My Foreign Mate

CHAPTER 13 The Red Dahlia

As soon as Selena opened her eyes, she knew this day wouldn’t be like any other. She could sense it. The memories of last night shot into her mind and she had to shake her had to push the thoughts of guilt, anger, l**t and frustration aside. Most of all it was anger about still not being able to say the words of rejection, what was worse, she felt l**t and desire and a deep fascination for the man who meant danger to her life and to that of Elara. At least she finally had new information about the pack in Europe. What made her extremely worried were the words spoken in the room. Apparently, it was an inside job? This meant there had been a traitor? How could somebody betray their own pack? And how had it been possible that nobody was able to notice anything? Also, it must have been someone high up in the ranks. These thoughts alone made her sick.

Nevertheless, this was a new day and she was determined to finally reject William right after the party and get over with it. She suppressed the sudden felling of sickness that arose. Selena told herself it was her body and wolf objecting to her plans. The mate pull got stronger with every minute she spent close to him. There was no way she would admit to herself that there was a certain fascination. He seemed so laid back and calm, he possessed this confidence that was intimidating and appealing at the same time. Nothing about him was forced. He was a natural leader. When his lips created his charming smile, she couldn’t help but feel it deep inside her core tingle.

“Buenos dias, chicas. I hope you slept well. Come on girls, let’s get breakfast, so we have enough time by the pool before we start to get ready for the big party.” Olivia exclaimed excitedly. The girls started to chat and giggle while getting ready for the day. Selena followed them and tried her best to put on a happy show. Nothing would sabotage her goal today.

The day flowed smoothly, they had a big breakfast and enjoyed the sun. It seemed to Selena she even got a little tan something her skin had always refused. She didn’t run into William and also didn’t smell his scent the whole day. This is a good thing, Selena badly tried to convince herself. “Time to get ready girls.” Anna got out of the water. “We have three hours. Should be enough right?” They all joined into a big laughter.

“Anna is being controlling again. Did you write a schedule down for us?” Alexandra replied and all of them started laughing, while Anna showed her tongue to Alexandra.

“Anna is right though. We should get going.” Olivia mentioned still chuckling. “Let’s get going.”

Three hours later the girls were busy running around finishing their looks. Olivia wore a gorgeous red dress with thin straps and a crown of flowers. She looked like a queen, which suited the occasion. It was her day. Like she promised to Selena, Olivia had an outfit ready for her which fitted her perfectly. It was a white flouncy off-shoulder dress which had a Latino vibe to it. Her hair was curled, and the red lipstick was a colourful finish. Selena couldn’t help but stare at her reflection in the mirror. Would he like it? She secretly hoped so.

“You will make some of them howl for you.” Olivia appeared behind her and whispered while meeting her eyes in the mirror. She winked knowingly. Did she know something? Suddenly Selena became scared.

“Let’s get this party started.” Olivia announced and the girls walked out of the room, thrilled for the party to start. Selena followed suit still putting on her strappy high heels. She reached the others when they were already talking to Maria. In the corner she noticed eyes staring at her. She knew it was him, she didn’t dare to look up. There was wild chatter in Spanish an English going on and she just waited when everybody would get outside where everything was set up. As they finally started to move she was the last one to follow but suddenly out of the blue a hand grabbed her waist firmly and pushed her out of side till her back came to touch the wall. She felt the tingles on her body and his scent filling her lunges. Her heart started beating fast. Selena was sure one could hear it a mile away. He stood so close in front of her she could feel his breath on her skin, sending more tingles through her body. She was trapped. She was weak. Their eyes locked and they kept staring at each other what felt like for ages. He pushed himself even closer to her, which made her breathe even heavier, her chest moving up and down. His hand remained on her waist while the other embraced her throat slowly moving up to her face. She noticed the colour of his eyes flicker into a lustful dark shade. One of his legs pushed slightly between her legs and she noticed she started to give in, she realised she just didn’t have the strength to push him away. Just then he turned her head slightly and she closed her eyes. His breath wandered down to her neck and she felt him stop at her soft spot by her collarbone. Selena supressed a moan. Her eyes shot open when she felt a soft kiss tingle where her mark would have been one day. It was the incredible and arousing feeling she had ever felt and suddenly she let the quiet moan out she was desperately holding in. She had to close her eyes again and lingered on the emotion, on this indescribable feeling. Abruptly he let go and she was left with coldness. How could he tear himself off her so bluntly? It felt like a deprivation, her knees gave in and she had to find something to hold onto as she opened her eyes. What did he want to prove to her by making such a move? It was t*****e. Selena started to get her breathing under control and shook her head. This was going to be harder than she thought. But she had to admit to herself this had been the best feeling in the world, and she promised to herself she would hold onto the memory for the rest of her life.

When she finally felt she was back to normal again she stepped outside and was overwhelmed by what she saw. There were people gathered together, tables and benches, an enormous Barbeque next to a big buffet. Children were running around on the grass; fairy lights were everywhere and probably illuminated once it would be dark. There was even a wooden dancefloor and a band was playing Mexican and country music. It was beautiful.

“There you are!” Selena snaped her head to the side and saw Olivia coming her way. “We thought we lost you. Where have you been?”

“I – I just forgot my phone in your room and went back.” Selena smiled at her nervously.

“Well, let’s go. We are starting with the tequila now.”

“Tequila? But I thought you Americans are strict on alcohol?”

Olivia laughed out loud. Took her hand and led her to a table where Alex an Anna, Nicolas and Jason, and a few others were gathered.

“First of all, I’m half Mexican and this is my staff of life. And second we are all wolves here, so we can handle our alcohol.” This was true. Werewolves had a higher metabolism which meant they could drink more. “and now … Salud!” And with this word everyone lifted their shot glasses and drank followed by some lime. Selena felt the liquid run down her throat and warm her body. She felt herself loosen up and another shot was handed to her.

The party was wild, friendly and cheerful. The band played, people were dancing. The food was delicious. Selena had so much fun she totally forgot the reason she was here but she didn’t care. She enjoyed laughing again. Being carefree and without a worry. Everything and everyone was just happy. The girls danced, Jason and Nicolas tried to get two other girls to dance with them but failed and Alexa and Anna laughed at them, but felt sorry later so they danced with them, only to realise the boys were pretty good dancers. Selena got a lot of questions from people about Europe, they asked if she liked it here and everybody was surprised why a werewolf would go and live outside of their pack for a while voluntarily. That were the only moments she had to remined herself to be careful with what she could say. However, she always kept an eye on William. She wanted to be on guard not to be too close to him during the party. Afterwards she would only approach him. This way she didn’t ruin the party. Still she had to admit he looked breath-taking. He wore simple jeans and a white button up shirt, a bit unbuttoned and with his sleeves rolled up. It looked casual but elegant at the same time. He talked to other people, smiled a lot. His laugh was to die for. From time to time he caught her staring at him and she hoped it wasn’t too obvious and nobody else noticed it. He just kept on smiling and ignored it.

On the dancefloor she felt the music move her body. It was liberating. The sound of the Latino music was sensual and passionate and she loved it. Olivia was the centre of attention; it was her night, and everybody wanted to congratulate her. Selena was happy for her new friend and grateful at the same time because she never let Selena be alone or in an uncomfortable situation. Just when a song ended they were dancing to Olivia suggested to get another shot. “Vamos Selena!” And Selena followed laughing. They went to their table and drank.

“This is a great party Olivia. Thank you for inviting me!” Selena said to her friend. The sun set already, the fairy lights were on and people were enjoying themselves. Children were still running around, their parents failing to bring them to bed, elders were talking and laughing. It was a beautiful sight.

“Selena is right. A great party!” Nicolas agreed and everybody nodded their heads.

“May I ask for the next dance.” A voice suddenly said. Everybody went quiet. Selena turned around and her eyes saw his hand reached out for her to take. Her gaze went all the way up to his eyes and she froze. Her mouth was opened in shock and she didn’t know what to say. He had a little smirk on his face and waited for her lifting his eyebrows a little to show he was expecting an answer.

“Of course, she will dance.” Selena heard Olivia say and suddenly everybody joined her. They pushed Selena and she couldn’t hold her balance anymore and took Williams hand not to fall. He caught her.

“I got you.” She looked up to him and was still not able to say anything, she just mumbled a ‘Thank you’ and ‘sorry’. He led her to the dance floor and turned her around to face him. That’s when Selena finally came to her senses.

“What are you doing?” She pressed the words out off her teeth while faking a smile. She was aware that her friends and probably others were watching.

“I’m going to dance with you, mi corazón.”

With these words he put a red dahlia into her hair and the music started.