CHAPTER 12: HIDE AND KISS

Ayla felt the judgment and scrutiny of the werewolves' eyes as soon as they stepped into the grand ballroom. Although some guests looked up to the Alpha for his stunning visuals and achievements, she felt how disgusted they were to see her standing beside his greatness.

"Smile, my Luna," Alpha Liam whispered beside her, his voice was enough to make her heart leap.

Despite her anxiousness, she timidly followed him and acted like a normal escort would.

As she looked around the hall, she did her best to become dumb for a moment and concentrate her mind on the mission of being a perfect Luna.

"Welcome to the gathering, Alpha Liam!" Lauren said with a smile.

Ayla couldn't help but stare at the beauty in front of her. The she-wolf was glowing like a goddess in her white lace robe, not to mention her curly, golden-brown, long hair that covered a portion of her ample bosom and hourglass body.

Vincent, the coordinator for tonight's event chimed in. A hint of excitement became visible in his eyes after clearing his throat from a distance.

"It's great to have you here, Liam Grayson. You’re the Alpha of the Azteca Creed Pack, right?"

Alpha Liam nodded with formality. "Yes, and this is my Luna, Ayla Smith," he introduced her with a deep and proud voice.

Vincent was too quick to casually extend a hand in front of her while giving his sweetest smile. "It's a pleasure to have you here, Luna."

She's expecting to hear the word 'rogue or rogue's daughter' at the end of his greeting just like what Rafael did on their first encounter, but it turned out to be as pleasant and welcoming as it seems.

On the other hand, Alpha Dale who wasn't able to contain his admiration for her joined in.

"I didn't think that the most controversial Luna was this beautiful."

Ayla swallowed hard, as his words were enough to shake her in an instant.

Did she hear him right? Did he really call her beautiful and controversial?

She wanted to introduce herself properly to them but paused upon hearing Vincent's voice.

"Let's put our issues aside and enjoy the rest of the night," he suggested to the Alpha with a diplomatic approach.

Lauren smiled meaningfully at her as she agreed with Vincent. "You’re right! Let's just admire the Luna for being so angelic and lovely."

"So, as you, ma'am," she said acknowledging Lauren's kindness.

"Just Lauren," she insisted with a gentle smile. "I know my name sounds so sweet in the first place."

Fine perfumes, pricey whiskeys, and the aroma of rare and exquisite foods filled the grand ballroom. Ayla could feel the vibrant rhythm of the music pulsing through her veins as she couldn’t believe she was treated so well by the werewolves who approached them.

"I'm sorry, but I need to leave." She noticed how Alpha Dale's tone carried a hint of wickedness in it. "There are a lot of she-wolves vying for my attention right now."

Alpha Liam confidently responded. "I assume you haven't met your fated mate yet."

Alpha Dale chuckled in response while shaking his head. "I do, but I need two more," he answered with a mischievous grin. "The more brides, the merrier."

Ayla took a deep breath, hiding the small sweat that was breaking on her forehead.

Two more Luna? Is that possible? She couldn't help but wonder if Alpha Liam would do the same in the future.

It didn't take her a few minutes when Lauren inserted to lighten the mood.

"Sorry, my brother was just being a little too, you know, playful?"

Alpha Liam's expression turned serious as he glanced at Alpha Dale. "He's still good at skirt-chasing, huh?"

Lauren nodded instantly. "We've been blessed with a problematic Alpha," she added while shaking her head, hinting at all the challenges they faced within their pack because of her brother.

They're in the middle of a serious conversation when Vincent pointed out something that caught Ayla's attention.

"I guess all the Alphas have issues," he said in a fair and reasonable manner.

She's expecting Alpha Liam to disagree and save himself but was shocked to see him nod firmly at the thought.

They were later warmly welcomed by the other Alphas and engaged in conversation about pack issues and their recent achievements.

She had no choice but to stay silent beside Alpha Liam for her own safety. If only she could be allowed to roam around and enjoy the food but she couldn't. One wrong move could lead to her end, as all of them knew that she was the last remnant of the Creeze Bloody War.

Later on, Alpha Raze who was considered an imposing figure among all the Alphas directed his attention towards Alpha Liam.

"I've heard that your pack has been thriving recently, Alpha Liam. You've been hands-on with it, haven't you?"

"You’ve expanded your domain too. Where are you planning to use your power for?" Alpha Lester said with amusement. He was so honest to acknowledge Alpha Liam's recent achievements.

"Yes, we've been doing well. Thanks to my Luna," Alpha Liam proudly answered as he turned his attention towards her.

Deep down in her heart, she was so sure that what he said was a lie.

She must say, 'Well done to the Alpha who's too good at deceiving his kin.'

Alpha Raze faced them while raising an eyebrow. As if he were not truly convinced by the acknowledgement given by Alpha Liam to her.

"Really?"

She managed to keep calm despite the storm of emotions going on inside her.

'What will you do now Alpha Liam? Will you weave more lies to convince everyone?' she thought. If only she could say it to him through mind link.

"Did she help you out?" Alpha Lester asked.

"As anticipated from..." Alpha Raze stared at her while sipping his drink. "As anticipated from your strength and cunning, Alpha Liam."

Alpha Liam nodded. "Recent battles have been difficult but having a Luna who can strengthen your pack is a great deal."

Ayla glanced over the corner as she could no longer tolerate Alpha Liam's lies. Unfortunately, she noticed Elder Edmund and Selena staring in their direction.

"You look bothered."

She paused for a moment before sighing. "The Deltas are staring at us, Alpha Liam."

Alpha Liam's expression turned serious as a bitter laugh escaped his lips. "Are you still scared of them?"

"A little…" Ayla admitted while taking a few breaths. And despite closing her eyes several times, she was still betrayed by her thoughts.

"But Rafael is not with them," she added.

Her eyes traveled to Alpha Liam and she witnessed how a wicked smile was painted on his lips, his ocean blue eyes now dancing with his devilish reaction.

"Of course, I made sure that he would be incapacitated for a month."

She shook her head, clearly feeling the weight behind the Alpha's actions before she decided to change the topic.

"You did not mention that the gathering was with the other packs, Alpha."

He stood up straight and looked her in the eye. "If I told you, would you come with me?"

Ayla's shoulders slumped slightly as she realized his point. "I guess not...I should have suggested some other way to compensate you."

Alpha Liam's expression changed. "Another way to pay, huh?"

She nodded shyly. "Yes…" she said before biting her lower lip. "Because a curse like me doesn't deserve to attend a werewolf gathering but I am grateful they still welcomed me. To tell you honestly, this is the first time I have not been insulted by other wolves, Alpha Liam."

As the night went on, Ayla shared a drink with the Alpha and sat with him at a fancy table. She silently observed the activities around them, listening to the romantic and sensual music with a vision of her dancing to its rhythm.

Later on, Alpha Liam's soft voice broke the silence between them.

"I’m bored…Would you care to dance?" he asked suddenly while turning his attention towards her.

Ayla's eyes widened with disbelief. "Are you serious, Alpha?"

"Yes…" he answered while extending his hand toward her.

Ayla hesitated for a second as she felt her insecurities surfacing. "I don't think I can pull it off, Alpha. I'm not that talented at dancing."

Despite the rejection, Alpha Liam was the first one to stand up. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

"I hate the way they look at me," she anxiously said.

As he pulled her closer, he brought his lips close to her ear and whispered. "If you step on my foot, you'll get in trouble."

It took her a moment to understand why his words were contradictory to his intention of dancing with her. What is he plotting this time?

"Shall we stop?" she suggested as they began to sway to the music.

Alpha Liam frowned slightly. "Why?"

"Because you’re scaring me, Alpha," she admitted, her vulnerability now visible in her eyes.

Instead of getting pissed off, Alpha Liam's expression softened as he glanced at her.

"No, I’m not…You should consider it a privilege that I am dancing with you right now."

There he continued with a slow and sensuous sway while never taking his gaze off of her.

Ayla, on the other hand, felt her body responding unconsciously to his every movement.

"You’re a good dancer, Alpha."

A smile came across her lips.

Even if the Alpha invited her to dance with a threat at the beginning, he's actually a nice dancing partner.

Actually, it was too late for her to notice that she was already smiling while following his guide.

"Concentrate on dancing, everyone is staring at us."

She looked at Alpha Liam and nodded. Carefully embracing his lead as they moved gracefully across the floor.

"We are surrounded by the Alphas," he murmured, "and you know they all despise you."

As the music grew louder and sweeter, Ayla felt her heart pounding as he pulled her closer to him.

"I think they want to burn you alive, my Luna."

Ayla's eyes widened in shock at his words. "What?" she gasped.

Alpha Liam's expression remained grave as he reiterated the danger she faced.

"You're in danger."

"A-Alpha…" she stammered. His warning scared her to the point of losing her balance.

"I felt that, my Luna," he said as their eyes met. "You stepped on my foot."

Ayla's heart sank at the realization of the consequences of what happened. He did warn her about being careful not to step on his foot.

"I’m sorry," she whispered.

She suddenly felt a pair of cold eyes glancing at her as the Alpha stopped the dance immediately.

"Where are we going, Alpha? Am I really in danger?"

A few moments later, Ayla found herself standing in a dark corner next to the Alpha. They are so far away that she can no longer hear the music coming from the grand ballroom.

"W-What's going on, Alpha?" she asked with a trembling voice.

"Hiding?" he said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. "I told you you're in trouble."

Suddenly, Alpha Liam moved closer to her and she was petrified.

"P-Please don't do it here, Alpha," she begged. "What if they caught us hiding here?"

"Believe me, they won’t."

Alpha Liam's expression hardened as he moved himself closer to her, closing the gap between them.

"This will be our dirty little secret."

With a fierce growl, Alpha Liam claimed her lips, his body pressing into hers as he kissed her hungrily.