Evaline:
I hadn’t expected Kieran to ask me to dance. But when he extended his hand with a small, sincere smile, I found myself accepting.
Stepping forward with him felt both safe and dangerously illicit. My thoughts were throbbing with confusion. Oscar, Draven... they were my anchors, my mates - but with Kieran, there was an undeniable pull that always left me feeling confused, guilty, and needy.
As soon as the music changed, he drew me into a soft waltz. He held me carefully yet possessively, guiding me into the rhythm. I felt the crowd’s eyes on us as we moved, but I only noticed his firm, warm grip on my waist and his careful hand atop mine.
He twirled me elegantly, careful not to let slip the storm of intensity his gaze held - those deep emerald orbs never left my face. He brought me back into his arms, my back pressed nearly against his chest. His breath brushed my temple in subtle warmth. His hand moved along my spine with confident ease, and I suddenly realized he wanted me to dance with him tonight. He wanted this closeness, and I... I wanted it too.
A tidal wave of emotion crashed through me. I had mates. And still... I was feeling this forbidden pull toward their elder brothers. I felt torn, confused in a way I had never before. My pulse thudded not just in my ears but through every nerve ending.
This wasn’t physical attraction alone. This was adoration and longing wrapped in graceful movement. And I was drowning... while knowing that I shouldn’t.
Thankfully, the song ended. I pulled away softly, but immediately, desperate for some distance, and he bowed politely, disappearing into the crowd with a courteous nod. I exhaled shakily.
Looking for refuge, I wandered through the edge of the ballroom. There, standing like a silent thundercloud guarding his corner, was Draven. He wasn’t locked in conversation, he was motionless except for the occasional lift of his hand as he greeted his friends - ones I had seen him with back at the Academy.
Just as I was about to look away, he lifted his head and our eyes locked.
Instantly, he excused himself from his group and headed my way.
He handed me a chocolate cupcake - small, with creamy frosting, topped by a dusting of edible silver. I held it like a relic while suspicion shadowed my features. I didn’t doubt him, but the same couldn’t be said about the cupcake.
"Completely safe," he chuckled softly as he read my thoughts loud and clear. "I bought the box myself."
I couldn’t help but smile and took a bite. It was rich, moist, perfect. He signaled to a friend, who delivered the said box with five more cupcakes in it. My heart melted at his consideration.
"You look like you haven’t eaten all evening," he said, half teasing, half worried.
I nodded and accepted only two more. I was too overwhelmed to eat more, but it helped greatly.
His friend started to ask my name, clearly intrigued to see almost every Thorne brother acquainted with me. But Draven laid a gentle hand on the man’s arm, shaking his head with a whisper. The friend bowed out quickly.
I noticed Oscar dancing with a lady who appeared to be in her forties and the way she was smiling, I could tell he had already charmed her. But I felt no jealousy, maybe because I could tell the lady had no bad intentions toward my mate.
On the other hand, River was fulfilling his promise to the Luna of the Blue Moon Pack. I noticed them dancing on the other side of the floor.
Just then, Draven offered me his hand and guided me into a circle of slower dance that was lighthearted and warm. Our bodies moved close, but we kept it respectful. No kisses, no touches beyond polite rhythm and reassuring brushes of our fingertips. Still, I felt cherished.
I could taste chocolate on my lips, feel the faint perfume of cinnamon and fir needles in the air. In that moment, I desperately wanted to pause time.
But after only a handful of measures, I excused myself to find River again.
This time, I found him near the balcony, arms crossed and discreetly observing guests.
He was looking impeccable, holding a glass of red wine to his lips... but paused before drinking it.
He lowered the glass slightly, and his gaze Sharpened.
My throat tightened as I immediately realized something was off.
"Alpha..." I said softly.
He didn’t put away the glass, instead, he pretended to sip.
"I’m leaving my safety in your hands from now on." He surprised me with his words that were spoken just for my ears.
"Your talk about this being good for me... it’s just talk, isn’t it?" I blurted in a low voice as we stepped to the edge of the hall.
He didn’t respond at once, not tried to defend himself as I continued to accuse him. "Is this just so you don’t have to rely on someone else - like Jasper - to protect you?"
Finally, he answered.
"Trust me, in situation like these, Jasper always has his hands full with much more important matters to play my babysitter."
"What about Ms. Emma?" I pressed.
"My secretary is married, busy with her kids. I can’t afford losing her if she’s overworked."
Letting out a sigh, I nodded my head. I wanted to know how many more excuses he had up his sleeve. "Then why not find someone for this specific job?"
His voice was steady but softer than I had ever heard as he answered, "There’s no one else I trust enough."
How could he-
I just stared at him in silence while my heart thudded. I was absolutely hating whatever play he was performing tonight. It was like his every word, every action... was meant to touch my heart.
I quickly averted my gaze, afraid he might see something in my eyes that shouldn’t be even there to begin with. When I spoke, my voice was as cold as the weather outside.
"You shouldn’t trust me either. Don’t forget I have more than enough reasons to leave you in the hands of your enemies."