Louisa's POV
"My name is Zabel Hawk. I'm Alpha Zackery's elder brother and his Beta." The man replied in a steady voice while looking at me. "Zack has mentioned you to me all the time and I'm sure he'll be really happy to see you here."
"But..." I paused. I had got so many questions that I didn't even know where to start.
"We're getting into this building from the main entrance!" I continued. "Lucian told me that the main entrance is only for Alphas and their Lunas..."
"Well, yeah. But I've told you, this is our secret passage. So I guess we don't have to follow that kind of rule," he said.
I guessed I couldn't look more puzzled.
He smiled and leaned slightly forward to me and said, "I know you've got a lot of questions. I'm very positive that all of them will be answered tonight. But for now, I would like you to smile."
"Why?" I frowned.
"Because all the people at the ball will be looking at us when we pass that door." He pointed to the door in front of us and said.
"No!" I was horrified and wanted to escape instinctively. "Please don't do this to me! My hair's a mess. I'm wearing a gown that is literally soiled with chicken blood..."
"And I'm wearing a horseman's clothes. We're a great match." Zabel winked at me and said.
"No, Zabel... This is very wrong... I mean, I was drunk the other day at the auction and I made a fool of myself. I'm sure you have heard of it..." I dragged his arm, trying to stop him from moving forward to the door.
"Yeah, I've heard of it," Zabel chuckled. Then, he stared into my eyes and said, "But please don't worry, Louisa. Nobody will think you're a fool because you're with me tonight. Now, smile."
I glanced at him. His piercing blue eyes reflected inner strength and kindness, so much kindness it gave me a warm shiver all over. The light from the chandelier above us shimmered in his eyes, illuminating his whole personality within. It only lasted a brief moment, but all my fears dissolved in his gaze. I became eager to know more about him.
I took a deep breath and proceeded in. My heart kept pounding with each step I took. I could hear the faint sound of chatter and laughter inside the door, which made me even more nervous.
I could already imagine the despise and jeer on people's faces.
And what about Lucas? How would he react when he saw me dancing with Zabel?
When the door in front of us finally opened, I saw the Grand Hall of Gale for the first time in my life.
I had never seen such a spectacular place filled with so many beautiful people in splendid attires.
Everyone was laughing, drinking, chatting, or dancing while elegant music played in the background... until I walked into the room with Zabel.
The whole room turned silent when we showed our presence.
People were literally petrified.
I looked up at Zabel as if he was my last straw of hope.
Zabel looked down at me and smiled.
As we walked into the room, everyone around us started to bow and greeted Zabel.
I couldn't believe it.
They were Alphas from all packs, dignitaries, ambassadors, aristocrats...
Why did they become so humble and lower their heads in front of Alpha Zackery's Beta brother?
This whole thing doesn't make any sense. I thought to myself.
"Zabel?" I heard a familiar voice.
I looked up and saw Alpha Zackery standing in front of us.
He was wearing a black tuxedo, which enhanced his lean figure.
"You're here..." Alpha Zackery looked a bit surprised as he saw me. "...with your lovely plus-one. How are you tonight, little girl?"
"I'm very uncomfortable and I guess I'm going to throw up," I replied in a low voice.
I felt naked in front of those dazzling, beautiful rich people.
Alpha Zackery smiled at me and said, "You look beautiful tonight, Louisa."
"Seriously?" I frowned and looked up at him, "I have chicken feathers in my hair."
"So do Madmoizelle Eleanor and Antonette. They don't feel shame about it. Why should you?" Alpha Zackery lowered his voice while pointing at two ladies in a distance. They were wearing extravagant headwear made of striking-colored feathers.
I bit my lips so that I didn't laugh out loud.
"Brother, why are you wearing a horseman's uniform? Have you tricked the good doctor again?" Alpha Zackery looked at Zabel and raised his eyebrows.
"Jafar doesn't even let me breathe in that tent. I had to sneak out for my own survival." Zabel shrugged and said.
Alpha Zackery had a broad smile on his face and said, "Anyway, you've made my day by bringing this little girl to me tonight. I have to steal her from you for the first dance because she looks so pretty on my arm."
Zabel looked at me and said, "You can wink at me if Zack becomes too annoying. I'll come and rescue you immediately, little girl. I'll trip him and we can step on his face and run away."
I burst into laughter. The chemistry between these two siblings was very electrifying. I no longer felt the fear.
Alpha Zackery took me from Zabel's arm and walked me to the middle of the dance floor.
Then, the band started to play languid music.
Alpha Zackery looked at me and said, "Do you recognize this music? Danse au clair de lune? Moonlight Dance?"
I shook my head.
"We always begin each Grand Ball with this song. It has got a slow and steady rhythm and it's perfect for four-legged animals trying to dance upright. You know, so they don't step on each other or others' toes." Alpha Zackery said with amusement.
I chuckled.
"I'll take the lead and you can follow me. I promise it's way easier than a sword dance." He grinned at me and said.
Then, he started to dance while holding me in his arms. Others started to join us.
I observed Alpha Zackery's steps and started to get the feeling of it.
As I became more confident, I started to add some improvised movement in the dance, swirling, stamping, tapping, and sweeping. I had never danced so happily in my life with another man.
Even though I remained eye contact with Alpha Zackery all the time, I still noticed that people around us started to stop their dance to watch us.
In the crowd, I saw Will, who had already changed into human form, dance with Snow while holding her in his arms. I saw Lucian, who stared at me with concerns and doubts. I saw Josephine, whose eyes literally popped out of sockets.
The angery expression on her face?
Priceless.
You wanted to stop me from getting to the ball? Here I am, dancing with the most powerful man in the ballroom. What are you going to do about that? Bite me? I snickered and gloated.
As I swirled faster and faster around Alpha Zackery, I was busy looking for Lucas.
I hadn't seen him ever since I came into the ballroom.
Then, I saw him, standing in the crowd like a giant statue, with his signature vicious look on his face, staring at me.
I got distracted by him and I must have tripped over Alpha Zackery's foot.
The next thing I knew, I lost my balance and fell down.
But before I hit the floor, Alpha Zackery caught me in his arms by holding my waist.
Then, he pressed his body passionately against mine and held my head in his hand.
When the last note of the music died, my slightly opened mouth had already been sealed by his tender lips.