The Mating Games

Chapter Five:

ELOISE:

I quickly stuff one of the cream puffs into my mouth in between Mrs. Tatum’s application of blush on my face. She has honestly been going at my make-up for what feels like hours now.

“Mrs. Tatum!”

She stops swatting the makeup brushes around and gives me a pointed look. My mother looks up from her chair and absorbs all of Mrs. Tatum’s handiwork. I probably look like an absolute clown considering how long she has been applying makeup onto my face.

“You need to stop eating those things or you will ruin your red lipstick!”

I smile and pop one more cream ball into my mouth and then I give them a really big and fake smile. My mother rolls her eyes and looks back at her paper. I guess she is used to my childish antics. I reach for another and Mrs. Tatum taps my hand away. I have to give it to these wolves; They sure know how to win my heart over with baked things.

“OW!” I moan and she smiles triumphantly. I look down at the cream puff lying on the floor. What a waste.

“I said no more!”

I take a deep breath in and she quickly fixes a few more things on my face before laying down the brushes. She spins my chair around and then smiles as I see myself in the mirror.

“There you go, Eloise. Such a lady!” Mrs. Tatum pulls her hands together and I hear my mother gasp too.

“Oh, my baby, you look absolutely beautiful! Such a beautiful representation to the fae, but also to just women in general. You are a natural wonder to this realm and I can only imagine all the boys are going to be falling at your feet.” My mother says with tears in her eyes.

My eyes look back to the reflection in the mirror. The girl staring back at me looks stunning, confident, and refined. Mrs. Tatum really did a fantastic job at bringing out the green and brown in my eyes with subtle shades of brown and purple. Even the dark, purple eyeliner brings out the best in my features. I thought she was plastering me with thick layers, but she was actually only bringing out the best of my natural features.

“Mrs. Tatum, I look…”

I look between myself and Mrs. Tatum and she smiles as she takes one of my brown curls into her hand.

“Just beautiful!” She says and we both smile at one another. Mrs. Tatum pulls out a zipped bag and my eyes swirl with wonder as she pulls out an item of clothing that is SO me it hurts.

“I had this one made for you by some of the ladies in the town.” My mother retorts and her smile looks down at the emerald fabric.

“Help me put it on?” I ask and she nods in excitement. Just a few moments later and I am standing all ready in front of the mirror. My eyes take in all of the stunning attire draped over my body. This first event is supposed to be some sort of “Meet and Greet” for the Mating Games. It signals the start of the games and allows us to all see who is present. It is also a little mingler where everyone can boast about their chastes and fluff their feathers out for good first impressions. My head turns to the side and a small smile lifts. I am not here to make an impression on anyone, but I have to say I feel good in this outfit. There is no glitz or over-done glam in this simple jumpsuit made of the finest, emerald satin. It fits me like a glove, the legs forming skinny pipes going down and ending just above my ankle. The waist goes in and hugs my waist to bring focus to my female curves. There is a thick, satin band that sits just above my hips before the jumpsuit goes into a low-plunge, v-shaped neckline that should be illegal. I couldn’t even wear a bra with such a teasing number. A wicked smile lifts at my lips. I wonder if that stupid bafoon of a male wolf will be present tonight? I will have fun watching him take me in with this on. Not that I will let him touch me. The last part of the jumpsuit is what makes it the most special for me. The sleeves sort of form a drape behind my completely open back, almost like wings of the fae. It seems a bit cliché, but I am proud to be a fae and this green outfit makes me even more so. I swoosh the light, chiffon drape behind me, and notice there is the subtlest glimmer in the light. Under different lights, it shines in multiple shades of green. My mother did amazing!

“Mom, thank you…”

“I know you don’t enjoy wearing dresses or getting ready for these sorts of events. I also know I come down hard on you. Mrs. Tatum and I both…”

They both share a look.

“But I just wanted you to see how truly beautiful you are. I wanted you to see that you can be yourself AND also attend these things.”

“Your mother and I are proud of you, Eloise. All of the fae are waiting to hear what happens at the games.”

Mrs. Tatum wiggles her eyebrows.

“I didn’t come here for a guy!” I cross my arms and they both laugh.

“That may be so, Lady Eloise, but the men won’t be able to keep their eyes off of you in that outfit!” Kiko says as she puts her head through the door. My mom and Mrs. Tatum both laugh out and we grab our things to go. I quickly put on the killer, black heels and steal one more cream ball.

“ELOISE!”

I giggle and run to the door as Mrs. Tatum scolds me.

I suppose it’s showtime. We walk through the halls until getting to the section of the castle where much laughter, music, and chatter can be heard. Everyone looks so fancy in their extravagant dresses and I don’t miss some of the other girls eyeballing my choice of dress. Have they never seen a girl in a jumpsuit before? I decide to shrug it off.

“Your father and I will be there voting for the games. You go in whenever you are ready, okay?”

I nod at my mother and she moves off. I wonder what she means by “voting for the games”…

With a sigh and shake my shoulders and decide to go in. Now or never, Eloise.

ARES:

“See any girls that catch your attention yet?” Johnno asks as he swings down another glass of punch. I look back to the doors where people have been streaming in for the past thirty minutes. It seems my father has invited every single person here that is anyone from anywhere! A horn trumpets.

“INTRODUCING HIS AND HER ROYAL HIGHNESS OF THE WITCHES. ACCOMPANYING THEM IS PRINCE ZION.”

Everyone in the room watches the doors as the three royals all the way from the witch's territory walk in, dressed in the finest shades of purple. That is the color dedicated to that of the witches. They certainly look the part and the girls in the room swoon over the prince's little magic trick of floating hearts in the air.

“f*****g show-off” I mutter under my breath and my friends laugh.

“You seem grumpy tonight.” Johnno says again.

“Ah, he is only upset because he had a little case of blue balls yesterday with the Elven girl. What was her name again?” Nate laughs and I eye him dangerously.

“Nate.” I warn and he puts his hands up.

“You know I am right, though.” Nate chuckles and walks off with Linda as they start to dance.

I know he is right, but it doesn’t mean he can taunt me. Sabrina is a beautiful girl and I was really looking forward to giving her a little f*****g. It was all going well until my wolf just wasn’t feeling it anymore. He kept stirring and making me feel uneasy. Something kept going through my head that the room we were in didn’t feel right, but I pushed him back. I was sporting such a raging hard-on by the time Sabrina got on the guest room bed that I had to plunge into her. I really tried my best to come off, but it just wasn’t happening. She came undone so perfectly. I should have been puffing my chest out in pride at it, but all I could think about was the really odd feeling inside of me as my nose inhaled a sweet scent. I noticed the viles of perfume on the vanity and thought perhaps it was that playing with my wolf. Nevertheless, I was left seriously unsatisfied and it was only when Sabrina left the room, did I pick up the faint heartbeat from the couch in the room. Imagine my surprise when the most awe-striking, quick-tongued, and dare I say, stunning girl appeared from behind. Her cheeks flushed, probably from having overheard Sabrina and me. Her chest was rising and falling and I could tell by the slight dilation in her odd greeny-brown eyes that the whole episode had turned her on a little. Of course, it would as the equinox approaches. Still, she was so dissatisfied with me and how I used Sabrina and she had my wolf whimpering in my head as she looked at me accusingly. Nobody has ever spoken to me like that, but then perhaps she didn’t know who I am? I wanted to speak to her, but my father needed me in the meeting room. Her brown-rimmed, green eyes were haunting my dreams all night and I have no idea why. She is a fae. I am a wolf. We are not even mates.

“Prince Ares, it is so great to get a chance to meet you.”

I look next to me at the black beauty that has crimson eyes. For a moment I almost feel her demonic aura sucking me in, but the trumpet hoots and announces someone again. I ignore it and take a sip of my drink.

“Not every day that the vampires come out to play in Apreez.” I say and she laughs.

“Well, it’s not every day that the wolves invite us around.” She replies.

“Touche.”

We both laugh again. Her red dress brings out the ebony of her skin.

“Prince Ares!” Another squeal echoes and that voice makes my insides turn in a not-so-great way again. I turn and see Sabrina walking closer, looking between me and the vampire girl with a heated glare. She uses her fingers to pull her pin-straight, platinum forward and it loosely hangs over the sheer material of the dress she is wearing. She isn’t wearing a bra and her little nubs can be seen through the material. My eyes rake down and see she’s in a thong. At least she is hiding that much. Still, she has managed to turn every head here tonight.

“Hello, Sabrina.” I say formally and she puts on her best smile. The vampire is still watching us.

“I had so much fun last night. We should do that again. Perhaps tonight?”

I see the vampire girl lifting her eyebrow at us and a flicker of green at the door makes me feel nervous. Why? I grab Sabrina’s arm.

“Sabrina, I already told you. I don’t…”

The trumpet horn blows and I feel the air shifting again as the same girl as yesterday takes a step in. I am far from the entrance, but I don’t need to be close to tell that the girl looks absolutely breathtaking. That same, odd sensation starts to flicker through me as she walks in. All eyes turn to her. A true and perfectly sculpted emerald, shining in uniqueness against the room and holding her head high as her apple eyes take in everyone around her. Some whispers channel through the room and for some reason I feel uneasy as everyone looks at her the way they are.

“Whoah. Now that is someone I wouldn’t mind getting to know!” Johnno huffs and I turn to him to see his brown eyes taking her in. It shouldn’t bug me, but it does.

“Anyway, like I was saying…” Sabrina carries on as the room continues to move around me. I try to listen to her but all I can think about is how magnificent this fae girl is. She looks incredibly young but holds herself with a natural strength. She is the ONLY girl here who opted for pants. Even with this, she looks like someone picked out of the finest catalog of magic as her legs move across the floor effortlessly. Her thighs press together, showing her curves and her bosom jiggles slightly as she stops to smile and greet some other people who are passing by to say hello. Is she not wearing a bra? My eyes travel up the long, neckline of her dress to where her collarbone meets her soft neck. Red, kiss-me lips pout and laugh as her brown hair sits in slight curls.

“Are you even listening to me?”

My eyes follow the snapping fingers in front of me and Sabrina is right in my bubble, causing a commotion. Some people around us look over and laugh at her antics.

"Sabrina, I told you last night that I don’t like to make a habit of relations. Stop probing, or you may embarrass yourself.” I warn. Her lip wobbles. s**t!

“Sabrina…”

She turns and walks away like a storm. I follow her receding ass all the way through the crown until my eyes snap up to find two bright, green eyes staring at me. She shakes her head, as if disgusted and then turns back to her conversation. Double s**t! That stupid trumpet goes off again and I find myself cursing as I see our guards getting ready.

“ALL PLEASE TAKE YOUR STANDINGS AS WE WELCOME KING AUGUSTUS INTO THE ROOM.”

Everyone watches as my father enters. He is sporting his best smile and looks completely on top of the world. He only stops when he is at the center of the dancefloor.

“Honored guests. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to my home, Apreez. Thank you for coming from all places across Zenox to celebrate one of the most highly anticipated times of the year for all! With the Spring Equinox in only over a week, we will all see ourselves watching our youth gage themselves through a series of events that prove to be both fun and scandalous, as what is love without a little heat? To our youth present, use and grab every opportunity you can to be in love. Do not see this as a time of trial, but rather one of immense possibility as you find yourself getting to know those around you. This time of the year is notorious for finding our fated or chosen mates, so may the God of Night and Day be kind to you all. To the rest of us, we have been here before and now it is our turn to watch the games in humor! The drinks fountain is forever flowing and you will find many an available room at your disposal across the castle!”

Everyone bursts into fits of applause at his words. I can’t help but roll my eyes. Fall in love? When did my father become such a big sap?

“Now, let us not delay the first mixer any longer! Youth, we, your parents, and guardians held a voting at the start of this evening as to which couples we would like to see together at the Spring Equinox. As a start to the games, I will now be reading out the results of these votes. When I announce the couples, please find each other and share a dance as an official opening to the annual games.”

Everyone becomes increasingly quiet. Thank Goddess I am a prince and told my father that I won’t be dragged into these things. He starts to rattle off names and I move towards the table of drinks. A server hands me one, which I gladly chug down.

“Pamela and Trey…”

I see the vampire girl meeting another guy at the center. He must be an elf with his blue eyes and white hair.

“Johnno and Emily…”

Hooting from other wolves starts to erupt and I laugh as my friend awkwardly greets a petite, little witch on the other end of the dancefloor. I laugh as the girl blushes at Johnno, who clearly is a giant flirt and trying his best to leave a good impression.

“Prince Zion and Eloise…”

I watch as the brut of a witch prince walks to the dancefloor, his purple eyes scanning the crowd to see which desperate woman will be falling at his feet. The room stills a little and I take a sip in. Hopefully, he will get some ridiculous girl. That will give the trolls something to put in their papers. My wolf becomes uneasy. A pathway opens and I find myself almost choking on my beverage as the fae girl from yesterday walks through to meet Zion in the center. His eyebrows lift as he drinks her in. The emerald cape floats behind her and shimmers and lifts in waves, almost as if they are wings that are part of her body. Her name is Eloise. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful name for her.

“Sabrina and Prince Ares…”

I cough as the room applauses again and my whole body goes stiff. I look at my father who is watching me with a mischievous smile and I have to use all the strength in me to stop myself from causing a scene. Seriously? Sabrina is waiting for me on the marbled edges of the floor and I should be happy to be paired with someone so pretty, but the only place I can look is to where Prince Zion is. He lifts her hand to his mouth and I curse under my breath. Why does this bother me so much? I see her blush but then she pulls her hand away as her eyes meet mine and widen. The music comes to a start and Sabrina rushes to me.

“Here, hold my waist.”

Without even noticing myself moving, Sabrina manages to put us into a perfect rhythm to move to the lilting music. The world starts to turn and turn and turn and with each circle I find my mind becoming more and more consumed with irritation. Prince Zion laughs and my head snaps to the side to see the emerald beauty laughing too. My grip on Sabrina tightens and I look back at her, my wolf now feeling on edge and particularly irritated.

“Prince Ares, your eyes…”

I quickly pull Sabrina closer, earning a gasp as I lower her down into a perfect dip. Her whole leg goes on display and I see everyone watching. I run my fingers up her leg, deciding I will give them all a show because why not? My hand travels up her pale skin until I grip her inner thigh seductively. The smell of arousal hits my nose and I smile deviously. I hear murmurs in the crowd and when I lift Sabrina, she is flushed and giggling.

“Ares…” She husks out and the music stops. I quickly let go and look to the side where apple green eyes are watching me closely. I see a mixture of emotions swimming in them, but not for long. Zion pulls her attention back to him and they laugh, making me ball my fists.

“How about we go somewhere private?”

I look back at Sabrina as if she has grown three heads. I would never want to go anywhere alone with her. I frown at my own thoughts and my wolf stirs again. She puts her hand on my cheek and smiles sweetly before leaning in. I quickly stop her and take a step back.

“Sabrina…”

I start to say but my father interrupts me as he pats my shoulder and chuckles. Another man is standing with him.

“Ares, that was some dance. I can’t wait to read the trolls tomorrow morning!”

“Father. You promised I didn’t need to involve myself in these events. A dance, really?” I snap and he laughs.

“Oh come on. It was only one dance and it is childish fun.”

I look around the room and sigh. I didn’t want to get involved in these ridiculous dances.

“That is beside the point, father. I didn’t want to get myself caught up in this type of drama!”

My father gives me a pointed and then smiles at his friend. I know this look. I am now annoying the king.

“Ares, this is the leader of the fae chaste and also a nobleman there. Besides that, he is a great friend and loyal ally to the wolf kind.”

The man and I shake hands.

“It is an honor to meet you, Prince Ares. Last I saw you was when you were just a baby.” The man says and I smile.

“Thank you. It is great to meet you too.”

We all chuckle.

“Say, your daughter looks absolutely beautiful tonight. She definitely seems to be getting some attention around here. You ready to lose her to the Spring Equinox, friend?” My father jokes and the man laughs warmly whilst nodding. I look around the room and wonder which fae girl here must be his daughter. The fae nobleman has a warm and friendly presence about him. I see a girl in the corner, chatting to other girls and I think perhaps it could be her. They both have those types of sweet looks as if butter won’t melt in their mouths. I see the girl shake her head and say no to a glass of alcohol. Yip, it is definitely her. It has to be.

“Speaking of my daughter. Eloise, come here…”

Eloise? Eloise? Eloise?

That same stirring feeling picks up inside me and my eyes snap back to the man, who is now smiling as he gestures and waves across the room. My father is also smiling. I hardly have time to register before I find myself staring at the emerald beauty move closer. She looks happy until her eyes hover over and see me. I frown too. This daring girl is his daughter? She hugs her father and then folds her arms as she looks at me. Such attitude!

“Eloise, darling, you have met King Augustus, but I would like you to meet his son Prince Ares.”

Silence. Nothing but silence as her eyes scrutinize me and take me in. I almost want to hide myself. The green in her eyes flickers with dangerous promise and the brown rings around them deepen an emotion I don’t even understand. What she does next is beyond me. She snorts!

“Eloise!” Her father scolds her. She snorts and then laughs again.

“I am sorry father…” Laughing.

“It’s just, your name is so fitting!” She laughs.

Silence.

“Do you two know each other?” My father now asks. Eloise carries on laughing and I feel my jaw ticking in irritation.

“Fitting, how so?” I ask and she laughs even louder.

“Well, your name means ruin and destruction, which I think is perfect considering how you RUINED my bed last night and DESTROYED that poor girl's heart in the process.”

Her words flip something inside of me. My father looks at me now, his eyes full of rage and his nostrils flared.

“You are testing my patience, fairy!”

The words come out before I can hold back, but she pushed me too far. Calling the fae people “fairies” is really derogatory and low. Prince Zion has appeared from nowhere and his hand on Eloise’s arm makes me want to rip him apart.

“ARES!” My father booms. His whole aura picks up and I see Zion is also shooting daggers my way.

“How dare you insult Eloise like that? How dare you belittle the fae chaste? That is not why we are here.” Prince Zion speaks up and his eyes flash a deep purple. I am sure my own gaze is completely black already. I notice his grip on her arm now lowering to her waist, but why does it bug me so much? I shouldn’t even give a s**t about this girl who I don’t even know. She is nothing to me! Not my friend, not my family, not my lover, and NOT my mate. I look around me to see we have gathered some attention and I suck in a big breath as my father watches me with irritation.

“You are right, Zion. You are all here to show face, prance around in your elitist circles and show off in hopes to find a good f**k for the Equinox. I DID NOT WANT TO BE HERE! I don’t care for fine dining and these stupid games.”

My words seem to shock everyone and I turn to my father, who is seething.

“I came here to help you host this event and that is what I will do because I promise, but I will NOT get involved in these petty events again. My mate clearly isn’t here and you all know that is all that matters to a wolf who is a future king.”

I said that to my father this time.

“Enjoy all your drinking, fine dining, and f*****g! I have more important things to do.”

With that, I walk to the drinks table and find myself the stiffest glass I can take. I know my father will have my head later. I can hear him apologizing to his friends from here. I don’t care though. Zion pulls Eloise’s arm and guides her to the food table. I almost want to smack away the plate of food from his hand as he lifts a vine of grabs down into her mouth. Her red lips wrap around the grape and suck it in and something about the motion makes my member twitch.

“f*****g Spring Equinox!”

“Whoah there! Why are you so tense?” Nate pitches next to me and looks between me and Eloise.

Silence.

“Since when do you let girls control your emotions so much, Ares?”

I can tell he is being serious.

“I don’t know.”

It’s the truth. I have no idea why this girl is getting under my skin and I don’t like it at all. Yes, she has a beauty that no girl I have ever seen can compare to. Her eyes are like infinite fields of nature that mix into mystery. How does she have eyes like that anyway? I thought only hybrids have mixed colors. She clearly isn’t a hybrid. Then her mouth. Goddess, the way she speaks her mind in the most sweet voice just does something…

“Wow…”

Nate’s voice snaps me back to reality and he starts chuckling.

“You have it bad!”

Nate laughs again and I feel myself stiffen at his words.

“It’s the Spring Equinox. Being around all these women is doing something to my head. I need a good lay.” I admit and he laughs and smacks my back.

“Whatever you say, old friend.”

I see Trinity busy picking up some glasses at one of the tables nearby and a smirk lifts at my mouth. Nate follows my gaze and his laughter dies down.

“Ares, you cannot be serious?”

I shrug my shoulders at his question.

“I told you. I need to f**k someone so I can get it out of my system!”

I stand up quickly and Nate sighs.

“I don’t think that having s*x with countless girls is going to help you, Ares.”

“Maybe not, but it's worth a try, yes?”

"And what of your mate?"

I look at my friend with a raised eyebrow.

"What of her, Nate? She isn't here. I haven't met my mate yet. I know you think you are trying to help, but it is so easy for you considering you have Linda. One day I will meet my mate and I will love her endlessly. She will be ALL that matters to me. She will be my EVERYTHING and MY QUEEN. You know I take that s**t seriously. We only get ONE chance at having a mate. Until then..."

I shrug and look back to where Trinity is. With that, I make my way to the maiden hoping to find the release that hasn’t come since being in Eloise’s room. I am not sure what is going on with me and my wolf, but I do know I need to get rid of this tension inside me.