Submitted to Love

Chapter 4

--Adrian--

“What are you doing here ? I believe you mentioned that you rarely associate with a “commoner” like me.” She is clearly vexed.

“You are coming with me to the ball”. I answered staring at her.

She was wearing a pale blue gown that accentuated her body and showed her curves. The baggy clothes she wore in the morning did no justice to her figure. It was an off shoulder dress that has a deep neckline. The dress holds her breast nicely while exposing a long cleavage.  The gown had a slit showing off her creamy skin and the subtle wine colored high heels made her legs look longer.

I am pissed at the dress because she looked so alluring in it. The ball would be full of un-mated wolves high on hormone. I simply cannot have her walking in this piece of clothing so I mind linked Joseline to come visit us.

“I am sorry , “Your Highness”. I am not going anywhere with you”. She answered in annoyance.

“Look Isabella. I apologize for speaking in that manner in the morning. I am ...there is nothing common about you and we never discriminate against anyone here based on their background. Isabella I am not leaving you alone. You are coming with me . If you choose to refuse, I am staying with you in this room.” She looked dumbstruck and even more annoyed than before. Even her annoyance turns me on….what is it with this girl….

Before she could answer however Joseline joined us. “What’s up Adrian? Isabella you look ravishing.”

“She is NOT wearing that gown” I almost yelled at her.

“Adrian what is the issue here? Her dress is so similar in design to mine. Above all, she looks so beautiful in it. I also presume it is her favourite color. Adrian , why are you trying to control what she wears? What is it to you?” Joseline asked me with raised eyebrows.

“You are well aware of the dangers that she could be in...being human…”

“I think having you as her ball partner lessens her chances of danger to bare minimum.”

“I WILL NOT HAVE UNMATED WOLVES STARING AT HER” I bellowed at Joseline through mindlink and unconsciously I have used my Alpha tone it seems. Though all the wolves owe allegiance to my father, my Alpha tone still affects them considerably.

“Change her into something decent.”

I turned to Isabella and saw her looking at us with fear and pain written across her face. I do not know why , I just cannot stand her being scared of us..of me..and even that thought repels me . But I was fuming at the thought of other wolves approaching her. I will literally kill anyone who makes a single move at her tonight or even dare stare at her more than necessary…..The thought was like a shock to my system. I am bewildered at the possessiveness I felt toward the human girl. It irks me to be near her and at the same time it is sheer agony not knowing if she is okay or not

“Isabella can you please put on the jacket I gave you.” Joseline asked her calmly. I expected Joseline to be furious at me but to my surprise she made no attempts to berate me. Saying those words she left us alone.  It was awkward standing there with Isabella while she put on her jacket , all the while glaring at me through teary eyes but I was too disturbed with everything happening to even notice the awkwardness.

“Am I covered enough now for your Royal Highness?” The sentence was drenched in sarcasm and I did not miss her pursed lips and deep frown. Her anger was actually hilarious but I refrained from laughing because surely she would combust then.

“ Come Isabella”. I asked her while I sighed softly. I knew I was being a complete jackass but I am simply not able to control the anger, possessiveness and the extreme need to protect her. I consoled myself thinking it is the duty of the Alpha to protect the weak . Even Though I have never backed down from any of the duties , this just feels something different from it, something I am not able to pinpoint.

Once we entered the Great Hall where all our major events are hosted I could hear a sharp intake of breath from my side. Isabella was staring at the grandeur with wide eyes and she looked like an innocent child visiting a circus for the first time. She smiled widely looking from side to side but then seemed to be overwhelmed with the pomp. Sensing her discomfort I instinctively moved closer to her and she also did the same at the same time.

“Do you guys always have such huge gatherings?” She whispered to me .

“Yes we do and you need not whisper ,Isabella” I told her amused.” I will never leave you alone and you will be at home here because I will ensure that.” The sincerity in my own voice surprised me and I was not sure what made me make that promise. But the relief that spread on her face made me grateful to Selene for making me say those words.

“Thank you”. She blushed and smiled at me. Yet again I was dealing with a predicament. Her blush seems to speak directly to my c**k which has hardened so painfully inside my boxers. Thank goddess I am wearing a boxer, I mentally make a note to always wear one whenever I am with her. There is something about this girl and I need to be careful before I figure it out.

“Adrian, lovely to see you here after such a long time.” I was drawn out of my reverie by the shrill voice of Clara. She was wearing a golden dress that was so tight, it seemed to pop open anytime. I wonder now why I even found her attractive in the first place. “Oh, are you with a human?” Clara remarked in her offhand tone. I wanted to hurt her seeing a look of disappointment cross Isabella’s face after this remark.

“Yes Clara. Meet Isabella and I will be spending the whole evening with her. If she agrees I will also commence the dance with her.” I mentioned pointedly to Clara. I simply do not want her around Isabella. She might be good at her job, but she is extremely snobbish and high handed.

Luckily for me Ariana, Callum, Justin and Joseline suddenly jostled both of us away from Clara on the pretext of trying the new variant of lobster.

“I swear to goddess, I will one day paint her face in permanent color so that she need not waste so much makeup every time she goes out.” mentioned Ariana making a show of puking. My close group never liked Clara even when I went out with her a couple of years ago.

Isabella giggled at her words and it was a sound I want to hear every day after I wake up.

WHAT IN THE NAME OF GODDESS IS HAPPENING TO ME!!!!!!!!!!

I need some distance from her right now and to that end I excused myself and went to find my parents.

“Adrian honey you look distressed, is everything alright ?” My mom asked me concerned. Sigh...mothers….as observant as ever.

“Yes mom.” I replied in a perfunctory tone.

“Adrian, I was thinking of arranging a meeting with the neighboring ally packs after Justin’s wedding is over. Some fringe unnatural activities have been noticed. Some from rogues but some from unknown sources. I was hoping to strengthen our ties and start with mutual training. I would like both you and Justin to attend the meeting. Bring anyone you believe would be instrumental in your own administration later on. And son I hope you find your mate soon.” My father ended the speech with a smile. “I and your mother plan to celebrate our 20th anniversary soon after your birthday and we have thought of inviting our neighboring packs if you have not found your mate in this pack or our villages”

“Yes Dad, do not stress. I told you I am not looking for a mate right now. I plan to pursue my university education in public administration as major and financial management as minor. Mate would be an unnecessary distraction.”

“You would be saying that Ady once you meet her” My mom added with a twinkle in her eyes. I laughed at her enthusiasm.

“Well mom you have to put a pause….” I stopped mid-sentence because something is not right. My wolf is infuriated and howling in my head with hackles raised. I turned around searching immediately for Isabella in the crowd. I spot her in seconds since her scent is imprinted in my mind. And what I next saw turned my eyes black and a roaring growl escaped my mouth.

An unmated wolf was trying his luck with Isabella in the most disgusting way possible. Clearly, she was uncomfortable with his attention but somehow that escaped his notice. He had one hand on her waist and one holding her arm and pulling her to the dance floor.

The whole floor stopped all movements after hearing my growl..it was angry, possessive and deadly. My now black eyes were fixed on the wolf who now looked extremely scared and rightly so.

My whole body was shaking, and my wolf threatened to come out any second. In a few strides I was in front of Isabella shielding her while holding that vile creature by his neck. I was beyond angry and my wolf was out for blood.

“The lady is with me. You signed your death sentence when you laid your filthy hands on her'' My voice was laced with the deep thundering voice of my wolf and both of us were using our Alpha tones. The pathetic wolf cowered in front of my power and was whimpering from lack of oxygen. A light hand touched my biceps which put a warmth all over my body and calmed me down a bit.

“Adrian, please let him go. He needs to learn his lesson, but he need not die” Isabella spoke quietly. Sanity returned momentarily and I let him go who scampered away immediately. I took Isabella’s hand and took her away from the ball into the adjacent room.

I was still shaking from the anger that pulsated through my veins.