Alpha Kane
Her expression changed so suddenly, as if I’d said sothing completely wrong. She tried to nod, but I could see disappointnt rolling down her drooping face. The very thought of hurting her stabbed terribly, right in the heart. What should I do with her?
I knew she was already struggling with everything that was happening between us, and my continued pressure only made things worse.
We searched for excuses and hid our feelings for each other behind guises and challenges. But how long were we going to keep this up?
Picking up one of the takeout boxes, I opened it, placed a plastic fork and knife inside, and handed it to her.
"I thought I’d share one of my favorite dishes with you today. It’s shrimp fried rice. Try it," I urged her, trying to ignore the tension that had built between us.
"Thank you!" "She replied politely, but there was no teasing or caustic comnt in her tone, as she usually did when she passed.
I nodded to her and took my box. Opening it, I focused on the food and tried not to look at her bare skin. Too pure and too beautiful, she was becoming a forbidden temptation for .
We ate in silence, and she glanced at furtively. Twice she opened her mouth as if to say sothing, but then closed it without saying a word.
"Very tasty, I really enjoyed it," she finally said.
"I knew you would like it." I took another spoonful.
A light knock on the door ended our ordeal, and the attendants approached to continue tending to her.
"Good afternoon, sir," they both replied respectfully, and I rely nodded to them. Standing up, I turned to Zara. She tried not to look in my direction.
"I’ll join you in a few hours. I need to give an introductory speech, and then I’ll change so we can both walk up the ramp. Let know if you need anything." Since we now had guests, I leaned over and gently kissed her fiery locks. The fruity scent overwheld , and I just wanted to stay.
"I’ll wait for you," she replied timidly, which was also a pretense.
Zara wasn’t shy. I knew that about her. We smiled awkwardly at each other, and I left the room, leaving her in their care. A painful ache settled in my heart, like a premonition.
"I’m going to lose her," the thought rang in my head, causing a severe headache.
I was still trying to cope with all these new feelings when Halima found and spoke. I saw her lips moving, but what she was saying refused to register.
"Later, Halima. I need to go out."
Leaving her there, I strode to the smoking room. I desperately needed it to think, to concentrate, to overco what was stirring within .
Taking out my cigarette case and Zippo lighter, I pressed it between my lips. Jerking the Zippo open, I brought the golden fla to my mouth, shielding it with my free hand.
The lighter glowed red and hissed. Closing the Zippo, I put it in my pocket and lazily inhaled. Smoke curled from it as I exhaled smoothly, watching it glide upward like a ghost.
The heaviness of the mont eased slightly, but the weight on my heart remained. The aroma of tobacco enveloped as I took another deep drag and stared out the frosted window at the harsh landscape.
The first snowflakes began to fall from the gray sky. As expected, snow had fallen, the very first snow of this winter.
As the snowflakes settled on the ground, covering it like a blanket, the feelings I’d tried to suppress and bury burst forth, words that were but a warning. The snow seed to cover like the white snow outside, and I couldn’t stop thinking that this winter would be emotionally challenging for .
Her laughter
The wit in her words
The mischief in her serene eyes
The alluring curves of her body
The vulnerability she showed around
I tried to shake off these frightening feelings, but like the snow, they clung to , seeping coldly into my skin.
’Oh shit, I’m in trouble, Griss! What should I do?’ I asked my wolf Griss.
’We needed to make a decision quickly before things got too...’ Griss rolled his eyes.
’My packs are not safe.’ I told Griss.
’Yes, there are threats. But first concentrate on your Winter Gala.’ Griss advised .
I will advise the Beta Hunter by mind-link and tell him what safety asures he has taken.
***
Zara
I was fully dressed and lined up at the end of the line of models. The stage was set, and we heard Alpha Kane’s touching opening speech over the loudspeakers.
"I heard the hall is so full there’s no room to stand," one model muttered to another.
Soone else whispered, "It’s snowing outside, what a perfect day for the Winter Gala."
It was snowing... why did I suddenly feel sad? Suppressing the looming sense of foreboding and the perceived threat, I focused on the task at hand.
As soon as Alpha Kane’s speech ended, the announcent sounded for the show to begin.
Halima stood backstage like a lioness, holding a clipboard and quietly barking out orders, ensuring everything ran smoothly. She kept an eye on everyone; no wonder she was the event’s event manager.
The music started playing, and the first model walked out confidently.
~The show has begun~
At that mont, Alpha Kane entered through the back door, and my heart sank as he was led into the changing room.
For a split second, Alpha’s dark, cold eyes darted in my direction; the warmth he’d begun to feel for vanished.
Looking away, Alpha Kane disappeared into the room with the two stylists.
What’s wrong with ? Am I lost in thought? This was the height of an important event, and Alpha’s thoughts must have been in a thousand different places.
The models in front of began to disappear one by one and return from the other side. My turn was approaching.
Halima rushed toward , slowing her pace in her flat shoes.
"Zara, don’t forget to smile, like we rehearsed. Maintain eye contact, hold your head up high, and turn around completely so they can see the dress from all angles," she gave her final piece of advice.
I nodded, too nervous to speak. Cold sweat was breaking out on my temples as the ti for my walk approached.
I stepped forward, stopping just beyond the curtain as the model in front of stepped out, walked down the side ramp, and disappeared up the main ramp.
Closing my eyes, I took as much oxygen as I could and braced myself. I waited for my cue. The thought of Ryan and Sophia being in the crowd gave much-needed confidence.
"It’s just a stroll!" Nova rolled her eyes.
"Yes, it’s just a stroll!" I said to Nova.
I repeated to myself.
"Zara! Go!" Halima urged , standing next to , and the music changed.
I boldly walked out, using the side ramp. The music grew louder, and with it, the murmurs of the crowd rose. Gold and blue lights danced, and a diamond focused on as I stepped onto the main podium.
The slow hum of the crowd turned into a collective gasp, all eyes fixed on my gait and outfit.
My heels clicked, the hem of my dress swayed, and my movents synchronized with the deafening music. And then a sea of people buzzed before . Cara flashes flashed, my confident gaze pierced the crowd.
Standing tall and radiating confidence, I slowly smiled as I approached the edge of the ramp. My eyes searched for two familiar faces as I paused, my shoulders squared, my chin lifted, my hand on my hip.
But the smile vanished from my lips as my gaze t a familiar face. Not my brother’s or my best friend’s, but a shadow from a past I never wanted to see again.
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