to conclusions, I studied her eyes to understand, but she quickly assured me, "I do not want to be cornered with a million questions. I've grown up in a society like this, and I know from experience that when someone of high social status brings someone new, they'll be gossip fodder. However, if I keep dancing, they cannot come after me for gossip or to be looked over like a show pony any more than I have now."

Understanding smacked me square in the face. I ground my back teeth, feeling dumb for getting jealous. I signaled for Finn to approach, and when he arrived, I begrudgingly moved Nyx's hand to his. My arm was still wrapped around her waist as I couldn't bring myself to let go yet. My brother gave me a petrified look. I grumbled sternly, "Dance with her until I get back. Only Hugo is allowed to approach."

Nyx playfully smiled at Finn, "Don't worry, Ollie won't kill you. He needs you to keep the other wolves at bay until he can sweep me off my feet."

She patted my back where we were still joined and smiled warmly at me, "Now, the faster you take care of business, the faster we can head home."

I kissed the tiny spot behind her that smelled so good, loving how she said home. I took a deep breath, smelling her shampoo scent and mixing it with mine. Then I turned to my brother and put a little more Alpha command in my voice than intended, "Proper Waltz form, Finn."

Finn stiffened under the command and bowed his head. I gave my goddess one last look and headed toward Neal. He was grinning ear to ear as I approached him, and Hugo appeared next to him. "Your face is pissing me off," I grumbled, taking my drink and downing it in one gulp.

"Can I punch him this time?" Hugo quipped, then glanced at Neal's fading black eye. We both laughed at Neal's annoyed look. I glanced back at Nyx to ensure Finn kept his distance, then nodded toward Hugo.

"Keep an eye on them. No one approaches." I stated. I took the Mojito and downed the sweet drink, running my tongue against the back of my teeth to free it from the minty aftertaste. I placed my hand on Hugo's shoulder and leaned in so only he could hear, "Try not to let her drink anymore, and come get me immediately if anything happens."

I set the glass on the nearest table, walking toward the hallway where my secret meeting would be held.