7|| The ball.

Stacy's Pov

Strange after so many years, I still remember the way to my pack. I'm so tired and dehydrated. But I can't relax, I can't risk it. 

I cross the border to my pack, I breathe a sigh of relief. I'm free, I'm so free, finally. I slid to the floor, crying my eyes out. Crying because I made it out alive, crying because I was not sexual assulted, crying because I'm happy I can finally be with my mate. I regretted that day a lot, the day I ran away. I shouldn't have. My biggest mistake. And now, I really hope he won't reject me and give me a chance to explain myself.

After calming my nerves down, I stood up and started walking again. I still don't feel safe till I make it to the pack house. 

After a few minutes of walking, I saw the building not very far away. From where I am, I can hear the loud banging of music and lights flashing. What's going on? Seems there's a celebration. With the main house full of guests, I won't locate my mate fast enough. I sigh. What a great day today is.

••

I made my way inside the house. And to say I was mesmerized by the beauty would be an understatement. The hall was decorated beautifully. Ladies dressed in fancy dress, men dressed in different kinds of suits. And from the look of things, it seems they were holding a ball. 

I looked down at the baggy I was wearing. By the time I looked up again, people were giving me looks of disgust. I could care less, my main purpose is to find my mate.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen," A man said. He stood in the front, dressed in a fancy suit and holding a mic. Dragging everyone's attention. If this ball is being held in the Alpha house, meaning the Alpha is here somewhere. I can find him easier than I thought. 

With that, I decided to listen to what he wants to say. 

"I present to you, Alpha Jordan of Crosswood Park." The guy said. 

'Our mate', Star stirred.

I move further to the front as Jordan walks in with all of his glory. At that moment, I wanted to cry, I've missed him, I long for him, I need him. But I know better than to run to him right now.

I moved further till I was at the very front. It will be easier for him to notice me. The mic man continued to speak.

"And yes, Alpha Jordan has picked his bride, his Luna." His what? Series of "ohh" and "who's she" were asked. 

I can't think. Wait. I'm confused. What the hell is going on? Before I could comprehend what the fuck is happening. The guy continued. "Mila Collin, can you please come up here?" 

What? That's.. that's my sister's name. Mila passed by and walked up to the stage with her head held high. God, no. This can't be happening. He's getting married? No, I shook my head and unknowingly started moving back till I hit a flower base with the back of my left hand.

It fell to the ground and shattered. I looked at it, how ironic. That's how my heart is about to get shattered. I blinked away the tears, I can't be weak. I mean, I ran all the way here, I almost commited murder just to hear this? No, no Jordan.

By the time I looked back up, eyes were already on me, looking at me with disgust. However, that could be the least of my worries. I took my eyes back to my mate, his eyes were already on me. I almost broke down, almost.

I shook my head, telling him no. He can't do this to me. Before anything could happen, the mic man started speaking again.

He gave an awkward laugh, "Mila Collin, do you take Alpha Jordan to be your husband till death do you path?" He asked her. I looked at Mila, she looks happy. How could they be happy after what they did to me? 

I laughed inwardly, how funny. 

"Yes, I do." She answered, placing a ring at his left ring finger.. The crowd cheered.

He turned to my mate whose eyes are still on me, tears kept on streaming down my face, however, I can't stop it. 

"Alpha Jordan?" 

Jordan looked away from me, clearing his throat. He smiled at a beaming Mila. 

"Do you, Alpha Jordan, take Mila Collin as your wife and Luna till death do you path?" 

Again, Jordan eyes are on me. At that moment, time stopped. He look at me with an emotionless face. I brought my hand to my mouth, to stop myself from whimpering. If he says yes, I'm dying. There's nothing I want again. 

••

Jordan's Pov

I sigh. What is she doing here? I thought she was happy. I looked at her from head to toe. She looks like she's about to pass out. I should do this and get this over with. I never want Mila as my Luna. 

However, I don't have a choice. I need Luna by my side. My parents passed away a few weeks ago when rogues attacked my park. So I have to step up as an Alpha.

Mila's parents are part of the counsels, and of course, they proposed their daughter to me, saying she'll make a good Luna. 

Mila is beautiful, she's an excellent fighter. She has everything a guy will want. But not me, I want my mate. She hasn't found her mate tho, I tired talking her out of this marriage but whatever her parents chant in her head is working. 

And now that Stacy is here, I can't do this to her. Even if she hurt me. I still can't. With that, I turned my head to the crowd who were waiting for my answer, Mila's parents who were smiling at me and down to Mila who looks excited, too bad I didn't. I glanced at my beta who is giving me an encouraging smile. 

I shook my head. I look back at Mila. I really don't want to break her heart. Fuck. 

I took a step back, and then another. Before saying, "I don't. I'm sorry, Mila."

I looked at the crowd with faces of shock. I turned my back and walked out of the hall. I want to be left alone.

But of course, James and Ana were by my side in no time.

"What the hell was that, Jordan? In front of the crowd? Really? C'mon, you're better than that. You can't leave a lady there." James said.

I sigh. "I didn't mean to," 

"Then you shouldn't have accepted the marriage in the first place!" He snapped at me.

I stopped and looked at him. I brought my hand to my neck, loosing the tie around my neck. I feel suffocated. "Then why don't you go marry her," 

How dare he? I turned back and started walking, leaving him there. 

"Ana, leave me be." I said to her without stopping. "I just want to be alone." 

I entered my room and locked the door. Dropping myself on the bed. 

"Christ." I mutter.