They were back at the mansion with more questions than answers, but they still had the pendant.
The three of them stepped into the mansion and were greeted by a crowd of warriors in uniform. Ash's head rose in the crowd, and he pushed past the warriors and reached Jax in a hurry.
"Tell me you found something," Ash said in a deep tone. His eyes pierced into Jax's, and he closed his fingers around the crystal glass. The smell of cologne and pastries was thick around the house with anticipation ringing loud.
"Nothing," Jax spat and put his hands on his sides. "What's going on in here?" he asked and looked around.
The dining room was filled with more warriors, and some pack members who were present sat in the living room and talked.
They held pieces of paper in their hands. The women were eagerly discussing whatever was written and others were fanning themselves with the envelopes.
Jax stepped closer and listened. He heard the conversations around him. The women discussed gowns, and the unmated men discussed the socialite humans who would be attending.
"No," Jax whispered.
This excitement only ever meant one thing-there was an event. The social season had officially begun, and Jax wasn't worried for himself- he was worried for Lola, who would be forced to go with him on every single outing as his wife. Their picture would be taken and published. The socialites would officially know that Jax Blackwood was off the market. Everyone would know Lola's name, and that didn't go hand in hand with his attempts to protect her privacy.
They were meant to keep her hidden, not parade out into society, where everyone would get a glimpse of the girl who landed a Blackwood.
"Lola!" Mrs. Blackwood's heels clicked against the floors.
Everyone moved out of the way as she came from the study out into the hallway to greet them. Her hands were held out at her sides, and she was mighty good at pretending to be happy to see Lola.
"I hope the trip went well," she said and placed her hands on Lola's arms.
"It did," Lola said questionably.
The pearls hung heavy around her neck, and her hair was in a complicated updo with a crystal pin.
"I hope you're excited," Mrs. Blackwood mused.
"For what?" Lola asked.
Mrs. Blackwood's eyes lit up, and she cast a gaze over the room as she hooked her arm in Lola's.
"For your first ever step into the social society and the glamorous life you're about to live. You're going to your first event, Lola. A friend of ours is throwing a fundraiser and has taken the opportunity to invite every big name he knows."
Lola looked at the eager faces talking aloud about the festivities heading their way. Slowly but surely, the anxiety rushed up in her body when she realized she would have to attend. For the girl who was used to keeping a low profile, a social gathering with some of the richest, most prestigious families was not ideal.
"You and Jax will make your very first appearance as husband and wife," she said with a gleaming smile.
Lola's head jerked to the side, and her eyes widened to the size of saucers. Everyone would know that she was with Jax. Not only that, but everyone would know where she lived.
Mrs. Blackwood released Lola's arm. Her lips turned to a straight line, and she walked over to Jax. Her freshly manicured nails glistened as her fingers wrapped around Jax's shoulder.
"Prepare her," Mrs. Blackwood ordered her son.
Jax turned and watched his mate. Melissa was also confused as to why they would want Lola to attend, seeing as her life was constantly and publicly threatened.
"You can't go," Melissa said and stepped closer to Lola.
"I don't have a choice," Lola groaned.
Melissa scanned her friend. A bright smile grew on her face as she walked to Mrs. Blackwood.
"Would you mind if I joined?" Melissa asked cheerfully.
Lola shook her head frantically and wanted to pull Melissa back.
"No, Mell, you don't have to do that," Lola laughed nervously.
"Dressing up in a beautiful gown, getting all dolled up... that's what I live for," Melissa said and shrugged her shoulders.
Mrs. Blackwood's lips turned up in a smirk, and her eyes twinkled with something dark.
"Of course you can. In fact, I counted on it- seeing as your parents are invited," Mrs. Blackwood said and pursed her lips into a firm line.
"They are?" Melissa asked, her smile softly failing to stay cheerful.
"They were asked personally by Mr. Daniels."
Melissa's jaw dropped. "Mr. Daniels, as in Jonathan Daniels? The founder of America's largest cruise ship company- Mr. Daniels?" she asked in one breath.
Mrs. Blackwood giggled and nodded.
"That's the one. He heard about ClifTech and was eager to meet your parents. You are, of course, welcome to leave with us, however, and meet your parents there." She lowered her chin and raised her brows in question.
"That sounds good," Melissa said.
Mrs. Blackwood stroked Melissa's arm and held her soft smile before leaving them.
"Mell, why would you do that?" Lola scolded and pulled her arm back.
Melissa's smile was practically wiped away now, and her glare hardened on Lola's.
"Because I'm not letting you go alone. We're in this together, remember?" she said and raised a brow.
"Great," Ash groaned. "Another human for us to protect." He gulped down what was left in his glass.
"He's such a ray of sunshine," Melissa gleamed.
Lola laughed and hooked her arm in Melissas. They walked up to the guest room to prepare.
Jax followed them up, going over in his head everything that Lola would need to know.
The door to the room closed, and Jax put his hands in his pockets. The girls were going through Lola's closet to see their options, and Jax watched as Lola tried to conceal her worry.
He saw the way she pulled his fingers through each other, the way that she constantly put her hair back behind her ear even though it never fell. Her eyes flickered when the thoughts became too many, and she gnawed on her lip.
He smiled softly as he watched her. His feet moved over the carpet, and he stopped next to her. He grabbed around her waist and turned her around so she pressed against his chest.
"Everything will be fine," he promised.
Lola stiffened for a second before she melted against him. All the worry slowly dropped from her shoulders, and she felt safe. However, she knew Jax couldn't hold her like this when they were away. She wouldn't have the same safety and would most likely be on her own.
"You seem very sure about that," she sighed.
"I am," he said and smirked.
Lola leaned back and gazed into his dark eyes.
"We're supposed to not draw attention to our town, and now I'm expected to walk around like a billboard introducing myself as your wife?" she asked with an appalled expression.
"My wife," he said as though those were the only words he heard.
Lola sighed and tilted her head to the side with a cheesy smile spreading on her lips. Jax grabbed her chin and ran his thumb over her lips.
"That's exactly what you're gonna say," he said huskily, and his eyes flickered over her lips.
Melissa cleared her throat behind them and stood awkwardly with narrowed eyes as she held a dress.
"What about this one?"
Lola jumped around, and her cheeks tinted. She looked at the maroon-colored gown in Melissa's hands and smiled widely.
"That would look beautiful on you," Lola gushed and stroked her fingers over the soft fabric.
Melissa smiled and put the dress on the bed to try it on later. The girls turned when they heard Jax's deep groan, and his head dropped as he heard the footsteps coming toward the door.
The door flung open, and Ash stepped inside. His eyes locked with Jax, and a deep grin spread on his lips. His eyes had a devilish glint and it looked like he was on the verge of exploding from excitement over whatever he was about to unload on them.
"Just wanted to prepare you for the guest list. It looks like we aren't the only wolves invited," Ash said and stroked his tongue over his lips. He gazed at the dress on the bed and his eyes circled to Lola.
"Who's coming?" Jax inquired and stepped closer to block Ash's view of Lola.
He chuckled and turned back to his cousin.
"The Lycan Pack. You remember who their newest member is, right?" Ash furrowed his brows and smiled.
Jax's shoulders went rigid, and his wolf stirred in the back of his mind.
"You have got to be kidding me," Jax growled.
Ash's smile widened further.
"Who's their newest member?" Lola asked, inserting herself into the conversation.
Jax closed his eyes and tried to slow his heavy breathing. Ash peeked around his cousin and locked eyes on the naive human girl who was about to step into the unknown in a way she couldn't imagine.
"Lavina Sandon." Her name rolled off his tongue as a soft melody.
His eyes flared up as they looked back at Lola.
"Jax's ex-girlfriend," Ash said, looking smug as Lola's jaw dropped.