I stand in front of the full length mirror, looking at my reflection. I'm wearing an emerald colored silken gown, it has a high slit on the right showing my leg just enough, the gown is corset style. My hair is in a half updo with ringlets framing my face and down my back, my eye makeup is smokey, light blush and wine lips. My accessories are an emerald and diamond set necklace, earrings, and a bracelet, I sit and pull on my black high heels pumps, and my black opera length gloves. With one last glance at my reflection I walk out the door. Jaxon was already waiting for me, he looked handsome in his traditional black tuxedo. He holds out his arm " You look incredible my lady, you ready to turn some heads." " You look quite handsome sir, and the ball will have many beautiful Luna's accompanying their Alpha's, but thank you." I giggled. As we entered the ballroom my eyes wandered looking at all the beautiful couples, so many gorgeous gowns, everything in the ballroom was elegant, the decorations were cultivating, everything was perfect. There were omegas seating the guests, an older lady came to retrieve us and ushered us to our table. To my surprise we're sitting at Alpha Ryder's table, he greets us " Good evening Miss Ardelean and Gamma Jaxon." " Please just call me Tess." I respond. "Jax is fine with me Alpha." my Gamma nods. Alpha Ryder smiles in acknowledgement " I hope you remember my Beta Chase, and the two other gentlemen are my Gamma Chance, and Delta Wyatt." " No formalities tonight use my name, no titles." Chase replied. I smiled at him and exchanged pleasantries with the Gamma and Delta. " So no Luna?" Jaxon probed. " No unfortunately there's no Luna." Ryder commented while looking over at me. Jax nudged his leg against mine, but I did my best to ignore his gesture, what in the world was he thinking? We enjoyed friendly chit chat and savored our meals. As the staff was cleaning up the tables after dinner, the music started and many couples made their way onto the dancefloor. Someone like you by Adele was playing " May I have this dance Tess?" the Alpha asked. Again Jaxon nudges me, I give him a warning look, then I put my hand in the Alpha's hand and we walked to the dancefloor. He kept my hand in his as he wrapped his arm around my waist, we started to move to the music, goddess I hope he doesn't feel how fast my heart is beating. I feel my cheeks flush when I hear his beating as fast as mine, I'm trying to wrap my mind around what's going on here, even my wolf is trying to push forward. This shouldn't be happening, " What's going on Athena?" I ask my wolf. " I'm not sure, I feel a pull towards him and his wolf, but I have no real answers. It can't be a mate bond, we already have a mate." she responded. " Yeah a mate who doesn't want to accept us." I retorted. " Is everything alright Tess?" Alpha Ryder looked down at me. "Yes, I'm sorry my wolf was talking to me." I answered. " Yeah mine too." he chuckled. We danced to a couple more songs, then we walked back to our table. " Well I guess our friends went somewhere." I stated looking around. " Yes they went to the local pub, I'm sorry I should have told you your gamma was joining them." Ryder apologized. "Of course he did." I laughed knowing what he was doing. As we sat talking, it started, betrayal pains.
" Please excuse me." I said as I hurriedly stood up and started walking away. Holding my abdomen tightly I was doing my best to get to my room, the last thing I need is for everyone to know how unwanted I am. Walking down the hallway to get to my room I feel arms steadying me " Are you okay Tess?" Ryder sounded worried. The pain subsided, his touch took the pain away. I turned around to face him, all conventional thoughts put aside, I cupped his face and kissed him.