Fastest of the Woods

VII

"I don't think that's a good idea," I said to Arturo, giving him a smile.

"You're right, we wouldn't want to ruin that lovely dress of yours."

"No, we wouldn't."

"A dress like that should be danced in," he put out his hand for me to take," Shall we?"

"I'd love to."

I took his hand and he led me over to the dance area. Kian was saying something in my head and my wolf warned me not to do this but right now I really don't give a damn. Arturo is hot and Kian isn't asking me to dance any time soon. Here I was, saving myself for my mate all these years when in all reality I could have been having fun, he was and now he doesn't even want me.

He will. Give it time.

I don't want to wait any more, I want to live. Now.

She started to say something but I made quick work of blocking out her and Kian. I cut off all sounds in my head except my own thoughts, nobody's gonna tell me I can't.

Arturo's hand went onto my waist as he pulled me close, he took my hand in his and we started to dance.

He twirled me around twice, moving me to the side each time until I was on the other side of him. When the skirts of my dress settled my hand went to his shoulder to steady myself and he took my other in a Cinderella-at-the-ball fashion. We moved backwards in a graceful yet stoppy motion. He twirled me around a few more times and I felt dizzy.

"You dance well."

"I'm glad you think so, I feel like I'm about to fall over."

"Don't worry about that, I've got you."

"Still."

He chuckled for a moment before he grew serious again. I noticed that even when he was serious he didn't turn cold, just harder.

"You and Kian, you are mated. Why did he allow you to dance with me? Why does he let me hold you this close?"

"Kian and I are estranged to say the least. He want to be with Hannah."

"And what do you want?"

"I want," I looked over my shoulder to see Kian talking to Mike with Hannah still hanging onto his arm," I want him to be happy."

"Doesn't your happiness matter?"

"I'll be fine."

"I want you to be more than fine, a girl like you deserves a gentleman."

A blush settled on my cheeks, I looked down to avoid him seeing. He chuckled again.

"Holly, a few years back I found my mate."

"Oh," I gasped, trying to move away," I didn't know. You don't have to dance with me. I don't want to cause trouble."

"No, no trouble. She died while birthing our child. Now I am with out my precious Luna and with out a child to be Alpha. Do you see my problem?"

"I do."

"I was wondering if you'd be willing to take her place? The Rosa Angel pack deserves a Luna and you remind me so much of her."

"I-I couldn't just take her place. I'm no Luna."

"But you will be, your mate doesn't want you. He's abandoning you. I want you, Holly."

My heart grew at the thought of being wanted. My intelligence would be welcomed, needed if there was a war. I wouldn't be an outcast, no one would dare gossip about their Luna.

I glanced at Nova and Luke and thought about what I'd be leaving.

"I don't know. I'll need time to think about it."

"I completely understand," Arturo dipped me low, my hair fell over my shoulder to behind my back," Just remember, Holly Sterling," he brought me back up," I want you."

I nodded my head, feeling a little light headed. He smiled and let me go before walking over to Roberto who looked  like he'd had too much to drink as he laughed loudly with Luke about something.

_____

The party didn't end for hours, but that didn't stop me from leaving early. Nova and Lila begged me to stay and dance and have fun with them but it's just not my thing. It used to be, I used to want to have fun. Now I can't stomach watching Hannah with Kian.

Besides, it gives me time to think.

That's what I did. I went to my room, took a long shower, changed into my night gown, sat in front of my mirror, dried my hair with a towel and thought. I caressed the long strands with a towel from my bathroom as I sat on the floor in front of my full length mirror. My eyes glazed over as I looked up at the crack in it from Kian marking me.

I choked back any thoughts of tears. No, I fucking strangled them. I won't cry over this. I'm strong.

I'm strong, wolf.

I know you are, human.

Giving my hair one last stubborn wipe with the now damp towel, I stood up and threw it in the basket. My mind was made. I'll tell Arturo tomorrow, Kian doesn't have to know. For now, I'll just lay back on my bed and continue my book.

Maybe I'll also go for a run tomorrow. Who knows.