Part 2
When we returned to our territory, I went directly to my room, sinking into the soft sheets. Javier had eagerly joined Ivan in accompanying him to the Alpha’s quarters, buzzing with excitement about arranging a farewell ball for Yanamarie and Jarrell.
Four days later, Ivan had orchestrated everything. I was genuinely impressed with how the pack house and yard had been transformed. The living room furniture had been removed, replaced by a sprawling display of food and drink.
The yard itself had been turned into a makeshift dance floor, and it was spectacular. The material used was flawless, promising a beautiful evening.
Descending the staircase, a familiar nervousness tightened in my chest. I had taken extra care with my attire, hoping Javier would notice, at least tonight.
My heart stuttered as I saw Javier standing at the bottom of the stairs, resplendent in a tuxedo. A small smile played on his lips, and his eyes held a clear, appreciative gleam.
As I slowly descended, his smile widened with each step.
“You look absolutely breathtaking, Luna,” he said, his voice smooth. I froze as Luna Ivan stepped past me, taking Javier’s outstretched hand.
Shame burned my face as two warrior wolves snickered at my embarrassment. Every wolf in this pack knew Javier’s feelings for Ivan, and my unfortunate position as Javier’s mate made me a constant source of gossip and humiliation.
I pretended not to hear their taunts. I pretended my heart wasn't shattering into a thousand pieces.
I slowly made my way around the party, finally settling on a seat with a good view of the dance floor and the entrance. I watched as Javier fawned over Ivan, ensuring he ate, drank, and danced. He spent the entire evening lost in Ivan's company, leaving me utterly alone, a laughingstock as other wolves exchanged knowing smirks.
“Abalon!” Someone called my name, and I turned to see Yanamarie waving wildly, shoving her way through the crowd. She looked stunning in her gown.
“Hello, Yana,” I greeted her, standing and kissing her cheek.
“Dance with me?” she asked excitedly as Christina Aguilera and Great Big World began to play. A fitting song, I thought, glancing at Javier practically spoon-feeding Ivan.
“No!” I said quickly, searching for an exit. But Yana wasn't having any of it. The little twig grabbed onto my arm like an angry pit bull and dragged me towards the edge of the dance floor.
Yana was a dancer, a ballroom dancer to be precise. Though she had the potential to become a professional, she preferred medicine, and dance became her hobby. Too bad her mate Jarrell couldn't dance to save his life, though he had improved since the last time I saw him attempt it.
I, too, shared a love for ballroom dancing. I loved everything about it, and Yana and I often paired up once or twice a month. Nobody other than Yana and the dance instructor I swore to secrecy knew about my passion.
I tugged on Yana’s arm, begging her silently with my eyes.
“Please, Aba? For me? You know we won’t get this opportunity for three years.” She pouted.
“Fine. But you will owe me,” I said drily, leading us the rest of the way to the floor. Ugh! She was just like her brother; I could never refuse them, nor withhold anything.
As I took her in my arms, a beautiful Viennese Waltz began, and Yana smirked at me.
“Oh don’t think I’d dance like a stripper for my last night here.” Yana laughed as I turned us, gaining the attention of others who made way for us, clearing the dance floor almost completely.
Yana and I danced. I twirled and spun her, tossed her into the air and caught her as the tempo of the music changed, and soon we were sambaling, then tangoing, earning applause and whistles from the onlookers.
As I spun Yana out and pulled her back in, we struck a pose. Her mate, Jarrell, approached us, and I took both Yana’s little hands in mine.
I gave her a sad smile, perhaps more for my own comfort than hers, seeing as Javier was so wrapped up in kissing Ivan's feet he hadn't glanced my way since the party started.
“I will miss you, sweet girl. Be safe and return to us,” I said, kissing the backs of her hands and bowing to her. My gesture of respect.
I lingered for a few moments, covertly watching Javier interact with Ivan. If only the Alpha knew the hatred I harbored for Ivan; that he could command such feelings from my mate, I would surely be killed for such violent thoughts.
Ivan was a kind man, a wonderful Luna, and a great friend to all. But the way Javier treated him, showering him with love and attention he never showed me, made me think disturbing things.
Sometimes I wished he would just reject me rather than inflict this pain.
I thought maybe I was better off dead than living in constant agony.
And it was that last thought that scared and excited me more than anything ever could.