Why is this ceremony so long? Just say the words already. I thought as my anxiety was at an all time high. She was here. Victoria was sitting only a few tables away from me and her scent was covering almost every one of my senses. I caught her walking in with Alpha Zack and his entourage. She was dressed in a beautiful yellow chiffon dress with a deep slit showing off one leg.
I couldn’t help but trace my eyes from her heels to where her thigh disappeared under the dress every time she walked around. Her hair was done up with a few sapphire stones that brought out the blue in her eyes. Every now and then I glanced her way and she would whisper something to some chick sitting between her and Alpha Zack. My anxiety was slowly turning to envy. Who was this plain Jane taking all of my mate’s attention?
Someone I can sink my claws into. That’s who, Jas growled.
Easy now Jas. We don’t want to go all she-wolf on her, but we could totally take her, I grinned.
Knowing full well I could. Finally Alaia says the oath and Isaiah gives the go ahead for us to eat. With all these emotions I was only able to scarf down two plates of food before making my way over to Victoria’s table. I don’t care who the girl is. I know what and who I wanted, and nothing is going to get in the way again. Victoria saw me coming and I could visibly see her perk up. Or maybe that was my imagination? Didn’t matter. I had a plan, a mission to finish. I walked up to their table with only eyes for Victoria.
“Isabella.” Even the way she said my name had me in a trance. I didn’t even notice Alpha Zack asking me a question.
“I’m sorry, what?” I finally tore my gaze from Victoria to Alpha Zack, whose arm seemed to be trapped by the plain Jane I thought was pining over Victoria.
“I asked if you wanted to dance,” Alpha Zack asked, standing up and trying to free his arm from his captor.
“Um-”
“She would love to,” Victoria answered for me and I looked at her worried.
Worried she might think something of it but I saw a small smile on her face. She nodded towards Alpha Zack and I finally understood why. He was looking for an escape and I was the perfect scapegoat.
“Well I guess since we’re family now. We should show some kind of civility.” I grabbed his free hand and tried to pull him away.
“But you promise you would dance with me, Alpha,” plain Jane replied.
“Of course, Emily, but I don’t want to be rude. We are signing a treaty with this pack and if the Alpha’s daughter wants a dance, I have to oblige.”
Emily pouts and finally releases his arm. “Of course, Alpha. I’ll be waiting here. All night.”
Alpha Zack quickly led me to the dance floor as Victoria mouthed a ‘Thank You’ while attending to plain Jane Emily. Zack spun me around and brought me close to his chest.
“Well you sure know how to pick ‘em,” I laughed as he joined in.
“You can say that again. That includes you, too, missy.”
I cocked an eyebrow at his accusation and he smiled. “I saw the way you looked at Victoria, Isabella. She’s your mate, isn’t she?”
“Yes she is,” I said for the first time without hesitation.
“Well there goes my notion of us,” Zack jokes.
“Really. That was all on you.”
“Oh come on. There were times I could feel your heartbeat race with mine when we touched.”
I could feel the heat rising to my cheek. I was blushing really bad. I got a glimpse of my mother looking my way with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Oh Goddess. Now she’s going to think I want Zack after all.
“Stop it. Now my mother probably thinks we’re over here talking about marriage.”
Zack looks over his shoulders and waves at my mother, who happily waves back as if she just won the lottery. We both laugh at her expression.
“Great, now she’s never going to leave me alone about this.”
“Hey, now. My chances live through her now.” Zack said with a smile. This guy can’t take no for an answer. True, I admire his tenacity but I didn’t want him to think there will ever be a future with me.
“Zack, I don’t want-”
“I know,” he interrupted as if he could read my mind. “Another lifetime maybe. Right now, a friend would be just fine.”
Before I could say anything Zack planted a light kiss on my lips and spun me around to a glaring Victoria. She grabbed me and pulled me close while Zack held his hands up as surrender. She growled at him before pulling me away from the party. Out of the corner of my eye I could see my mother's disapproving face and for once I didn't turn away. I wanted her to know this was my choice.
She pulled me through the courtyard into the house. I followed without speaking, just relishing the fact that she was holding my hand. When we were far away from the noise she let go of my hand and stood a few feet away from me.