Chapter 4 - An Escort to the Ball

“Oh, Arianna! My darling! You look absolutely stunning!” My father cooed as I reached the bottom of the stairs with Ani and Alexia. “Ladies, you look lovely as ever.” He complimented Ani and Alexia as well.

“Thank you Alpha King Harmon!” They both responded in unison.

“Now, I know the night is young and not many have arrived yet, but I don’t want to risk anything going wrong so I have arranged for your cousin to be your escort tonight!” My father explains.

“OH DAD REALLY?!” I complain secretly happy it isn’t two guards and it's just my annoying cousin.

“Yes. Really. We don’t need a repeat of any of the years past, especially with what is at stake.” He gives me a stern, uncompromising look. I could tell by his tone, there wasn’t anything I could do to avoid this. My cousin was nice to me, but he was also annoying and I HATE appearing to need a man’s assistance. I don’t want to look weak just because I am a woman.

“Ugh...fine. When can I ditch him?” I implore.

“When you find your mate.” My dad is still uncompromising.

“Ughhhhh...So, where is he?”

“Fen...you can come out now.” My dad states waiting for Fen to step out from the apparent rock he crawled out from under.

“Hey Ari!” Fen sauntered over from around the corner wrapping his arm behind my back as he sips a glass of what smells like scotch.

I rolled my eyes, “Hey Fen…” I crossed my arms and stared back at my dad.

“You are to stay by her side until she finds her mate. She has never been to a ball before, so I trust you will provide her with the proper introductions.” My dad raises an eyebrow towards Fen as Fen finishes the scotch in his glass.

“Yes uncle, of course, I will! She will know everyone by the time I’m done introducing her around.” He gives me a side wink as he shakes his glass to indicate he is ready for a refill.

“Good. Have a great night my child! Your future awaits you!” And with that, my dad kissed me on the forehead before heading to the foyer greeting area to receive guests.

“C’mon Ari...I’ve got an empty glass that needs filling,” Fen remarks pulling me along with him towards the ballroom bar.

“I take it you weren’t expecting to be my escort tonight either huh?” I raise an eyebrow as I cross my arms walking with him.

“To be honest, no. I thought your dad wouldn’t want me anywhere near you tonight.” He comments.

Fen was okay, but I wasn’t fond of him or thrilled to have to spend the evening around him. I just wanted to mingle and socialize with my friends.

“You sure do look gorgeous though!” He smiles as he waits for the bartender to refill his glass.

“Thanks. Can I just say the first guy that talks to me is my mate so you can go away and leave me alone?” I pleaded with him.

“What kind of gentleman escort would I be if I just let any wolf swoop in when you know you need to find your mate? How dishonest of me. What would your dad say?” Fen teases and jokes, but I can tell he is still serious.

“That you should enjoy the party and look for your mate?” I squeak hoping he will find some humor in the situation and leave me alone.

He rolls his eyes and begins sipping his next glass of scotch. “C’mon. Let’s go find Lane. He is supposed to be finding us a table in a more private area where no one will bug us if we don’t want them to.” He pulls me along.

“Ari! C’mon girl! Let’s go dance!!!!” Alexia and Ani come jumping towards me as ‘Not Your Barbie Girl’ by Ava Max begins playing on the dance floor.

I look at Fen and he lets go of me. “I’ll be watching from here. Don’t go where I can’t see you.” He snaps.

“Yes dad!” I blurt out mockingly as Ani and Alexia grab my hands and drag me to the middle of the dance floor.

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