An Alpha for a Night

Tragic

I woke up to the dim silence in the room. I turned on my side, my eyes watching the sunset stream in through the open window. My chest felt tight, like all of the pain had been waiting for me to wake up so they would regain strength. So they would emerge with full force.

I closed my eyes, and my mind treacherously replayed all of the times I had Tyler in this room. The first was the time I had worn a dress he hadn't agreed with to a party. He had stormed in here, telling me of all the men who would see. Telling me of how...

I opened my eyes. It was all over now. All of it. My eyes fell on the card I had somehow brought home, maybe out of naivety, or just as a souvenir for a love and friendship that had ended in betrayal.

I moved, then slowly reached for it, the back of my eyes already stinging from the hurt I had already expected to feel.

I swallowed hard as I opened it.

The grand ball was tonight, and it was to celebrate the successful mating and consummation for Taylor and Mariana. I looked at the venue.

Pale Moon Palace. That was in the heart of the Alpha's Palace.

I looked down. Alpha Vincent was the highest guest of honour.

My brows furrowed. I know Tyler and Mariana are both from rather influential families in the pack, but was it really enough to be in this sort of location? I mean... I have never even heard of Taylor's father. Only his mother, who was rumoured to have been in some sort of connection with the Alpha's family.

I gave a small sigh. It was filled with people I would rather not see. My presence would only make things uncomfortable for everyone.

"They made things uncomfortable for you, too, didn't they?"

I closed my eyes. This is not the time for my wolf to give me bad ideas.

"Imagine Mariana's face when Tyler can't keep his eyes off you, Jordan. He always loved the milky colour of your skin. Always loved the scent of your hair. Always..."

"Stop," I said, and the voice in my head stopped. "He doesn't anymore. "

"How do you even know that? How do you know he isn't being tied down by a baby? Mistakes happen all the time, and you know how responsible Taylor is."

I swallowed hard. I hated it when she made sense.

"Oh, I always do. Go there, girl."

I sat up, my lips parting as I let out a small breath. "What if it doesn't work?"

"Oh, it will. I promise. And if it doesn't... what if you find something even better?"

My brows furrowed, but I chose to keep it to myself and got out of bed. It turns out I hadn't even been asleep that long, but if I really wanted to stun, I would need at least two hours to prepare. The ceremony would start in an hour.

I sighed. Well, it isn't like I wanted to get lost in the crowd. I went straight to the part of my closet where I kept dresses I had bought but had no occasion to wear them to.

I sifted through, and my eyes fell on one. It was a black sleeveless dress. The neckline dipped to show just enough cleavage and opened up in the middle.

Very daring, but...

I took it out. It would flow behind me, and if I even wanted, it had a long slit that was held together by beautiful small buttons. Those buttons will not work tonight.

I kept it on the bed, then fished for accessories. A gold layered necklace, earrings, and a small ring. I didn't think I needed anything for my hair.

I grabbed a pair of heels and then ran to the shower. I stood under the water for a long while, contemplating my decisions. What if I ended up making a fool of myself? What if I end up hurt again?

But what if I don't? I never will know if I don't go. What if he... what if he comes back to me?

I closed my eyes, gathered courage and strength, and stepped out of the shower. For the next hour, I sat in front of the mirror, working on my face and my hair.

I did a wolf cut, then pushed the rest of my hair back, making it fall in simple, light, expensive waves.

Once I was done, I sat back, watching the mirror. My eyes were dark, and the light green orbs I had were highlighted. I gave a small smile, letting my eyes drop to my lips. Full. Dark pink. Nothing about my look gave the flowery girl vibes I always did.

I sighed, then grabbed my small purse, my phone, and the card and walked downstairs. Dad was still not back, and I left the house in the care of the omega that worked for us.

I got into the car and then made my way to Pale Moon Palace. It was lit up and elegant as usual, the place oozing opulence and wealth even I couldn't dream of.

I stepped out of the car and handed the keys to the valet. I was late. Good.

I slowly made my way up to the hall, then waited out for a bit as they checked the card. The large double doors opened up, just as a sudden announcement filled the hall.

"And tonight's gues of honour has arrived! A round of applause!"

My eyes widened as the lights dimmed. The guest of honour, Alpha Vincent. I swallowed. I was standing in front of the door, and my eyes looked up to search for him.

As if to make things worse, two spotlights came on, illuminating where I stood and the other right on Alpha Vincent. He was standing at the top of the balcony opposite the flight of the stairs right below the door I was standing in front of.

His eyes met mine, and I swallowed hard, my chest heaving.

We stayed there, an entire room apart, yet our eyes locked, the spotlight on us, and so were the eyes of every guest in the hall.

His head tilted upwards, and he gave a small smirk, one that was more wicked than it was full of mirth.

I dared to assess him. He was wearing a pristine black suit, one that very strangely complemented my dress.

I met his eyes again, and this time, they had darkened a little, and I could see it. He was daring me. The mistake had been made, but he was daring me to see if I really knew how to take advantage of it.

I swallowed, then adjusted my dress so the slit was open before slowly making it down the stairs.

Without a word, he descended too, the spotlights following us. I got down the stairs and turned to him. I had seen neither Mariana nor Tyler, but to be honest, I couldn't care less.

I slowly walked to him, my eyes fixed on his. He covered the distance too, and soon enough, our spotlights were overlapping each other, our eyes meeting each other's.

Suddenly, his hand held my hand, and he turned me, my back hitting his chest, my breath leaving me.

"I never got my payment for last night," he whispered, his hand resting on the curve of my waist.

My lips parted. "You didn't want any."

He laughed in my ear, his breath tickling me. The spotlights were still on, and I was beginning to wonder if I had gone to the wrong party.

"I heard my little step brother is the man who broke your heart. How... very... tragic."