Chapter 8

～Grace～

The room was silent as everyone’s eyes watched me. I was the dazzling star of the night, and I outshone even the Alpha King.

Liam, who had been smiling at a guest, froze. I stared right at him, watching the smile fade from his eyes, even though it stayed on his lips.

Yes, look at me. Look at who I’ve become, what you’ve held back for so many years. All eyes are on me now, not you. How does it feel?

I held back a triumphant grin, holding myself with elegance and poise as people began to approach me.

“Luna Grace, your dress is gorgeous!”

“Where’d you get it?”

“And that moonstone necklace, so elegant!”

I graciously thanked the many compliments that were thrown my way, and out of the corner of my eye, I watched Liam become more and more red in the face.

A smile formed at the corner of my lips. I knew I had gotten to him. Already, the night was successful.

“I told you, she never misses these charity events, not one!” I heard someone say, and I curiously turned my head in their direction.

“I thought the Alpha King said Luna Grace thought this event was pointless…”

“No, it was Sophia who said that.”

“She’s his date, and he allowed her to say that. Isn’t that enough?”

The crowd began to press in on Liam and Sophia, who attempted to fake smiles as they clung to each other. I watched them become increasingly nervous, fidgeting in their attempt to appear innocent.

“Luna Grace was feeling sick today, that’s all,” Liam said. “I didn’t have the chance to inform her about the event, she had been bedridden all day, and I had been busy.” He ended with a nervous laugh.

I watched the crowd’s faces look at each other with suspicion. I could already hear the gossip rippling through the event’s attendees.

People had already begun to talk about Liam and mine’s marital issues when Sophia inserted herself by Liam’s side at the Alpha King celebration, but now it was becoming increasingly clear that we had problems.

A small, stringed ensemble began to play, and people elegantly took their dates by the hand and led them to the dance floor.

I watched Sophia, who seemed to be begging Liam to dance with her, but he was unmoved, staring directly at me.

I turned away from him, making sure he understood I couldn’t care less about him.

“May I have this dance?” A young blonde man asked, bowing in front of me.

I didn’t recognize him, but I was here without a date, after all, it was only polite.

As I extended my hand to accept his, I heard another voice chime in.

“Luna Grace, may I have the honor?”

I looked towards the voice to see another man offering his hand to dance.

As I took in the group around me, I quickly realized I was surrounded by single young men, all asking me to be their partner in the dance.

Now I understood how it felt to have all of the attention in the room. Was this how Liam always felt? Was that why he always made sure I never stole a moment of his time in the spotlight?

Well, it’s his turn to be in my shadow.

Liam butted through the crowd, giving the other men a look so fierce, they all backed away, giving looks to each other as they dispersed.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Liam whispered harshly, bringing his face close to my ear.

I moved away, rolling my eyes. I didn’t even want to hear it. I was way past letting him boss me around.

“You are my Luna! You are the Alpha King’s mate! Flirting with other men, disgracing me! Do you really think that’s appropriate?”

“What are you doing?” I said in quiet surprise as Liam reached his hand toward mine. I moved away, panicked. I didn’t want him to ever touch me again.

“Don’t touch m-” I started, when I felt a strong embrace grab my waist and pull me away from Liam.

I was gracefully spun around, and I found myself face-to-face with Alex, who held me close to his chest. He gave me a cocky smile. He had placed himself between Liam and I.

Oh my goddess. I felt myself blush, and I quickly lowered my gaze.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Alex said, tucking my hair behind my ear.

All I could offer in response was a shy smile, my heart fluttering.

He was dressed in a three-piece black suit, which looked about as expensive as my dress. His hair had been slicked back, revealing his high cheekbones and long eyelashes.

I was surprised he dressed up at all, considering he never bothered going to events like these.

“Lycan King?” Liam snarled, voice tearing through the music and chatter.

The ensemble died down as everyone had stopped dancing, and gasps filled the room.

“The Lycan King is Luna Grace’s date?”

“He never comes to these events!”

“The Lycan King and Alpha King are enemies, why would she go with him?”

Gossip passed through the room once again, and I pressed against Alex, confirming my place with him.

Alex looked down at Liam–he was a good head taller than he was. It amused me to see Liam’s livid face have to look up at him.

“Liam Nightshade,” Alex said, as if the very name disgusted him. “Long time no see.”

I felt Liam’s voice directly inside my head, and knew he used a mind link to talk to me.

“How dare you get so close to my greatest enemy! What do you think you’re doing? Come back to me,” he hissed.

I stared coldly into Liam’s eyes, speaking out loud. “If you can bring Sophia as your date while being my mate, I can bring the Lycan King as mine.”

“Alex,” the Lycan King corrected me. He must not like it when I call him by his title, for some reason.

“Sophia…” Alex said, humming under his breath, as if he were remembering something. “Your taste is… unique.”

“Don’t you-” Liam started, but quickly caught himself, not wanting to lose his cool in front of everyone. He shut his mouth and simply glared at Alex, instead.

“Come. We don’t want to linger in his stench much longer,” Alex said, taking my hand.

I forced myself not to look at Liam, although I desperately wanted to savor the jealous expression on his face. I had to play it cool. Victory had not been secured, yet.

As we passed through the crowd, people closed in on us. Voices from every direction called out to Alex, attempting to earn his favor.

Alex didn’t even try to hide the irritation on his face as he ignored every single call.

He clearly hated being here. Why did he come at all?

I couldn’t bring myself to ask him, I knew I wasn’t that close with him. I didn’t want to push my luck.

The reason he came didn’t matter. He had helped me out, even when I hadn’t asked, and for that, I felt immensely grateful.

We reached an empty corner, behind some pillars, giving us a moment of privacy. I stopped and took both of his hands, facing him.

“Thank you, Alex. I mean it. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me,” I tell him, my voice gentle.

Alex reached out, his fingers softly caressing my cheek. His hand drifted along my jaw and reached my chin, where he lifted my face, forcing me to look up at him.

It was hard to keep eye contact with him. I hadn’t realized how handsome he looked dressed up like this.

“Just saying ‘thank you’ isn’t enough,” he said, his tone serious. “How do you plan to show me your gratitude?”