The King that Got Away

Tournament

What was he doing here? Surely he had better matters to attend to and other women wanting to throw themselves at him.

A smile played across his face, "don't look so shocked. I can visit my friend after a party can't I?" he chuckled. He stepped into the room, making me step back. He shut the door behind him and stood dangerously close to me. She could smell his musk and she bit her lip as she looked up into his eyes. He brushed his fingers along her cheek, "can't I?" he repeated.

"Of course," she said, barely above a whisper.

Dominick leaned in and kissed her. Gently at first, but soon he gained intensity. Amelia kissed back whole heartedly. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed herself into him.

"You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do that," he said when he finally broke the kiss.

"Really?" Amelia gasped in disbelief.

"Watching you every day, admiring you... I couldn't take it anymore," he said. "I... I hope I wasn't reading you wrong..." he said.

"Oh no, definitely not," she smiled at him.

"I don't want rumors about this, so I'm going back to my room. I don't want to, but I want to protect your reputation." He kissed her again, brushed his hand along her cheek and made his exit.

Watching him leave was the last thing she wanted, but maybe this would be the start of something amazing.

Amelia spent the rest of the week on cloud 9. Dominick was too busy to spend much time with her, but the glances across the room, a hand brushed across her behind when they passed in the hall... she didn't mind his business. She was his date for the Red Party and couldn't wait spend the evening on his arm. Her dress was a fitted, glittering red gown, strapless with a short train and slit to her mid thigh. She'd wear her dark hair up with curls framing her face. She had a deep ruby necklace and earring set that would be perfect for her outfit. She would look like she belonged on the arm of the King. Just a few more days to wait.

There was a horse race tournament as an event leading up to the party. There were many things for the guests to participate in, but this was the main event, second only to the party itself. Horses were naturally very uneasy around werewolves and lycans, so they had to raise a horse from birth and gain trust over the years. Those racing today had a very close bond with their horse making them some of the best racers in the world. They lived and breathed horses, especially their won horse. Amelia would be seated next to Blaine, not the king and on her other side would be a visiting guest. She chose a conservative, but sexy, fitted, light blue dress for the day. She donned a sun hat with flowers on it. Very southern derby looking, but that was the look the whole day would have.

Amelia left her room and headed to the cars that would take everyone to the arena area. A couple Omega women snickered as she walked by and she met them with a raised eyebrow. They quickly went back to their tasks and avoided eye contact. Omegas were the lowest ranking in the pack, too weak to be warriors, they didn't hold authority roles, but they did much of the service jobs. Many packs treated Omegas terribly, but this pack employed them and treated them well. If an Omega was recognized as a mate to a higher ranking wolf that Omega would rise in the ranks. Their children would be given privileges similar to Alpha and Beta children. It was unusual, but not unheard of for Omegas to get an attitude toward those they didn't see as fitting for the role they had. Usually it was borne of jealousy. She wasn't going to allow it to bother her, she knew who she was and held her head high.

A car pulled up to the door and waited for her to get in. She slid into the back seat and looked up suddenly when someone else yanked the door open and got in just as the car started to drive. Blaine.

"Mind if I tag along? We are seated together at the tournament after all," he grinned. His jet black hair, firm jawline and black eyes were incredibly handsome. He towered over every other man, even the king. He was an Alpha and the kings cousin. Rumors said that he felt he was actually the rightful king, but she'd never heard it from a solid source. One couldn't trust court talk.

"I don't mind at all," she answered.

"I heard you're going to the Red Party as Dominick's date," Blaine said. "Shame, I was going to ask you and I'm more fun than he is."

"I wouldn't know who's more fun, but I don't regret my choice," she answered. She tried to gauge his mood, but he was impossible to read.

"We'll see how long that lasts," he said coldly.

The drive became awkward and she was glad when they arrived. Blaine opened the door and held his hand out to her. "Shall we head to our seats? If you'd like a drink I can get you something," he said with a dashing grin.

"Thank you, I'd like that," she smiled up at him. The car ride left her feeling wary about him, but she was going to be polite and friendly as usual.

When everyone was seated the king was announced and entered. He sat in the seat of honor, but not before he glared at Blaine and Amelia. Just when the King looked their way Blaine leaned in and whispered in her ear. Amelia knew he'd done that on purpose, she didn't know what their deal was but didn't want to be part of it. She wondered if Blaine's attention was completely to set the king off. It wasn't a flattering thought and she did not like being used.

The tournament went on without incident and ended with an elegant dinner served outdoors. Blaine didn't leave Amelia's side the entire time. She was annoyed when he kept putting his hand on the small of her back as they spoke with various groups. There was no mate bond between them and while they were loosely considered friends they weren't anything more than that. Certainly nothing deserving of his possessive behavior. Dominick had definitely noticed, but he was too caught up with his royal duties to be able to do anything about it. Amelia was thankful for that.

"I'll be heading home now," she said to Blaine in a low voice. "No, don't, you don't need to leave too," she said when he started to get up.

"It's no trouble..." he began to say.

Amelia put her hand on his, "really, enjoy yourself, I'm going straight to sleep." With that she got up and called over a chauffeur. Before she could get into the car an arm wrapped around her waist. She smiled when she recognized his scent, "Dominick, my king."

"Amelia, you're leaving so soon?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm tired..." she whispered.

"Will you be sleeping later?" he asked, sounded disappointed.

"A knock at the door would be enough to wake me..." she said with a smile.

"I hope so," he answered and returned to the party.

Amelia went home and waited for the knock on her door dreaming of more proof that maybe, just maybe he loved her.