Lycan Prince's Fated Mate

IVIE “I can't possibly wear this,” I informed my best friend, but I couldn't take my eyes off the mirror. The dress was a luscious forest green that clung to my curves before flaring out beautifully. The girl in the mirror looked beautiful, daring, and audacious. She looked nothing like me. Mia’s long blond hair swished across the ground as she regarded me upside down from her precarious position at the bed’s edge. “Why not? I’ll lend it to you. Besides, it fits you like a glove.” Reluctantly turning away from the mirror, I spun to face Mia. “What does the fit matter if I’m not even invited to the ball?” Mia straightened smoothly, tucking her legs beneath her. “It's open to all eligible supernaturals who wish to attend.” “All high-ranking eligible supernaturals,” I corrected before pointing at myself. “I'm an omega in case you've forgotten.” It was an unspoken rule of the so-called inclusive supernatural ball. There was nothing inclusive about it. From the ticket price point to the absurdity of the outfit prices that fit the dress code of the supernatural ball, it was obviously only designed for the elite of the elite. As an omega, I was the opposite of elite. “It doesn't matter,” Mia refused to be discouraged. “We have a ticket and a dress. Plus, this year’s theme is a mask party. With a bit of concealing spray, nobody will ever know.” My jaw dropped at the sight of the minuscule spray in her hands. “Allure,” a mist that could completely obliterate the scent of a supernatural. It was so effective at masking scents, especially at group events, that it had been banned. “That is illegal. How did you even get it?” I gaped. “That doesn't matter,” Mia repeated, her hazel eyes locked onto mine. “All that matters is the fact that you, Ivie Morgan, are going to the ball.” “Mia, Adeline gifted you the ticket. You should go. I can't.” I looked away, a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. Wanting things that were above my station was dangerous. I didn't do dangerous things. “Ivie, look at me,” Mia cupped my cheeks forcing me to maintain eye contact with her. “You will go to this ball because you cannot continue to sentence yourself to a life devoid of actual living simply because you are scared of the unknown.” She was right. I was used to my routine. My routine of keeping my head down and blending into the background. It kept me safe, but at what cost? The dress felt like liquid silk in my hands. Maybe… just maybe I could put aside my reservations for just one night. I offered Mia a weak nervous smile. “Can I at least wear a less… conspicuous dress?” “No!” Mia scowled, but I could see the mirth glistening in her eyes. Oh, Goddess. I wasn't even at the ball yet and I was already feeling overwhelmed. I couldn’t bring myself to leave the buffet table at the ball. Despite being decked out in the most stunning dress I’d ever worn; it was obvious that I didn’t belong with these people. These supernaturals with their elaborate masks, intricate outfits, and airs of sophistication no Allure could fake. Their practiced gliding, easy conversations, and polite laughter looked effortless. I never should have let Mia talk me into this, I had to leave and — “Care for a dance, miss?” I glanced at the masked man standing in front of me with an outstretched hand, then I looked behind me to see whom he was addressing. There was no one behind me. He was talking to me. Anxiety flooded my veins. My mouth opened and shut without a word. The man continued to stare at me expectantly and my cheeks burned. “Uh, I… I’m good, thanks.” I managed to croak out before turning away and rushing out of the hall. So much for having fun tonight. Diana yawned inside me. She was my wolf and faithful partner. I walked even faster. I wanted nothing more than to hide myself. Forever. I was so flustered that I took the wrong turn, ending up on a secluded balcony overlooking the area rather than the staircase leading out. Sucking in deep steadying breaths, I pulled my mask off. I wanted to go back home. Diana stirred within me but stayed silent this time. Mia shouldn’t have given up her chance to come here for me, Ivie Morgan, the orphaned omega, who was spooked by her own shadow. I couldn't even have one dance without having a minor panic attack. The direction of the wind shifted, and I scented him a second before I felt his hand on my ass. Flinching away, I spun to meet familiar, cruel golden-brown eyes. Martin pulled back his mask and smiled at me. “Well, well, if it isn't little Ivie.” Martin Teal, the Beta in training and son of the current Beta of my pack, and possibly the vilest wolf I knew. I’d heard stories and seen how he’d treated female omegas with the misfortune of catching his attention, how he broke them. Martin had gotten me whipped a couple of times for some perceived slight. But in my nineteen years living in the Shadow Pack, he’d never looked at me as he did now. Hungrily. I suddenly realized how isolated we were from the main event and a chill went up my spine. “Runt, I almost didn't recognize you. You look… different,” Martin smirked, his lecherous gaze fixed on my curves. “I like it. A lot.” “Please excuse me,” I bowed slightly, then moved as fast as my legs could carry me. I hurried away from Martin.