Chapter 2: Chapter One
***KARA***
***THREE DAYS EARLIER***
It was the first time that the Pack Annual Mating Ball would be held in the Alpha’s home. They were constructed to make me feel insecure and out of place so I was never at events like this.
"It's fun and a time for enjoyment", they would say but to me, it only felt like a trap to get dragged through the mud. And people were good at it - they knew just how to make me feel weaker and insecure.
As an Omega wolf, attending events like this was a big no. The odds of me leaving tonight’s event with my mate were slim to none. The good thing about this year's ball was that the theme required every one of us to wear masks for anonymity.
A frown pulled down the corners of my lips. It’s such a cold evening, and I’d rather be anywhere else at the moment, but my father wanted me to be here.
Just this morning, I had no dress for the ball and had no plan to attend, but my father suddenly showed up with a dress and mask that looked quite expensive.
I gulped nervously and adjusted my mask as I scanned the crowd of masked faces.
I realize I also wanted to be here. If I found my mate, the two of us could leave this pack together and go somewhere far away. A smile almost formed on my face as I imagined a fantasy scenario of what could be my future.
The wide double-arched doors slide open automatically once we reach the entrance.
Gemma linked my arm with hers, pulling my body closer as she brimmed with excitement.
I didn't lie about wanting to be elsewhere.
The hall was a masterpiece of design, adorned with intricate woodwork and adorned with lush draperies. Soft candlelight flickered on the tables, casting a warm and inviting glow.
The long banquet tables were adorned with fine linens and sparkling silverware, while exquisite floral centerpieces added a touch of natural elegance. The soft murmurs of anticipation filled the room as guests took their seats, eagerly awaiting the feast to come.
Gemma walks off, likely following her mate's scent.
I laugh and follow Gemma deeper into the room. A man passes by with a tray of champagne glasses, and she grabs two, offering me one. I would decline, but my anxiety was killing me.
Who would be okay with spending their entire lives with me? An omega, barely deserving of being identified as a she-wolf.
I sip from the glass in my hand, taking in my surroundings.
I walked to a table and sat down as waiters and waitresses began setting down all sorts of delicacies and drinks on the tables.
Every second, it seemed that another waiter and waitress brought a new dish. This was in addition to the dozens of servers who circled, constantly refilling everyone's glasses.
I was most mesmerized by Mozart, I didn't understand classical music, but it was obvious that he played with a passion and skill unlike any other. The man was on fire, music seemed to stream right from his fingertips. The doors to the huge halls were left wide open and people continually streaming in and out.
“Did you hear Prince Braden might be here tonight!”
“No way!”
“Maybe he finally wants to find his mate.”
“He had a mate before who died."
"I feel so sorry for him."
“I’d give anything to have him as a mate.” Someone giggled.
Gemma stiffened beside me, and I turn to look at her as she stared at the ladies gossiping by the fountain.
“The Alpha Prince?” I asked her.
She turned to me with a small grin, “Yeah, Prince Braden. I doubt he’s ever been to one of these mating balls.”
“Really?” I took another sip of my drink, "Why not? Isn’t he, like, supposed to be the host or something?”
I asked.
“No…” She slurred , “His mother is. Plus he's not really the type for social gatherings.”
“You know your facts well.” I teased.
She tapped my shoulder lightly, “It’d be a surprise if one didn’t know about Prince Braden.”
“I don’t.”
“Yeah, well, you don’t care to pay attention to these things.”
True, but not for lack of interest. I simply avoid attracting attention to myself, and when you're mostly the topic of the conversation, you can't exactly chip in.
The Omegas in the pack were few and far between. Many of them had thinned out during harsh times; the cold seasons, hunts.
My family was one of the last before they were killed by rogues. No one in this pack acted like they cared about us.
“Do you at least know what he looks like?” Gemma asked.
“Yes,” I lied.
She gave me a playful shove, laughing. She took my empty glass from me when another server walked by, replacing it immediately. I took another sip. The alcohol was doing wonders for my anxiety.
“Well, you can’t miss him. He’s like a Greek god fallen from Olympus down to earth”
“A god, huh?” I could imagine what he’d look like. Blonde hair and blue eyes maybe? Perhaps green. Most wolves have darker features.
“Yeah,” Gemma replied with a nod, “He’s got like shoulder-length dark hair, his eyes are-"
A huge clock rang as it struck 5:00 pm and a set of double doors opened on the far side of the hall leading to a large ballroom. I got up and hurried with the crowd towards the ballroom. The ballroom laughed in the face of the hall.
The grandeur of the room was unmatched;
There was a massive fireplace, crystal chandeliers filled with burning candles that cast an attractive cascade of light across the polished marble floor, and gold mirrors on every wall, reflecting the light and making the room seem even bigger than it was.
The walls were draped in rich tapestries, depicting scenes of noble conquests and historic events.
The air was filled with the enchanting melodies of a live orchestra, their harmonies weaving a symphony of elegance that echoed through the hall. A sea of elegantly dressed guests swirled across the ballroom floor, their vibrant gowns and tailored suits adding splashes of color to the scene.
The room seemed to stretch infinitely, with towering pillars punctuating the space, adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf accents. Elaborate floral arrangements adorned every corner, filling the air with the sweet fragrance of roses and lilies. The ambiance was one of refined luxury and excess as if every detail had been carefully curated to create a feast for the senses.
There was a sea of bodies all wearing masks.
As the music began, I became nervous again and fiddled with my fingers. Mozart sat at the far end of the room, sitting on a small dais as he began playing the harpsichord. As he did, cellists and violinists joined in. It was an upbeat formal waltz.
A set of four lines formed on opposite sides of the room and everyone paired off, grabbed each other, and waltzed in the wide circles. The music changed to a much faster one and the room transitioned into a new dance, one in which couples danced with each other and then, switched off; each person dancing with someone new every few steps.
I joined in the dance, switching partners every three dance steps. There was always a new hand and, a new shoulder and every new person had an elaborate mask than the other.
And with every partner I danced with, the hope of finding a mate here today slowly faded.
I began to cross the dance floor, new music started up - a slower and more romantic one, and partners began pairing off again.
Interacting with so many strangers slowly became exhausting instead of exciting and I tried to remain with each partner a bit longer, but anyone grabbed anyone they could find.
With my partners being switched every few seconds, I was already on the other side of the room when it happened.
As my hands touched those of my current partner, an electric chill ran through my spine.
A fascinating thrill.