“Selina is pack family,” Mother continued. “She’s my sister’s daughter. Your cousin. You will attend her wedding.”
“She’s nothing to me!” I snapped. “I’m not going!”
Rory whimpered in my mind. They can’t seriously force us to go… can they?
Father’s Beta presence pressed down. “That’s an order. We’re your parents and you will obey.”
“I’m sorry, Dad, but I won’t.” I clenched my teeth. “I’ve always followed your rules. I’ve trained, worked hard, made you proud. But this? I can’t do it. They humiliated me. And now you want me to smile and clap while they get celebrated? You’re making me a joke in front of the entire pack!”
“Enough!” my father roared. Rory and I both flinched. “You will attend that wedding. That’s final.”
“But Dad-“
“Not another word! Pack unity comes first. You’re going. Period.”
I cried myself to sleep.
The next day, I sent a mind-link to Eleanor, and she said, “Next Friday is the Alpha’s formal dinner, followed by the Moonlight Masquerade Ball. You can go to that instead of your cousin’s wedding. It’s the biggest event of the year for the Blood Moon Pack. Every major werewolf entrepreneur and heir will be there. Our professor even offered to introduce us. It’s perfect for your career.”
I hesitated. “My parents will never agree.”
“Leave it to me,” Eleanor said confidently. “I’ll handle everything. You just need to come with me.”
The thought of standing there, watching the two people who betrayed me stand at the altar and promise forever, while I was expected to smile and bless them?
I would rather die than attend their wedding.
“I’ll come,” I told Eleanor.
By Friday, we were at her place, getting ready for the ball.
“Wow, girl! You look absolutely stunning!” Eleanor handed me a silver-white mask, detailed with delicate lace. I slipped it on.
The off-shoulder lavender dress hugged my figure, and the mask matched perfectly.
“Ready?” she asked, grinning.
I hesitated. “Yes, but Elle, you know I don’t have a scent. What if someone notices?”
“Don’t worry,” she said, handing me a tiny glass vial. “It’s a special perfume. It mimics a wolf’s scent. No one will notice.”
I took the bottle, still unsure. “Are you sure this works?”
“Trust me, Caroline. Tonight is your chance. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet your fated mate.” She winked.
I sprayed the perfume on my neck and took a deep breath. “Alright. Let’s go.”
Caroline’s POV
When Eleanor’s boyfriend, Nate, saw us, his eyes lit up. He gave Eleanor a kiss and grinned.
“Damn, girls! You look incredible. I bet you’ll leave this party with new boyfriends, Carrie.”
“If a good guy shows up, you can bet I’ll grab the chance and enjoy the moment,” I said with a smile.
As soon as we stepped inside, Eleanor pulled me toward the bar, leaning in to whisper, “It’s an open bar tonight. Time to drink until you forget all that pain.”
Eleanor handed me two tequila shots, clutching two more herself. “Let’s knock these back!”
Rory stirred within me. “Come on, Carrie, let loose a little.” She was clearly excited by the atmosphere.
We tossed back the shots fast, and soon Nate was sliding two cosmopolitans our way at the bar.
I lost count of how many drinks I had. I hadn’t felt this kind of freedom or happiness since the rejection.
Eleanor dragged me onto the dance floor. I found myself actually enjoying the music.
When a slow song started, Nate and Eleanor began dancing, leaving me free to head for the buffet, but I didn’t make it there.
A hand grabbed mine. I turned, and there he was-a man in a black mask, his smile both charming and dangerous.
He kissed my hand and pulled me close, his deep voice whispering, “Surely the most enchanting woman in the room won’t refuse me this dance, will she?”
For some reason, the moment our hands touched, a jolt of electricity surged through my body. Rory stirred confusedly within me.
I couldn’t bring myself to say no. Smiling, I said, “Why not? Let’s dance.”
I barely caught my breath when he grabbed my wrist and got closer. He was tall, at least six foot four, with broad shoulders. His golden-brown hair fell around a defined face, and those violet eyes were so intense. His lips were sinfully tempting, curving into a genuine smile that melted all my defenses.
People kept stealing glances at him while we danced, and I could feel my heart racing.
When the music changed its rhythm, he pulled me firmly against him. I placed my hands on his chest, feeling the well-defined muscles beneath.
“From the moment you walked in, I haven’t looked at anyone else,” this mysterious man whispered in my ear. “You’re stunning.”
“You’re kind. But you’re not from the Blood Moon Pack, are you?” He had a powerful presence, radiating authority. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was an Alpha from another pack.
“You caught me. A friend dragged me to this ball, but honestly… I’m glad they did.”
“Funny, I was pulled here by friends too.”
“Looks like we’re both lucky tonight then.”
“Oh? Why’s that?” I smiled, feeling a flutter in my stomach.
“Because if I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have met you.”
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