Chapter 5: Masquerade Party Gone Wrong

"How do you like your tea, Kasumi? Is it bitter or...?"

My eyes pierced at the cup of tea that was served to me earlier. My finger was only tracing the brim of the cup before gazing up to meet her gaze after tasting the tea she had brewed.

The scent of citrusy floral-like orange tea filled my nostrils, and a tangy and tart aftertaste played in my mouth. I told that to Madeline with a gentle smile plastering on my lips, letting out this heavy weight that kept on fitting me.

"I am glad that you liked earl grey tea." Her slender fingers wrapped around the sultry cup. "That is Severin's favorite, in case you are wondering."

A mere mention of my husband's name flipped the mood as I felt this gnawing feeling starting to eat me. It suddenly made me lose interest as soon as she said that.

"I will keep that in mind," I said in a cheerful tone, pertaining that Madeline was trying to impose upon me that I must dutifully fulfill my marital status.

However, deep inside, if I were to serve Severin his favorite tea, I would undoubtedly pour some laxative tonic at least to satiate this revulsion I felt for him, especially of what he said earlier that I almost hurled the chair in his direction.

"Kasumi."

"Yes?"

Her eyes shifted on me from her teacup. "I know that you must have really hated to be here in Thaddeus' pack, but I can assure you that as long as Thaddeus is the Alpha and Severin is his next heir, you have nothing to worry about your family who sold you to patch the holes between our packs." Madeline's voice was soft yet firm, boring her eyes into me to emphasize her message.

"I wasn't sure about that," I muttered, averting my gaze.

In my peripheral vision, Madeline tightened her hold on her cup. It was uncertain if she was annoyed by my words or if she felt sympathetic toward me. Either way, I couldn't care less how she would react to my words.

I made my way back to the chamber shared by Severin and me, contemplating a visit to the southwestern borders to investigate the commotion. Unfortunately, the cries of misery could be heard a few kilometers away.

Judging by the elapsed time, I assumed their ordeal had come to an end. However, it had been a good half hour since the turmoil began.

Curiosity tugged at me, urging me to cast a glance in their direction. I couldn't help but wonder how they handled rogue intrusions within Thaddeus' domain.

Moving stealthily, my feet brought me there, hiding from a big tree branch where I spotted numerous cadavers dragged inside the pack. A distinct, metallic tang filled the air, a scent that sent a primal shiver down my spine.

"Huh..." My fingers instinctively found their way to my chin as I tilted my head slightly, my gaze fixed upon them with a scrutinizing intensity. "Such a brutal arrangement..."

It wasn't surprising on my part to see carcasses bathed with crimson red blood since this was not the only time I had seen one. As I said to them earlier, I was with my father when he settled the chaotic ordeal when rogues invaded us.

This was what it meant to be an Alpha who cared for the welfare of his territory, not wanting it to be evaded by anyone.

A faint scent of mint and orange reached my nostrils, shuddering my whole being. My eyes immediately looked for it.

There, from a distance, I spotted Thaddeus' dominant figure wearing a classic blue tunic, shrouding its chiseled, robust features. Every time his foot surpassed each other, a trail of his magnificence succumbed to the whole area, leaving no traces of hesitation. I wet my lips, adoring his physique before snapping back to reality when I found myself pressing my thighs together, my clit was throbbing in need.

I castigated my wolf for being such a nuisance as she urged me to look at Thaddeus one more time.

And I did.

I didn't know. It was just... hard to ignore his presence, knowing that his authoritative ambiance could blitz my heart without warning. That was just how his impact walloped me.

However, this feeling dispersed at warp speed when my eyes set on the person beside him.

It was Severin who was like an eccentric chimpanzee, smiling from ear to ear.

How my lips curled downward was enough that I despised him. "Hope he loses his footing..." I scoffed.

The Moon Goddess must have heed on my wish when Severin, out of nowhere, tripped over his foot with his head first. I pursed my lips into a thin line to stop myself from laughing out loud when Thaddeus looked displeased while his son was laughing nervously.

"Dumbass..." I was grinning when Thaddeus turned his head in my direction.

I almost stepped back but remained calm since it was impossible that he would see me here when the bunches of leaves were blocking me. I supported myself by leaning to the trunk, feeling my heart about to burst when Thaddeus did not leave his gaze on a certain tree where I was at.

Did he see me? That was impossible since I was discreet when I arrived here.

But the question I had in my mind received an answer when his scent of mint and orange wafted in the air, and at the same time, my body was reacting to shivering pleasure.

I stepped back when my wolf kept whispering, mate, feeling so dumb that Thaddeus must have smelled my scent.

"Is there something wrong, Father?"

My heart raced, its frantic beats resembling a swarm of hornets buzzing within my chest, threatening to burst free from my ribcage. Frustration and anticipation coiled within me, causing my hands to clench into tight fists. As Thaddeus deliberately did not avoid his gaze on the tree where I was, a lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed hard. Just as he was about to take a step forward, his attention shifted towards Severin, a significant smile on his lips. Then, with a subtle motion, he tapped his shoulder.

"Nothing, son. Let's clean them up."

I felt the boulder get off my chest when they turned in the opposite direction, and my knees felt like they would melt now. I fled from the scene and returned to the chamber as if I did not go out while hearing my heart about to burst from too much pressure.

Shit!

Did he... smell my scent? Was that the reason why he kept gazing in my direction?

I touched my wrist, expecting that I was wearing my bracelet, but I could have sworn my stomach plummeted down to the floor when I realized I was not wearing one. A chilling sensation swept over me as if the life force within me suddenly drained away upon seeing my bracelet on the table.

"Oh, dear me..." I found myself kneeling on the floor, blaming myself for not wearing my bracelet to hide my scent.

My wolf would sometimes solicit horrendous actions just so Thaddeus and I could have an interaction that must not be supposed to happen. That was why I must find a way to add another incantation to my bracelet.

In the following days, I made a deliberate effort to maintain a facade of normalcy, refraining from any covert visits to the border to observe the unfolding events. I even waited for Thaddeus to summon me to scold me, but that was not the case.

"Where's Severin?"

That was Madeline's question when I got down from the second floor while wearing my ball gown and mask.

Tonight was the ball party that would be held at the assembly hall.

"Um... About Severin..." I paused when my body shivered at the sight of Thaddeus, who just got out from his study room and was fixing his button cuffs.

"What about him?"

My heart kept bustling like some sort of working bees tickling it when Thaddeus spoke in a slow yet firm tone. It was enough to fixate my attention whenever I had to feel like this in front of him.

I had to clear my throat, feeling like something was rummaging through it. How could I feel and maintain my composure under his intense gaze? It was always like this every time our eyes met.

Counting to three, I spoke half-heartedly, "Severin is sick. He said that he cannot attend the ball."

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"I shall take care of Severin, Thaddeus. You can go ahead and have Kasumi with you."

Those were Madeline's words when things got down that she would not join us because Severin was 'sick,' as he proclaimed. I did not know how it resorted to this discussion that I would be with Thaddeus alone, but it was certainly not my plan to be with him. 

Remembering how Thaddeus with a deep furrow on his forehead when he learned that Severin was sick tickled me. I could sense the concern grazed his eyes when he checked that his son looked so pale in bed.

One thing I knew for certain was Severin deliberately let himself be left behind. He was not sick at all. I knew that Severin panicked when Thaddeus suggested summoning Doctor Louie. By then, I became convinced that he had been feigning all along. All I knew was after I was dressed up, he decided to tell me that he would not come, making a reason to everyone that he was sick. He looked healthy before pestering me to tell everyone he wouldn't come. I did not know what could have been his reason, but I did not want to know. I couldn't care less about him anyway. After all, it was to my advantage if he wasn't at the party, so I wouldn't need to put up a facade that I was happy in our married life.

As the carriage pulled over, my gaze sought Thaddeus, who was sitting behind me, still with that profound frown, his eyes were on the outside. That kind of gaze brought me to a memory of when Father used to have that disturbed expression. However, his reaction was different than Thaddeus'. He would employ this frantic behavior, discerning me like the world was ending.

That core memory brought a caress in the first moonlight. I suddenly missed Father.

Observing Thaddeus closely, I deciphered that his words might not flow as smoothly as my father's, yet the unspoken language of his expression conveyed everything I needed to know.

"Thaddeus, we are here." I tilted slightly when his eyes were still fixated on the outside. "Thaddeus...?" It was futile when he was not heeding me. "Thaddeus!" This time, my hand made contact with his thigh, eliciting a startled reaction as he jolted in his seat.

"What?" he hissed, unleashing a piercing gaze that bore into me.

I hastily withdrew my hand from his thigh, taken aback by his unexpected outburst. A whirlwind of unease twisted inside me as I locked eyes with his icy sapphire blue gaze.

I secretly balled my fist, hiding it through the layers of my skirt, serving a small smile in his direction. "We have arrived at our destination," I said calmly and unaffectedly, not wanting to let him know that he had startled me. That was the last thing I said before opening the carriage door as I let the coachman in helping me mount down.

In the assembly hall, where we would play an important role in celebrating the foundation day, the center of attraction of this year's event, I was greeted by a vibrant scene, with a multitude of students, professors, and distinguished guests adorning themselves in lavish attire. The mixed scents of their own and their perfume dense well that it almost suffocated me if it weren't for the windows not being opened.

Everyone was engrossed with the enchanting melody of the music, its lively beats filling the air and beckoning even the most reserved individuals to sway to its rhythm. The dance floor was a kaleidoscope of twirling figures as couples and friends spun and twirled with contagious joy. Laughter and cheers mingled with the music, creating an atmosphere of pure revelry. The energy was infectious, and no one could resist joining the festivities, dancing until their feet ached and their smiles reached their eyes.

My mouth gaped slightly at such a sight before snapping back as I almost forgot to mingle with my fellows. I came to spot Lady Irene, Lady Rory, Lady Manuela, and Lady Juliette giggling in the corner.

"You arrived late, Lady Kasumi," Lady Rory said as I scurried to be with them. "Did something happen?"

"Due to my husband's illness, we find ourselves compelled to make alterations to our plans and schedules." I smiled wryly, trying to fill the air with downcast waves upon mentioning Severin. 

"Oh..." Lady Manuela leaned a little. "Is he alright?"

I nodded. "Indeed, he needs some rest, as our pack doctor advised," I paused. "So my father-in-law and I are the only ones here." I let out a deep sigh, my voice tinged with a sense of desolation as if portraying genuine concern for my husband. A queasy feeling rose in my stomach, resulting from my skillful pretense.

"I see."

Like the wind, the four ladies in the same department as me nodded before their eyes spotted Thaddeus, and they all swooned at his majestic dominant figure. 

"Professor Thaddeus..." Their voices took on a soft, dreamy quality.

"Is it just my imagination, or has his charm intensified?" Lady Juliette asked, simpering softly. Then she nudged me. "Lady Kasumi. Tell us. Don't you find your father-in-law attractive?"

"Huh? Me?" I parroted as I watched Thaddeus conversing with his colleagues, gracefully balancing a flute glass in his large hand, showcasing his impeccable dexterity and poise. I simply gulped at such a sight before my heart flipped over when our eyes met. "Um..." The words I was about to utter suddenly ate up when he raised his flute glass as if acknowledging me before hearing soft shrieks beside me.  "N-No." I averted my gaze abruptly, my heart pounding so forcefully that its rapid rhythm resonated in my ears.

"Oh, really?" Lady Irene said teasingly. "I bet you are." She wriggled her eyebrows. 

"P-Please. I am not." I chuckled nervously, not liking this. 

If this kept going, my wolf would certainly be the one who would tease me if she learned about this. Glancing at the bracelet I wore, I took deliberate action, seeking guidance from the divine priest to ensure my wolf remained calm whenever I encountered my mate.

My bracelet was cast with an incantation in which the wearer's scent would be veiled, and her mate couldn't detect it. Only the divine priests and divine priestesses could enchant any jewelry, being called incantation jewelry.

Since the realization that Thaddeus was my mate, I had been carrying one with me at all times, the sole purpose of which was to conceal my scent and make it harder for him to track me down.

In short, my wolf would fail to sense our mate's presence, despite their proximity and being right before us.

However, a few weeks ago, I failed to include the necessary condition in my request to the divine priest, which led to a crucial error. Consequently, whenever I relentlessly sought to tame my wolf, I would inevitably catch the scent of Thaddeus, undermining the purpose of my efforts.

My wolf would sometimes solicit horrendous actions just so Thaddeus and I could have an interaction that must not be supposed to happen. That was why I exerted an effort to ask the divine priest to enchant my bracelet properly.

"Oh?" They arched their eyebrows. "Don't you find him attractive, really? He is also our instructor," Lady Juliette insisted.

I stepped back as they started to corner me. "I-I don't. Please. I already have a husband. You cannot make me agree with it..." I did not know what came to their mind, but it was not good if they learned that Thaddeus was my mate.

"It's just a question, Lady Kasumi. It is not harmless."

Oh, no. I did not want to believe in that. If I ever admitted, they would tease me. If I did not say anything, they would assume that I agreed with their statement. 

Then, an idea came out of nowhere.

"Powder room!" I exclaimed. "I need it right now!"

I swiftly evaded any opportunity for them to corner me again, hastening away from the assembly hall to fulfill my intended destination. The weight on my shoulders lifted when I finally was alone. 

It was hard that they were making such a fuss about Thaddeus. For once, I just wanted to be out of their vicinity. 

Assuming the coast was clear, I resolved to exit the powder room. But to my misfortune, I encountered my cousin, Akane, Uncle Hajime's daughter, with a scornful expression as soon as I approached my friends.

"My, my... If it weren't for my dear cousin right here..." she said to her followers, who kept tailing her wherever she went.

"Akane..." The mere sight of her was sufficient to ignite the dormant flames of hatred within me, remembering how they made me a servant for her and her twin brother, Akeno. "You're here..." I halted my friends when they were about to snarl at her. 

Akane put up a sweet facade as she stepped forward, eyeing me up and down. "Look at you... Even if this is a masquerade party, I can easily distinguish my filthy cousin right here." Her laughter resonated with a sinister undertone. "Well, you are more suited in a servant's attire than this... extravagant gown." Her lips turned downward as she scoffed. 

I suddenly wanted to slam her to the wall from her words. "If you have nothing to say, it is best to distance yourself from me, Akane. In the end, you never desired the company of someone as tainted as me, correct?" My lips curved into a lopsided smile, challenging her to bite back.

I was looking forward to seeing her fuming expression, but her smile stretched to the maximum before she stepped forward. The next I knew was my dress was already soaked, smelling the scent of the champagne.

Sharp gasps became a ballad around the dance floor while I was in disbelief, my mouth fell to the flooring. 

"Lady Kasumi!"

My eyes widened as Akane's fingers entwined in my hair, pulling me closer to her. "That impudent mouth of yours... Shall I take a needle and thread to stitch your mouth, dear cousin?"

"Unhand me..."

If looks could kill, I would have wanted her to be dead right now. 

I wished for her to die at this moment. I really wanted to strangle her to death. 

"That is enough now, Lady Akane."

I turned my head, expecting that it was Thaddeus, but I only heard a soft and less authoritative male tone. It was quite different, and I knew that it was not him. I realized that it was Professor Carl, who was known with a reputation for his benevolent and compassionate demeanor.

Akane scoffed a grin before she deliberately kicked me on my thigh, and I almost barked a scream from that pain. "Oh, my... I did not mean to." She rolled her eyes before striding away like a mop cleaning the pathway. 

My friends helped me and looked at me with concern as I told them I was alright. "You have my gratitude, professor." I lowered myself into a deep bow, expressing my genuine sincerity, before excusing myself as the weight of maintaining a facade became overwhelming. The corners of my eyes were drizzled with salty droplets as everyone stared back at me before I decided to leave the party and be drowned in the dark sea of embarrassment.