The Wolf Games

Masquerede Ball

Erik's POV

There will be close to 3000 guests attending this evening's Masquerade Ball. Only the contestants wear a mask. This is a way to differentiate who the guests are from the competitors. Tonight I'm wearing a black Tom Ford suit with a red mask.

Only one wolf from each pack is allowed to compete in the Games. There is a risk of being an Alpha and competing in the games. If I lose early in the rounds, my pack will look weak and are at risk of being attacked. Many alphas choose their best warriors to compete for that very reason.

My parents who are still the acting Alpha and Luna of the Red Moon Pack have made me train since I was five years old. It's an honor to be competing and I want to show my pack that I'm the best Alpha and that I will protect them when I take over at the next full moon.

Greeting everyone tonight is an advantage because I can scope out my competition. 

After we have spent the last two hours greeting our guests and competitors, my wolf is losing hope that green eyes will attend tonight. he wants me to mind link Elly and ask if she's ok but then I don't want her thinking I like her because I'll never hear the end of it. 

I see Naomi from the Crescent Moon Pack accompanied by her father. Our Beta Jason officially introduces every guest to my parents and me, and Naomi and her father bow their heads as a sign of respect. Naomi looks gorgeous in a red floor-length gown with a matching red mask. She has left her hair long and wild falling just above her bottom. If only her heart was as beautiful as her looks. Naomi has always been a spoilt brat, knowing that she will one day take over the pack. We dated back in high school and I know both packs would like us to get married. We can join our lands and be the largest pack in the world. I was thinking about it but ever since I smelt my mate I don't think my wolf would let me.

"Will the Alpha of Crescent Moon be attending this evening?" my father asks Naomi and her father

"Unfortunately not, but he has promised to watch me fight" Naomi replies whilst staring at me looking me up and down, liking what she sees.

"Welcome home Erik... I've missed you"  Naomi leans in close and kisses me on the lips.

I see my Dad give Naomi's Dad a wink. 

"Nice to see you too Naomi" giving her a half-smile trying to wipe off her lipstick from my mouth.

"Make sure you save me a dance tonight" she begins to walk away with her father and turns back and blows me a kiss. My mother turns and looks at me shaking her head

"Careful of that one, she may be beautiful but she's cruel just like her mother" she whispers to me. My mother always told me how evil Naomi's mother was to her and her childhood best friend. Mum comes from the crescent moon pack and grew up with the Alpha. The Alpha usually comes to our pack to visit my mum because mum says there are too many sad memories and refuses to go back.

We've been mind-linked by one of the organizers that there are only two more guests that need to be greeted. I look over and see green eyes isn't one of them. I hear my woof sooking and I also feel disappointed which I try and shake it off.

"That is all the guest for this ev.... sorry, one more has just arrived," Beta Jason says looking to the large entrance doors

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Sasha's POV

After getting clearance from the pack doctor all I wanted was to go back to my room, have a shower, and have an early night. I'm emotionally exhausted.

"So Doc, you think Sasha will be ok to go to the ball tonight?" Taylor asks looking up to the ceiling like she's praying to the moon goddess

"If Sasha feels up to it I don't see why not. You've recovered rather quickly even for a wolf" the doctor says scratching his head.

"umm...I was hoping to have a quiet one" I look at Taylor and Joseph and it looks like I ripped their hearts out of their chest

"Ok, ok, how can I say no to you two?" These two already know how to play me. The two of them jump up and down and start screaming and hugging each other.

Taylor suddenly stops and I can tell she's mind linking someone. 

"Glam squad is racing to your room now. Quick, quick. We don't have long" Taylor pulls my arm and we're practically running out of the pack hospital.

"Thank you, Doctor" I wave goodbye and regret saying yes.

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I hop out of the shower and dry myself off and I'm being screamed at by Taylor who is clapping her hands telling me to pick up my pace.

The Galm squad seem very flustered but are working their magic on my hair and makeup.

"Sasha, I noticed you had no social media presence so I started a new account for you today. You already have 10,000 followers and I just posted a video from the gym tonight and you now have 15,000  and it's only been an hour" she says scrolling through all my new followers

"Do I really need social media? It's just not my thing" I said

"Of course! Sasha, people are already betting that you're going to lose first round. Everyone knows that the Roma Pack aren't fighters so I need to work my magic quickly before you get knocked out" her voice now low, looking at the ground, not knowing what my reaction will be.

"Is that what people think?" I start to laugh and everyone has stopped what they're doing and is a little stunned by my reaction.

"Oh Taylor, I'm going to be the first woman to ever win the games and walk out of here a million dollars richer"  Everyone looks at me like I've lost my mind and I can't help but laugh.

Once my hair and make-up were all done the glam squad helps me get into a stunning yellow Givenchy silk gown. The dress fell to the ground and has thin spaghetti straps with a very low back. It hugged my body in all the right spots. I don't think I've ever worn anything this beautiful before. My hair is tied back in a loose low bun to show off my back.

To finish off my look, my makeup artist uses makeup glue to put a gold masquerade mask over my eyes which makes my green eyes pop. 

The glam squad and Taylor start squealing and take out their phones and take millions of photos.

There's a knock on the door and Taylor opens it up. Joseph walks in wearing a beautiful tuxedo and is staring at me not saying a word.

"You look very handsome Joey. I think you're going to break many hearts tonight" I give him a kiss on the cheek and his face turns crimson red.

Joseph isn't the tallest wolf but he has the cutest face. He looks barely 18 and has short mousey brown hair with freckles all over his face with round hazel eyes. He doesn't look very athletic but is very slim. I know he struggled to lift me tonight after I hit my head but he carried me all the way to the hospital. 

If I had a little brother, I would want him to be just like Joseph- super sweet with a heart of gold. Whenever I give him compliments I can feel his whole energy lift. I take his hand so he can lead me to the car but Taylor quickly pushes us out of the door, screaming at the driver that we're in a rush... thank goodness she's not going to be behind the wheel.

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We arrive in front of a huge white building and it's lit up beautifully. There are about 20 stairs that lead up to the grand entrance. Taylor gets out first, followed by Joseph. I can see some photographers outside but they all look over it and are half asleep. As soon as I hop out of the car, there was about a minute of silence and I straightened out my dress... suddenly I'm blinded by cameras with people shouting and asking who I am. I couldn't even see in front of me, blinded by the flashing lights.

People are blocking our way and Taylor asks for the photographers to give us space so we can pass. I finally make it up the stairs and at the entrance, Taylor introduces me to Beta Jason.  

"Miss Sasha Colombo all the way from Rome representing the Roma Pack. I would like to introduce you to our Alpha Edmond and Luna Grace of The Red Moon Pack, and their son Erik who will also be competing in The Wolf Games. " 

I bow my head as a sign of respect 

"Thank you for your warm welcome. It's an honor to meet you" 

"I know your Alpha quite well Miss Colombo. I didn't know he had a daughter though" said Alpha Edmond

"He isn't my father. He has two sons both still pups" I reply

"Then who is your father dear?... You have Alpha energy that only an Alpha's child can be born with" asks Luna Grace in a soft but calm voice. 

I don't know why I hadn't thought about people picking up my Alpha energy. I hadn't prepared myself for this question. I hesitate and can see gorgeous Mr. Blue eyes leaning in closer to hear what I have to say

"I don't know my father, he died before I was born. My mother never wanted to speak of it. So I'm unsure if he ever was an Alpha" I say in a jittery voice. The Alpha and Luna clearly pick up on my uncomfortable vibes.

"Well, I have a wonderful feeling about you dear. I wish you the best of luck " Luna Grace giving me a nod. I bow to them both and I walk over to Mr. Blue's eyes. 

"Good evening Sasha" he grabs my hand and kisses it and it sends a shiver up my spine

"Buona sera" is all I could say, there's something about this guy that makes me feel nervous. He was still holding my hand and I wonder if he could feel the same sensations I was. 

"How are you feeling? You definitely look better than the boxing bag" he says with a big grin on his face

"Oh, how embarrassing. Actually, I should thank you. Taylor told me that you were the one that helped me when I was knocked out. I'm very sorry for destroying your gym and if you will send me the bill I would be happy to pay for all damages" my voice is coming out rather deep and husky and I realize he is circling his finger on the palm of my hand and my mind is going all foggy. 

Why is this man having this effect on me? 

I remove my hand from his grip suddenly so I can come out of this trance. He seems taken aback.

"I was quite surprised that you could hit like that, but I guess that's nothing if you attack vampires" Erik rolls his eyes

"You don't believe I can beat vampires?" I ask, and I'm slightly amused that he obviously thinks I can't

"I just think it's wrong to tell two impressionable girls that you can" 

Now I want to punch him. Before I can give him a piece of my mind, Naomi rudely interrupts and literally pushes me out of the way.

"Erik, we must have the first dance together" Naomi looks over to me and gives me a dirty look. She then grabs his hand and pulls him to the dance floor. The music begins and the photographers follow them blocking my view. 

I hate arrogant Alphas! 

I need a drink.

I walk through the crowds and see Joseph asking a girl to dance. The girl says no, and all her friends start to laugh at Joseph. His face turns red and they begin to make fun of him. 

"Excuse me, Joseph" I walk straight up to him and I can see the group of teenagers that were laughing at him, stop and stare at me.

"Are you Sasha Colombo? Oh, my Moon Goddess. I follow you and I'm your biggest fan. Can I take a photo with you?" one of the girls asks and then suddenly they all take out their phones asking for a photo.

One of the guys from the group comes forward asking me if I wanted to dance

"Actually I came over because I wanted to ask if Joseph wanted to dance with me?" I look at Joseph and he has the biggest smile on his face.

"Will you dance with my Joey?"  He gives me a nod and I turn to the group and their mouths are wide open. I can feel his hands are shaking and he is looking at the crowd nervously.

"Let's show them what they're missing out on" I whisper in his ear. 

All of a sudden, it seems Joseph gets a boost of confidence and grabs me by the waist with his firm grip, and begins to dance with me. He takes charge and is spinning me around the dancefloor and I can't stop smiling and laughing. I notice many eyes are on us and the flashing lights from cameras but Joseph doesn't seem to care anymore. I start thinking about Massimo and how much I miss him, I wish he was here with me and my heart starts to ache. The music changes to something slow and Joseph puts his hands low on my back and I wrap my hands around his neck. 

"Are you ok Sasha? Did I spin you too fast?" I can hear the concern in his voice and I shake my head

"I'm just missing home," I said, trying to fake a smile

"I hope one day I can visit you in Rome. I was planning on leaving this pack once I turn 18 and go traveling around the world. No one will miss me. I have no friends, just my mum and dad, and my two little brothers" he says and looks away from me. 

"Well, that's not true because I'm your friend... Are you close with your family?" 

"Yeah my parents are wonderful and my twin brothers are only 13 and always getting into trouble. I told them all about you. My brothers really want to meet you" he says with a big smile

"How come you think you have no friends?" I ask

"Because I don't. I guess I'm really clumsy and every time I try out for the squad to learn how to fight they tell me I'm too weak and not good enough. You're the first person to ever give me a go"

"Well, I can't wait to train you and turn you into the most feared warrior your pack has ever seen" we both start laughing and I give him a cuddle.

Joseph gets a tap on the shoulder and I see a familiar face. Gorgeous Alpha Michael from Sicily.

"Excuse me, would you mind if I steal her away from you?"  Joseph looks at me for my approval and I give him a nod. I'm lifted into a huge hug and spun around a few times.

"It's been forever! Is Massimo here too?" he asks, looking around the room

"No, Massimo couldn't come. It's just me" I give Michael another big hug and was just so happy to see an old friend. I always had a crush on Alpha Michael but Massimo told me to stay away because he was a player-That was rich coming from Massimo. 

"The last time I saw you, you defeated an army of rogues for my pack...you saved all our lives and left without saying goodbye" Michael says in a somber tone. He lifts my chin so I look him in the eyes and I feel that crush creeping back. 

"You know I had to get back to my mum, and my boyfriend," I say with a smirk

"That's right, vampire boy... Is he still in the picture?" Massimo grabs my hand and leads me to the bar.

"No, we broke up" Massimo hands me a glass of champagne and we both clink our glasses with each other.

"I guess I'm in luck," he says taking a sip of his champagne

"How so?" Raising my eyebrows, looking staright into his gorgeous brown eyes.

"No Massimo telling me to stay away from you and no more scary vampire boyfriend" Michael keeps staring at me like there is no one else in the room and I can see his wolf has come to the surface. 

"Michael, I don't know what you think is going to happen but I'm here to win and I need to focus" my words don't sound convincing and I start visualizing what it would be like to be with him. I feel my face go red from the wild thoughts.

"Well I guess I have four weeks to try and convince you that your the only girl I want," he says with a big smile

"Alpha Michael, you and Massimo have always talked about finding your mate. Don't waste your time on someone like me. She's out there somewhere" I turn away from him and look out to the dancefloor.

"My mate rejected me"  I turn so fast to look at him and I can see his telling the truth.

"How are you even alive? I ask in complete shock

"I'm an alpha, it hurt like hell but we are strong enough to survive the pain. She was in love with another wolf and didn't want me. I can choose a chosen mate and be whole again" he pulls me in close and gives me little kisses along my neck.

"I want you" he whispers in my ear

"I can feel you want me too," he says giving me another kiss on my neck. I start to feel dizzy and lose my balance. Alpha Michael notices and grabs a hold of me

"I think I need to go. I hit my head badly today and I'm not feeling well" I say trying to stand straight.

"I'll take you back to your room. I promise no funny business"  he says giving me a little wink.

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