The heels ached my feet from wandering around, so I sat alone at one table. My warriors were chatting with a few girls. I didn’t want to be a cock-block to them if they were trying to ‘get some,’ as Carson would say.

Many times, I was offered champagne, but I quickly declined. I wasn’t much of a drinker; from the looks of it, it was made with super werewolf alcohol because some of them were getting drunk, mostly the warriors. Alpha Kane scolded them harshly as Carson, Sean, and Rex approached me.

“Enjoying the party?” Carson taunted me as I sat at a table by myself. I wasn’t much for mingling. I was always the people watcher.

“Yes.” I smiled. “Just relaxing for the first time in a few days, taking in the scenery, I guess.”

“How about you get up and dance with me? I’ll be good to ya, I promise.”

Looking at Carson’s hand, I contemplated going to dance, but Clara put her hands on my shoulders.

“Actually, boys,” Clara interrupted, “I have someone I wanted to introduce her to. Your services escorting her will be done for the evening. Just keep an eye out for that one fellow we discussed.” Her head tilted in the direction of a stewing Esteban at the bar.

Carson nodded and gave me a small smile as he retracted his hand. I gave a wave, and Clara helped me out of the chair.

“Have you enjoyed everything so far?” Luna Clara pried.

“Yes, very much.” I twiddled my fingers as we walked. I was being led close to the dance floor, and my heart raced. Who was this mystery person she wanted me to meet? I saw a very tall man with his back facing me. He was wearing a white cape with decorative green stitching of leaves. My heart fluttered faster. It was King Osirus.

She wanted me to meethim!

“Melina, I want you to meet my wonderful friend, King Osirus.”

Osirus turned around with a drinking glass in hand. He looked down at me and gave me the sexiest smile I had ever seen. Clara giggled humorously as I stood there, dumbfounded. Osirus was as cool as a cucumber. He was as regal as any king should be. The braids that hung throughout his hair held cusps of gold bands. His nose was straight, and his complexion was flawless. His skin almost glowed white, and his golden ember eyes bore into me. His jaw was so sharp, and I could swear you could see his cheekbones protrude out of his face.Oh, Goddess, I’m gaping like a fish out of water.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, dear Melina.” King Osirus bowed slightly and gave a smirk.

Do I bow? Curtsy?

“It is w-wonderful to m-meet you too, Your Majesty.” I looked at Luna Clara for some guidance and whispered to her, “Do I bow or curtsy?”

Clara laughed out loud, and King Osirus chuckled.

“None of that,” King Osirus replied. “In fact, please call me Osirus.” Osirus held out his hand, and I was about to take it until I heard a loud growl behind me and felt a harsh pull on my waist.

“She’s mine. Get away from her, Pixie!”

Chapter Ten

Melina

Largegaspswereheardthrough the crowd. Alpha Kane ran up beside Luna Clara and held her from behind tightly. Esteban was panting, his arm securely around my waist and not showing any signs of letting me go.

Looking at Elm and Rose in panic, I felt my eyes on the verge of tears. I had never felt so scared in all my life. Esteban’s claws were piercing my gold sequin dress, and soon they could pierce my skin. Living among werewolves, though unknowingly, gave me a false sense of security as I lived among Tulip’s pack, where they looked out for each other. Now that I was seeing the aggressive side of the werewolves that I had just learned about, I wasn’t so sure anymore, especially with Esteban.

“I said, stay back, you overgrown pixie,” Esteban growled.

King Osirus seemed unfazed. Instead, he looked rather amused. Four large fae appeared, three of which looked like brothers. Three were sporting fae military uniforms with heads and beards full of red hair.

“I suggest ye watch yer tone, puppy,” the tallest fae said. His voice was gruff with a no-nonsense tone. “Let go of the girl, and no one gets hurt.” He reached for his sword. Esteban’s grip tightened around my waist, and I let out a small whimper. That was going to leave a bruise.

King Osirus glared his eyes at Esteban, and before Esteban could say another word, I was being pulled into a large chest with a blanket covering my backside, pulling me impossibly closer to warmth. The gigantic wall in front of me was cozy, and I wanted to instantly melt, but before I could find any comfort, I heard yelling and growling.

I blushed furiously, peeking my head out from under the blanket, realizing it was King Osirus’s cloak. Being insanely close to this angel gave me the butterflies I had always heard about in my stomach. Plus, he smelled insanely good. It was sweet and spicy, and I could roll my eyes to the back of my head at how wonderful it made me feel.

Esteban’s eyes went dark, and another fae had his grip around his neck with a silver dagger pointed at it. He smiled evilly, piercing Esteban’s skin. His growl was deep, and you could see he was in pain.

“Impeccable timing as always, Alaneo.”