The Beauty of Despair (Book 1 of 3)

Chapter 32

I DESCRIBED A DRESS I SAW IN MY MIND WHEN I WROTE THIS BUT THE DRESS ON SIDE NOW I THINK I FOUND AN ALRIGHT DEPITCTION ON SIDE HERE ------>

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. A golden dress clung tastefully to my body, translucent cloth swaddling my otherwise bare shoulders. My eyes were framed with thicker lashes than normal because of the mascara and I lightly added gold eyeshadow to my lids. My final touch was blood red lipstick that gave me a hint of danger. My hair was twisted up simply with a couple escaping tendrils blanketing my cheeks. To most I'd simply look like a beautiful woman but to myself I recognized the determined gleam in my eyes. Sitting on the edge of the tub, I hiked up my dress to secure the dagger that Josiah requested I hide underneath my dress. Then I slipped into my dark tan heels, jewels lining up the curve of my feet. When I stood, I straightened my dress once again so it reached my ankles, loosely surrounding my legs and creating the illusion of golden waves below my hips. Glancing down at my engagement ring and inhaled deeply. Tonight was the night we changed everything. Satisfied, I exited the bathroom to find Josiah buttoning a charcoal vest over his white dress shirt. It was unbuttoned enough so I saw the beginning of his chest and his matching dress pants showcased his long, lean legs. His jacket was laid out on our bed and his curls were still a little wet from his shower. His grey eyes flew up to meet mine and his jaw grew slack. He laughed and grinned, sauntering towards me and studying my body with darker eyes.

"Damn Ms. Jordans, you're looking quite lovely tonight." I smiled and curtesied playfully.

"Thank you Mr. Richards." Chuckling he tried to kiss me but I turned my head at the last moment so he got my cheek. Frowning, Joisah silently questioned why I moved through his expression. Throwing him a sympathetic smile, I exited his embrace and grabbed his tie for him, hanging it around his neck and kissing his cheek. I giggled when it left an imprint of my lips and licked my thumb to wipe it away.

"Sorry Babe, don't want to smear my lipstick. Once we get our guy, you can smear it all you want." Joisah nodded and smiled grimly, holding my hands and staring down at my ring and tenderly brushing his finger over it.

"Are you sure you want to go? We can do this, between the rest of the Council I mean Barnabus and Zeke came back just to help, we have the wolves, Cam...you could stay here and wait until it's over, help Delilah watch over Colton." Squeezing his hands in mine, I spoke gently because I was well aware he was only concerned for my safety.

"You should know better than that Josiah, I am going tonight for image and to find Kristy. Besides, Julia is already helping Delilah plus they're cominf afterwards and I don't see you trying to stop Ivory from going." He sighed and kissed my forehead, cradling the back of my head in his hand. His voice was soft as he leaned his forehead against mine.

"Please just be careful tonight, don't leave my side and remember that JoJo is right outside the door and the wolves will be flanking you all night, along with Delilah and Julia once they stabilize Colton." I nodded and interlaced our fingers, pulling him towards the door.

"I will, now let's do this." Josiah tucked my arm against him and I leaned into him, sensing the tightness of his muscles. I knew he was worried over what would happen tonight but he also knew it needed to happen. The party was already well into it and we entered into a crowd of hundreds of people. Good grief, how many people did Ivan invite? Some woman instantly approached us. She had a wide smile and was slightly pudgy but beautiful nonetheless. Her eyes were a piercing amber and her silver dress flattered her stocky form. The woman pulled Josiah into a hug and I almost fell until I dropped his arm. Her voice was high pitched and excited.