Chapter 25

~Grace~

Dancing with the Lycan King at his castle in front of his whole clan was not on my checklist for this year.

Although I had danced with him once before during the charity banquet, this time, it felt different. More intimate and personal. And I felt… nervous?

We both danced gracefully, flowing in time with the music. I had taken dance lessons growing up, of course, as part of my Luna training, and this was nothing new to me. However, it surprised me that Alex could dance so well.

I supposed it made sense, considering his position and bloodline, but Alex seemed too rough and standoffish to make such a graceful dancer.

His hand was placed firmly on my waist, guiding me around the open space in the garden we used as the dance floor. His eyes were locked on mine, filled with an emotion I couldn’t describe, but it gave my stomach butterflies.

He looked so handsome. The warm glow of the lights above cast highlights on his face that made him dazzle like a star. His black hair, swept back, had a stray lock that liked to fall over his forehead.

I felt silly. What was I, a schoolgirl with a crush? This was the Lycan King we were talking about! I looked at Alex, reminding myself of our relationship.

It was strictly business.

His golden eyes watched mine intently, as if determined about something, but I wasn’t sure what. His full lips curved into a gentle smile, an expression I hadn’t seen often on his face before.

It was like we were the only two people at the party. And with my eyes locked on his, I would rather believe that than look out at the crowd of disapproving faces.

I couldn't help it, though, and I glanced over his shoulder at the crowd. Some were smiling at us, others looked unimpressed.

I looked back at Alex, searching for solace in his gaze. At least he wanted me here…

The music faded to an end, and Alex and I finished the dance gracefully. He bowed at me, and I curtsied at him as a formal thank you.

Alex held me by the hand, presenting me to the clan.

“Welcome Grace Windsong! She will be a part of the clan for the time being, you will treat her as one of our own!” Alex called out, voice loud enough for all to hear.

Murmurs echoed through the crowd, and it was hard to look at anyone. I felt embarrassed being shown off like this, being the center of attention. I really didn’t need all of this spectacle, a simple announcement would have done just fine instead of the party.

Besides, it seemed like many people attending didn’t really want to be here, and I didn’t want to feel like a burden to the clan.

I heard whispers through the crowd from all sides of me, and I couldn’t help but pick up small phrases.

“Inviting a werewolf into the pack?”

“What is he thinking? Has he confided in Beta Enzo at all?”

“She seems nice enough, I don’t see the big deal.”

“Werewolves are our enemies! This is a mockery to the Lycan bloodline!”

“I mean, I think it’s only temporary… that’s not so bad.”

“As long as she pulls her weight around here…”

“She’s just another one of the Lycan King’s playthings, she won’t be around long.”

The hair on the back of my neck stood up, as anxiety raced through me. It really seemed like I wasn’t that welcome here, despite how hard Alex tried to force it.

But, it’s alright. I didn’t want him to have to force people to like me. If he did, that would only make them despise me more.

I doubted I’d make any friends while I was here.

I would keep my head down and work hard… If I didn’t stay here, I had nowhere else to go.

I would be a Rogue.

BAM!

A loud explosion boomed from behind me, and I jumped, but felt Alex immediately wrap his arms around me protectively. Chunks of dirt and plants flew past us.

What the hell? What was going on?

Screams burst out around me, and the crowd dispersed. Everything turned into chaos.

Turning around, I saw a horde of grungy people crawling over the fence and pushing through the bushes, dirty and snarling.

Some of them carried weapons, others were shifted, snarling and barking as wolves.

A raid?! On the Black Lycan clan? Who would be so bold?

“Rogues,” Alex hissed, still holding me tightly. He growled the word, deep in his chest, with a deep and personal hatred.

Rogues? I heard their population had been decreasing recently, what on earth could possess them to try to take on the Black Lycan clan?

“They’ve been attacking more and more frequently as of late,” Alex rumbled, growling as they approached.

“I don’t know what’s gotten so bold about them, but they’re vicious. Keep yourself safe, they will hurt you,” Alex warned, and a shiver ran up my spine.

I knew Rogues were lawless wild cards, but I never thought they were so openly violent. However, as I looked around the garden with wide eyes, the picture laid before me clearly spelled it out.

They were not holding back. It was as if they had a personal vendetta, or something fierce and feral within their blood.

Horrified, I felt glued to the spot. Nola was gone, she couldn't protect me. If I ran into one of them, I was absolutely defenseless.

“Get inside!” Alex roared at me, suddenly pulling away.

I shrank as I watched him catch a Rogue by the arm, who was wielding a hefty knife, with one strong hand. The Rogue cried out in pain as Alex twisted his arm in an awkward direction, forcing him to drop the knife.

There!

I quickly darted forward, grabbing the knife. Now, I at least had something to protect myself with.

I glanced at Alex, whose face was full of fury. His long canines were bared, his face scrunched in pure hatred. It was a look that chilled me to the bone. Thankfully, I was on the protected end of his wrath.

I didn’t want to think about how it felt to face such a fearsome creature without my wolf.

Glancing back towards the castle, I mapped my route back to the entrance. I had to get inside quickly.

I made my way across the lawn, ducking behind bushes and tables to stay out of sight. My heart pounded hard in my chest. While I had dealt with Rogues in the past, I had never seen an attack this big before.

There! The doors were in sight!

I looked around, making sure the coast was clear, and then darted toward the doors.

A piercing scream rang out, stopping me dead in my tracks. It sounded horrified. I looked behind me, my heart stopping.

I recognized a Lycan woman, the one who called me a “werewolf whore” earlier, down on the ground, struggling underneath a shifted Rogue, who snarled, spewing saliva in her face.

Oh my goddess, he was going to kill her!