An Unwavering Promise--Completed

Chapter Tweleve

Eleanor’s POV

Two hours later, seven shopping bags purchased, and one very tired werewolf later, we crammed back into the car. It wasn’t even noon yet, and I was already exhausted and longing to sleep again. I had never seen this side of Candy before. Before, I had only known about the carefree vampire, who was polite, well-spoken, and almost demure. The vampire I met out in the crowds today, however, was anything but those characteristics. She was aggressive and foul-mouthed to the point where I thought sailors might blush. Candy had been demanding and authoritative. At one instance, I thought the snobby sales lady was going to cry because of how assertive Candy was being.

We visited two different make-up stores and three different clothing stores. We were simply going to a garden party, or so I thought. According to Candy, there was no such thing as a ‘simple garden party’. In fact, she told me to never use the word ‘simple’ with ‘party’ ever again. I had never been more afraid of Candy in my entire life than when she scolded me for saying that.

Once we got back to the rental, though, things did not calm down. Candy then went into a flurry of preparations for the party. Not only did she get herself done up in an extravagant manner, but she also transformed me into a goddess. I usually had a hard time thinking of myself as beautiful, but today, I believed it. She had curled my brown hair to cascade down my back and over my shoulders. My make-up was done in such a way that made my blue eyes pop, and my lips even looked bigger as I wore red lipstick. I had dangling earrings, and my dress was black and tight-fitting with a deep v-cut down the back. I was really feeling myself in this gown, though it did seem like a bit much. Seeing Candy’s proud face made me keep my mouth shut. I was her doll today, and I didn’t want to ruin her moment of stunning transformation.

“Alright,” she giggled. “Let’s go save some people!”

Berty bowed his head to us with a grin. He looked dashing in his suit, and after Candy told him how much she wanted to take it off him, we made our way to the car. Berty expertly drove us into the city and through the rain. I was glad that this shindig wasn’t far, and that Dominic had chosen Seattle as the location for this particular party. Candy had mentioned that he rarely held a party in the same place twice.

We arrived at a swanky hotel, where I was helped out by their staff. We were then led to the elevator, which took us all the way up to the penthouse suite. When the doors opened, I did my best not to gawk at everything. All I saw were price tags. A swift jab in the ribs from Candy told me I wasn’t succeeding well, so I took a deep breath and told myself that I could pretend to be some rich person who was used to all this. I was acting the part in order to save my mate and his ex-wife. I couldn’t resist the inward eye roll, which got a chuckle out of Rae. Hearing Rae gave me the boost I needed. Alexander needed me to step up my game right now. So, I would.

The penthouse was busy with activity. Servers roamed the rooms with trays of both champagne and bite-sized food. I took a flute from one of the trays as it whisked by me. I was sure that a little liquid courage would help calm my nerves.

“Act natural,” Candy purred into my ear.

Nodding, I took a few sips from my glass and felt myself start to relax.

“There we go,” Candy then praised me right before saying, “I’m going to mingle while you check the place out. Try not to talk to anyone. We don’t want you blowing our cover.”

“Gee, thanks,” I mumbled into my champagne as I took another swig.

I watched Candy pull Berty across the room to have a fake conversation with people she vaguely recognized. Then, once I finished my drink, I set it on another passing tray, grabbed a full glass, and slowly made my way around the place. I observed people laughing and chatting all while counting exits and staff. For us to pull off our daring escape correctly, I couldn’t mess this part up. Candy had warned that all servers carried automatic weapons concealed on their persons. They weren’t actually staff, they were part of Dominic’s clan, which meant they were all well trained on how to use said weapons and deal with unpleasant situations.

“Pleasant party, don’t you think?” a male voice said next to me.

I jumped a little and quickly looked over to see a tall, handsome man grinning at me. He had dark features with his dreads pulled nicely into a low ponytail. His gleaming smile and warm, inviting eyes seemed to brighten up the room. This was a man who knew how to carry himself. He wore an expensive, black Armani suit that was perfectly tailored to him.

“I suppose,” I replied coyly.

“I find it hard to believe that such a beautiful woman came alone to this,” he said smoothly.

I raised an eyebrow. “Who says I came alone? Also, does that line usually work on women?”

He chuckled. “It clearly doesn’t work on all women.”

“I would brush up on your one-liners for the next party.”

“Ouch. harsh critic,” he smiled.

I tilted my head to the side and sipped my drink. “But not enough to warn you to leave me be, now is it?”

“How can I when you’re so intriguing?”

“You know nothing about me. How can I be intriguing? Merely coming alone to a party?” I questioned.

He cleared his throat. “Well, I know several things, actually. I know that, yes, you came alone. I know you’re gorgeous. I know that you haven’t spoken to anyone but Candice and Albert, which is a very interesting pairing, I might add.”

“And why is that?” I interjected.

“For a werewolf to be friends with two vampires is quite odd. Albert gave you an invitation to my party, so naturally, my curiosity about you grows,” he replied.

“You’re party?” I asked, my confidence suddenly dropping.

He gave me a wicked grin. “Why, yes. Please don’t hurt my ego too much by saying you didn’t even recognize who I am.”

“Dominic?”

“The one and only,” he said with a mock of wiping his brow.

I pursed my lips. “So, you know more about me than I thought you did.”

“It’s my job to know who’s attending my parties, Alpha,” he said, bowing his head slightly.

“You don’t need to do that. I’m not royalty or anything,” I said with a cheeky smile.

Dominic laughed and gazed about the room for a few moments before letting his eyes return to mine. He then let them glide down my form and back up, adding an appreciative grin at the end.

“You certainly seem like it to me. Meeting alphas is so rare for me that I must soak it up when I can. It’s such a thrill, and a female alpha, well... I have to admit, it’s a first. So, all in all, yes, my dear, you intrigued me very much. I’d like to sate my curiosity if you’ll allow it.”

“And what would that entail?” I asked, genuinely interested in his answer.

I then regretted the question because I saw the tell-tale signs of lust entering his eyes.

“I have a few ideas,” he mused.

“Ah,” I said curtly, turning away from him and back towards the party.

Dominic frowned. “I’m sorry if I offended you. That wasn’t my intention.”

“It doesn’t matter what your intention was. I suppose it’s me who should lower my expectations of the male species.”

“Please do tell,” Dominic encouraged.

I scoffed, “For whatever reason, I think and hope and pray that a man would for once be interested in me as an intellectual instead of an easy bang. Men are attracted to my power and alpha title, yet they never see me as an equal or above them, even with my status. You are no different, Dominic, and it’s a shame.”

“I–” he started, but with a wave of my hand, I left him standing in the corner.

Candy quickly intercepted me as I continued my turn about the place.

“What were you doing talking to Dominic?” she accused.

“Well, maybe if you had told me what he looked like, I could have avoided him. He knows who I am, by the way. And that I came with you and Albert,” I replied, looking aloof.

Candy stared at the drink in her hand. “Oh, okay. Do you think he knows what we’re doing here?”

I casually continued to look around and noticed Dominic staring at me, his brown eyes intently trying to get my attention. I turned to admire a painting on the wall behind me.

“From the way he’s acting, Candice, I would assume that he has only one goal in mind, and it isn’t stopping us,” I said.

Candy caught on and stifled a laugh. “Alexander is going to love this. And stop calling us by our full names. I hate it when Dominic does it. It’s too formal.”

I only shook my head with a smile at her.

One of the waitresses stood in the middle of the room and asked for our attention. “If you all wouldn’t mind, the auction is about to begin. Please make your way to the glass garden and find your seats.”

Candy and I shared a glance before following the crowd into the conservatory. It was beautifully and tastefully decorated with greenery and flowers. We found our table with our name cards and took our seats. This hadn’t been what I was expecting when Candy first explained to me about the underground black markets.

I watched the auctioneer climb up the three steps and take his place. Just as I was beginning to relax, I felt an unwelcome presence sit to my right. Turning my head, I saw Dominic’s smile as his eyes raked over me.

“Being the host means I can sit wherever I want, my little alpha. And no one gets to disrespect me without my consent,” he teased. He then leaned closer and whispered, “Won’t this be fun? Now that I’ve noticed you, I don’t think I’ll be able to take my eyes off of you.”