The Alpha Female’s Second Chance Mate

Chapter 6

By the time Saturday rolled around I was emotionally exhausted. Lack of sleep and turning James down repeatedly was taking a toll on me. But I still woke up bright and early to go for my morning run. Despite everything happening I was getting stronger. I guess there really is always a silver lining.

I came home after my run to find Paige, Cami, and Chloe waiting at my house. “What are you guys doing here?” Are you kidding?! The ball is tonight! We need to be completely pampered. We’re talking mani’s, pedi’s, facial, hair and makeup all need to be done before this evening!” I bust out laughing at Chloe’s enthusiasm before running inside to shower.

After that, we were off! The girls kept their word, not only did we do everything they said we would, but we also did a little shopping in between nails and makeup. We were walking by a dress store when I stopped dead in my tracks.

The dress in the store window was absolutely stunning. It was the exact same shade of blue as my eyes and I knew I had to have it. The dress was a satin material and had a very high slit up to the hip. The back was mostly open with just thin straps swooping across the back and a scoop neckline that I knew would show off my cleavage. I bought it in my size without even trying it on.

By the time we made it back to my house we were all wired. Nervous energy seemed to hang around all of us as we finished getting ready with only thirty minutes to spare. My dress fit absolutely perfect. I was grateful my hair had been put in an updo, with loose tendrils around my face, because it showed off my toned back. Adding on rose gold shoes and jewelry completed my look and I was ready to conquer the ball.

My parents’ jaws dropped as we descended the stairs and we all did silly poses at the bottom. They laughed heartily before making us do a real pose for a photo. We all complied and smiled as my parents showered us with compliments on how beautiful we looked.

Thankfully, my dad had rented us a car so we didn’t have to drive ourselves. We thought that alone deserved a toast so we toasted my dad before taking a shot of vodka. It burned on the way down but settled our nerves a bit.

Even though I had helped put the ball together I was not prepared for the amount of wolves that showed up. And half of the she-wolves present weren’t even from our pack! But I guess that made sense. Our pack was the biggest and strongest in America. Whoever was mated to Finnegan would be the Luna of our pack.

Once I walked through the doors I made a beeline for the bar. I knew I was going to be in for a rough night and figured being drunk would at least make it bearable. I got a glass of champagne and was just taking my first sip when I felt his presence behind me. I slowly turned and saw James standing behind me watching me appreciatively.

Of course Sarah was there right behind James. But the cherry on top of the cake was that she was wearing the exact same dress that I was originally going to wear. It was a beautiful dress. A light pink a-line dress with a tulle skirt. It was too bad Sarah was too short to pull it off and didn’t have enough b**bs to keep it pulled up.

“Nice dress Sarah.” I smirked at her over the edge of my champagne flute before taking another sip. “Do you like mine? I just bought it today cause it was basically screaming my name. The girls and I spent the day getting all dolled up for tonight. Too bad you missed it.” “I wouldn’t hang out with you sk*nks even if you had invited me.” “Oh honey, I don’t think we’re the sk*nks here.” Paige’s comment made Sarah’s cheeks flush bright red.

James hadn’t said a word throughout my interaction with Sarah. He was still watching me when I turned my attention to him. “Hello James. You look quite nice this evening.” Unfortunately it was true. He was wearing a simple black tux but it was tailored to fit him just right. He was clean, had shaved, and his hair was styled. But my bland tone of voice still showed that I was upset with him.

“Thank you Ava. You look absolutely stunning. I see you’re here with your friends. That’s good.” “And I see you’re here with Sarah. That’s a lot less good.” “We aren’t here together. She just found me as soon as I got here. I promise you I haven’t done anything with her, or even been around her on purpose, since your birthday.” “That’s nice James.” He noticed my gaze start to wander around the room and stuttered hurriedly over his next words. “Would you please dance with me?” I stared at him blankly for a moment before saying, “I’ll think about it,” And walked away.

As I walked away I could hear Sarah protesting to James. She was saying he couldn’t dance with me because he was hers now. I could still hear them arguing even as I walked farther away. “Well it looks like you’re causing quite the ruckus. And in a dress like that, I can’t blame him for being obsessed.”

I turned to look at the man who was talking to me. I had never met him in person before but I recognized him. Luna Debra and I had looked over files on some of the important people that would be here so we would know who they were. “Beta Nathan of the Light Moon Pack. It is a pleasure to meet you.” “You know who I am? But the pleasure is all mine.” His eyes lit up as his gaze raked over my body.

“Might I say that you look absolutely ravishing tonight. But I must apologize. I am not as prepared as you and don’t know with whom I am speaking.” “No apology necessary. I am Ava Green, daughter of Gamma Andrew of the Blood Thorn Pack.” “I see. Well I may not know what was going on between you and that boy. But it’s clear it’s his loss.” “Yes, yes it is. Would you like to dance with me?” I smiled shyly as I held my hand out to him. He eagerly grabbed it and led me out to the dance floor.

I put my empty champagne flute on the tray of a passing waiter before wrapping my free hand around his neck and shoulder. My other hand he still had wrapped in his and he now had it pulled against his chest. I’ll admit, I was definitely swooning a little bit. With his sandy blond hair and deep blue eyes I just couldn’t help myself. He had a hand resting on my lower back and I’m not ashamed to say I arched my back a little at his touch. But that was before a loud growl rattled through the room.