The Pains of Guilt

Chapter 21

The next day...

Third person POV

"You started training when you were six?" Trey asked.

"Yeah. I know, it sounds weird."

"Most wolves who want to start at 13 or 14, in peaceful packs obviously, how did you end up starting at six? Unless, your pack is secretly a tyrannical one."

"No we're not. And this is going to sound weird but basically, I thought it looked cool and fun so I wanted to do it too. And I begged my parents for weeks which then turned into months until they gave in, I even cried fake tears and guilt tripped them to sell it."

"You were right. That is the most ridiculous story that I've ever heard. They gave in just like that?"

"Not exactly. They agreed but on one condition. I had to go through it for three months without complaining and if I did that then they'd let me continue. I guess they thought that I might find it to be too much and throw in the towel because I asked Takeshi not to go easy on me. But they also underestimated my stubbornness."

"You're nuts."

"Nah, unique is a better term. I was even jokingly nicknamed Junior Alpha because of that and my rough nature. That reminds me, I got this recently.”

She lifted her shirt up a little to show him the mark on her side. It was of a set of wolf’s teeth that were open in a way that looked like the mark was ready to bite. In the centre was a crescent moon with two swords going through it and the swords were placed in a way that made an X.

To regular people, it’d looked like a weird burn scar or tattoo. But among wolves, it was a warrior’s mark. The training instructor of the pack decided whether or not someone earns a mark based their competing with warriors from four main packs. When a wolf earns it, it was etched into their side with a silver needle so it’d show when they shifted as fur wouldn’t grow where the needle left a mark. In the rare case of the warrior not being a wolf, a tattoo machine would be used.

Each part of the mark represented where someone was acknowledged as a warrior. The top teeth were for the north while the bottom teeth were for the south and the swords were for the west and the moon, the east.

“Damn, you got them all? I got the north and south.” He showed her his.

“I actually got them all a few months ago. Takeshi said he was waiting for me to get as many as I could so I get them done in one go and I would’ve gotten them sooner if I hadn’t been pregnant. Which explains why I never got a single one for so long. But it didn’t do me any favours because I had to sit for over an hour with a needle poking my side every second. A silver one at that. Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you."

A stray strand of hair was sticking to her face and it bothered Trey so much so that he wasn't concentrating on what she was saying. He lifted a hand to move it away.

"Your hair was..."

They both froze from the vague sparks that erupted from that simple touch. He unconsciously leaned down to her neck and took a long whiff of her scent. A low groan rumbled from his chest. She drew in a sharp breath when he gently kissed the spot where he would’ve like to mark her was then in response, she nuzzled against where she would’ve marked, taking in his scent. He then looked into her eyes and his gaze shifted to her lips. Without a second thought, he kissed her and she kissed him back.

When they pulled away, they avoided each other's gazes. Trey cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair.

"I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to..."

"It's ok."

"You wanted to ask me something before, right?"

"Oh yeah. There's a wedding that I'm going to next month and I'm in need of a plus one, if you don't mind. I know this sounds a little weird to ask but you're the only male I know that I can ask because you don't have a mate who'll go crazy on me for asking you this. I would've asked Alex but I’ve bothered him enough so here I am asking you."

He was about to answer when her phone rang.

“Hold on.” She checked yo see who was calling and saw that it was Alex. “Do you mind if I take this?”

“No. Go ahead.”

“Thanks.” She went ahead and answered.

“Hey.” Alex started.

“Hi. What’s up?”

“I was just calling to check on you and asking how you’re doing.”

“I’m ok.”

“Good to hear. Actually, I also wanted to ask if you’re free tonight.”

“Depends on what time.”

“That depends on you.”

“I guess around 8ish. But that depends on when Natsumi will go to sleep. Why?”

“I was thinking of taking you out again since you enjoyed it last time.”

“Oh. Well I wouldn’t mind doing it again.”

Trey could hear what the person on the other end was saying and tried not to pay attention to their conversation. But he failed miserably. It bothered him that she was going out with another man. He knew he was in no position to feel that way and that he had no right to be either. After all, she wasn’t his. At least that’s what he tried to tell himself. He was snapped out of it when she ended the call.

“Sorry about that. Anyway, are you in?”

"Sure. Who's getting married?"

"You don't want to know."

Later that night…

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m not inconveniencing you, am I?”

“No. Natsumi’s asleep and my dad said he’ll keep an eye on her when she wakes up. He actually told me to have fun.”

“Alright.”

“So where are we going? Or is it another surprise?”

“It’s sort of a surprise.”

“Does it involve another piggyback ride?”

“Of course. You seemed to enjoy it last time so I don’t see why not.” He got her on his back.

Within seconds, they were in the middle of the forest. He opened a portal and after going through it, they finally reached their destination.

“Here we are.”

“Your domain?”

“Yes.”

“May I ask why?”

“It’s part of the surprise.” He put her down. “Come.”

He took her into the palace, up a few flights of stairs and past various rooms until he got to the one he wanted to get to.

“You can change in this room. You can also use the shower if you need to.”

“Ok?”

When she went in, she was greeted with a black, strapless, high-low, organza ball gown that had silver beading on the bodice arranged in a way that resembled lacework. The belt was just a simple silk ribbon that formed a bow at the back and the front of the skirt looked like it would reach somewhere around her knees while the back looked like it might be floor length. She also saw that it came with a lace gloves shawl that matched the belt. It didn’t really look like a shawl but more like a feather boa except made of silk instead of feathers.

It didn’t take any effort for her to put two and two together to see where all this was going. She decided to just roll with it and was glad that she had already showered so she wouldn’t have to. When she changed out of her clothes and put the dress on, she was glad that it came with the shawl. Why? Because it had an open back and she couldn’t really wear it with her bra. Maybe the shawl might not do much but it was better than nothing. The bodice was fitted enough for her to go braless but it also left a good portion of her cleavage exposed. She also discovered that the back was longer than she had thought. It wasn’t too long but it was long enough to drag across the floor.

She decided to do her hair in a side braid. There was a knock at the door once she was done.

“May I come in?”

“Yeah.”

When he came in, she didn’t such a strikingly handsome man to be standing before her.

He had the whole Prince Charming look going, gloves and all. Actually, even the most perfect Prince Charming wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to him. All he was missing was a crown. She was a little awestruck. Mostly because she was used to seeing him dressed in flannels and jeans, sometimes shorts, and with slightly messy hair as she only ever saw him dressed that way anyway. And his boyish charm always got in the way of her seeing him as the king he was. She then noticed that his outfit was matching with hers.

“My god, Tisiphone. You look absolutely stunning.” He complimented her.

“Thanks.” A tinge of pink dusted her cheeks. “You don’t look half bad yourself.”

“Thank you but I believe you’re still missing something.”

“What could I possibly be missing?”

“Just this.” He pulled out a lace choker necklace from his pocket. It had a black crystal dangling from the centre.

She turned around so he could put it on.

“Does the dress fit well?”

“Yes.”

“Oh good. I was worried that it might be the wrong size because I wasn’t too sure about it.”

“What if it was the wrong size?”

“Then you would’ve had to go naked.” He joked.

“You and your sense of humour.”

“But it depends on how the size is wrong. If it was too big, I would’ve gotten a tailor but if it was too small, I would’ve simply gotten you another one. Can you handle two and a half inches?” He showed her a pair of glittery silver block heels that had teardrop crystals, that were arranged the same way as the leaves on a laurel wreath, across the ankle and toe straps.

“I guess so since the heels are thick.”

“Alright. You’ll put them on downstairs. I can’t have you tripping on the stairs.” He took her downstairs.

“Have a seat.” He gestured to a nearby stool.

When she did, he proceeded to put them on her and zipped them up. Afterwards, he helped her up.

“Are they alright?”

“Yeah. I forgot to ask earlier but where is everyone? It seems a little empty besides the occasional maids running around.”

“I’m sure that they’re all already in the ballroom. I’m usually the last to arrive.”

“Is there a special reason?”

“I just enjoy being the last to arrive and first to leave.”

“I don’t know what to say to that. Anyway, is it really necessary to dress up this much?”

“Yes.”

“I feel a little overdressed and exposed at the same time.”

“Well, this is the outfit you were supposed to wear to the ball. And believe me when I say that this as modest as you can get. Besides, I haven’t even told you the best part.”

“Which is?”

“This time, it’s a masquerade.” He held up a mask that matched the choker and gloves’ aesthetic.

“So that’s the surprise.”

“Yes. It’s much more fun and interesting than a ball.”

“Fair point.” She put on the mask.

“Shall we get going?” He asked after putting on his, which was just a plain black one.

“Wait. Your mask is on a little crooked.” She helped him fix it. “Now we can go.”

She turned but it was a little too fast and she forgot about the heels. She tripped and almost fell but he caught her just in time. For a few moments, they just stared into each other’s eyes. Emerald into turquoise and vice versa. She then caught the smell of his excitement and it didn’t help that his hand was on her bare back.

“You can smell it, can’t you?” He asked, seeming very much embarrassed.

“Yes.” She flushed and avoided his gaze but tried not to look down.

“I’m not going to kiss you.”

“Ok.” She couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.

“As much as I want to, I won’t because I’m afraid that I might end up taking you to bed. That would be taking advantage of your instincts. I saw your eyes changing colours for a moment.”

“Makes sense.”

“But are you alright?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a relief. Please be more careful.”

“I will. So… uh… are you going to let go or…”

“Right.” He got her back up and let go. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok; you don’t have to apologise. Shouldn’t we get going?”

“Yes, of course.”

He held his arm out to her and she linked hers with it.

Upon entering, all eyes were on them. She expected it to happen but she still felt a little awkward and out of place. Well, not really out of place after she noticed that she wasn’t the only woman who was bedazzled. Actually, compared to the others, she looked like a covenanted Christian woman. Now she understood what Alex meant but it did make her feel a little better that she was out of place for that reason. She then remembered that Alex’s mother was a conservative woman herself and wondered if she was there.

She was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice the couple that was walking towards them.

“Alex, still going on with this ridiculous habit of yours I see.”

“Well, Mother, it only makes me that much more charming.”

“What am I going to do with you? And who is this young lady?”

“It’s just me.” Twilight lifted her mask up.

“Oh my, I didn’t recognise you. I apologise but I haven’t seen you in years and it’s so wonderful to see that you’ve grown into such a fine young woman. You look absolutely lovely. Doesn’t she, Alex?”

“Yes, she does.”

“Thank you.” She blushed and put her mask back on.

“And my son is still an eligible bachelor.”

“Mother.”

“It was just a friendly reminder. Well, don’t let us keep you from enjoying yourselves. Go on and enjoy the wonders of youth.”

“But please, keep her out of trouble.” His father added before they left.

“So I see that your mother also doesn’t agree with your little ‘last to arrive, first to leave’ motto.”

“On the other hand, she did say to enjoy the wonders of youth. May I have the honour of having your first dance, milady?” He held his hand out.

“About that, I don’t really know how to.”

“It’s alright. Just follow my lead.” He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

He put his other hand on her waist but she moved it to her hip then placed her hand on his shoulder.

“The back is open.”

“Right. Your hands are smaller than I expected.”

“Yours are just large.”

“Fair enough. My mother wasn’t trying to be polite; you really do look beautiful.”

“And you look handsome.”

“Why thank you.”

She tried following his lead though she did accidentally step on his foot a couple of times but he didn’t mind. But she gradually began getting used to it then rested her head against him.

“You’re getting better.”

“That’s probably because I’m trying really hard to not trip, fall and possibly land on my face.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. It’d be embarrassing and the shoes aren’t making this easy.”

“You don’t have to worry because…” He twirled her around and dipped her. “… I’m here to catch you if you fall.” He brought her back up.

She was so grateful for the mask because it hid how hard she was blushing.

“And you can take the shoes off if they’re not comfortable.”

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t see why not and I doubt that anyone will dare to say anything. Come.” He led her to a chair.

Once she sat down, he kneeled down to take her shoes off. He called for one of the butlers to put them away for safekeeping. Afterwards, he took her back to the dancefloor.

“Better?” He asked.

“Very.”

“Now that you’ve improved and you’re comfortable, I would like to try something.”

“Like what?”

“I’m not the superstitious type but there’s a legend about couples who dance together while holding a candle. If the candle stays lit, it means that they’re meant to be together. Soulmates if you will. But if it blows out then you know the rest.”

“And you want to try it with me?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“Ok but how exactly are we supposed to hold the candle?”

“We hold hands the same way when we were dancing. The difference is that the candle is in the middle.”

“Ok.”

“Give me a moment then.”

He strode off to get a candle then to notify the musicians of his plans and they stopped playing. As a result, it caught everyone’s attention.

“One candle as requested. Before I light it, I should warn that the dance isn’t a slow one. It’s more of a waltz and we’re supposed to last through the entire song.”

“How in the hell is it not going to get blown out? That would defy the laws of physics.”

“That’s what I thought too but my mother said that I just had to trust in the process. She also said that love itself knows not of the laws of physics otherwise she wouldn’t have fallen for my father. Do you still want to do this?”

“Like you said, I don’t see why not. And it’s probably a good thing that I’m not wearing the shoes.”

“Alright then.”

He lit the candle and they got into their positions.

“Ready?”

She nodded, even though she was a little nervous, and he signalled for the musicians to start playing. When he did, the sweet sound of Johann Strauss II’s Vienna Blood Waltz filled the room.

Right off the bat, the pace was swift but they got themselves accustomed to it. Slowly, they began moving in perfect sync. The pace then gradually turned to being calm until it gradually picked up speed and went back to being calm as the rhythm changed. But they were able to keep up with the constantly changing pace and rhythm as they glided across the room with ease. All the while, the flame kept shifting between almost going out and being lit as though it too was following the pace. The composition seemed to never end but they kept going, already familiar with the moody pace and twirling all around with confidence as the other guests watched in anticipation. At one point, they forgot about everything else around them and it felt like it was just the two of them.

When the song finally came to an end, they stood there gazing into each other’s eyes, stilling clutching each other, and trying to catch their breath. The flame was dangerously close to going out and everyone was holding their breath, waiting to see what would happen.

“Are you really crossing your fingers right now?” Alex’s father asked his mother.

“Of course I am. Leave a woman to dream.”

After a few long seconds, the flame slowly began to set itself ablaze until it was fully lit.

“Would you look at that, it’s actually still lit.”

“How were you able to keep up so easily?”

“My mother was big on me knowing how to dance. She had me practice with her sometimes, saying that women find a man of many talents admirable. I’m sure that she’s beyond happy right now that she made me.”

“I see. Before I forget, how come you weren’t wearing your crown?”

“I’m sure you noticed that I trying for us to match so I didn’t wear it. By the way, the food is in the banquet hall.”

“You really know how to woo a woman, don’t you?”

“Well, the way to your heart is through your stomach.”

“Fair point.” She kissed his cheek.