"The best way to find out if you can trust someone is to trust them." - Ernest Hemingway

For the second time in the night, I was escorted towards the dance floor. My presence there gave the remaining Alphas a newly found vigor; a new hope that they'll get another opportunity to ask me for a dance.

Tyler placed his hand on my waist and whisked me onto the ballroom floor. As soon as the musicians struck the first chord of the song, we began to turn and twirl. We embraced the music and in turn the music took control.

Tyler moved with clarity, and his movements flowed with grace that caught the attention of every person on the floor.

"Never knew you could dance this well. What other tricks have you got up your sleeves?"

He smiled and guided me across the dance floor as if we were living in a fantasy. He had his eyes trained on me, yet still, he knew exactly where to take me. His every moment, every angle, every step seemed to be thought out in advance. It felt natural, almost like I was floating.

"Everyone's looking at us," I whispered.

He gently squeezed my waist, "Really? I didn't notice."

My mouth twitched at his humour; glad to know that he was feeling better now.

"Something caught your eyes back there, what was it?"

I pursed my lips, "I think I saw the guy I met at the supermarket."

"The golden pin guy?"

"Yes, that very one."

Even though we were having a serious conversation, he was easily leading the dance and twirling me around the dance floor. We, however, did minimize our eye contact to make sure the possibilities of us being mates were eradicated from their minds.

"I've mind-linked Dad, Vivian. He'll alert the others."

I nodded as we continued to dance. My eyes caught a worried Aiden who was anxiously staring at everyone around me. If someone's eyes settled on me for a second too long, his eyes would dangerously narrow at them as if he was mentally visualizing ways to kill them.

Tyler stepped back, "Tonight, you're a vision, Bluff." He bowed down, "Thank you for the dance."

"The pleasure is all mine," I beamed and gave him a small curtsy.

The corner of his mouth turned up but it dropped as soon as it came when his eyes caught something behind me. Turning around to see what captured his attention, I saw everyone had ceased dancing and had parted like the Red Sea to make a path for Randy Black to walk on.

Please don't tell me we've to dance with him now.

Randy was quick on his feet because within seconds, he was standing in front of me, "Allow me to escort you to the Hall."

He didn't wait for an answer and began to march forward, not even bothering to check if I was following him or not. Beta Jonathan quickly came next to me and placed a hand on my back.

"Let's go. The quicker we do, the quicker this ends."

He offered his right arm to me, his left arm to his wife Ella and then began to lead us to our next destination.

----

The hall was one of the biggest halls I have ever laid eyes on. The ceiling was around twenty feet high and had three chandeliers right on top of a table which stretched as far as one's eye could see. Everyone's gaze was invited upward by virtue of the chandeliers' dazzling sparkle.

The hall was filled with rows of guards with armour so grand it could almost distract your attention from the dazzling and glittering decorations around. Everything appeared so luxurious that the room smelled of gold.

There were two huge stained glass windows which reflected the light from the three big chandeliers, filling the room with a warm, golden, glowing light. The table was covered with cloth of fine linen. There were name cards in front of each chair for easy navigation.

Finally, at the top of the hall was another long table with a padded, throne-like chair where Randy was sitting, his wife next to him, under a canopy that displayed their coat of arms and emblems. The table was placed at a convenient distance from where he could easily overlook everyone in the hall.

As everyone began to settle down in their seats, I found out that my seat was next to Leia, who was on the head chair, whereas Braden was seated on my right side. Much to my happiness, Josh was sitting on my opposite seat.

I recognized Tyler in the same row seated opposite to Ethan; both supporting a miserable face and sending occasional daggers at each other.

"They both are going to have a wonderful time, that's for sure." My wolf joked, clearing enjoying the displeasure both of them were experiencing.

"The first course is now being served!" A loud booming voice surrounded the entire hall.

On cue, plethora of waiters holding silver trays scurried in, and stood behind each chair. The first tray was laid in front of the king, and then the other waiters followed suit and laid down their trays in front of us.

It was stunning. The trays laid in front of us were filled with fabulous arrangements of food made of exotic colours and flavourings. A small chuckle left my lips when I saw Josh eyeing the food like it was the answer to all of his problems.

"He isn't wrong; food does solve everything." My wolf eagerly answered, reflecting the same hunger for the food as him.

"May I?"

I looked to the side and saw Braden holding a champagne bottle. Giving him a polite smile, I gestured towards the golden glass in front of me so he could pour.

"You must've done something good to earn a seat this close to the King."

He handed me the glass, "Why do you say that?"

"If I'm not incorrect," I waited for him to take a sip from his cup before testing my own drink, "We all are seated according to our ranks. And judging purely by your face, you don't appear that old; at least not as old as Alpha Lennon."

He looked at me with calculating eyes and then took another sip of his drink, "You're right; the King likes me."

Feeling intrigued, I decided to inquire even further, "May I ask why?"

His eyes went straight towards Randy, "You'll find out soon enough."

The tone of his voice didn't leave any room for conversation so I decided to bury the matter and continue with the feast. My mouth began to water as soon as my eyes fell on the lavish display of deliciousness but before I could try it out, a small tinge of pain alerted me that someone was trying to mind-link me.

"I found my way in the kitchen and tested everything, Alpha," Ashlee's voice greeted, "The food is safe."

"Okay, how in the world did you manage to do that?"

"A lady never tells. Bon appetit, Alpha!"

After her approval, I literally pounced on the food and started to chow it down but still tried my best to appear as ladylike as possible.

The same could not be said for Josh who was eating as if it was the last meal of his life.

"Easy there, you might choke," Leia's concerned voice warned.

"Don't worry, Princess," he started, eagerly swallowing the food in his mouth, "Nothing I haven't experienced before," he winked at her causing her cheeks to redden.

Two more lavish courses continued and we made small talk to keep ourselves busy. Josh began to talk about his pack after Braden inquired after it.

Some people might think that Josh appears to be a little more easy-going and relaxed than how a typical Alpha would behave but to me, he was far more intelligent than he let on.

For instance, currently he was manipulating information about his pack in such a way that he didn't give out any important details but gave enough to keep the crowd entertained. Everyone on the table near us was completely captured by his articulate oration.

"And that's my pack. Now it's only fair you share a little about yours, Alpha Braden," Josh leaned back, and sensuously licked his spoon to tease an already flushed Leia.

"As you already know, my pack is called Blood-Moon and it has strength of three hundred pack members. We might be less in number compared to the other packs around us but what we lack in number, we make up for in our talent," he took a bite of his food, "I'm sure you cannot find warriors as skilled as mine."

"Guess we'll have to put that to a test someday," Josh raised his glass.

"I'd like that," Braden smirked as he raised his glass in agreement.

Josh's attention then went to Leia, "So Princess, you've been awfully quiet this evening. How about you tell us something about yourself?"

She raised her face and I saw something sparkle in her eyes. A sweet smile graced her face, feeling pleased to be included in a conversation.

"What would you like to know, Sir?"

"Please," Josh groaned, "Let's keep that word reserved for some other, special, nocturnal activities, yes?" I bit the insides of my cheeks to stop myself from laughing. Poor Leia had no idea what he meant. "Call me Josh or J, whichever one you like."

Tyler would've had his head if he knew what Josh was talking to his mate about.

"A little flirting killed nobody, you party pooper," My wolf interrupted.

Sometimes I think you'd be a better wolf for Josh.

"Oh wow, the great Vivian can think? I thought you lost that ability quite a few years ago."

Oh shut up, you.

"Your age, let's start with that. How many lovely years have passed since you graced this Earth with your presence?"

Damn, he's clever.

He knows Leia is responding to his flirting and he's using that to get information out of her.

He was a good friend through and through.

She brushed a strand of hair away from her face, "Twenty-one."

"Ah, twenty-one beautiful years and I only had the wonderful opportunity to meet you now," he grabbed her willing hand which was gloved and kissed it politely on the back.

"May I ask, if it's not intruding, why do you wear these?" Josh lightly glided a finger on her gloves.

She instantly pulled back her hand and narrowed her eyes at him, as if trying to see what his true intentions were but Josh pretended to be as innocent and curious as a little boy.

Feeling no harmful vibes coming from him, she visibly relaxed and opened her mouth to speak, "Partly fashion, partly protection."

Josh leaned forward, "Protection? From what?"

"From whom," she corrected, "The unwanted and desperate attention of men."

"Pardon, I don't follow."

"An average wolf recognizes their mate by the senses of scent and sight. However, in our case it is different. We recognize our mates through the touch of the hand."

I suppressed the gasp which almost left my mouth.

She doesn't know Tyler is her mate!

Naturally, my eyes fell on Tyler whose eyes were already glued on her mate. There was a painful expression plastered on his face.

"But don't you want to find your mate? You never know, he might even be sitting next to you."

She grinned, "Of course I want to find my mate. I mean, who doesn't? But I don't think a piece of cloth would stop me from meeting him or her. If it is meant to be, it will be - no matter what."

Josh and Leia soon shifted to a less heavy topic causing me to turn my attention to Braden who was already looking at me.

I pretended to ignore it and began another round of questioning, "Does the King hold these events regularly?"

"Not really, this was his first in Goddess knows how many years."

"But he still manages to stay in touch with these people?"

He gave me a look, "He has too; he is the King after all."

I studied his face for a second, "Something tells me you're not a fan of his."

The corner of his mouth shifted upwards, "What makes you say that, Alpha?"

I leaned forward and whispered, "Your eyes always turn distant and cold when you speak about him."

His face brightened as he gave me a huge grin, "Observant, huh?"

I didn't reply and waited for him to continue.

"I won't answer again but you're right. My pack and his didn't have the best of history, but we abide by his rules and keep a diplomatic relation to maintain stability."

That's interesting.

"Is there a particular reason as to why? If it's not too much information."

His entire body tensed up, "It is."

As usual, he left no room for me to ask him any further questions. His body language conveyed to me that he was hiding something significant. And I had to find it out very soon.

The night went on as the fourth and the final course was brought out. I was already full by the third course. Braden was the first one to stand up and bid the Queen and King farewell after his meal was finished.

On his way back, he stopped behind my chair and took my hand to lightly kiss it, "It was an honour to make your acquaintance, Alpha Vivian. I sincerely hope that destiny will make our paths cross again soon."

There was a hidden promise in the way he spoke the last sentence.

"Likewise, Alpha Braden."

He bent his head in my direction and then went his way.

Eager to leave the place, I quickly finished my meal as well. When I gently pushed my chair back to get up, I sensed my pack mates standing up as well.

All of us headed towards the throne together.

Randy acknowledged our presence, "Dinner was to your taste, I hope?"

"Don't tell the chefs back at my pack but I've never had anything better."

A full blown smile took over his face. This was the first time I saw his actual, real smile. He was handsome, there was no denying that.

"Doesn't matter; he is ugly from the inside," My wolf joined.

His cold gaze swept over my pack, "Is it true you're leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes, in the morning. We cannot take advantage of your kindness any longer." It pained me to utter the words which were a total lie.

"You're not," he didn't even hesitate to answer, "It will give us great pleasure if you choose to stay with us."

My wolf growled, "Yeah, right and give you ample of time to kill us - no thank you."

"I am extremely thankful for your hospitality but duty calls; I just became an Alpha and I cannot neglect my duties."

A golden ring circled his eyes, "As you wish, but be sure to have breakfast at least."

His voice had certainly dropped an octave.

"We'll try our best. Once again, thank you for this party," I waved my hand to suggest my surroundings, "It was truly... perfect."

He gave me a sinister grin, "Not nearly. It would've been perfect if you found your mate, right?"

I returned his smile with a fake one of mine, "Of course, that would've been the cherry on top but all I know is that the poor guy is out there somewhere."

"Yes," he mused, "Somewhere, indeed. I do hope he finds his way to you very soon."

"Me too."

He nodded his head at me, "Good night, Vivian. Sleep well."

"Good night," A burst of courage took over me as I turned around to leave without bowing down to him.

It was time to put an end to this night.

----

We were escorted back to our rooms by Lukas who remained silent throughout the journey; not that we cared because it allowed us ample time to discuss tonight's events through the mind link.

Our conversation came to the conclusion that it was suspicious how nothing strange happened tonight.

Beta Jonathan, after mutually discussing with all of the Alphas, told me that it would be best if we left the place first thing in the morning without having breakfast.

Ashlee and I collapsed straight on the bed right after changing our outfits. Her light snores surrounded the room within minutes, informing me that she was sound asleep. As for me, I couldn't, for the life of me, get myself to close my eyes and sleep!

There was a strange feeling in my heart which said something bad was about to happen. My heart was twisting and sinking with nerves; my breathing coming in sharp pants.

"Come on Vivian, just concentrate on sleeping, nothing will happen." Chanting to myself, I tightly squeezed my eyes shut and forced myself to fall asleep when suddenly an intense pain overtook my body.

My eyes shot open as I sprung up and sat on the bed.

I tried to gain control, but nothing worked. It hurt badly. Every muscle in my body felt tight, desperate for action, screaming at me to sprint down the forest, to spend the energy that kept on piling.

There was something familiar about this pain, something I've already experienced before. It wasn't heat, I knew that for sure.

My chest felt hollow, and then all at once it was filled with this weird buzzing.

"Ethan," my wolf answered my question.

It was his pain.

Without even thinking about it, my wolf took charge of limbs and made me leap out of the bed. Going through the main door was too much of a risk which is why I walked towards the only viable option - the balcony.

But we were way too high up. There was no way I would make it out alive if I jumped from such a big height. Even if I shifted, it would result into major, if not fatal, injuries.

My eyes anxiously scanned the surroundings, desperately searching for an alternative.

Striding forward, I opened the balcony door and walked out to better examine the situation. My gaze fell on a sturdy tree branch at a few feet distance. It didn't appear safe from any angle but it was worth a shot.

Another burst of pain caused my heart rate to accelerate. My mind began to replay worst case scenarios on a short loop.

"Concentrate, Vivian. Concentrate."

I tried my level best to focus on my breathing; but the anxiety that was bubbling inside my rib cage was now turning into... anger? Why did I feel angry?

Without wasting any more time, I grabbed the branch and gave it a few jerks to see if it was stable.

"We better not fall..."

Not paying any heed to my wolf, I took a heavy breath and climbed on the branch but feeling my apprehension, she came to my aid and gave me enough confidence and strength to leap from one tree branch to the other, efficiently allowing us to make our way forward.

Once I was a considerable distance away from the castle and the guards, I managed to climb down the tree and make it safely on the ground.

"Nice one, human. Remind me to add 'jumps like Tarzan' to our resume."

Couldn't have done it without you, loser.

I assessed my body for injuries and found multiple scratches on my elbows and hands which wasn't a big deal as they would heal by themself.

"You better find another way inside the castle because I'm definitely not going up through that route."

My reply to her fell short as another round of intense pain shot through my heart. I nearly collapsed and fell down on my knees.

Ethan.