Chapter 28 Not easy to hide from him.
Antonella Erickson - POV
My heart was hammering against my chest while I desperately tried to maintain a calm composure. “Thank you once again for joining us in this joyful celebration.” Maximus concluded when the crowd erupted in applause.
Soon the council elders walked toward us and congratulated Maximus when I saw Alpha Jace hand something over. “What is this, Alpha Jace?” Maximus questioned.
"It's a gift, Alpha Alexus," he replied when he turned to face me when I felt the familiar unsettling feeling creep back in.
“Hope you lead this pack to prosperity, Luna Evangeline," he wished me when a forced smile appeared on my face.
“I won't disappoint you, Alpha Jace.” I told him when he walked back to his place with the other elders. As soon as they took their seats, the other guests began walking up to us with gifts.
“You look bored.” Maximus whispered as a couple walked back to their seats.
“I am a little hungry.” I told him when he looked down at his watch.
“Well, it is pretty late. I think we will start the dinner.” Maximus told me when he led me to our seats. As soon as we took our seats, the omegas walked into the ballroom. with the food. The sound of soft murmurs and cutlery clinging to plates filled the room while my entire focus was on my steak, making sure not to look up.
Once dinner was over, a long table was set at the end of the ballroom with different kinds of alcohol, and in one corner the band began playing soft music. “Do you know how to dance?” Maximus asked me as he hit me up from his place.
"Somewhat." I replied when he extended his hand, and without hesitation I placed my hand on his. As we walked past the elder’s table, I felt a pricking stare on my back, and without even turning around, I knew who it was.
As we reached the dance floor, Maximus let go of my hand and wrapped his hand around my waist and pulled me close to his body, and simultaneously the orchestra began to play. The light around us dimmed, and I saw other couples slowly enter the dance floor.
“I didn't know you would invite Alpha Alastair," I whispered.
“I never did.” Maximus replied, but I could hear the anger in his tone.
“Then why is he here?”
“The council elders want to hold a peace talk tonight, and they invited him to this party.” Maximus answered, and he didn't really look happy about it.
“And they didn't ask you before inviting him?”
"It's not easy to say no to the council, Evangeline.” Maximus told me as he twirled me around and abruptly pulled me towards him. The music gradually came to an end, and soon Maximus and I stepped out of the dance floor when I saw Beta Murphy and Rachel waiting for us.
“You both stole the show.” Rachel said as we stopped in front of them.
“Thank you.” I said while my cheeks heated up in a blush.
“Alpha Alexus, can I dance with Luna Evangeline?” Beta Murphy asked when Maximus looked at me.
“Of course.” I told him when Maximus placed my hand on Beta Murphy’s. When we were about to walk away, I paused. “Maximus, I think you should take Rachel for this dance.” I suggested.
"Oh, that's not needed, Luna Evangeline.”
“You are best friends, and there is nothing wrong with dancing together.” I insisted when I saw Rachel look at Maximus for confirmation.
“Sure, come.” Maximus said when he took Rachel’s hand and led her onto the dance floor. It was fun dancing with Beta Murphy since we were both horrible at it, and throughout the song we kept stomping each other’s feet and bursting into laughter. As soon as the song ended, I excused myself and walked over to the table with the beverages.
I poured myself a glass of whiskey and took a sip, trying to calm my racing heart. “Antonella?” The glass slipped from my hand and broke when my eyes widened to the size of saucers.
“Elijah is behind us.” Lia warned me, and right then he stood beside me as he handed Diver some tissues.
“Oh, I am sorry. Are you hurt, Luna Evangeline?” Elijah asked me while my eyes were locked on my mate. For a solid two minutes, I couldn't speak while my mind raced in fear.
Did he figure out that it was me?
“Luna Evangeline?” his voice broke me out of my trance when I quickly took a step back.
“I am so clumsy.” I said with a nervous smile on my face.
“I think it happens to everyone," he said while his green eyes bore into mine. I expected our mate bond to tingle, making me want to run to him, but strangely, I didn't feel anything towards him.
“You called me Antonella.” I acknowledged knowing very well that if I didn't, he would get suspicious. “Is it your sister?” I asked him when a sad smile appeared on his face.
“It's my mate. She has been missing for over a week now," he told me in a dejected tone, and for a second I almost pitied him, but then I remembered why I left him in the first place.
“Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Was she kidnapped?”
“Yes, but we are still clueless as to who did it," he told me when I nodded my head.
“Evangeline!” Maximus’s sharp voice made me look behind Elijah when I saw him storm toward us.
“What are you doing with my mate?” Maximus questioned as he stopped in beside me while he wrapped a protective arm around my waist.
“I was just congratulating your Luna, Alpha Alexus.” Elijah replied when I felt Maximus’s anger radiating from him.
“I suggest you stay away from my mate, Alpha Alastair.” Maximus warned him when a bitter smile appeared on his face.
“All right," he said when his eyes locked with mine.
“My mate is missing, but I will find her soon and make sure she stays beside me forever.” His word made a shiver run down my spine when he turned around and walked back into the crowd.
“He knows," I whispered almost in a daze.