Winning Over His Rejected Mate

Chapter 5

Silas

I would be lying if I said I slept soundly last night after being successful at my deal. I could hardly sleep because of the excitement and thrill. I get to escort her to the ball as her partner, as her mate, and I can't be happier about this. Earlier, a maid came with my outfit for tonight.

I was surprised to know she had already prepared it, but at the same time, I felt jealous knowing it could have been for another man, and worse, I was wearing a suit meant, already meant for some other man.

That vampire's face flashes in my mind, and I hate it. I hate to have thought that way.

My mood sours, but I quickly remind myself of her and the ball.

That's right. I won't be disheartened. I know I have a long way to go, but in the end, she will become mine forever. We are already bound with the mate bond. All I have to do is win her heart and make her want to rule my heart.

I give myself one last look in the mirror before I turn around, straightening my lapel for any creases. I can tell I am nervous, and how can I not be? It will be my first formal party alongside her as her partner. I can't help but feel both overjoyed and nervous.

"Ian, ready the car. We are leaving." I tell him who is again busy snacking on something.

I shake my head, envying him for never growing a belly despite eating a lot like a glutton. I wonder how he is able to maintain that toned stomach with abs on top of it despite not going to the gym.

He doesn't even train that hard.

"What? Is there something on my face?" He asks when he notices me looking at him.

I am about to deny when he speaks up again, "Oh, I know. It's handsomeness." He says, and winks.

I hold my other hand to stop myself from throwing the heaviest thing on the dressing table at him. The heck is wrong with him? He even laughs at his own joke before skipping out of the room.

I sigh and massage my temples before following my crack-in-the-head beta.

I try not to shake my leg or play with my nails or tap my mouth with my finger in impatience till we reach her house. I immediately open the door while the car is still slowing down, getting out of a slow-moving car, ignoring a yelling Ian.

I walk up to the porch, breathing deeply before pressing the bell. I somewhat expect a maid or a butler to open it, but it's Camilla who does so. I am surprised when I see it's her.

"Good evening, Camilla." I greet her.

She doesn't say anything for a good minute, neither does she move from the door, staring me up and down before she finally opens her mouth, "Evening, Silas. I still don't understand why she is going to the ball with you, but come inside," She says in a bored tone.

I simply smile, picking up just the 'she is going to the ball with you' from her words before stepping inside.

I notice the maids and the butler after I go inside. Even Olivia, her other friend, is in the drawing room. She, too, stares at me for a few seconds before she ignores me. I don't try to greet her either. I have nothing to do with her friends. All I care about is her. I wait impatiently for her to come down with a bouquet of roses in my hands.

I was scared Camila was going to rip them when she was glaring at them at the door earlier. Luckily, they were still in my hands intact. I would be the stupidest jerk if I came without flowers. Although everything dims in her presence, even the brightest moon, I still need to give her what suits her, like these beautiful flowers.

A few more minutes go by in an awkward and heavy silence between the three of us, along with a few maids roaming around, before she appears near the stairs. I am unable to look away, unable to breathe as I take in her appearance from below. She truly feels like a queen—an Alpha meant to rule as she stands on top of the stairs with a grace and an aura hard to match.

My heartbeat bursts inside my chest as she descends the stairs, moving like a beautiful dream as her eyes lock with mine before she finally stands in front of me. A little far, but still in front of me, breathing the same air as me in the same room.

Breathtaking, devastatingly beautiful or ethereal, none of them are enough to describe her right now. She looks phenomenal in her black-red ballgown. Her gown with a fitted bodice enriched with ornate embroidery and gemstone accents looks divine on her, followed by a voluminous and layered skirt with a similar regal design.

The sweetheart neckline steals my breath away, on which sits a statement piece featuring red gemstones set in filigree metalwork. Her hair is pulled into a bun, beautified by a tiara-like piece featuring jewelled floral motifs. The union of black and crimson red on her body makes her look unreal.

I step forward, breaking the spell she has cast on me and offer her the roses, which have paled badly in comparison. She casts me a haughty look, setting my heart ablaze before signalling a maid to take it. I then offer her my hand. Hesitation swirls in her eyes mixed with reluctance, but she still places hers in mine.

Sparks travel down my spine as soon as we touch, and I find myself fighting a battle of desire and lust coupled together. I had already lost when she first appeared in front of me. I have mapped, seen and traced every spot in her dress where I can snake my hand and feel her inside or even better, rip it off altogether, but I need to control.

It's the battle I am fighting, and tonight I need to win it, and that's why I must control even if it's the hardest thing ever.