Mated to Vengeance

CHAPTER FIVE: The mating ball

The rest of the day passed really fast and soon enough the sun dipped below the horizon casting an orange glow over northwood pack, the huge clearing just before the forest line had been decorated, a huge table, heavy with food ranging from grilled meat, to pies and stews sat at the edge of the clearing and it was occupied by the representatives of the royal family and the hosting alpha and beta. Several tables filled with pork ribs, roast turkey with stuffing, more stews and briases and wine were arranged around the clearing.

The atmosphere was electric and the sense of celebration in the air was palpable. Werewolves of different colors dressed in glamorous gowns with sparkling jewelry and well fitted tuxedos mingled and laughed, several couples twirled and swayed to the music coming from a live band that played lively tunes from jazz to swing and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses.

“What do you mean I am not allowed to attend?!” Brienne yelled at Ian.

He had come to drag her from the clearing just when the party was about to start in full swing claiming their dad said she should stay indoors.

“Bri,” Ian groaned exasperatedly. He had planned to sneak into ball with his friends and probably get some wine and hangout with people from other packs. He heard rumors that the assistant of the head physician in the capital was going to attend and he has been dying to meet him.

He planned to get Brienne to fall asleep and attend the ball, he just has to make sure that their father or Bernard doesn’t see him. But Bri is ruining his whole plan.

“Bri, listen to me,” he started slowly. “It is literally called a mating ball. Its is for grown wolves that are looking for mates. You and I have no business being there and I’m sure it is going to be boring anyway.”

Brienne looked at him with one raised eyebrow, “But you want to attend,”

“Me? Not at all. It doesn’t interest me one bit.” Ian lied through his teeth.

“I overheard you and your friend planning to sneak in.” she deadpanned.

“Okay, you’re right,” he admitted reluctantly “But I have a valid reason for wanting to go. There’s someone I need to meet.”

“Then we can just go together, dad doesn’t have to know.” Brienne held his sleeve and looked at him with those puppy eyes her dad and brothers found difficult to resist.

“Come on, Bri. It’s not safe out there and dad would kill me if something happened to you.”

“Then I’ll just stay by your side the whole time and you can make sure nothing happens to me,”

“Please Ian, we can just go for a few minutes, dad won’t even notice. I just want to see what the mating ball looks like. I might never get an opportunity like this again.” She pleaded

Ian thought about it for a beat, “Alright,” he agreed finally “But you have to promise to stay beside me at all times, no running off. Is that agreed.”

“Yes!” she hugged him “I love you, Ian, you are the best brother in the world.” She gushed.

“Oh please, I heard you say the exact same thing to Bernard last week.” Ian said but he could not stop his lips from curling up as he ruffled her hair. Brienne didn’t even complain this time, for a girl so young, she knows how to convince people to do what she wants.

“Come on, let’s go.” He held her hand and they made their way to the clearing making sure to avoid passing by the pack house in case their dad told someone to watch them.

On the way, they passed by a couple hanging out in the dark, the girl giggled and Brienne was sure her voice sounded very much like Chloe’s.

At least her wish came true, she thought smiling to herself as they walked past.