Chapter 24

~Grace~

I look at myself in the mirror, wearing the dazzling moonstone necklace and earrings Alex had given me. I’m dressed in a tight, black dress–the signature color of the Black Lycan clan. I didn’t want to wear something that would make me stand out too much.

I fidgeted with my hair, moving strands out of my face. My heart beat fast, I was so nervous. I had been to many parties before, sure, but nothing like this!

I had never attended a Lycan party. Would it be different from werewolf parties? I knew Alex didn’t like public events, so what would a party thrown by him look like?

Smiling a little, I looked down, watching the light reflect off of the moonstone.

It was actually quite nice to attend a party thrown in my honor. I’d never had one of these before. As Luna, I spent a lot of my time arranging parties for various events, typically for Liam, who never appreciated the amount of work I put into the events.

At least now, I could just enjoy the festivities without worrying that everything was running smoothly.

My heart skipped a beat as I thought about the party.

Oh, but I’ve never met the pack before! Liam was tall, brooding, and intimidating, I imagined the rest of the pack would follow suit.

Nola, how I wish you were here with me right now…

The only solace I got was from Alex’s words this morning, telling me that it would be a “modest welcome party” when I asked who was coming. At least it would be kept small, and I wouldn’t have to worry about showing my face in front of so many people.

I twist my diamond wedding ring on my finger. I hadn’t taken it off since I married Liam, but my gut twisted at the sight of it now. I truly wanted to divorce Liam. This ring meant nothing to me anymore.

I started my new life today, and I wanted to show the Lycan clan as much good faith as I could. Removing the ring, I set it down on vanity. A mark where the ring had sat for years stained my finger, but I rubbed it out.

Not wanting to seem rude by being late, I made my way down the hallway to the garden where the party was being held. It had been rumored to have been built by the first Lycan royals, and admittedly, I was a little excited to see it.

I could faintly hear music and chatter as I approached. Opening a set of wooden double doors, I gasped and almost fainted as I saw the grand display before me.

The garden was decorated magnificently, as if a professional had come in and set up meticulous, white displays. Mesh hung beautifully from the trees, round lights illuminating the area. Tables were set up with a bouquet of black roses on each.

The gardens looked stunning. Alex must have an expert gardener who tends to it; every plant looked healthy and neatly trimmed.

A live band played under the cover of a gazebo, and if that wasn’t phenomenal enough, there must have been the entire clan here!

I felt dizzy, and held onto the door for support. A “modest welcome party!” Is this what Alex considered modest?

I wouldn’t be surprised if he threatened everyone in the clan to come. This was just too much! I doubted everyone in the Black Lycan clan wanted to welcome me that badly.

Eyes all turned to me as I opened the door, and my Luna instincts kicked in. I gave a graceful smile and wave, looking as polite and as elegant as ever.

However, under my cool exterior, my heart pounded loudly in my chest. What if the Lycans didn’t have the same customs as I did? Was this how I was supposed to greet them?

Scanning the gardens, I try not to let my gaze look anywhere for too long, afraid of offending someone. I couldn’t find Alex, the only person here that I knew, so I located my next target: a table of wines and cheeses.

Everything here looked so lavish, I was sure the food would be as well.

Making my way over to the table, I passed a group of Lycan women, who very obviously watched me. I pretended not to notice them. I’m sure they were just curious who I was, likely being the only unfamiliar face here.

“Whore,” I heard one of them call out to me, and I stopped.

“Werewolf whore!” Another one chimed in, louder.

My heart sank. Oh, no. They despised me.

“The Lycan King is just toying with you! Don’t think you’re anything special, slut!”

“He brings women just like you here all the time.”

I felt my hands trembling. Was this true? Did Alex throw them grand welcome parties like this, as well?

It would make sense, everyone here looked so bored, and cast disapproving looks my way. Oh my god, I had been played!

The memory from the forest when Alex rescued me played in my mind. He had seemed so gentle, so protective then. I remembered the warmth of his coat, and how comforted he had made me feel despite the trauma I had just endured.

Sure, Alex seemed dangerous, but he never made me feel in danger from him. We had enough intimate moments to put some doubt in my mind at the women’s calls.

I turned away from them, continuing to walk away, when I saw a large figure appear by my side, dressed in a black dress shirt and slacks. I looked up at Alex, who stood between me and the women. I could tell that he was furious.

“Never speak to her like that again,” he hissed, and the women immediately recoiled.

I grabbed Alex’s arm. I didn’t want him to make a scene for me.

However, he continued, motioning to the entire party attendance, raising his voice.

“No one here has the right to judge Grace. And I know you are doing this mind manipulation thing.”

I stood still, shocked by his defense.

Liam would have never stood up for me, especially if accusations like this were going around. I smiled to myself, warmed by his action.

However, I took the opportunity to slip away, while all focus was on Alex. I really didn’t want to cause any further trouble, and I didn’t want to cause any more misunderstandings.

I finally made it to the food table and poured myself a modest glass of red wine and grabbed a cheese platter. I found a quiet place at a table on the edge of the garden, and sat down to enjoy my food in peace.

It really was very nice of Alex to do all of this for me. It was the best party I’ve ever been thrown, and whether or not he planned it himself, I appreciated his efforts.

I knew he was only trying to make me feel more welcome, but I didn’t need all of this, and I didn’t want to cause any inconvenience to the rest of his clan.

The music changed to a waltz tune, and I heard footsteps behind me. Alex’s hand appeared over my shoulder and I looked up at him, as he grinned at me.

“I’ve been looking for you. May I have this dance?”