Only Her- ON HOLD

Chapter 3.

*Photo: Noah (Charlie Hunnam)

I walked into the room and instantly felt eyes turn to look at me. I pushed my chin up as they slowly parted for me, allowing me to make my way through the room. I heard Zachary and Ki following closely behind me as I moved forward to the front of the room. Another gigantic stone fireplace towered in the center of the wall ahead, settled between an entire wall of floor to ceiling windows overlooking a large lake. A heavy wooden table was placed in front of it for the meeting tomorrow.

I steeled my nerves and straightened as I came to stand next to Blake. He gave me a nod of acknowledgement as he motioned out across the floor. "The entire pack has come out to celebrate your arrival tonight Daniela. I hope you'll enjoy yourself. There is food and drink placed around the room. Be sure to help yourself."

I flashed him a small smile and nodded. "I can see that. I think I will have no problems enjoying tonight Alpha Blake. Thank you."

Sera walked up and smiled at me, her warm eyes welcoming. "You look lovely tonight Daniela."

I returned her smile and looked around. "Thank you ma'am. Will your sons be joining us tonight, or will it just be the three of us?"

Her smile fell slightly and Blake tensed. "They're late, but they will be here, I assure you."

As if on cue, Theo strolled up to stand in front of his father, nodding at me in acknowledgement and giving me a quick smile. He had changed into a slim cut navy suit that clung to his muscular figure. His light brown hair was slicked back and he let his deep blue eyes linger momentarily before his attention was quickly pulled back to his father. I cursed myself as I felt a blush creep up my cheeks under his gaze. He'd certainly changed since my last visit.

Blake spoke evenly, but firmness seethed through each word. "You're late Theo. And where the hell is your brother? He should've been here already."

Theo flashed him a tight smile before stepping to stand to my side. "I think he was finishing something up, but he said he'd be here soon." A small growl rumbled through Blake's chest and he excused himself. Sera smiled at us before following behind him slowly.

I stood alone next to Theo, trying to regain my composure at the crack in his icy exterior I'd remembered. He finally cleared his throat at an attempt to fill the silence before speaking. "So, I think I owe you an apology Daniela."

I turned to face him and my eyebrows rose. His face was sincere and his deep blue eyes stared down into mine with serious intent. "Oh? What for?" I replied.

He turned to face me fully and his deep voice spoke evenly. "For the way I acted towards you when you came here with your family, and honestly all the times before. I was a stupid kid. I should never have treated you like you were invisible."

I gave him a surprised smile. "Thank you Theo. I appreciate that, but it's ok. We were all young. I get it." I lied.

He nodded and held his hand out for me to take. "No one could ever think you invisible now." He smirked. "Would you like to dance?"

I hadn't come here tonight with the intent to dance, but I found myself nodding and taking his hand as he led me out into the middle of the floor. The band began to play a slower song and I let him pull me into his hold, his hand resting on my bare back as his hand took mine. We began to sway and my sensitive nose quickly took in his warm scent, cedar and spice.

"So, how are you enjoying your new position as ambassador?" He asked after a few seconds had passed.

I blinked, trying to reign in my focus. I was here to do a job. I couldn't let myself get distracted. "I've honestly really loved it. I never would have been able to travel like this and meet the other packs on my own. I've always accompanied my parents, but there's something about doing it alone that really seems to fit."