Vayne's POV
The news that Zed and I were about to mate with each other spread quickly among the surrounding packs. Considering the Blackmoon Pack's previous experiences, it became an opportunity for the neighboring packs to form alliances with the Fullmoon Pack. This event became the eagerly anticipated highlight for everyone.
"Ms. Vayne, you need to dress up properly; you look really charming!" The maid beside me exclaimed excitedly as she held up the mirror. Glancing at my exquisite reflection, I couldn't help but be entranced.
For some reason, the words she just uttered felt oddly familiar, as if someone important in my past had said the same thing. "Believe me, you will definitely be the brightest presence that day."
"Uh, thanks."
Slightly embarrassed by the maid's compliment, I stood up and examined myself in the mirror. In contrast to my usual capable self, I now resembled a princess secluded in a castle.
The gorgeous dress and elaborate makeup transformed me to the point that anyone seeing me like this wouldn't connect me to the fierce Gamma they knew.
"Ms. Vayne, you're really lucky. I've never heard of an Alpha having a fling with any girl for such a long time. A handsome and powerful werewolf like Alpha is almost every girl's dream lover, right?"
"Are you also into the Alpha?"
While one maid picked out accessories for me, another couldn't help but snicker.
"What are you saying?" She shyly averted her gaze, not daring to meet the others' eyes.
"That's enough for today. I want to rest for a while." I interrupted their laughter, causing them to blush, thinking their joke had upset me. With furrowed brows, they seemed ready to explain.
"No, I'm just a little tired. It has nothing to do with you guys." I tried to smile and waved them off before slowly walking out onto the balcony alone.
The round red sun descended slowly in the sky, casting a thousand beams of sunlight. The light spilled onto the calm lake's surface nearby, creating a brilliant spectacle.
In the shimmering light of the waves, I gazed up at the setting sun, and the breeze tousled my hair. The image of Talon persisted in my mind, even though I knew full well that he held a deep affection for a woman named Caitlyn.
Yet, I couldn't help but wonder more than once: if I were truly Caitlyn, how wonderful would it be? I've always harbored an indescribable feeling for Talon. Though we haven't shared any experiences, his profound gaze seems to carry stories connected to me, pulling me in involuntarily.
Upon realizing all of this, I understood that I might have betrayed Zed mentally. With that realization, I vigorously shook my head, attempting to maintain my sanity.
"May I inquire if this girl on the balcony, is the dress you're wearing intended for me?" A familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.
Turning towards the voice, I saw Zed, clad in a white suit, looking at me with a warm smile. Realizing that I was still in the outfit I had tried on for makeup, a flush of embarrassment painted my face.
"Alpha, hello there..." I nodded towards Zed, feigning composure and avoiding a direct response.
"How many times must I tell you? Just call me Zed directly." A hint of helplessness crossed Zed's face as he gently shook his head.
"Alright, Zed, what's going on with you?" I asked with a light exhale, leaning on the railing to pretend relief, choosing this way to escape the recent sense of betrayal.
"Well... it's not a big deal, just what I mentioned earlier. I want you to reconsider. I've explained to Azir that it's merely his own fabricated drama," Zed shrugged, offering a gentle explanation.
"That's impossible! What about your prestige as an Alpha? Every member desires a strong pack. Why hinder a universally accepted path to strengthen the pack?" I exclaimed at Zed, perhaps it was his earlier indecisiveness that weakened the pack step by step.
"It's just not fair to you," Zed replied.
Zed sighed and whispered softly to me; his eyes seemed somewhat evasive for some reason.
However, Zed didn't offer any explanation. He just waved his hand towards me and turned his head away.
I stood still; my heart felt as if something was blocking it, and I couldn't catch my breath. I didn't even understand the purpose of my persistence. Standing up straight, I gazed at the sparkling waves on the water in confusion.
"Let's just say it's for the pack," I mentally reassured myself, attempting to avoid dwelling on something so complicated.
As I turned around and began to head back to my room, a familiar figure caught my eye on the street corner.
"Talon!"
I couldn't suppress the inner urge to shout at that figure, but when it turned around, it revealed a face unfamiliar to me.
I pursed my lips and let out a long sigh in my heart.