Torn Between Mates

#8 Cinderella

Ella sat beside the lake wearing Riven's shirt like a crown and a mask to avoid the crowd, feigning ignorance that she couldn't remember anything before passing out. It surprised her that they were continuing the party. Were they planning to hide it forever? There was practically a base of traitors in the middle of the dense forest. Even if she didn't tell them about it, shouldn't they look for the trail and find it on their own? How hard could it be for the able wolves when she could do it even without wanting?

Ella sipped her alcohol, enjoying her silence. No one was bothering her or ordering her around for the first time in her life. Maybe she should faint more often. Because no one cared when she had a fever or a runny nose, not even when she fell and hurt her knees. Or probably all the show was for the event. Who cared when she could finally enjoy her beer with no interruption like a normal wolf for the first time in her life?

Ella's mind fluttered, wondering why Riven was hiding the truth about the rest of the dead bodies. Or is her mind playing games with her creating four other wolves to make it more dramatic? Could there be only one wolf, and out of fear, she had a different perception? But her memories were as clear as the breathtaking view of the lake. She shook her head, trying to get a grip on her.

She sighed, trying to forget about it since it was the last time she would ever step on that part of the forest. She gulped down her beer and crushed the can. She picked up another, raising it in the direction of the great stone. She was alive, and it was all that mattered to her. These wolves never cared about her. They probably wouldn't believe her if she told them the truth. Plus, she didn't want anyone to discover that she could shift. So, she decided to keep quiet about it and let Riven and Levi play the politics and take responsibility. They were capable enough.

She looked in the direction where the part was still going in full rage. Nobody missed her, even when she nearly missed death. She laughed at her fate, crushing the last beer can after emptying it in one gulp. It was time for her to return to the pack house and prepare for the ceremony. As promised, Loui should have sent her a gown. Who cared if it was used or not when Loui repeated none of her party clothes? It was a good thing that they excused her from her chores for the day because of Levi's strict orders. She could take part in the ball without any worry.

Ella had expected Loui to send some typical frill dress that she would have rejected, used, or something. But it surprised her to see a pretty blue gown with tiers of stonework that weighed as it flew down. It had pretty floral silver work around the deep V-shaped neck, giving it a gorgeous look. She couldn't help but gush at her luck.

She twirled, putting it against her body. The dress was to die for. She couldn't stop laughing, forgetting all her worries about her day and her aching body. But then, suddenly, a strong realization dawned upon her. Loui would never be so generous. She put the dress on the bed to look for any flaws. It baffled her when she couldn't notice any salient issues with that fine specimen. She sighed, still in disbelief. Was she a Cinderella?

Ella took a hot shower, brushing her body to her satisfaction. She didn't want to put on that dress when she was covered up with sweat and blood, smelling terrible. After that, she put on some lotion, cream, and perfume that others had thrown away for reasons she couldn't fathom. She took out a small box she was hiding in a bigger box. It had two lipsticks, a bracelet that she had repaired, and a few leftovers of used makeup cosmetics. Some thought the product didn't suit them when it worked wonders for Ella. A few just discarded them because they were out of style. She was glad she had been collecting them all this while.

She took out the best pair of lingerie that she owned. It wasn't anything outstanding. But at least they were of matching color. She whirled to check her body in front of the mirror. It was nothing attractive. She was limp and thin, showing off too much bone than anyone would like. No one could believe she did all that heavy work in that tiny body. It scared her that her body would be a major turn-off if, by some miracle, she encountered her mate, and things escalated to that. She sighed, looking at the perfect dress. At least she had a chance because of that dress.

Ella sighed, brushing off her worries. She patted her cheeks, trying to feel energized and happy. She couldn't afford to be gloomy when things worked out perfectly after she had a narrow escape from death. She should celebrate it in that beautiful dress.

Ella again checked to look for any problems; any wear or tear, a work defect, or a stitching issue. But there was none. She looked one last time in the mirror, pondering in suspicion before putting it on her. She knew other female wolves would use a corset and breast pads to amputate their figures and look slender and attractive. But she didn't have that kind of luxury. She was already lucky to have that gown. She thought about random things, pulling the zip of her dress. Her eyes popped out in horror at the realization that the zip wasn't working!

Of course! What was she thinking? There was no way Loui would give her something nice and fine. She must have broken the zip. Maybe she bought the wrong product and had forgotten to return it on time.

Ella shook her head in anger. She felt like barging into Loui's residence and charging her with a felony. But she knew it would only put her in a bad light. Loui was the princess of the Bluemoon pack. Also, everyone had this weird idea that she would be the Luna of Riven Black. With that move of lending Ella a beautiful dress, Loui not only had successfully discarded a defective product but also got points for being generous and kind. Loui wouldn't even blink before blaming Ella for the broken zip or declaring her unworthy of something splendid and beautiful like that blue dress.

Ella sighed, trying to control her rage. She cried her eyes out, feeling like leaving the place for good. But then, when she was done with feeling miserable for herself, she got up to take charge of her life. She can't lose to that wench. She took out her box of thread and needle. She looked for something she could use as a lace that should go with the dress. When she found nothing in her room, she decided to look outside. The pack house was full of glittery stuff.

Ella looked around for fabric or something she could use as lace, but there was none. She sighed, falling to her feet in disappointment. It was a bummer. She had given up all hope when she remembered Riven's shirt. A huge smile rolled over her lips, her eyes twinkling again. She sprinted back to her room, almost falling on the stairs. She virtually jumped to pick up the shirt as soon as she entered the room. Her laugh became bigger when she checked its button. They were of the same color as the dress.

It took Ella some time to fix the dress. But she could successfully and skillfully replace the zip lock with buttons. She was glad that she learned all those basic skills and life hacks. Who knew it would save her day like this? Plus, it looked more trendy somehow. A huge victorious smile unfolded, making her grin. Loui was going to regret giving her that dress.

Ella would have loved an elegant, more fitting sandal or a glass slipper. But there was only a limit to which she could get lucky. She only owned a pair of sneakers and slippers. Between her only two options, she wore her comfortable sneakers. Anyway, who would see her shoes beneath the dress? She was tall already. She doesn't need a high pointy thing under her feet to make her look taller.

She wore the bracelet she had fixed and the pink lipstick that went well with the dark blue dress and her pale face. It somehow made her look less dull and more lively. But the best thing was that it was a masquerade party. She took out her pair of black lenses to cover her wine-colored eyes. They were the only costly item she had bought after saving the trinkets she made. She used it often to hide her identity in a crowd when she wanted to sneak out after covering her face. Otherwise, her wine-colored eyes were too uncommon, making her stand out unnecessarily.

as soon as their eyes locked, she felt like her chest would explode from all those overwhelming emotions.

"Are you alright?" Riven asked, a little tense to see the response of the woman standing in front of her. She looked like a princess in that beautiful blue dress that hugged her body a little too pleasingly.

Riven was perturbed. It seemed like the lady in front of him could faint anytime soon. He had enough for one day. Also, his head was filled with Ella. When he couldn't find her at the ball, it worried him that she would skip it because of her health. Or worse, someone was stopping her from attending the ball that marked the official start of the claiming event. All kinds of negative thoughts confused him, making him feel restless. He was on his way out to get some fresh air when this lady popped out on his face. But for some mysterious reason, the lady in front of him caught his attention. He wasn't even in the mood a minute ago. Strangely, he was feeling much better. He was glad there was at least someone at the ball who could help him forget Ella.

Ella couldn't speak a word. It was as if his presence bewitched her. She continued staring at him with love-struck eyes, feeling like she was flying. How was she going to control her heart and this undeniable attraction? How could she even dare to like someone like Alpha Riven? But no matter how much she tried to make her head and heart understand that Riven was out of her league, she couldn't help but desire him. No wonder he was the most desirable man in the land!

It was almost dark outside by the time Ella got ready. She knew it was a kind of relief for a change. No one could recognize her under the mask except Loui. She doubted Loui would reveal her identity to anyone out of spite. By the time she reached the ball, almost everyone had arrived. Even if she had started early, all the creative work kept her busy. She sighed, hoping she wasn't too late. She didn't want to miss out on her opportunity.

What if her mate has found someone already? What if no one is interested in her because they already have someone more interesting, more beautiful? All kinds of sad thoughts pushed past her, making her nervous as she sprinted through the unending steps to the grand hall. She cussed, raising her dress to speed up since its length and weight made it difficult for her to run. For a second, she stopped to look back. She felt like someone was watching her from behind. But when she looked, there was no one. She shook her head to get rid of that uneasy feeling, scooting the remaining steps.

When she finally reached the grand entrance door, she took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and actions. She wanted to look as amiable and presentable as she could. It was the chance of her life! She forced a smile, but soon it was a natural, uncontrollable one that wouldn't leave her lips even if she tried. She let out a deep breath, blinking once. And when she looked this time, her eyes radiated with confidence.

Ella was about to open the door, but it opened before she could push it. She couldn't believe her eyes. How could this happen? Before her stood the most handsome man that she had seen. It was a sin to look that elegant. How was she supposed to breathe?

Riven looked dapper in the expensive suit that fitted his body perfectly. She couldn't help but imagine his hot body under those superior layers of fabric. Ella's heart began to pound frantically, her breathing becoming uneven. The world around her became hazy. Riven appeared more and more handsome with each passing second. He was now radiating like an angel. She couldn't move even if she needed to give him some space to leave. She swallowed hard to stop herself from collapsing, since she couldn't feel anything beneath her knees.