Ashes Of Desire

Chapter 2

It was just as we expected. The hall screamed "High class". Abby and I slowly made our way in, the hall looked so extravagant.

It was beautiful even.

It had a formal setting but you cannot ignore the impeccable style. The lights were soft as they shined down reflecting against the white marble floors and glass statuettes.

The decor was simple yet classy. It wasn't designed in a way that leaves you speechless but it would definitely make an impression.

Staring at Abby, even her face was more relaxed than usual. Her eyes scanned the hall, it was a habit she had formed over the years of protecting me.

Hired to be my bodyguard and Beta, she has done so much more to a point where she can be considered more than a friend. She was more like my elder sister.

Suddenly, I saw her eyes stop and I traced her gaze. A slight frown appeared on my face and my lips twisted in disgust.

"Tony..." She hissed, and I simply looked away, I was not in any mood for drama.

Tony was my ex-boyfriend. Even if I didn't have any issues with him because whatever happened between us was in the past...the same can't be said for Abby.

"Just forget him. When was the last time we had fun?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Abby just stared at me, confused.

"Exactly! So why don't we enjoy our time here? We have a clear mission but we need to relax. It's been rough for us, we deserve it!"

"If you say so..." She smiled reluctantly.

Just then the sound of a microphone could be heard.

"Hmm...we were not as late as we thought." I joked, staring at the podium.

Calling the attention of a waiter, I grabbed myself a glass of lemon water. Just then, a young lady in a very elegant and classy black dress stepped.

"And you'd think you can never do too much with black..." Abby whispered playfully, barely holding her laugh.

I glanced at her with a mischievous glance, thinking...

'Says the girl who wore a black leather outfit to a business summit.'

Letting out a small giggle, I let the lady who looked like she just came out of a bathtub filled with makeup have my attention.

"Distinguished guests, it gives me great pleasure to invite our very own, Draven Wallace Wilson to address us..."

"Pfft...why's she talking like that?" Abbey couldn't hold herself anymore.

"Goddess, aren't you supposed to be the mature one!" I whispered, hiding my laughter behind a loose smile.

"His insights and words are sure to inspire us all. Please let's welcome them with a round of applause." The lady concluded, dragging her gown off the stage.

She was clearly having issues with them and the disappointment on her face when Draven simply walked past her was hilarious.

"Aren't they a very interesting couple?" I mocked silently as I watched Jason Brooks, Draven's Beta, help her down instead.

Watching as Draven positioned himself behind the pulpit. He adjusted his tie and raised his chin, appreciating the attention he got.

His suit fitted perfectly with his muscular body, and just like I remembered...

His dark hair was styled backwards as usual, a few oily strands falling over his well-structured face.

He cleared his throat and began...

"Welcome, everyone. I’m pleased that you could all make it through, and truth be told, I didn't expect anything less from people who claim to matter. We’re here not to waste words, but to align power with purpose."

“Classic Draven..." I scoffed, hating his guts.

Ever since the day he swore to be a thorn in my flesh even before my identity as the missing heiress was revealed I couldn't see beyond the ugly, arrogant face he tries to hide under that mask of his.

The Scarletts and Wilsons have been sworn enemies for the longest. It's ridiculous and annoying, but he still allows it to drive him even when it doesn't serve him.

"I believe that in every deal, there are two sides..." he continued. "The one that talks and the one that wins. In business, talk is cheap; strategy is what separates the powerful from the hopeful. I don’t chase opportunities; I create them and I expect the same from those who stand beside me."

Looking down on the audience, and I could swear a sly smirk played on his lips when his eyes spotted me, he concluded...

"So, let’s skip the pleasantries. Mingle, talk, and strike your deals. Discuss among yourselves… and let’s see who’s worth listening to.”

Intentionally dragging the last bit out, I felt my nails dig into my palm as I watched him leave the stage.

'Why was I here again?!' I thought to myself, looking at him like I wanted to remove his head from his neck.

"Darn..." Abby whispered between her teeth as her eyes fixated on a direction.

Turning, I saw Tony approaching us. Like this evening could not get any worse.

His tie hung loosely around his neck, his auburn hair styled differently. He grinned at me, he had a devious smile stretching from ear to ear.

"If it isn't the wolfless Alpha. Impossible terms tend to suddenly become a thing with you, no?" He smirked, attracting attention towards us.

The other guests whispered, their smiles freezing. Abby made a move but I had to step in. The last thing I wanted was to cause a scene. Definitely not in Draven's territory, either.

"Not the best time..." I glared at him, hoping his bird brain would catch the message and back off.

"Is there ever a right time Princess? What are you doing here? Looking for scraps? Oh! I know, you're definitely looking for another Pack to manipulate into doing your bidding. Before I forget, the Silver Fang Pack sends their gratitude!"

"Enough!" I screamed, my patience running thin.

“How dare you humiliate me in front of all these people?”

"Ha!" His voice echoed through the hall and I felt blood constantly rush to my face.

"Enough? That's rich coming from you dear ex-lover..." Smiling, he approached me, closing the distance between us.

"You want to talk about loyalty? About trust? They should know what you're actually here for. Or they would make the same mistakes I did, and get called reckless for simply wanting what's theirs..."

"You don't want to go that path with me, Tony...I'm warning you!" I snapped. I was very angry and now I could feel my blood boil.

"Or what?" He took my glass of water and took a sip. "You'd kill me like you killed your parents?"

That was all it took for me to lose it.

*Smack!*

A loud slapping sound resounded through the entire hall as I let my palm leave an imprint on the side of his face.

The glass fell, shattering into pieces on the marble floor as he staggered a few steps backwards.

Everyone gasped, a deadly silence settling in the huge hall. Abby grinned proudly, like saying...

"If I didn't, she'd probably have."

I trembled uncontrollably, feeling a shiver run through my spine. But when I saw Tony's red swollen cheek, a deep feeling of satisfaction washed over me, calming my nerves.

Suddenly, I wished the whole world could burn. I wasn't scared or worried about what could happen next.

"Why you???!!!" Tony roared, pouncing at me. His hand swung in a way that it aimed for my face. I flinched, bracing for the impact that never came.

I opened my eyes to see a wall of a man in a tailored suit had materialized between us, his hand wrapped tightly around Tony's wrist.

"How dare you try to hur

t my wife?!" Draven's voice boomed, face contorted in anger.

The word "wife" hung in the stunned silence, even I was shocked.