Half-Blooded | The Dark Child Prophecy Series [✔️]

Chapter 48: Champagne

When plates were being cleared, the music that had been playing quietly turned from complementary to pieces that were often played for ballroom dancing. I listened to Gabriel describing a new plan for coven forums that would help integrate his fiancée's cabinet of advisors for smaller political meetings.

"And now, the waltz," the master of names announced, his voice carrying over the entire room. The sound of the metal from the bottom of his cane made two loud successions of clangs before stopping. Within seconds, the music changed from their former soft melodies to a classical waltz symphony.

I glanced around as couples began to rise from their tables. The Kipling alphas rose and walked to the middle of the floor, along with the others who were going to dance. I smiled as I watched them, admiring how perfectly suited they seemed. I picked up my champagne glass and took a long sip.

"They suggest a dance, and our parents are on the floor," Gabriel said from beside me. I flicked my eyes in their direction to see Alphonse offering his hand to Eris as she rose out of her chair. He escorted her onto the ballroom floor, twirling her once.

"You can't be surprised," Krystal said.

"Nope. They always dance," Nikolas added, also watching their parents.

"It's very romantic," Sarita commented quietly and I turned to look at her watching my aunt and uncle with a soft expression.

I was about to agree when the torso of a man blocked out my view of the ballroom, standing across the table from me. I turned my head back from looking at Sarita to him, my eyes narrowing slightly.  He smiled at my expression and offered his hand.

"Mistress Serenity, would you do me the honor of this dance?" he asked.

I took in his dark, black curls and scruffy beard, his blue eyes bright and sparkling. His accent was American, like mine, but had more of a Midwestern touch to it. He was the Dark Rapids beta with the female alpha. I gave him a quick once-over to inspect his blue suit and crisp white shirt. He was handsome and dressed well, even though he wasn't wearing a tux. His scent was strong of musk, evergreen, and prairie grass.

As I hesitated to give him an answer, he smiled a little less by covering his teeth with closed lips. "My apologies, where are my manners? I'm Wolfe Mather, from South Dakota."

I grinned, tipping my head to one side. "You're a wolf named Wolfe?" I asked, my eyebrows rising.

"My parents thought they were rather humorous. Personally, I think it lacks originality," he answered me, grinning enough to show his teeth again. His hand was still outstretched towards me.

I took his fingers in mine and gave him one firm up-and-down shake before letting go. I leaned back in my chair to take him in again. "You should know I'm not really much of a dancer," I warned. He seemed sincere and well-intentioned. I didn't feel on-edge in his presence.

He chuckled and shook his head. "I highly doubt that, my lady. Can you waltz?"

"I can. But that doesn't mean I will," I answered.

"I beg to differ. One dance and I won't ask again, wolf's word."

I sighed and glanced at my cousins. Nikolas smirked while Gabriel gave him a silent analysis. Krystal's head turned towards us, but I noticed her eyes were focused over Wolfe's shoulder, towards Jason. I was willing to bet she was waiting for his reaction. "Alright, one dance," I gave in.

He grinned again. "I promise, you won't be disappointed."

I stood, and a man behind me pulled my chair out. I gave the attendant a smile in thanks then stepped around the edge of the table and took the pack beta's arm as he led me onto the floor. He twirled me around once to put me facing him and my hands found their positions naturally. Wolfe swayed for a moment to get the beat and then we were off.