Solstice Howl

11

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It was a masquerade; a tradition to which I am to take off my mask when the Alpha announces me the Luna of the European continent himself during his grand speech.

There was a large ball room located somewhere in the pack house, enclosed behind a looming door.

The Alpha had pulled my mask out of his pocket without saying anything, refusing to meet my eyes as he delicately placed it on my face and reached around to tie it behind my head.

It was black with intricate red swirls and I peered up at his concentrated face with wide-eyes.

Not once since the Solstice Moon have I taken a minute to gawk at his attractiveness, but found now is the perfect time while he is preoccupied.

His dark hair is tousled in a way that was supposed to be effortless, but I can tell he spent time working with it. Eyes the color of icicles during harsh winters are surrounded by long lashes, and his skin is dark, darker than mine.

The Alpha's suit was black with an adorning red tie, matching my dress in color.

So, just like that? You're gonna extol at his beauty? You know he can see you....

I blinked my reverie to the back of my mind and pulled away from him, sparing him a confused look, though it was meant to be a glare.

I can't be developing anything for him...

Nova had an off-white mask, a stick hanging down from it as she held it to her face.

The Alpha stared down at me for a couple of seconds then shook his head, reaching for my arm, "What are you doing?" I exclaimed as he attempted to grab it again.

"It would look unprofessional for me not to be holding you while they announce us."

I scoffed, reluctant to oblige.

"I don't care how we look, I can not stand your touch!"

His response was snarling and forcefully looping his arm through mine, clutching my back and causing me to jump in fright as his touch.

"I have tolerated your disrespect thus far, but no more. You are my mate, you will love me, and you will let me hold you!" He roared in my face.

I blinked rapidly, briefly looking over at Nova and Nicolas who found the floor to be a lot more suitable to look at than us.

"I hate you," I whispered, my eyes shining in sincerity.

He clutched at his heart briefly, staggering slightly. But, he did not relent on his hold of me.

I had obviously hurt him, but I don't care.

The tinge of guilt you feel begs to differ.

And then, before I could prepare myself for it, the doors opened.

I couldn't hold back a small gasp at the bustling people inside of the huge ballroom.

Fabrics were swaying as werewolves danced in glee, laughter and bright music filling the room.

Nova and Nicolas entered first, and not so much as a glance was spared to them by anyone in the room.

But, when The Alpha and I entered everyone's line of sight; they stopped what they were doing, the music immediately ceasing.