The Assembly

In the hallway I braced myself against the wall and struggled to slip my heels on. In an attempt to make myself taller, I always wore heels. 

Pain is beauty, as they say. I carefully made my way down the grand staircase to stand beside my mother to greet all of the guests.

"Well I am glad you decided to show up, Faelyn."

I scoffed. "I cant be all that bad mother." 

She sighed. "I love you dear but sometimes you are a bit too much like your father." 

I looked down at the marble floor and felt my eyes get teary. It has been almost ten years since he passed away from an illness but I still really missed him. He was the one who taught me to be carefree. We would always go out to the forest and explore together. 

I shook my head. "Yes, well someone has to carry on his memory!" 

Mother smiled. "You know I love you. Now perk up and try to have some fun!"

As soon as I was about to reply, my eyes locked onto a tall, muscular man. He was very tall, over six feet for sure. His black hair was slicked back, with a few strands poking forward. Not only did I notice him because of his stature, but also how he was dressed. He wore an all black suit, with a large animal skin for a sash. His tan skin glistened with sweat. Clearly he didn't need that animal skin to stay warm.

I wrinkled my nose as he walked over to greet us. As he approached, his scent washed over me. Instead of being gross and sweaty, he smelled earthy and fresh, like after a fresh rain. He bowed before us and greeted us.

 "Hello I am Alpha King Greyson, of Lycandor. Pleased to make your acquaintance, your highness's."

His manners shocked me. I expected him to be a total barbarian because of they way he was dressed but in fact, he seemed a perfect gentleman. I giggled at my insight, looking at his furs. He glanced up at me through his lashes and smirked at me. As soon as he straightened up his smirk disappeared and he was all back to business. I shifted uncomfortably in my heels and stumbled forward into him.

 He caught me and whispered in my ear "Coming onto me so soon princess? We just met a few seconds ago."

Touching him felt strange, it was the same feeling I got when I was nervous or excited, butterflies fluttering about in my stomach. I pushed him away and stuttered "What do you mean?!" I blushed furiously and looked away, pretending to stare at a wall. He bowed again and walked away to mingle with other people. As other people came up to greet us, I greeted them and made small talk. I couldn't focus at all though. My arms were still warm from where he touched me and his breath still tickled my ear. I excused myself to go get a drink, avoiding my mother, who was probably staring daggers into my back.

I grabbed a glass of wine off a waiters tray and chugged it. His eyebrows raised as I placed the empty cup back. He could think what he liked. 

I just couldn't believe that man said that to me! In no way was I "coming onto him!" He definitely got the wrong idea and he needed to know that! I would never do something like that on purpose. I needed more liquid courage to be able to face him again because goddess knew how it would go otherwise. I swiped yet another glass of wine from a nearby and steadily drank it.

As I finished off my glass, the bell rung for the dancing to start. Great timing, I thought. I felt my self getting more buzzed by the minute and would probably keel over in an hour. I was such a lightweight! I sat in a comfy chair by a window to avoid getting picked by a pervy politician. The stars were fully visible in the black night sky and I sighed. I would much rather be outside star gazing than be stuck in here with a bunch of boring people. I felt a faint tapping on my shoulder and turned around to see Eldar. 

"Shouldn't you be dancing, Fae? You know it's important to your mother that you socialize and butter up the politicians to give us more resources." I huffed at him. 

"Like we need more resources. We're probably one of the most powerful kingdoms, I doubt there's anything we need."

"Well I need a dancing partner. Give me at least one dance so your mother won't scold us later." 

"Fine. Just one!" We headed towards the crowd, waltzing to one of my favorite tunes. At least it wasn't a terrible song. I placed my hands on his broad shoulders and moved my feet carefully.

"Don't step on my toes, Eldar. I'm wearing heels and if I fall I'll probably break my ankle!"

"I believe its more likely that you'll step on my toes. I'm probably one of the best dancers here."

"You are so full of yourself." He rolled his eyes and we continued to dance until it ended. Just as I was about to go gorge myself on the buffet food the Alpha King came up to me. 

"Your highness."

"Um Alpha Greyson, correct?"

He grinned. "Yes, I'm glad you remembered me. I must have had a lasting impression. Care to dance?"

"About that, I think there was a misunderstanding and I was just about to go--"

"Perfect. I love this song." Before I could blubber another excuse he dragged me onto the floor. His warm hands embraced my back and pulled me close. My arms barely reached his massive shoulders. I could feel them start to become numb. 

"Uh G--" 

"Here. Just put them on my chest." He lifted my hands off his shoulders and placed them on his heart.

"I feel this is a little inappropriate seeing as we just met."

"I'm all about inappropriate, baby." I instantly removed my hands and glared.

"Relax it was a joke. Mostly."

I sighed and continued dancing. I hoped this number was soon over, but I was unfamiliar with it.

"And don't step on my t-"

"Toes got it. Heels, break an ankle etc,."

"You were listening to our conversation? That was private!"

"Well first of all you were being pretty loud and it didn't seem that private. Second, as a werewolf I have enhanced hearing."

He leaned down and whispered in my ear, "There are many great qualities to a werewolf, especially being Alpha. I can show you, if you like."

My stomach flipped. "Just stop! Why are you being like this to me? I haven't done anything to you!" I tried to push him away from the effects of the alcohol were really starting to do a number on me. I stumbled and he held my waist firmly. 

"Princess Faelyn you have no idea what you do to me." And just like that the song was over. I forced him away and made my way to the dining hall. I picked up a plate and started piling on food. At this point I was so mad I didn't even care what I put on my plate. 

What a pervert! Just because he was a King and Alpha whatever didn't mean he could just say rude things to me. Maybe he was handsome but he was not the gentleman I thought he was! I took my overflowing plate and sat in the same chair as I did earlier. I stuffed my face, thankful that there was one good thing about these parties.

After I finished, I took my plate back and on my way I spotted him in a nearby hallway, admiring the portraits of my family. Arms crossed behind him, his tall frame moved back and forth as he rocked his feet. I stalked over to him and pointed.

"Listen here beast! I was not flirting with you and how dare you say those embarrassing things to me! AND--" He turned to face me and put a large hand over my mouth.

"Mmph!" I screamed. He quickly spun me around the corner. He pushed me against the stone wall with my back against his chest. I shivered from the cold stone on my mostly exposed chest. He placed his other hand beside my head and forced me forward with his torso. I stared at the wall in disbelief. What the heck was he trying to pull? I tried to bite and pull his hand off my mouth but he was too strong. His wide frame was almost double my petite body. He leaned his head into the crook between my neck and shoulder and spoke.

"Back for more princess? It seems you just cannot stay away from me." I could hear the smirk in his voice. I stomped angrily on his foot.

"If you promise not to scream again I'll take my hand away."

I nodded in compliance and he removed his hand from my mouth.

"What is you problem?" I hissed. He nuzzled the nape of my neck. "You smell fantastic, like a sweet orange mixed with vanilla. What perfume do you wear, princess?"

I retorted "You're harassing me and you want to know what perfume I wear? Are you crazy?"

"Crazy for you, maybe."

"Unhand me at once. I'm the princess. You can't just trap me in this corner and intimidate me like this!"

"I believe you started this whole thing actually. I was only defending myself."

I scoffed at him. His tone was so sweet and innocent sounding, but I saw right through his act. Let's see if he can really defend himself I thought. I elbowed him with all my might right in his ribs, but he didn't even flinch. It was like hitting a boulder. Except this boulder was really, really hot.

"You're so feisty. I love it." His hot breath tickled my neck. I squeezed my eyes shut. My neck was so sensitive, yet here he was making me all hot and bothered. I hated him! Greyson took a deep breath and inhaled.

"I can smell your arousal, princess. You better get it under control or we will have to take this somewhere else."

"I-I am not!"

I blushed so hard I thought my head would explode. The things he said only made me hotter and more aroused. He planted soft kisses from my ear down my neck to my shoulder.

"Mmm" I murmured. I felt his hardness against my back and our breathing started to become quicker.

"Alpha Greyson let me go! S-some is going to see!" He turned me around to face him. For the first time I stared into his eyes. They were breathtaking. Pure silver eyes stared back at me. "I--" He pushed me against the wall and held one of my arms above my head. His hot forehead touched mine.

"No one can see anything. and if they do, they can fuck off." He was right. We were in a secluded corner in the painting room and no one would see us unless they were trying to get out of sight as well. His body moved close so we were touching and he leaned in. I held my breath and shut my eyes tightly. He's going to kiss me! I cant have my first kiss stolen my a complete stranger! My thoughts raced inside my head. Before I could react, his lips softly but firmly, touched mine.