Chapter 17

Silver’s POV

The night of the full moon had finally arrived; I knew by midnight tonight my secret would be revealed to the entire pack.

No.

I couldn’t let that happen.

I had to think quickly and escape just before all was revealed. They couldn’t see my transformation.

I rummaged through my closet, trying to find an appropriate outfit to wear for the event. A maid brought me an evening gown for the event per orders of Elliot, but I wouldn’t be able to escape in that kind of attire. I wanted to wear something that I could move easily.

I settled on a pair of designer jeans and a nice blouse. The event was going to be at the packhouse, so I wasn’t sure why I would have to dress fancy anyway.

However, as soon as Elliot saw me, his lips thinned, and he folded his arms across his chest like he was getting ready to scold me.

“That’s not the outfit I had picked out for you,” he said, meeting my eyes. “Didn’t the maid bring you the dress?”

I swallowed and glanced at the bed where the dress remained in its casing.

“Well, yeah. But I wanted to wear something more casual. Isn’t that dress a little too much for the gathering?” I asked him, trying to sound innocent.

“It’s not just a gathering. You are being introduced as the Luna of the Crown pack. The largest and most famous pack in the world. This isn’t a small event,” he reminded me. “Where is the dress? Don’t make things more difficult.”

Without another word, he left the room, leaving me feeling more defeated than ever.

I had to admit though, the dress was gorgeous. It was silver with sparkles that ran along the silky seams. It wasn’t too exposing, but it showed off all my curves and angles perfectly.

It came with matching heals that were going to make my plans for an escape tonight nearly impossible. But I was still going to try.

Taking a deep breath, I dressed in the gown and put on the heels. Once I finished, I joined Elliot in the front parlor.

When he saw me, he smiled.

“You look beautiful,” he told me.

I blushed at the compliment.

“Thank you,” I said, sounding a bit breathy.

A nervous pit remained in my stomach though; how was I going to get through this evening?

Noticing the concerned look on my face, Elliot slowly approached me, running his fingers up and down my arms and causing goosebumps to form along my flesh from his touch. I lifted my gaze to meet his and I saw that he was looking at me compassionately, like he could hear the anxieties going on in my mind.

“It’s okay to be nervous,” he told me, his tone soft and filled with sincerity. “I’ll stay by your side the entire time. Nobody will disrespect you.”

I knew he meant those words to be reassuring, but they weren’t. In fact, they made me even more nervous. If he stayed by my side all night that meant my wiggle room for escape was even thinner.

I forced a smile and nodded, not wanting to lead him on to that something was seriously wrong.

I went with Elliot to the packhouse, and I was shocked by how many people were already there. The banquet for the gathering took place on the back patio. Light streamers were placed around the patio, canopying over us and lighting up our pathway more than the moon could. There was live classical music playing softly in the corner and everybody was dressed in elegant dresses and suits.

Waiters were serving champagne flutes and hors-d'oeuvres.

Tables wrapped in white clothes and decorated with beautiful roses and candles were set up for dining.

As we entered, eyes were turned in our direction and whispers started to erupt around us. Everybody was talking about the new Luna and the wife of their fierce Alpha. Wondering how someone like me could snag someone as powerful and important as Alpha Elliot.

Elliot didn’t mind the looks we were getting though; instead, he linked his arm with mine and kept me close to his side as he walked around the banquet, greeting his pack mates by name.

Elliot introduced me to most of those we encountered, and I kept a plastered smile on my lips, trying to pay attention to what he was saying, but my mind kept traveling around to possible escape routes. The event was held outside, so that made things a little easier. Though the backyard was fenced in, there had to be doors leading out of there.

Most of the inside of the packhouse was empty besides a few workers, I could probably sneak in and leave through the front door without anyone noticing. However, it was going to be difficult leaving when Elliot wouldn’t let me out of his sight. He seemed reluctant to let my arm go as if he was afraid, I would disappear at any moment.

Little did he know, that was exactly what I wanted to do.

I could always tell him that I have to run to the restroom. I would take the heat later because there was no doubt in my mind that he would be angry with me once he realized I was gone.

Midnight was only a couple of hours away; I didn’t have long before I needed to make my escape.

“Champagne, Luna?” The server broke through my thoughts.

I turned to see a man standing nearby with a tray of champagne. Elliot was already sipping on his and he was watching me, waiting for me to answer.

I smiled and took a glass off the tray.

“Thank you,” I said in response.

He nodded and turned away.

Just as I took my first sip, I felt a strange disturbance; like someone was watching me. Feeling a slight chill run up my spine, I turned, and I froze when I saw Gavin on the other side of the gathering, staring at me.

His face shined with indifference and my heart felt heavy in my chest. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see him here; I mean, he was a part of the pack after all. But with all my worries about this evening, Gavin’s attendance was not a thought that occurred to me.

Just then, Beta Leo approached us. His lips were pressed in a thin line, and I could see a dark cloud forming on his expression as he whispered something into Elliot’s ear. If I had wolf hearing, I might have been able to hear what they were saying. But I was wolfless and didn’t have that ability.

Elliot visibly tensed and he nodded at Leo before turning his attention to me.

“I’m afraid I have a matter to take care of and must leave for a short while,” he told me. “Get to know some of the packmates and make sure to eat something. I’ll return to you once I can.”

He released his hold on my arm, leaving me feeling cold and alone. I thought that was what I wanted, for Elliot to leave me so I could escape. But once he let me go and stepped away, I found myself wishing he could stay by my side.

I watched his retreating form as he disappeared into the crowd with Leo.

I turned away, thinking now was a good time to plan my escape and get out of there before it was too late. But before I could take a step, Gavin approached me, causing my entire body to still.

“You seemed surprised to see me. Did you forget I was part of this pack as well?” He asked mockingly.

“You haven’t been a thought to me in a while, Gavin. I simply forgot about you,” I told him, trying to sound calm and collected.

Humor danced in his eyes as he stepped closer to me; his close proximity made me uncomfortable.

“Is that so?” He asked. “So, I suppose you aren’t angry with me for giving your paintings away to your sister?”

I pressed my lips together as I glared at him.

“Not at all,” I lied. “I painted something much better anyway. If anything, it was a blessing that you gave her my paintings.”

His eyes darkened.

“Oh yes, I saw your painting. It was a portrait of my uncle, right?” He asked. “I hope you don’t think that the fact he allowed you to use him as a model means anything. He only married you to get under my skin. His heart will always belong to one woman, and she isn’t you.”

My heart felt heavy in my chest from his words. I stared at him, unsure of what to say.

“If you’re lucky, maybe you will meet her tonight. Did I mention she was here?” He asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

What was he saying? I didn’t understand his meaning.

He was staring off in a specific direction and I followed his gaze. I realized there was a small crowd gathering and when I took a better look, I saw a gorgeous woman, wearing an elegant red dress with shimmering, silky, auburn hair and emerald, green eyes that shined under the illuminating lights.

Though everyone's attention was focused on her, her attention was focused on the person beside her.

My heart fell into my stomach when I saw that it was Elliot.

“Who is that?” I found myself asking, my voice set in a hard whisper.

“You’re married to my uncle, and you have no idea who Shirly is?” Gavin asked, pretending to be shocked.

“Don’t be a jerk, Gavin. Just tell me who she is,” I demanded, completely forgetting about my plans of escape.

“That’s Shirly Darknight. She’s the Alpha of the Darknight pack,” Gavin explained.

Recognition slammed into me; I had heard about Shirly Darknight. She was the only female Alpha in the world and extremely powerful. She was also incredibly famous in the werewolf community.

“She’s Elliot's childhood friend,” Gavin continued. “Everybody knows she’s been pursuing him for years. Rumor has it, she killed her own fated mate so she could be with Elliot.”

My heart fell deep into my stomach.

But Gavin’s next words left me feeling paralyzed.

“Shirly was the one who was supposed to marry my uncle. She was supposed to be my aunt.”