Nia: Betrothed Luna

Chapter 6: The Ball

As I prepare for the ball I can’t help but think about Marcel! Okay Nia, it isn’t that he’s that handsome you just haven’t been around any men growing up so of course you would find the first one you meet attractive…. right?

“Enough!” I think out loud. I look in the mirror once more and nod. My mother did an amazing job selecting this elegant apricot and ruby Victorian ball gown. I had to admit I look stunning. I swiftly turn and head towards the ballroom.

As the entrance comes into view, I see my mother and several other individuals around my age standing beside her. They all smile as I come into view. The other females also had on dresses, although theirs was not as big as mine they all looked radiant! The men had tuxedos on and looked handsome as well.

“Now when you walk in, all eyes will be on you. Nia will be the last one to enter and she will take her seat beside her brothers and everyone else will be seated beside their family. Alpha Nix will give a speech then ask you each to move forward. You will receive your tattoos and then the ball will begin.” My mother says through a genuine smile. “Any questions before we begin?”

“Luna, w-will the tattoos hurt?” Bella asks; she is the doctor’s daughter and is very kind.

“No, the pack witch will be placing them. Although it is painless Nia is the only one who will be receiving hers on the small of her back everyone else will receive theirs on theirs on their left rib. Now is everyone ready?”

We all nodded in unison and waited as my Mother went in before us. One by one each individual before me was called. I slowly began to worry, what if he is mean, what if I don’t like him…. goodness. Moon Goddess please help me not make a fool of myself today. My heart froze as I heard them call my name.

“Last but definitely not least Princess Nia of the Crescent Moon Pack.”

A round of applause abrupted as I slowly walked towards my family. All eyes were on me as I made my way towards my seat.” I couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of Marcel. He smiled at me and I couldn’t believe I blushed before I quickly looked away.

Focus Nia your “fiancé” is here and what would he say about your actions. I take my seat as my thoughts begin to take over my mind. My father’s speech was strict and to the point as he called everyone up one by one, I watched as they were told what their jobs would be within our pack and their tattoos were swiftly placed on them. I then realized all of the girl’s dresses had their zippers placed on the left side of their dress. While mine was placed on the back.

I froze in place when my father called me. I stared at him for a moment before I stood up and walked towards him.

“As we all know my daughter already has a mate. Nia your job is to continue to look out for our pack and to thrive as Luna in your new home.” He said as he motioned for the witch to move forward.

I stood there as she unzipped my dress and pulled it until the small of my back was visible. My brother Sol was holding his coat in front of me so that no one could get a glimpse of my breast. I then heard a loud growl come from the crowd, but I dared not move. Another round of applause broke out as I felt her zip up my dress. I turned around and smiled at the crowd and realized they were expecting a speech.

“I would like to thank everyone for the kind words and for welcoming me into the pack. I would also like to apologize for my mate, whoever he may be, for taking me from you all at such a young age. I do not plan on leaving after tonight but since I must I want to tell you all that this is and will forever be my home. Thank you!” I couldn’t help but allow tears to form as I said the last few words.

As the music began, I watched as everyone began to dance. The hall was now full of joy and laughter. I made my way to the dance floor and fell in with the crowd as well. Bella found me and we began to dance together. She told me she thinks she knows who her mate is and didn’t want him to get jealous, so she hoped it was okay if she danced the night away with me. Of course, I was glad when she asked because my coward of a mate still had not shown his face.

“It is now ten minutes until midnight, and everyone will be anticipating your first shift. So, as tradition would have it, it is time for a slow song. Please, grab your partners and leave the middle of the floor to those we are here to celebrate tonight,” said DJ Willow.

I stood in the middle of the dance floor as I watched the newest pack members find their partners. I was also surprised when Mitch walked up to Bella and asked her if he could have this dance. I couldn’t help but smile when she glanced at me and mouthed “Prayers to the Goddess.” As the music began, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find Marcel standing beside me.

“Nia, may I have this dance?” he asked.

“Although I do not find it appropriate, since my cowardly mate has decided not to come yes…yes you may have this dance.” I say through gritted teeth.

He pulls me close to him as we begin to dance, and I cannot help but find comfort in his arms. “Marcel, I think this dance is a bad idea. I keep telling you I have a mate.”

“I’m not worried about him,” he says as he slowly stops me before him.

“Everyone get ready in 10….9…...8…...7” says DJ Willow over the speakers.

I let out a gasp as he said one and Marcel pulled me towards him. Kissing me in the process! I cannot help but freeze as static flows throughout my body leaving a warm and tingling sensation in its wake. I pull myself back in tears and cannot help but scream at him.

“How dare you take my first kiss without even asking me!” I raise my hand to slap him as he catches it.

He holds my hand and smiles at me. I don’t know why I feel sparks flying through my body every time we touch but I could care less. I try to pull away as I stare at my brother through tears. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t rushing to help me.

“Let me go Marcel! Let me go! How dare you take something from me that isn’t yours to have. Can you not see that it was mine to give?”

“Nia, the kiss was mine for the simple reason that I am your mate!” he says through gritted teeth. “For your own sake I hope you never attempt to hit me again.”

He then kisses me again as I struggle to get away from him and out of his grip. I then freeze in please and hunch over and let out a shriek.

“It hurts……aaahhhh…….it hurts…….” My cries fall on deaf ears as I begin to see gold and then black. I can feel Marcel embracing me because those tingles soon begin to take over the parts of my body that he rubs.

“Breathe my Luna, your pain will soon be over.”

That was the last thing I heard before I found myself in a familiar meadow once again.