Chapter 5: Drunk

In the packed hall of the mansion, Catrina found herself in a corner from an hour ago, doing her best to fit in while steering clear of anyone who could potentially give her trouble. Especially him, though.

Theo was blending in with the crowd, chatting with the guests as he went to get her a drink. Five minutes later, Catrina sees him stumbling towards her after just sipping on some black wine that a maid brought.

"Theo! What's wrong?" She was freaking out, desperately placing her hand on his chest to prevent his hefty frame from collapsing to the ground.

"No idea. I'm feeling lightheaded right now; I can't even bring myself to open my eyes!" Theo ran his hand over his face.

Catrina bit the inside of her cheek. She had told him not to drink anything if he could help it, so he wouldn't get too wasted, but he didn't seem to pay attention to her.

"Want to lie down for a while? Do you want to go home?" She was hoping that Theo would simply agree to go home.

She was already getting uneasy being in this place anyway, her eyes can't stop anxiously scanning her surroundings in case that handsome yet cruel man who caused her so much pain was also in this room.

"A couch. I don't want to go home yet."

Catrina just nodded and helped Theo walk toward the sofa in the corner of the room. She assisted him in sitting down, finding a comfortable position, and loosening his tie to make it more comfortable.

What she did caught the guests' attention, but she ignored all of them. Catrina could at least be relieved that she was wearing a mask.

"Theo, are you okay?" She asked, noticing the increasing amount of cold sweat dripping from his temples.

"Yeah..." Theo breathed. I've got to meet that Alpha first. Or he'd think I'm too chicken to show up at his pack party."

"Alpha? Who's Alpha?" Catrina's face went pale.

"Carlo," he replied. "That arrogant jerk."

Catrina held her breath.

No! She had to stop this immediately! They must not meet Carlo here. But how could she tell Theo without making him suspicious?

Catrina was about to convince Theo to bounce when he let out a groan like he was in pain.

"Hold up! I'll grab some water." In a rush, she made her way to the closest dining table, where a variety of food and drinks were being served.

The hall was so crowded, and in her haste, Catrina didn't notice when a girl came up from the opposite direction and slammed into her. Catrina stumbled but somehow managed to stay on her feet.         

However, the girl was carrying a glass, and now its contents spilled and stained the dress Catrina was wearing.

"You're so stupid! How did you not notice me?" The girl snapped at Catrina in an annoyed tone.

Catrina looked up and locked eyes with her. She had a stunning face, with full lips and shiny curly hair. However, her anger etched harsh lines on her face, giving her a somewhat wicked appearance.

"I apologize." Catrina grabbed the empty glass off the ground and placed it on the table. "I didn't mean to spill your drink."

Morea didn't respond. Instead, she checked out Catrina from head to toe and inwardly scoffed, 'What kind of freak wears a mask at a party like this? She must have a hideous face.' She thought.

"What's your name?" Morea asked.

Catrina swallowed. "Marina." To her surprise, A lie escaped her mouth smoothly.

"Marina. You must be Omega, right? Do you know who I am? I'm the daughter of the Beta family, the niece of the Previous Beta, and the cousin of Beta Zeke. Also, Alpha Carlo's future mate and the future Luna of the Blackthorn pack, and now that you just ruined my mood, I will give you punish-"

Just as Morea was about to finish her sentence, another girl shouted her name. Morea glanced at the voice briefly before shifting her attention to Catrina.

"We're not done yet, freak." She snarls. Then she waltzed away from Catrina's presence.

Catrina watched as Morea disappeared into the crowd.

"Ugh, fuck my life..." Catrina grumbled at her dress, which felt sticky and wet as hell.

She had to get back to Theo, but now she had to go to the bathroom to clean her dress first. Catrina made her way out of the bustling crowd into a more empty, dimly lit hallway, trying to find a bathroom, when she ran into a young, handsome man.

"Hey, sorry to bother you, do you know where the ladies' room is?" Catrina asked.

"Just go all the way down the hallway and take a left, miss." The young Gamma responded in a friendly manner.

"Thank you."

Catrina quickened her pace towards the bathroom. In the bathroom, she turned on the water faucet and began to splash clean water on the stains along the bust of her dress. She was finally able to breathe freely as she removed her mask.

At the end of the dimly lit hallway, Zeke stood tall, hidden in the shadows, so she didn't see him as she passed by.

The Beta's gaze at the Omega was full of meaning, then he whipped out his cell phone.

"Lycan's pup has been taken down, and she's alone in the bathroom now. Are you going to come here?" He spoke on the phone to his Alpha, Carlo, who was in a separate room.

There was a long silence as Carlo didn't offer any answers.

Catrina. His mind kept repeating that lovely name. She was finally here, so close to him that he could smell her intoxicating scent.

It would be amusing if he just came downstairs and made a surprise for her, but he had a better option.

Carlo couldn't wait to see the reaction that would appear on that beautiful face when she saw him again after four long years.

He said to Zeke. "Bring her to me right now."