Captured

{17} The Charity Ball

Zach's POV:

Scott and I enter some of the rooms reserved for us at the auction house. We arrive at our suite only to be met with endless chatter from Leah, Chloe, Ally, and Penny. I feel a little pang of sadness that she isn't here. Leah must see my expression as she walks over.

"She'll be here soon." I know she's referring to the ball, but I wish she were here now. This is where she belongs, here, by my side. I've been such a fool to try and push her away.

After getting ready, all of the higher pack members are to report to the ballroom at 7 pm. I send Scott and Christian to monitor the perimeter so she is protected while she enters the building. I'm not taking any chances.

Around 7:30, I start to feel anxious. She's close. I can feel her. I can't wait to see her and, hopefully, take the first steps in repairing the damage I've caused.

Alpha, she's here. Christian mindlinks me.

Keep your distance, but keep her in your sights. I want her protected. I order.

She's with her father. He responds.

Protect them both. I cut the link and begin helping members of the pack find their seats. A few minutes later, Scott enters the ballroom. He pulls me aside so no one can eavesdrop.

"Uh....do you know what she just did?" My eyes flash angrily. "Calm down, it's nothing bad. I'm just a little, well, shocked. Not that I should be, but--"

"Spit it out before I lose what little patience I have left." I growl at him.

"Geez, my bad!" He holds his hands up in surrender. "She just donated almost all of her earnings to our pack's charity. I think she might have kept a thousand or a little more, but the bulk is sitting in our chest." He grins, but my face is sullen.

"Why would she do that? I mean, I know about her mom, but I thought she would use that money to start up her business." I whisper, confused.

"She's a natural born Luna. Dude, she barely even looked at the other display tables. She's meant to be our Luna." I stare at him. He's accepted her from day one, as many of the pack members have, but I never saw it. I was too worried about my past and who might hurt her because of me. I hear the doors open and the bellman rings out her name.

"Sara Beth Collins"

As she stands at the top of the stairs to enter the ballroom, I can't help, but stare at her, enchanted by her beauty. The entire room is watching her and I can feel her anxiety spike as she hates the spotlight. She definitely prefers the behind the scenes. She's alone, but I see her turn to look behind her as her father steps up to her side. Her smile widens as she interlocks her arm in his. She's filled with pride, which helps calm her down. They descend the stairs, noticing the smiling crowd; however, I see Adam stalking toward them, so I move to intercept. He, unfortunately, gets to them as they reach the bottom step.

"Ah! So this is why I was rejected? I didn't realize you already had a mate. Although you are quite a bit older than she is, I don't like being lied to. I guess the rumors about you being a little pack slut are true! But know this...someone like you should be warned about toying with the likes of someone like me. You will get hurt." He angrily spats out. My anger immediately rises, but I have to stop myself from growling. They are both shocked and silent. Without a word, she unlocks her arm and turns to rush out onto the balcony. With her head lowered, she doesn't see me step in front of her, embracing both arms, halting her escape. There is no way in hell I am going to let him hurt her or cause her to run. She is a strong woman able to overcome anything, including the likes of Adam Walker.

"Don't," I say. "Don't you dare let one teardrop fall over that twatbag. He's only trying to hurt you and I refuse to let that happen." She slowly lifts her head so I can finally see her beautiful, unstained face. I push only positive emotions through our bond, a bond she knows nothing about, but right now she needs it. I break my connection with her as her father walks up. I lift my hand to shake his. He already knows I am her mate and we are both trying to find the best way to break the news of our world. "Mr. Collins, it's a pleasure to see you tonight. I apologize for the intrusion, but I couldn't help complimenting Sara Beth's dress. She looks radiant tonight." I say it. I say her name for the first time. It makes this so much more real, she is real. If I plan to make things right, she can no longer remain just some girl. She is mine. My girl. My Sara Beth.

"Mr. Turner, likewise and you don't have to apologize, my daughter has always tried to hide in the shadows. But, pure beauty always finds light." He boasts. I smile at her father's compliment. I see her face turn a light pink. "Mind if I steal my daughter for one dance? I probably won't make it to the wee hours of the morning like you kids, but I definitely want to take advantage of this opportunity. I was stunned when she asked me to escort her. I was sure someone had asked her, but either way, I'm going to go show off my elegant daughter." I look down at her and give her a quick wink, releasing my hold on her arm. I watch as Trevor leads her to the dance floor.

I walk over to Scott and Christian, who are talking softly. I notice Christian's face showing disapproval and hints of anger.

"What's wrong with you?" I ask. Scott shakes his head and I wait for Christian to answer.

"You should've told me. I had my suspicions, but you would think your friend and Alpha would tell you. It's my job to protect her and I can't do that if I don't know who she is." He grits out. I accept his anger as he has every right to be angry. I didn't reveal Sara Beth's identity for a reason, but to keep it from my Gamma. That's another issue.

"Christian, you're right. I have every faith in your ability to protect her and I should have talked to you about this way before my birthday. I was trying to push her away from all of this, from me." I explain.

"What?! Why?! She's a perfect Luna! Why would you reject your mate?!" I growl lowly.

"I haven't rejected her nor will I reject her. She is mine!" I take a deep breath before continuing. "But, I was conflicted with my past meeting my future. I handled it wrong and I have to fix the situation slowly and carefully. Trust me..." I clap Christian's shoulder and step closer to him. "...you are one of my closest friends, my Gamma, and I trust you. I just didn't trust myself." He looks at me, searching my eyes for bullshit.

"Thank you, Alpha. Now, I will get to work on a protection plan. I will meet with you in a few days to discuss it." I simply nod as he walks to find his mate, Ally. I'm sure he's feeling on edge and she will be able to calm him down. I look at Scott who's wearing a smirk on his face.

"What?"

"Nothing." He chuckles and we walk toward our table as the song ends. We get seated as Sara Beth and her father come around to take their seats. The seating arrangement is annoying me as Sara Beth is sitting between Leah and her father and not next to me. Scott, who is occupying the seat my mate should be in, feels my aura and turns to face me.

Switch seats with Sara Beth. Tell her you need to speak with Trevor. I mindlink. He nods. I watch his exchange with her and she moves with some hesitation. After she seats next to me, I see Leah giving me a look. I shrug my shoulders as if nothing happened. She shakes her head at me, but continues her conversation with Sara Beth.

I can't keep my eyes off of her. She's stunning in her green dress. Her voice and laughter fills the air. The meal is served and we are all complimentary of how delicious it is, but I remain quiet. I'm lost in my thoughts of how I can tell her the truth. After dinner, many couples start to head back to the dance floor. Trevor walks over to my mate.

"I'm headed out sweetie. Early meeting in the am and this old man needs his rest." I watch her hug and kiss her father on the cheek before he turns toward me. "Mr. Turner, I'll see you tomorrow. Good night." I shake Trevor's hand. She watches her father walk out of the ballroom, but my eyes are on her.

"Mind if I have this dance?" I ask lowly, watching her hazel eyes find mine. I hold my hand out and wait for hers. She places her delicate hand in mine. I instantly feel the tingles and the mate bond grow stronger. She trusts me, us. She's not afraid of me. As I pull her to me and we start to dance, I need to break this silence. "Are you having a good time?"

"I am. Thank you." She says shyly. I see her blush again. I love my effect on her.

"I'm glad. You look very beautiful tonight. I also want to congratulate you." She looks up at me in confusion. "Your pieces did very well at the auction." I explain.

"Yes, I'm told they did."

"Curious thing though. A large donation was made to our community's charity right after you collected your earnings. Know anything about that?" I need to know why she gave up the money. My emotions are mixed between awe, slight anger, confusion, adoration.

"Nope." She pops the p and looks away from me.

"I thought you would use the money to open up your shop?" I confess.

"I will. Eventually. But it wouldn't sit well with me if I took the money to open a shop while children are suffering from the loss of a parent. I know what that's like and I wouldn't wish that type of pain on anyone." She explains while looking deep into my eyes. I know about her mother. I actually know the real story about her mother, which makes my face drop in sadness. We have something in common.

"Me too. One of the reasons I started the charity."

"You? You started the charity?"

"I lost my mother, too." I can't help, but grip her tighter. Her hand reaches out and rests on my cheek, which I lean into for comfort. She has no idea what she is doing to me.

"I won't say I'm sorry because I personally hated it when people said that to me, but I understand. I hope you keep her memory alive through your actions. I try to carry myself in a way that my mother is still proud of the woman I've become. I hope you do the same." Her words cut deep as my mother would not have approved of how I've treated her or the fact I tried to push her away. The song stops and she pulls us from the dance floor. She leads us back to the table, but the urgency to speak to her, alone, is overwhelming. I pull her into a room off to the side. "What the—" I back her against the wall and place both hands on either side of her head. I take a brief moment before speaking.

"You have no idea just how incredible you are. It's infuriating because all I want to do is hate you. I want to push you so far away from me and I can't." She searches my face for an explanation of my outburst, but I squeeze my eyes shut. My past, present, and future collide. I already know I will choose her, but it doesn't make the pain go away.

"Zach, what are you talking about? You barely know me. I haven't done anything wrong." She tries to soothe my anguish. She fights the urge to reach out to me.

"And that's the problem." I snap open my eyes, knowing they are darker now. Hunter is alive just under the surface. He wants his mate. "You've changed everything." I lean in and kiss her as if my life depends on it. Her hands are pressed against my chest, but she doesn't push me away. Her lips taste so sweet and she allows me this moment. I finally regain control and pull away. "I'm sorry. I know I have some explaining to do, but I can't. Not yet. Please just wait for me. Meet me tomorrow at the clearing around noon." She nods, still dazed and confused. With that, I rush out of the door and shift before I do something stupid...again.