Chapter 24 You came?

Chapter 24 You came?
Scarlette’s POV

"Oh well... We're here!" I said as we stepped into the massive hall.

The Alpha’s Gala was a little more than I imagined.

Soft music drifted through the grand hall, the type of music that spoke softness and elegance. But beneath those lyrics lived something sharper.

Pride. Rivalry. Power. Every Alpha carried it like a scent. Every smile looked polite, but the eyes, of course, you know, a smile that's just for paparazzi sake.

I stepped inside, my heels clicking against the tiled floor. The sound felt a little too loud, and probably intentional, enough to announce my presence.

Heads turned. Almost at once. Then the eyes were followed by whispers.

Five years as an Alpha, and this was my first time attending. I always had an excuse before, cause of course I never fancied being at events like this, but tonight, there was no excuse. Rather, there were more reasons as to why I should be here tonight.

Kael walked beside me, calm and composed, his arm slightly bent as I rested my fingers lightly on it. His presence steadied me more than I cared to admit.

“It’s such an honour to be chosen by you,” he murmured softly.

I glanced at him. “Quite the whining already.”

He chuckled, low and warm. “I’m serious. Out of everyone in this room… You picked me.”

“I picked someone who wouldn’t annoy me.”

“Ouch!" He said, holding onto his chest. "That arrow went straight to my heart."

“You’ll survive,” I said, tapping on his hand, which he had placed on his chest.

We both smiled faintly.

The room glittered under the glow of the crystal chandeliers. There were also long tables lined at the sides, filled with drinks and polished silver trays. Photographers lingered everywhere. Their cameras are flashing nonstop.

I kept my expression neutral, my eyes straight ahead.

Then someone stepped into our path.

“Alpha Lani!”

Alpha Jake called out smoothly.

“You look so breathtaking,” he continued, his gaze sweeping slowly over me. “The man who gets to have you tonight is so lucky.”

His eyes lingered longer than necessary. It made my skin crawl.

Then he looked at Kael. I guess it finally dawned on him that Kael was the man in question.

“You had better choices,” he added casually. “Why did you choose to settle for a mere Beta?”

The word 'mere' hung in the air.

Kael didn’t react, but I felt the tension in his arm.

I smiled.

“I’ll choose my Beta a hundred times before I think of any of you.”

Alpha Jake’s smile faltered. Just a flicker. Then it returned, stiff.

I didn’t give him time to reply. I turned, gently pulling Kael along.

“Thank you for standing up for me, your majesty,” Kael said quietly after we had successfully passed.

“I was only stating facts,” I replied.

We moved deeper into the crowd. Some Alphas nodded respectfully, while some who were brave enough came to speak with me.

Almost every Alpha, if not all, was gathered here in the hall, as well as some Elders.

I kept on exchanging pleasantries with the Alphas and Elders whose paths crossed mine. Cameras flashed more aggressively now.

“The only female Alpha…”

“She finally came…”

The attention pressed heavily, but I ignored it.

That was when I saw him.

Alpha Azrael stood near the center of the hall, the daughter of Alpha Martins beside him in a deep red gown. They were greeting people, moving gracefully through the crowd. Rick followed close behind, quiet and watchful.

Azrael’s eyes lifted.

They landed on me.

Something unreadable flickered across his face as his eyes went over me.

They started walking toward us.

“I finally get to meet the only female Alpha,” Brenda said with a smile when they reached us.

Rick’s gaze slid slowly from my face downward, then back up again. His throat bobbed slightly. He looked like a predator assessing its prey.

“I must admit,” Brenda continued, voice low, “you look even more beautiful than what they describe you as.”

“You came?” Azrael asked, surprise in his voice.

“Of course I did,” I replied calmly. “Did you really think that your sick little threat was enough to keep me away?”

His brows drew together. “Threat? What threat?”

Before I could answer, the MC grabbed the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen…”

The speech began, stealing both our attention.

My eyes remained on the MC until a voice brushed across my mind.

'Every time I meet you again, you make me regret choosing Blaire over you…'

My stomach tightened.

I turned sharply toward Rick, disgust flashing across my face.

I soon noticed that Azrael's eyes were still on me. His gaze sharpened, studying me carefully.

The speech ended, and the soft music started again.

Couples moved toward the dance floor.

Azrael led Brenda as they joined the dancing couples on the stage.

Kael looked at me. “Shall we?”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to ridicule myself up on that stage.”

“I know my Alpha. She can do anything she sets her mind to. All she has to do is try.”

“What gives you so much assurance?”

He smiled. “I just believe so much in you.”

Heat crept up my neck.

“Enough, please… Let’s get to the dance floor before you blush my face out.”

We both laughed softly, and then we stepped onto the floor.

His hand rested lightly at my waist, and mine on his shoulder. We moved slowly at first. I was trying to be really careful, I can't afford to disgrace myself in front of so many eyes.

As we danced, we kept our eyes on alert. I had been waiting a long time for whoever this mystery enemy was. Plus, I hadn't seen Gomez lurking anywhere around.

Could it be that Azrael was alone in this?

I don't even know what to think anymore.

Azrael kept his eyes on me, and I didn't fail to return the favour. I was making sure to keep track of every move so I know what he's onto. Every little eye contact he made wasn't unnoticed.

Then the music changed to something faster, making everyone move their bodies faster, according to the rhythm of the song.

Kael spun me, and I fell into his arms again.

"I knew you would do just fine." He complimented with a smile.

"Focus!" I whispered.

It was time to change patterns... I spun and so did the other ladies. Our bodies turned like we were in sync, and suddenly I rolled into Azrael’s arms.

His hand closed around my waist. The feeling was a little too firm and could almost be classified as possessive.

“What did you mean earlier?” he murmured near my ear.

“Don’t act like a fool,” I replied quietly.

He spun me and caught me again.

“I know everything there is to know.”

The partners changed again.

Another Alpha took my hand.

“What an honour it is to be dancing with the only female Alpha,” he said. “But I must admit, my heart bleeds knowing that the moon goddess didn’t pair me with you.”

I smiled politely, barely hearing him.

My eyes remained on Azrael, and of course, he was looking at me too.

The next switch came.

I moved toward Kael, but Azrael’s arm wrapped around my waist again.

Kael stiffened, ready to step forward, but I lifted my hand slightly.

He stopped.

“Is this the point where you finally admit that you’re behind the letters and threats?” I asked.

“Honestly, I’m lost,” he said quietly. “I know nothing about any letters. The only thing I’m going to admit… is that I can’t get you out of my mind.”

My pulse stumbled.

“I’ve been worried sick about you,” he continued. “Even after hearing you had woken, I still wanted to see for myself that you’re fine.”

He pulled me closer.

“You don’t know how scared I was when I thought I was going to lose you…”

His nose brushed my neck as his warm breath hit me.

My eyes closed without permission.

What’s wrong with me?