Red Riding Hood

Chapter Six

Derrick let out a whistle as we headed up the driveway. The castle was truly a castle, the grey stoned walls lit up with strobe lights that danced into the night sky as a beacon for the line of limousines and town cars that slowly inched closer to the entrance. We were ushered inside towards a cloakroom and once we were free of our jackets and after a quick adjustment of our outfits we followed the crowd into the main ballroom. It seemed as if the whole town was here and a few celebrities were recognized amongst the sea of faces.

"This is some party," Mum whispered to me, obviously as impressed as I was. The hall had ivory tapestries draped over the ceiling; grand chandeliers hung low over the dance floor where a waltz was taking place. I had never seen anything like it. An orchestra sat in the circle of the staircase, the music beautiful. As we neared the dance floor a man approached my Mum.

"Puis-je avoir cette danse Madame?" He took her hand and kissed it elegantly. Giggling she threw a quick look towards me and I nodded smiling encouraging her to go.

"Oui Monsieur" and I watched as he led her to join in the dances. More surprisingly, she knew what she was doing. I had never seen her dance like before.

"I can't believe we are here" Andrea gushed, kissing Derrick on the cheek as he wrapped his arm around her waist. They were too cute.

"It's amazing," I agreed. Waiters came past with a tray of champagne and we all took a glass.

"I wonder where our host is?" Andrea mused, looking around the room. I gave a shrug and looked around too, tensing as I recognized a face in the crowd. As we made eye contact he froze, confusion crossing his features.

"What?" Andrea noticed my tense stance and looked around again.

"Nothing. I'm going to go to ladies" I excused myself from the group, moving closer to him. As I was within in reaching range his hand shot out and grabbed my arm, I squealed not expecting it as he pulled me towards him. He was more attractive in person, his light brown hair was shorter than I remembered from my dreams, his brown eyes filled with surprise. He was not as tall as William but he had similar features, the same square jaw and solid build, I could feel how hard his chest was as he held me against him.

"Marcus" I whispered, his eyebrows wrinkled in worry as he heard his name.

"What trickery is this," he snapped, confusion and surprise gone and instead replaced with anger. His grip tightened around my wrist and I flinched trying to break free. He was a were wolf, I couldn't get free from him. I looked at the two men who were with him, all frowning as they looked at me.

"Take her outside," he ordered, letting me go the other two proceeded to gently lead me towards the entrance.

"What's going on?" I asked them as we finally stopped. Rather than go left and the way we came in, we went right and after going down a long corridor we finally entered a small courtyard. The two shuffled about uncomfortable, not willing to answer me. Something inside me was telling me to calm down but I couldn't.

"If you're not going to tell me, let me back inside. My Mum and friends are in there, they are probably getting worried as to where I went!" I was getting annoyed now. They looked at each other worried, a seemingly silent conversation going on between the pair. The door suddenly opened, obviously not expecting it the pair jumped and quickly moved to block me from view from the intruder. Or perhaps my rescuer. I wasn't sure yet. The duo were tense, the tension in the air thick enough to cut in two. My hands sat firmly on my hips, what was going on? A peered around the blonde's side, my eyes going wide as the man who seemed to be George Clooney and Brad Pitts love child stood before us. I had a feeling I was in the company of more were's, 'Are they all this good looking?' I wondered. Catching my gaze a small smile appeared on his face and turning his attention back to my 'guards' his face changed to pure anger.