Chapter:- 6

The Jones estate was truly impressive. Ammy's only experience with an estate this size had been her father's own. While the James estate had been in ancient disrepair, the Jones estate shone like a beacon in the night. The Will's and Ammy, having arrived a bit late, were forced to join a line of carriages winding its way to the beautiful manor. The slow stop and go offered ample time for Ammy to gape and gasp to herself like a child, completely charmed by the festive decor of the grounds. Sebestian seemed greatly amused by her reactions, hiding what Ammy was sure was a smile behind his gloved hand. Ammy couldn't find it within herself to be embarrassed. She had very little experience with Society, having been isolated by her father and she had been too young to enjoy parties and dinners of the like when she resided with the Will's.

"Is every party like this?"

Sebestian scoffed and Jia shook her head, fanning herself in the humid air left by the storm.

"No, dear. Alpha Jason is truly a gifted host! There is a reason this party is the event of the season. I believe the invitation called it 'A Night of Fire and Temptation'. It sounds sure to get the traditionalist talking."

Ammy smiled softly and turned to take in the grounds once more, marveling at the sight. Either side of the drive was lined with torches that brightly burned an iridescent red, casting an eerie glow upon the carriages. Ahead, Ammy could see the ballroom entrance was draped in black cloth that caught the red glow of the torchlight, making the darkness seem to dance at a distance. Guests descended from their carriages and disappeared into the darkness of the ballroom, venturing into the unknown. The effect was mesmerizing and foreboding. She turned back to her companions and caught Sebestian gazing at her, his gloved hand still covering his mouth.

"How are the torches glowing red?"

Sebestian went to respond but Jia cut him off.

"Oh, the gossips say that Alpha Jason practices magic! It's almost believable after experiencing his lovely parties and why ruin the fun. Although, I'm sure Sebestian can tell you all the boring details, he's been here almost every day for months. Helping prepares, you said?"

Sebestian cleared his throat and turned his gaze back to the window.

"Yes, I was helping Jason with the party preparations, mother. It's quite fascinating...his technique."

Ammy watched a small, sly smile appear on Sebestian's face and her ginger scent turned spicy, a burnt undertone that reached out and wrapped around Ammy, making her flush, feeling hot. Sebestian's eyes cut quickly to Ammy, his gaze predatory and Ammy ducked her head, mortified by her response. Arousal simmered in her belly and confusion clouded her thoughts. Before she could think further, Jia cleared her throat loudly and cracked open the carriage window, continuing to fan herself, her eyes wide.

"Oh, good, we are next in line!"

Ammy was thankful for the escape, clamoring from the carriage and gripping the offered hand of the coachman tightly. She paced away, taking deep breaths and pretending to admire the decor. Oh god, Sebestian's arousal had affected Ammy so quickly, Ammy had never smelled anything so delectable, and Sebestian had known. She glanced over her shoulder, watching Sebestian leave the carriage in front of his mother, offering his own hand to her. His face was blank, no evidence that what had just happened in the carriage had any effect on him. Ammy took another long, deep breath and made her way back to them, avoiding looking to Sebestian and wishing desperately that she could hide away her scent before it betrayed all of her secrets. Jia smiled at her softly and waved Sebestian on, winding her arm with Ammy's and leaning in to speak lowly to her.

"Don't be too distraught, Ammy. You're nearing your heat, yes?"

Ammy blushed and glanced ahead at Sebestian, checking that she was out of hearing range.

"Oh, yes. It's next month, in fact. Is that a problem?"

Jia squeezed her arm and snapped her fan open, speaking behind it.

"Of course not, dear. It's quite ideal, actually. Your scent will be more alluring to suitors and the promise of a heat so close to the honeymoon is exciting for all involved."

Ammy was sure her face was completely red, and she was slightly appalled to be speaking so openly about this in public. Was this what omegas usually whispered to each other behind their beaded fans as they gazed, slit-eyed at alphas? It made Ammy uncomfortable.

She was surprised when Jia's grip on her arm became painful, and her smile was tight as she turned her head to her. She pulled her into an alcove as soon as they entered the ballroom, turning her head to check for interlopers. They were much more secluded here and Ammy would have relaxed save for the harsh hand on her arm. Jia met her confused gaze and the red torchlight made her dark eyes seem almost demonic. She pursed her lips and frowned, leaning impossibly closer, looming over her.

"I take great pleasure in helping you secure a husband, my dear, but I ask you to tread carefully around my son."

Ammy tried to lean back but the wall behind her made space between them impossible. What was Jia trying to say? She continued before she could question her odd behavior.

"It's quite easy for a scent bond to form so close to a heat and I ask that you allow more space between Sebestian and yourself. What happened in the carriage can't happen again. It's too dangerous."

Ammy stared at her in shock, her mouth opened but she stayed silent, unsure of what to say. She had assumed that Jia would disapprove of a mating between her and Sebetsian but to hear it from her lips, to know that a woman who was more mother than his own saw her as inferior...it made Ammy nauseous. Her face softened and she brushed her fingers over her cheek.

"Forgive me, Ammy. I love you but I also can't let anything happen to jeopardize Sebestian's future. He has made some influential friends, Alpha Jones among them. He has many promising prospects for an omega mate, and they don't include you."

Ammy felt numb but she forced himself to take her hand, squeezing it and she tried to smile. It felt wrong and too tight on her face.

"Of course, Jia. I...understand. I've done nothing to attract Sebetsian to me, you have to believe me."

Jia stepped back, keeping a hold on his hand and she smiled softly. The smile didn't reach her eyes.

"I know, Ammy. I'm so proud of the woman you've become, and I'll always see you as a daughter. I promise I will do everything I can to see you properly settled."

She stressed the 'properly' and Ammy valiantly fought to not be sick all over her soft, expensive shoes. She gave her another tight smile and she drew her out of the alcove and into the guests flowing into the ballroom.

Ammy was thankful when the press of the crowd separated her from Jia, her perfectly coiffed hair was swallowed up by the press of immaculately dressed nobles. She slowed her pace, following the path of those around her mindlessly. She felt as if Jia had reached inside her chest and viciously removed her heart. Surely, even that would hurt less than her words. Was she cursed to have no real allies in her life? She fisted his hands, pressing her nails harshly into her palms.

No, Jia was an ally but nothing more. She had been greedy to expect more from her. Ammy had always felt like an outsider when she was a ward to the Will's, even in the face of their love and protection. She believed Jia when she promised to help her secure a stable future, a good husband to give her the family he dreamed of. Now she knew what she had always suspected, Jia would put her own children, her real children, before Ammy. She should be thankful for her sponsorship this season and do as she bid; keep away from Sebestian. It would do her good to put her useless pining to bed, bury her childhood love deep and never revisit it.

She felt greatly calmed and she forced herself out of her thoughts, looking around the ballroom for the first time, taking in the decadent decor. The ballroom had a high vaulted ceiling held up by massive Corinthian pillars. Ammy craned her head, following a pillar near her up and gasped at the beautiful mural on the ceiling, depicting a lush meadow filled with all sorts of magical creatures, frolicking and dancing.

Red, black and gold stood out against the pure white walls, jewels glinted in the bright glow of candles and gas lamps, tables sat heavy with sumptuous food and drink. The guests around her were graceful and confident, speaking in cultured tones and laughing politely, the din was tempered by the soft swell of music from the orchestra. It was truly a sight to behold, and Ammy had never felt more out of place in her out of fashion ensemble and awkward body language.

"How are you enjoying my party aesthetics, young lord? I must warn you; I take ill to criticism."

Ammy was startled by the low toned, silky voice beside her, and she turned sharply to face the man. The man's eyes had a charming glint, and his grin was mischievous. His dark eyes were lined with black kohl and his eyelids had eye paint that glittered as he moved, catching the light just right. At Ammy's continued silence, his grin grew wider and the clear salve on his lips drew Ammy's admiring eye.

The man hummed, executed a courtly bow and Ammy took a deep breath as she watched the black robes, he wore shift and pull tight over his muscled chest. The movement brought the scent of the man to Ammy's sensitive nose, and she grew lightheaded with a sudden longing to draw nearer, hide her face in the man's long neck. Orange blossoms, cloves and the faintest hint of cinnamon, decadent and soothing all at once.

The man was an alpha, small for one just. The thought was comforting, he was a kindred soul, perhaps. The alpha reached for Ammy slowly, keeping her gaze and took her hand, bringing it to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her largest knuckle. His hands were warm and long fingered, gentle but firm. Ammy felt as if a feather could have felled her, so shocked was she by the alpha's actions, not used to a kind touch.

"Alpha Jason, at your service. May I have your name, my dear?"

"Oh, Am-"

Ammy cut herself off, realizing that this was indeed the host of the party, the man that Jia had touted as Society's darling. Ammy scanned the crowd around them in a rush, desperate to locate Jia. Should he be meeting Alpha Jason without Jia's introduction? It didn't seem proper, an unmated alpha and omega meeting without Ammy's sponsor. Ammy was sure to bungle this. Jason chuckled and stood again, letting go of Ammy's hand and his fingers felt cold at the loss. Jason brought her hand up to stroke his own face, humming.

"Is that short for Ammy? What a lovely name for such a jewel."

Ammy choked on her next words, blushing at the breezy compliment and Jason gave an airy laugh, pulling a peacock fan from his robe and snapping it open with a graceful flourish. He fluttered it at Ammy, fanning her face and Ammy felt her hair lift and settle with each pass.