The Beast Within Us

Chapter 20: Belle of the Ball

Night came swiftly, the moon peaks through the dark sky as many began their last-minute preparations for the gala. In my hurry to escape The Pack of I Koiláda, I didn't think I would need to pack a ball gown... or that I would be attending a ball.

Roze quickly bursts through the door carrying many dresses in her hands, giggling and jumping like a happy little school girl.

"What's all this?" I ask.

"Since we both have nothing to wear, I found someone who was more than willing to help us!" Roze squeals.

In walks Candice with a smirk plastered on her face, her arms crossed over her chest in her usual power stance.

"Candice. It has been a while since we last talked." I state.

"That it has, Dalia-- or should I be saying, Delilah?" She speaks.

I exhale, "I see the news has reached you."

"Faster than you would have thought," Candice responds. "Although your past actions at that pack were... shocking, my views of you haven't really changed."

"Why not?" I ask, confused.

"I guess, if I was in your position, I would have done the same thing." She says. "Except run from a fight. I don't run from a fight, I finish it!"

I chuckle as she pats me on the shoulder. I look back at it he many dresses Roze had brought into the room. Roze picks up a red one and happily skips into the bathroom to try it on.

They were of different styles and fabrics that stood out all in their own way. I have never seen gowns like these before let alone owned any of this quality.

"Where did you get these?"

"I made them myself." Candice answers.

I look up at her, "You? A seamstress?"

"My hands aren't just lethal weapons." She laughs. "It's a talent that also runs in the family. In my spare time, Sometimes I like to create things instead of destroy."

My eyes fall on a yellow dress that stood out much more than the others. It was sliming and could hug my figure perfectly. I pull it out of the pile and examine it, watching how the light in the room caused the gown to sparkle.

"If you like it, it's yours." Candice says.

"I couldn't..."

"Hey, you need a dress for the gala." She responds. "Take it, wear it, and love it."

I look at her and smile. I set the dress down and hug her.

"Thank you... for being a friend..."

______________________

The party is phenomenal! Many werewolves from many packs were dancing and laughing as the music plays. Flutes of champagne were given to the guest as Jason walks around making sure everyone was having a grand time.

I stay away from the crowd, more towards the door in case I need to leave quickly. I take a sip of champagne, the bubbles tickling my throat and nose. I giggle to myself as I stare at the lipstick stain I had left on the rim.

Roze stomps over to me. Before I could say anything she punches me in the arm, well she tried. She is not that strong.

"Your fists are like pillows." I laugh. "What's the problem?"

"You did not tell me Jason was an Alpha!" She yells.

"Was that an important detail?"

"Yes!" She exclaims. "He wants to introduce me as his mate in front of everyone!"

"Do you not like being his mate?" I ask.

Roze grabs two flutes of champagne off of a tray and instantly chugs them. She grabs mine from my hand and does the same. I glare at her in annoyance as she hands me back the empty glass.

"Being his mate is not the problem, trust me." She sighs. "It's just... no one in my family has ever been mated to an Alpha. The highest rank has been a Warrior, and that was my mother and father before he-- I don't know how to be an Alpha Female, I'm just a simple Gatherer that's all I've ever been."

"Well, you're about to be something more," I state. "You won't be alone in all of this. I'm here and so is Jason. Now, go greet the guest. You're an Alpha, show them no fear."

She nods and takes in a deep breath. She drinks one more glass of champagne and hugs me before walking off. I smile for a moment, happy for my best friend.

Then a familiar scent hits me.

I scan the room and I freeze when I spot Conan and Elle walking in.

"Not now..." I think.

I notice when Conan's head perks up. He looks around the room.

He knows I'm here...

I quickly exit through the door before he sees me. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I race off away from the gala. Before I could get any farther strong, yet gentle hands grab my arm and turn me around, forcing me to look into their green eyes.

"Delilah, what are you doing here?" Conan asks.

I remove his hand from my arm.

"Why do you even care?" I ask. "Months ago, I wasn't even fit to be the dirt on your shoes, why did you chase after me?"

"Why did you run?"

I look away from him as it slowly began to rain. Just my luck. I'm standing outside- in the dark I might add- with my mate who I thought I would never have to speak to again as it begins to rain. Just what I wanted...

"You are going to get sick if you stay out here." He says.

I turn to look at him, "Conan, I don't care! Just--"

"I'm not here to fight with you, Delilah." Conan interrupts. "I want to make amends."

"Conan--"

"Delilah, I need you..."

I gape at him, unable to speak. My eyes fill up with tears as I go over his words in my head. The rain continues on but I don't care. I couldn't believe my ears.

"Y-you can't mean that..." I say quietly. "You can't possibly mean that..."

"I don't expect you to forgive me, I could never forgive myself for how I made you feel..." He began, "When Juliette died, I became a wreck. I thought that was it for me, I wouldn't have another chance. But, you came along and I let you go. You were my last chance and I let you walk away..."

He runs his hand through his wet hair as I stare at him.

"You deserved the world and I gave you nothing but heartache." He continues on, "I'm here because I can't let you walk away again. I just can't..."

I stare into his green eyes. They were filled with pain and worry. He patiently waits for my response as I slowly walk up to him. The rain was pouring down heavily, making medium-sized puddles on the ground. In one swift movement...

I slap him.