ZEPHYRINE's POV.
I sat in my room enjoying the quiet morning to myself when the knock came to the door. "Zephyrine, Alpha Terran wants to see you," the maid said with a curtsy.
I nodded and followed her into the conference room, wondering what could have been the reason for Terran to want to talk with me. As soon as I arrived, I was quite shocked to find him surrounded by a pack of alpha werewolves that now turned in my direction.
"Ah, Zephyrine, perfect timing," Terran said with a smile, turning to me. "I'd like you to meet some of my fellow alphas. This is Alpha Ryder, Alpha Riley, and Alpha Kaida."
I nodded politely, trying not to act too surprised by the sudden introduction. The alphas smiled and welcomed me while continuing with Terran, "I'd also like to introduce Zephyrine as my friend, and my plus one to the upcoming ball."
My body had registered a shock, but I cooled it with a smile and mumbled a thank you for the alphas' welcome. We were seated to lunch where the conversation was merry and interesting, but all I could feel was the sensation of being overwhelmed.
No sooner were the alphas gone than Terran turned to me and apologized, "I'm so sorry to spring that on you, Zephyrine. I know it was a bit of a shock."
"It's all right, I understand," I said, being as polite as possible. "But what's going on? Why did you invite me to the ball?"
Terran leaned back in his chair, relaxed. "Honestly, I was invited to the ball, but I didn't want to go alone. And since I have a female friend now, I thought it would be nice to attend with you."
I raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't want to go alone?"
Terran shook his head. "No, I didn't. And then, too, I thought it a great chance for us to spend some time together, alone, outside the pack. Moreover, I really believe you would enjoy attending the ball-an excellent chance to get to know quite a number of new people, having some fun. You could need some friends. I’m sure I’m a boring soul.” He added and we both burst into laughter.
“So will you be my plus one?” Terran asked, his eyes staring deep into my soul.
I couldn't help it-Terran just seemed so enthusiastic that I found myself agreeing to attend a ball with him.
“How can I say no?” I said and flashed him a smile.
No sooner had the words left my lips than a group of maids entered, bearing several stunningly beautiful dresses between them.
"Ah-perfect timing," Terran said with a grin, looking at me. "I thought you might like to try on some dresses for the ball. See if any of them catch your eye."
I was overwhelmed by the choice, while Terran pushed me to try a few-on condition that I could choose the one that I liked most. A moment I hesitated; then, however, not being able to resist my excitement about trying on beautiful dresses, I gave way.
By the time I started trying the dresses, Terran sat on the couch nearby and watched with a smile. "How about this one?" I spun in front of him, a ravishing red gown. The same one as before-very beautiful.
"It is, but I think we can do better," he said, eyeing me up and down. "Try the blue one."
I nodded, and the maid helped me into the blue dress. I gasped in delight as I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The dress was perfect, hugging my curves in all the right places.
"What do you think?" I turned to Terran, seeking his opinion.
He stood up, came towards me, smiling. "I think you look absolutely breathtaking in that," he said to me, his eyes fixed on mine. "That's the one; you have to wear that to the ball."
Still staring at my reflection, Terran spun me around and began to fix my hair, his fingers brushing softly against my skin. His touch sent a shiver down my spine, but as he moved my hair aside, my left shoulder was exposed, and my mark was visible. The shape of a wolf in a cage seemed to stare back at me, and I felt a jolt of shock and embarrassment wash over me.
I opened my mouth to explain, to tell Terran that I didn't know what the mark meant, that I had never seen it before, but before words could leave my lips, Terran's eyes flickered over the mark and then away, his expression neutral.
"Alright, you look perfect," he said matter of fact. "Why don't you go relax for a bit? Tomorrow is going to be a long day."
Immediately, I was confused, thinking maybe Terran hadn't seen the mark after all, maybe I'd just seen things. But then, when I looked at him, there was nothing in his expression indicating he had the slightest interest in my mark.
I nodded, still a bit dazed, and turned to leave, but as I walked back to my room, I couldn't shake the feeling that Terran had seen the mark and that he was pretending not to.
The moment I got into my room, a strong urge suddenly overwhelmed me to know more about the mark. What was it? Why was it on my shoulder? Why did Terran act like he hadn't seen it?
I walked to the mirror tugging at my sleeve for what had to be the hundredth time, to make the mark appear in its place. Glaring at it, trying somehow to make sense, but it stared back at me-a mysterious sign holding secrets I couldn't unlock.
I felt frustrated, wondering if I would ever find out the truth concerning the mark and about myself. But as I stared at the wolf in the cage, I knew I had to keep searching for answers, come what may.