CHAPTER 5

 REALITY KICKS IN

Annabel Danny’s POV

For the umpteenth time, I shot a glance at myself through the mirror. I can’t believe this is me, no matter the number of times I try to accept my new reality.

I look so damn hot! I wore a flowing dress, the fabric swirled around my legs with each graceful step. It was a deep shade of black that stuck to my body like my second skin. A visible deep V cut made the curves of my breasts swell, and its hem fluttered like a whisper with every movement.

I grabbed the oxblood bag and slipped on oxblood heels. I double checked my deep shade of burgundy hair that was loosely pinned up, with soft tendrils framing my face. Rubbing the back of my neck as if it’d make me less nervous, I made my way out of the room.

The sound of my heels tapping against the polished floor gave me out as everyone shifted their gaze to me. My breath caught in my throat at the number of people that swarmed the pack house.

“To the Moon Goddess who decided to return Elizabeth to us!” I watched with keen interest as they all raised their goblets to a toast. Only if they knew the girl standing before them isn’t Elizabeth, but Annabel residing in Elizabeth.

I forced the biggest smile at everyone and decided to grab a seat. “Whoops! No seating Ann, it’s your party,” his voice thick and warm. 

His lavender scent mixed with his sweet sandalwood became so eminent and his soothing aura overwhelmed me so that I stood fixed on spot. One of the things Leonard’s presence does to my body.

He was quick to pull me out of my seat, “Come on, let’s dance!” Dance? It was official. This man was ready to let the whole world know who I really am. “Annabel, you can’t dance!” I silently whispered to myself.

“I don’t want to dance,” I said over a smile. For the most part, it was a lie. I wanted to dance, but that would mean one thing. Everyone knowing something is wrong with their Liza. I’ve heard how much of a good dancer she was.

“You are a great dancer Liza. Need I remind you?” he said, chugging down some champagne with his free hand. As the bottom of his goblet hit the table, he held my hand affectionately.

His tall and strong frame enveloped me in a warm and protective embrace. His hand rested subtly on my lower back, guiding me across the polished floor and I swallowed a lump that clogged my throat.

For a moment, the world around me faded as our eyes met. It was just us two moving in perfect harmony, our bodies attuned to the gentle cues of the music and each other.

The music swelled, and we twirled together while my dress flared out like a blossoming rose. Our movements were fluid almost like we were floating. I was amazed at how well I could dance. 

As the music began to soften, our movement became gradually slow, our bodies still in perfect sync. As our feet came to a gentle stop, his hand moved to cradle my face, his thumb softly brushing my cheeks, “I told you, you are a great dancer,” he said with amusement written all over his face.

I loved the dance, the moment was special and as we walked hand in hand, my heart swayed back to the memory of the music.

“Give me a second,” I needed a break and immediately I turned my back, I collided with one of the servers. My whole dress became a freaking mess! A warm hand offered me a piece of clothing to clean up and I muttered a thank you.

It was the guy introduced as my friend before the party started. With the help of a bit of Liza’s memory, I could remember his name to be Chris and how loyal he is to Liza plus the pack. 

He had fought by Liza’s side when the rogues attacked and from my memory, he cried so much upon seeing Liza getting hurt when he was just a few meters from her. “I’ll see you tomorrow Chris,” I bid him good-bye with a smile on my cheeks.

Leonard intertwined our fingers and led the way up to my room. I quickly cleaned up and dug for a change of clothes. “You looked really tense during the dance,” his words were met with my silence.

“I know you Liza. I know when something is wrong,” he added, with his voice which always sent animating chills down my spine becoming a little harsh. He looked worried and I didn’t know if I should be glad he was worried about me. 

I’ve been trying to fit in well since I discovered my soul was inhabiting Liza’s body. Yet, this scary, deadly, dangerous and violent Leonard was worried for a no-body Annabel. It’s hard believing I just had a dance with the gorgeous yet dangerous and brave man. 

The last thing I wanted is for him to start suspecting me. I remained speechless with my eyes glued to the floor. I have the full memory of my past and a bit of Liza’s memory, yet it’s hard to trust anyone. 

How was I supposed to tell him what was bothering me? How I was mated to a cheat, got implicated, humiliated and finally killed by the people I called family. Would he even believe if I should utter a word about me not being Liza.

It’s a secret I must do well to keep and no matter how this man makes me feel, I was not ready to disclose my true identity. He might just think I had run amuck or got upset and blew my cover. How would I go on avenging myself if any of these should happen? 

“It’s nothing, babe. The whole party is just so huge for me,” I lied through my teeth while I placed a mask of indifference on my face. 

“Don’t give me that crap! You love parties Liza,” he was getting all worked up.

“Just tell me the truth, I freaking know you are not Liza. Who the hell are you?” my eyes widened in shock as I stood still.

He didn’t just say that… did he?