Chapter- 4 "Glimpse of Past (Part- 2)"

Alice P.O.V

***

I went downstairs and met my two best friends, Nate and Kara, there waiting for me. We hugged each other. They both turned out to be mates, which they found out a few days ago, and the good part was that they were happy with that latest update. 

Nate was looking handsome in his black tuxedo, which perfectly fit on his tall and well-built frame like a second skin, styled dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a wide grin plastered on his face.

And Kara goes for a knee-length baby pink dress, which compliments her olive-colored skin, and light blue eyes, light make-up, silver-colored high heel, shoulder-length blond hair which hangs down, straight.

Both asked in the union when they noticed my nervousness. “What’s wrong?”

I shrugged and replied, “Just nervous, and as you guys know, MATE is not my thing.”

Kara stepped towards me and tapped my shoulder, while saying with a wicked smirk, “Don’t worry babe, I bet moon goddess has forgotten to make one for you.” I and Nate burst out laughing before I whispered underneath my breath “I wish.”

Nate moved forward to stand in front of both of us and extended his hands in perfect gentlemen’s posture. An innocent smile was playing on his handsome face, which was a clear sign that my friends have the plan to save my sorry ass tonight. I appreciated it.

We both clutched to each of his arms happily, ready to face the crowd. He cleared his throat and asked in a chirpy voice, “Ready matrons” we both nodded and giggled as we headed towards the party hall.

***

I entered the ballroom, and my breath got caught. Today, it looks fabulous. Mom and Ellyn did a good job. Elegant crystal chandeliers spiraled down from the arching sky-blue ceiling, illuminating the glimmering golden walls, and a floor so polished it looked like an iced-over lake. The choice of music was also good.

And it wasn’t just the ballroom–there were vast crowds of people all well-dressed and women were sparkling like a box of jewels, shades of emerald and ruby, and amethyst swirling before me. Well, being nervous was just an understatement now. I hated formal parties, and this was one of the demerits of being royal. You won’t just hide in a dark corner.

Nate squeezed my hand as muttered in a low voice and kept plastering a smile on his face, “Smile princess, otherwise, these old wolves definitely will eat us alive!” I can’t help but laugh at his words and Kara’s giggles.

They dragged me to take a drink first and put four shots of my usual vodka in front of me. I stared at them with wide eyes in disbelief and shook my head whilst whispering, “Are you both crazy? Mom will kill me.... drunk at the party. No fuckin’ way!”

Kara immediately replied, “Oh, come on Alice, nobody knows if you are drunk or not, believe me.” and picked herself a drink, “Hurry, babe. You seriously need this. I can tell.” I look towards both to see if they were serious... Yes! They were.

With my friend together and me sober, nope, not a chance, and from the look on their faces, I know I didn’t have a choice either. So, I nodded in defeat and announced, “Okay, just two shots,” while grabbing my drink and gulping down quickly, before looking around us to confirm if by any chance mom saw me.

“See, nobody saw you drinking,” Nate whispered while chuckling slowly as I rolled my eyes at him in reply.

I drank two more shots, which was exactly what I needed. I couldn’t help being super terrified. ‘What if I found my mate today? How am I going to explain to him I’m not interested in him? Or should I escape?’ And just like that, at the thought of escape from our future mate, Rhea growled. Great!

I was enjoying watching couples dancing to the music. When Ellyn came and sat beside me on the stool before snatching my drink from my hand for herself. I sneered at her, at which she rolled her eyes like I act childish.

Ellyn was my cousin, and the smartest wolf I have ever met. She was the same height as me with brown hair and chocolaty eyes, similar to my aunt Luciana and my mother. Today she wore a dark red full-length silk gown which flawlessly fit on her curves.

After another drink, she dropped the bomb, “Aunt is asking for you” and indicated towards the throne area. I thought inside my mind ‘Okay Alice showtime.’ Before standing up and grabbing her hand, I dragged her with me in my parent’s throne’s direction.

They both reclined on head seats of the grand table arranged for royal members, and other seats were occupied by ten alphas of different packs with their mates. We approached the table and bowed our heads in respect to our king & Queen.

My dad was looking handsome as always in a dark blue suit, and my mom looked flawless in a beautiful black silk gown with golden embroidery. Her dark brown hair hung down in soft curls, and a crown on her head with attached diamonds and sapphires complement her chocolaty eyes and pale skin.

Seeing us arriving, dad stood up to crust me with a hug. “You look, beautiful princess,” he praised me with a smile and kissed my cheeks.

I smiled back while returning his gesture and muttered “Thanks, dad.” I hugged my mom and kissed her cheeks as well. She smiled warmly at me before gesturing towards the guests at the table and said, “Alice, let me introduce you to the others. I know you might know some of them already but don’t mind it.”

I knew this was coming, therefore after one by one, the alpha’s came and introduced themselves to me, and kissed my hand, as an insignificant gesture of respect. I was just half showed interest in their words and most of the time kept my gaze low. Because neither I had any interest in their lovely words of appraisal and compliments, nor did I want any of them to become my future mate.

Besides, I already knew some of them, and with my hangover. No, thank you! Soon, the last alpha came and held my hand in his firm grasp. I felt tingles shoot through my arm as a sweet & rich scent loaded my mind.

My wolf, Rhea, howled in happiness. Tingles shoot through my whole body when he kissed my hand. Strange....... I instantly snapped my head up, glimpsed in the amazing dark forest green orbs with the confusing gaze of mine, and I froze to my spot.

He was that same guy from the nightclub. Last month before my birthday, I sneaked out of the castle to party with my friends in a club, where that guy and Vick got into a fight because of me and hit each other badly.

When I didn’t stop them both after trying hard, because I had knocked myself out that night with alcohol. So, I just magically teleport myself, Nate, Kara, and Vick out of the club with the help of my powers.

I was terrified by that incident. What if mom finds out, she becomes mad at me? I internally prayed to the moon goddess for help. That’s when I heard my mom’s voice declared from behind me, in a not so likely voice, which was evident that whoever this alpha was not included in her good books. “Alpha Gabriel from the Blood Moon pack of warriors.”

I looked into his burning gold eyes. He tightened his hold on my hand and pulled me towards himself with unbelievable force. He held my body close to his, with an arm wrapped around my waist, and buried his face in my hair, inhaling my scent.

I couldn’t understand what was happening, because I was so distracted, with Rhea’s happy dancing in my mind, to clear this mystery out. That’s when-

His wolf growled in a dangerous and low voice, “MINE!” Hearing the shocking words, I pulled out from his grasp and he let me go. All the while staring at him with wide eyes in complete horror and disbelief, goosebumps rose all over my body. 

Everyone in the entire hall went silent as they witnessed the whole scene in horror. Even my Mom & Dad are shocked, and that worried expression on their faces scares the crap out of me.

***End of flashback***

I pulled out my thoughts instantly as my apartment back door opened. I snapped my eyes, turned toward the door, dad walked towards me and frowned. Couldn’t help but ask in concern, “What happened, Alice?” I hugged him, unable to say anything. He hugged me back and patted my head. Not forcing an answer out of me.

I parted away from him after a minute and replied with a small smile that didn’t reach my eyes, “Time to go back home, dad.” instantly I opened the portal with my powers. 

Out of nowhere, a black oval hole formed in the air in front of me. Dad held my hand in his to show me his unconditional support. I smiled at him before we hopped into the portal.