❝We burned like the sun and glowed like the moon. We looked perfect in a world full of darkness.❞

28 | alluring

It was the day I had anticipated for. The day I couldn't wait to show my appearance to my friends and other persons I really wanted to show to. Even though it was the day for the ball, one would be expected to practice dancing. I decided to start my day with training even though it wasn't needed for a ball. Somehow I felt that practicing to dance wasn't necessary – it felt familiar to me.

"So, are you ready for the ball?" Tay asked as I watched her make contact with the punching bag.

"Yeah, I think I am," I responded. "I'm excited for it but I also feel nervous, you know? I heard a lot of people are going to be there.. including the council."

"Who cares about those wretched people?" Tay pulled the hair that strayed away from the pony tail behind her ears. "They don't contribute anything to this society. I don't see why they're needed. But anyway, let's change the subject.

I hear Jase is going to the ball with Barbara." When I heard her say that, I get caught off guard for a second. Jase and Barbara? They don't even know each other.. why?

"Oh, I'm happy for him then," I smiled. "Surprised but happy. I didn't expect that to happen."

"That's true, it wouldn't be expected, would it?" She stopped punching and looked up at me. "Your voice doesn't sound too convincing though. Happy you say? You sound somewhat below that."

"No, I am happy for him. I'm not jealous or anything–"

"I didn't say you were jealous but I don't think you are. I think that you wanted him to ask you even though you'd say no. Because he loves you and you want to keep it that way, right?"

I could feel my body burning up as I looked down at my feet. If what she said was false then why was I feeling this way?

"Well whatever, you're going to the ball with Nate, right?" I followed her as she got her towel.

"I think so, who are you going with?" Then I remember about the boy who claimed to be her mate. "Is it with him?"

"Shh Alix," Tay laughed. "I haven't told anyone yet. And I don't know, only certain people are allowed to go to the ball. I'm not sure who he is but if he is there then he isn't any ordinary werewolf."

"How did you meet him anyway? Is he in this pack?" I asked curiously.

She shook her head. "Nah, I met him elsewhere while you were having you were airing your soap opera. I met him while visiting an old friend over the next territory."

"How does he look?" I asked again, ignoring the comment about 'airing my soap opera'.

"Aren't you asking a bit too much?" Tay chuckled. I apologized and she said she was just joking. "He looks alright I guess."

I nodded in response. If that's how she sees him then alright. Everyone has different perspectives but it made me curious about him. Who was going to be with Tay? What's his personality? Was he going to treat her right? He better.

"If you're not going to go with him, then who?" I asked.

"Aron, Rena and Nick aren't going with anyone so we'll be going together," she stated.

Ah, they're all going to the ball together. How nice. I wonder if I.. no, I probably shouldn't.

"Do you know who Nolan is going with?"

"I heard that he's a player so he could get one easily."

I figured he was that sort of person.

"We should get ready for the ball now," Tay advised. "I want to do your hair. Is that okay?"

"Really?" I said excitedly. "I'm looking forward to it then!"

"Your hair.." She said while rubbing a piece between her fingers. "It's fading away. Did you dye it once? It looks like a blondish-brown."

"Oh, yeah," I rubbed it unconsciously. "I forgot that it's time to re dye it."

"Why? I saw a picture of your blonde hair. It was really pretty."

"I know, it just made me stand out a lot," I shrugged.

"You should keep it that way, it really suits you," Tay said. "But it's not my choice though. It is your hair. Why are we taking about your hair now? We should get ready now! I need to shower. I'll come in your room later!"

She waved as she ran off. I should get ready too so I proceeded to have a long shower of shaving and all the necessary steps needed. After that being done I wrapped a robe around myself and entered my bedroom.

"Christ Tay!" I shrieked when I get frightened by Tay sitting on my bed so casually in her robe.

"Why do you get so scared so easily?" Tay said and this is the second time someone has told me this. "All I did was sit and wait for you. What were you cleaning?"

I found the closest thing to me and threw to her. "That's not funny!"

"What?" Tay blinked at me innocently. "You never know. Preparation is key, am I right doggie?" She looked at Ness and whispered to it. "She might need that plastic thingy, you know what I mean?"

I looked at Ness who sat at the bed beside Tay like nothing. "Ness!" I shouted and she shot up. "Y'know, you're supposed to protect me and Tay happened to come in and you didn't even do anything."

"You have a pretty stupid dog," Tay said bluntly. "But hey, I'm not going to do anything."

"She's not stupid," I sighed.

"Anyway!" Tay exclaimed and reached for something behind her. She jumped up and pressed the dress in front of her as she showed it off with several poses. "How does it look? Nice?" I nodded at the simple, silk, cream dress she was going to wear.

"Yeah, it's cute." I looked at it more. I noticed a slit at the side of the dress. "It's cute, I have to admit."

"I know, that's why I'm wearing it." Tay rolled her eyes. "Why would I pick an ugly dress?"

Why did she even ask? I asked about Rena. What she was doing and where she was. Tay said that she was in her room getting ready. After that, we did our own makeup which took a while. Tay already came in with her hair done but not her makeup. When I finished applying she proceeded to do my hair.

I couldn't begin to thank her for my hair and tell her how pretty it was and how skillful she was. She told me to shut up, that it was nothing and to get in my dress so we could "friggin' go." Both of us slipped into our dresses carefully and she forced me to twirl and bow since I looked like a queen to her.

"If Nate doesn't compliment you I'm going to beat the shit out of him," Tay said casually with no anger in her tone. "I can swear on it. I will. No kidding."

I didn't tell her she couldn't. I couldn't stop Tay anyway. Tay told me that we were all supposed to meet up in the main hall of the Eastern Wing of the building. When we both entered the hall through a large door, I was met with the boys that adorned their masculine figures.

I looked forward to seeing Nate there but he wasn't there. I honestly wanted to receive compliments from him first but I received from them instead. I was fine with it. I was happy with it.

All of them had on a bow tie except Nick. His hairstyle was different instead of it being combed back. The bangs showered over his forehead and made him look classy. Aron had his hair combed back rather than his usual updo. He looked like he was modeling for the formal section of a magazine. Nolan had most parts of his hair combed to one side.

"Woo! Damn!" Nolan whistled. "Jesus Christ Alix. You look..."

You could see the scowling expression on Aron's face, telling him that was enough while placing his hand on Nolan's shoulder.

"No it isn't enough, she needs more praise than that." I smiled sheepishly from Nick's input. Aron's jaw unhinged and looked to the side with his hands in his pocket, not saying a thing to me. With that being said, Rena being Rena, she nagged at Aron.

"Tell her that she's pretty you idiot!" She punched his arm but he didn't get a response. His tongue printed out in his jaw, averting his gaze as I tried to find his eyes. When I caught them I get startled by his icy shards.

"I don't have to tell you that you're pretty because you're already pretty, right?" Aron raised his eyebrows and I nodded in response. I thought we were fine but I guess I thought different?

"For our sake, please," Tay said in a whiny tone, "please refrain from all your bullshit tonight. All of you. I'm honestly trying to say this is the nicest way but it seems that I can't. Today is the day you get your shit together, alright? No drama, please."

"There was no drama," Aron said dully. Tay's eyes formed into thin slits and looked at Aron in disbelief.

"Hug her and make up now," Tay commanded. "If you're not going to make up then I'll just do make you do it."

I blinked and looked at Aron who looked disinterested. "Come on, we're going to be late."

None of us initiated. I was afraid to be rejected and I didn't know how he felt. It's funny even though we made up.

"Alright, even though I put effort for you guys to not be awkward anymore it became a waste," Tay rolled her eyes and gestured us to go. "It was the right moment. Why do I ever try for these children?"

We all proceeded to walk out of the room. Nick had asked me if I was alright and I replied with the usual response. I kept my head forward, saying I was fine. Nick didn't seem convinced as he kept on asking me.

I felt someone's arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me closer. My mind realized I was experiencing a back hug. "Sorry," Aron said. "I sort of panicked. That's why I didn't move because I've never.. you."

"It's fine," I laughed. "I'm glad that you actually wanted to have something to do with me."

I walked out held high and felt at ease since everything was going to be alright. It wasn't too soon to say that.

***

It took an hour to arrive to the city where the ball was going to be kept. The building was so large I spotted it before we arrived. Anyone could tell it was a special building. The large place was where the council had most of its meetings and special events. Tonight was sure to make a mark in werewolf history.

"Ah, the nostalgia," Tay breathed in jokingly. She looked towards them all. I looked at them confusingly as they exchanged looks.

"Nope, I don't want to know." I shook my head when Tay looked at me. Whether good or bad, I just wanted us to all enjoyed today. A day where we could forget all the worries we had, relief the stress and mourning.

"Wow, so pretty," Rena said in awe as we saw the sparkling floors of almond and gold, the pillars adorned in beautiful, shimmering silk of red and jewels and a chandelier hung from the ceiling. Soft music filled the room, a tune that I'd play to feel calm, to relax and put myself to sleep. "It's prettier than the last time I came here."

"It is," Nick agreed as we officially entered the room. Heads were turned to look at us and everyone exactly knew why. Young, powerful teenagers were in the room and no one young as were here unless you were an offspring of someone important here.

"Wow, look at that table of food," I followed Tay's eyes and saw the table of food. I could tell it was a lot of food because the table was long and I could pick out the bowls and plates of food. Tay grabbed Rena's and I palm and walked over to the table.

"I'm getting annoyed," Tay confessed. I looked at her confusingly. "Here I am focusing on you and Nate when I should be focusing on myself. Where the hell is that idiot? He was supposed to be in the building hours ago because of a meeting. Why isn't he here yet?"

Nate was going to live a long and horrible life. Instead of chattering and laughter, only the soft music played and left everyone silent. Even though the music was playing, it was deafening. When Nate sauntered through, he looked like a man of royalty. Black suit, tie, tall, slick back hair, he was handsome as hell. He looked clean and I could imagine what scent he was giving off.

"Why isn't he walking over here?" Rena asked while looking at Nate who stood there, talking to someone else. My vision was a large blob but it got better over the course of a few months. I could tell it was a middle aged man because of the gray hair that stood out and beard.

"You tell me." Tay clenched her teeth.

The man walked away. You could see the young girls anticipating to walk over to him. No one would walk over to him as he was the notorious Alpha Nate. He was known for being cruel, powerful, heartless and had no hesitation whatsoever. I had to commend a group of girls who had the courage to walk up to him.

"He's talking to them?" I said in shock as he was antisocial and wishes to have nothing to do with anyone. Especially girls. While I looked at him I met his lifeless eyes with my own. I panicked as he caught me looking at him. I shook it off by yawning and turning around.

"Nice one," Tay snorted and Rena giggled.

"What?" I blinked at them.

"You looked really as if you didn't care," Tay said. I thought I looked stupid.

"Are you being sarcastic or..?" I asked for reassurance.

"No, I'm serious, you did." Tay nodded and I didn't know if I should feel impressed with myself.

"It was sort of awkward." I turned around and took up a piece of chocolate. "I mean he caught me looking at him like everyone was doing. I feel like to sit in a corner and scream."

"There's a corner over there," Rena smiled while pointing at the corner. I bet she didn't know she sounded sort of mean but I just laughed.

"He is looking handsome tonight, isn't he?" A womanly voice inputted. My first impression was that she was a cougar.

I suddenly heard Tay stuttering and looked at her to see her pointing. The expression on her face was pure astonishment. "You're the Female Alpha! Y-you're Evina!"

I had no words as right in front of me was standing the Evina. "Y-you know me?"

"Of course." Her perfect teeth revealed itself as she smiled. "I could never forget such a rebellious child that looked up to me."

I wondered if it was the blush she was wearing or it was her that she looked red. "Can I talk to this dear for a second?" Evina said as she looked at me.

"Sure!" Rena and Tay said in unison and walked off. I look at the woman's feline eyes and turned my gaze. I thought I could hold eye contact with her but her gaze was so powerful.

"You're not scared of me, are you?" She asked.

"N-no ma'am!" I said worriedly and a bit too fast.

"Ma'am?" The woman laughed heartily. "You just gave yourself away. Just call me Evina!"

"Alright, ma– Evina," I smiled awkwardly.

"Good," She smiled. "So how's my little Alix doing?"

I couldn't process what she just said. She knows my name? "How do you.. you know my name?"

"What?" Evina raised an eyebrow. "You don't remember me? I met you when you were young but not that young. I thought you would've remembered me."

"S-sorry, I hope I don't offend you or anything," I said worriedly.

"No it's fine. You know me now." She shook her head and I left it at that. "How's Nate?"

"Nate?" I looked at her and couldn't help but to laugh quietly. "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?" Evina looked at me confusingly. "Has he still not opened up to you?"

"Opened up?" I think about some experiences with Nate and realized he hasn't. I felt embarrassed to tell her he hasn't.

"Don't worry," she reassured me. "It'll come eventually. Even if it's one little thing it's a big step."

"You're right," I agreed with her. Everything counts even baby steps.

"I'm glad he has you," Evina smiled a beautiful one. "It may not seem like it.. but he's everyone's savior and he finally found his."

Saviour? I didn't know what she meant and at the same I knew. It was odd. I changed the subject as my eyes caught a beautiful necklace on her chest.

"I like your necklace," I said to her. Evina smiled. "It's really pretty."

"Thank you darling," she said as she held the necklace. "Someone close to my heart gave this to me."

I wondered what it was like to receive a gift from someone you held dear to you. I guess that'll remain a mystery for me for now. "Well, I'll be over there with the council. If you want me I'll be over at that table." She turned her head towards it and her whole body as she walked away. I guess the people that sat down there were the council.

"You okay?" I recognized Nick's voice. I nodded in response. "Do you want me to get you a drink?" I replied with an okay and he walked away.

As he walked away, someone approached me and blocked my view of the people I watched who were dancing gracefully. I looked up at him and couldn't help to see his striking gray eyes and killer jawline. "I'm sorry but I was over there and couldn't help but to come over here and tell you that you look really beautiful."

"Oh, um, thanks. You don't look too bad yourself?" I said.

He laughed. "You're not used to guys complimenting you?"

"No, it's not that." I waved my hand. "I was just surprised."

"Oh?" He raised his eyebrows. "How so?"

I saw a hand infront of me with a drink and took it from Nick. The boy looked at Nick and Nick looked right back at him.

"Nick?" The boy raised his eyebrows.

"Owen?" Nick responded in the same surprised tone. They were going in for a bro hug but it backfired as it didn't blend in with the setting. It looked awkward and they ended up doing a handshake. I stifled a laugh and Owen looked at me awkwardly but Nick was fine.

"Is she your date?" Owen asked.

"Alix?" Nick looked at me and back at Owen. "No she isn't."

"Alix?" Owen stared at me in shock. "She's that Alix? Nate's?"

I nodded instead of letting Nick answer. "I was going to ask you to dance with me.. are you still up for it?"

"Why not?" I held out my hand for him to take it but he wasn't the one who held it.

"She's fine," I stared at Nate who held my arm and looked at Owen with a glare. This Nate was surely unknown to me.

"Nate, hey.." Owen said hiding whatever his true feelings were.

"Owen," Nate said nonchalantly.

Nick snickered and said, "I'm going to find the bathroom."

"I'll help you find it," Owen said quickly and went with Nick.

I looked up to Nate who looked handsome up close. I didn't have to look closer as he lowered himself and inched closer to me. His light brown eyes stared at my emerald ones and I broke the gaze every few seconds with a stutter. I was enveloped in his wonderful smell and everything about him made me dizzy. My heart leaped out of my chest when he backed me up against the table. I bumped into it and gripped the edge of it as he looked closer. Everything about him was alluring at this moment as I didn't know what he was going to do.