Unknown Wolf

Starry Night Ball

The day before my birthday had finally arrived, and the manor was a hub of activity as everyone rushed around making sure everything was perfect for this evening. My Aunt Rose wouldn't even let me have a peak at the ballroom because she wanted me to wait and get the full effect this evening or something like that. It was frustrating to be shoved away.

Soon it grew closer to time, and I started to get ready. My Aunt had beauticians come in and they had done my makeup for me, and started on my hair. They swooped the front back then curled and collected my hair up placing a delicate diamond tiara upon my head. It took sometime to pin all of my hair up and keep it just so.

They continued by helping me into my beautiful white and shimmery gown, and when they were finally done I was spun around to get a good look at myself in the mirror. I looked like a snow princess come to life. The dress was absolutely gorgeous simmering in the light, and the time taken to sew each individual pearl on the top was beyond me. They placed two teardrop pearl earrings in my ears that were capped with diamonds to pull it all together and it felt like I had stepped out of a dream.

Wesley and Jordan entered the room as the ladies were placing my heels on my feet. They were also delicately fashioned with crystals and pearls on them in an ornate design even though it was highly unlikely anyone would be able to see them under my dress. I felt like a bride on her wedding day almost, and inwardly laughed at the thought.

I looked at the mirror again finding myself excited, but also nervous. I was about to be introduced to the leaders of my father's entire kingdom, and I had no idea if they would accept me or if I would be a disappointment. What if I couldn't shift? Fear started to take over and I stood there feeling sick.

Wesley stepped forward as if reading my face, and feeling my nervousness. He extended his arm to me, and I looped mine in his.

He patted my hand and said, "You are going to be great don't worry so much little princess. You look gorgeous. They wouldn't be able to resist you, and your magic."

He smiled and winked. He had slowly become like the older brother I had never had, and his confidence in me helped keep me grounded instead of rushing to the bathroom to puke. I took a deep breath, and he lead me out with Jordan guarding from behind.

We met with my Aunt and she was of course stunning in a beautiful spaghetti strapped backless silver sequined dress in a mermaid cut hugging her hips. She teared up taking the sight of me in. Then she proceeded to her looped arm with John as they went ahead of me into the ballroom with Isabelle to be announced.

My father came to take my arm. Wesley graciously released me to him stepping back to stand guard with Jordan ready to follow us in. Before walking through my father looked at me with awe and tears in his eyes.

"You look so beautiful tonight. It's hard to see my little girl looking so grown up. I only wish your mother was here to see you." He kissed me on the forehead before leading me into the room.

Aunt Rose did not disappoint. The Dining Hall was absolutely stunning draped with dark blue curtains that enclosed the room and twinkle lights throughout like stars over the walls and ceiling. White glittery tulle flowed out from the huge crystal chandeliers over the blue fabric swooping down, and then back up toward the edges of the ceiling before sliding down the walls with the dark blue curtains and more lights like stars bursting out of the ceiling.

The tables were adorned with blue table cloths. Silver stars delicately sewn throughout each one. Large vases full of white roses and wisps of silver curly willow accented with candles centered every table and silver place settings at each seat.

It opened out into a large solarium with a domed glass ceiling where the night sky could be seen. The huge full moon loomed over head where the dance floor was setup underneath. An orchestra played softly in the background. I felt as if I stepped out into a dream. It didn't feel real.

Every eye in the room was on me as we were announced, "Presenting King Athelstad Grey and his daughter Princess Lucilla Louise Grey his rightful heir."

I didn't feel fear or my nervousness from earlier as I held onto my father's arm. He seemed to give me the strength and confidence I needed as he guided me through the room. We took our seats at the large table towards the front of the room set especially for the royal family draped with a metallic silver tablecloth over the blue one. Once we sat all the guests began to sit to start the dinner.

"Lucy," My Aunt Rose called to me. "This is your Uncle Everett and his wife Clarice. If you recall he is your mother and my brother, and the Alpha of the Northwinds pack."

My Uncle looked alot like Rose with rich brown hair and hazel eyes. They could have passed as twins and the thought put a smile to my face. Clarice was tall and slender with strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes. She was quiet and smiled sweetly towards me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both. I have heard so much about you from Rose. I'm happy to be spending my birthday with family."

My Uncle smiled towards me and I saw the look in his eyes that I saw all too often. Happiness mixed with sorrow as he saw my mother in me, his beloved sister.

"We wouldn't dare miss celebrating with you, dear niece. Our son Holden is here somewhere. Probably entertaining a lady on the dance floor," he laughed. "I'm sure he'll turn up later."

After we ate my father lead me around introducing me to different Alphas and officials. I found it quite easy to keep up with the conversations which surprised me. My father seemed to be glowing with pride as I continued to charm everyone around us until they walked towards us. I saw his smile slide off his face when King Roland came forward with his sons flanking him.

They were giant as I imagined they would be. Ryker stared at me with a slightly amused look on his face as if someone had just finished telling him a dirty secret. King Roland had a look of arrogance adorning his face as he stalked towards my father and I. As for Rowen he looked taken aback oddly enough, but he quickly recovered, and kept pace with them.

"Athelstad," King Roland greeted him shaking his hand raising his hands up as if running into an dear friend. My father's stoic look was plastered back to his face as the king turned his attention to me. "And this must be your lovely daughter. The rumors of her beauty definitely do not disappoint."

He took my hand gently and placed a soft kiss upon it as I courtesied to him. I felt my father go rigid next to me.

"Princess Lucilla this is my eldest son and heir Prince Ryker," He jestured towards his right, and Ryker smirked at me as if my appearance proved his initial thoughts. No doubt he probably thought I was delicate and fragile. He seemed to look at me as if he wanted to snap me in two. I swallowed at that thought.

"And my second son Prince Rowen." He referred to his left. Rowen seemed to be staring intently at me as if he couldn't get enough of me and the intensity of his stare made me slightly uncomfortable. I couldn't read him as well as his brother and it threw me off.

"It is a pleasure to meet the three of you. I hope you are enjoying yourselves," was the only thing I could think to say as the tension rose.

Then Rowen seemed to catch everyone off guard as he stepped forward and asked, "Princess may I please have this dance."

My father threw daggers at him with his eyes, and it seemed his father and brother were both shocked at his request as well. King Roland looked at him as if he had two heads. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I didn't want to be standing here in the middle any longer.

"Yes you may," I extended my hand, and he gently took it while maintaining eye contact. I glanced at my father and he almost looked betrayed. I tried to give him a reassuring look, but I could tell he didn't like this and neither did my guard.

******* Rowen's POV

I kept being distracted. My wolf was all over the place in my mind and I couldn't figure out why. I had to stay grounded so my father and brother wouldn't notice something was off with me. I heard him direct us over towards King Athelstad and his daughter. He couldn't wait any longer to formally meet the poor girl.

I hadn't paid attention to much of anything until a smell engulfed me as I started following behind my father. It was so sweet like gardenias and fresh rain, and then as people parted the way my eyes landed on her and Kane howled inside me. I was taken aback by her beauty, but I couldn't let them see me falter.

She was the most beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on. Her hair was done up so regal golden blonde with a diamond tiara crowning her head. She wore a white dress that shimmered like freshly fallen snow flowing down to the floor. It had a sweetheart cut at the top and sheer long sleeves that were accented with pearls like snowflakes around her chest and down her arms.

Kane was on fire inside me and he looked at her taking in her scent, and said "Mate" from within me. It couldn't be not her of all people in the world. Her father would never allow it, and my father wanted her dead. Kane growled at the thought. I wanted to hold her, to protect her, but in my mind I couldn't figure out how to do either.

Her voice brought me back down to earth as she said, "It is a pleasure to meet the three of you. I hope you are enjoying yourselves."

Even in the mist of the tension between our families she seemed so calm and poised. Then without thinking I heard myself saying, "Princess may I please have this dance."

I purposely ignored my father and brother's reactions. I stared intently at only her right into those beautiful green eyes waiting on her answer worried she would deny me when she said yes and extended her hand. This had to be a dream.

Kane was leaping inside, and I mentally told him to calm down. Our families were mortal enemies, and though I know her as my mate she wouldn't feel that pull until after midnight when she was officially eighteen. Kane whimpered in pain at that thought of what my brother and father might try to do to her. A fear I had had my whole life, but it was even more a concern with who she turned out to be. I pushed my worries away for the moment, and focused on her.

Her scent surrounded me as I pulled her close on the dance floor. Her hand was so tiny compared to mine. She didn't seem to be afraid of me even though I was the son of her father's enemy and rival and I was thankful for at least that small victory. Felt so many things while holding her in my arms, but mostly I just never wanted to let her go. I knew leaving her at the end of this party was going to about kill me and my wolf, and then I would have to find away to keep her safe from my family.

*******Lucy's POV

I know everyone was on edge watching Rowen lead me onto the dance floor, but I wasn't afraid of him. In fact I felt at peace and oddly safe with him. He was so handsome in his tuxedo, and he graciously led me through the dance. He smelled so good like sandalwood and amber. I couldn't help, but breathe it in.

I stared into his dark blue eyes, but I couldn't get a read on what was going on inside his head. For some reason more than anything in that moment I just wanted to know what he was thinking.

******* Rowen's POV

"Rowen," I looked down at her small frame within my arms so delicate looking as my wolf purred at the way she said my name. "Are you enjoying your evening with us?"

I smiled at her grasping at small talk as I spun her around under the moon above the glass ceiling. I could see her guard on edge at the sides of the room, and her father glaring at me. If looks could kill came to mind, but she just treated me as if I was any other handsome gentleman spinning her around the dance floor. I appreciated the normalcy of it as usually I am held by everyone in fear and terror, yet this tiny young girl stood here in my arms without a fear in the world.

She was either extremely brave or the mate bond was working it's magic. Either way it was refreshing.

"I am now," I smiled down at her, and was rewarded with a small blush as she averted her eyes away from mine.

I ever so gently turned her chin back so I could look back into those emerald eyes of hers. Everything in my being wanted to lean down to kiss her soft lips, but I knew I couldn't. I think she wanted the same thing in that moment as I saw it shine throughout her eyes, but she also knew the consequences of such an act.

It took everything within me to calm my wolf and keep dancing. I just wanted to pick her up and run into the night taking her safely away from all the dangers of the world and make her mine. It literally pained me to maintain control over myself and composure around her.

I saw my father and brother glaring at me in betrayal and confusion. How could I keep her safe from their claws? If they found out who she was to me they would only try to manipulate and control the situation if they didn't kill us both. The only other person I had ever loved was my mother and they took her away from me. I wouldn't allow them to take Lucilla as well. She was mine.

The song ended and one of her guards cut in. He gave me a death stare as he took her from me, and I felt Kane growling inside me as he put his hands on my mate. I somehow maintained control turning to face her again.

With a soft smile on my face I looked down at her with overwhelming love, "Until next time my little princess."

****** Lucy's POV

The song ended too soon as all I wanted to do was lay my head upon his chest, and listen to his heartbeat. I knew it was highly inappropriate, but I don't know what had become of me. Next thing I know Wesley is pulling me away looking as if he was ready to attack Rowen right there on the dance floor whether it started a war or not.

He smiled down at me with his brilliantly white teeth, and I felt waves of need crash over me. "Until next time my little princess." Rang in around me, and I felt my knees almost go weak. Wesley quickly whisked me away not happy at all by the situation, and I felt a ting of pain in my heart as I watched Rowen walk away.

"He's got alot of nerve," I heard Wesley grumble as we danced, and it brought me out of my thoughts. "What game is he playing at?"

I could tell he was beyond angry thinking that Rowen was toying with me like a cat might play with a mouse before killing it. I just couldn't believe that was Rowen's tactic. His brother's Ryker's yes, that would be right up his alley, but Rowen seemed different. There was something I just couldn't put my finger on, but I knew in my soul he would never hurt me.

"I don't think it was a game." I responded.

"Lucy, you do realize who just asked you to dance don't you? Rowen along with his father and brother would gladly see you dead by the end of the night. Don't let him fool you." Wesley was obviously extremely concerned by my answer, and though I knew what he said about King Roland and Ryker was beyond a doubt true. I couldn't bring my mind to think the same about Rowen.

The song ended and Wesley brought me back to my father who looked at me concerned, but said nothing of the event just patted my hand as he took it in his other.

"Are you ready for your first shift?" He asked instead.

My mind grew nervous at the prospect. I was still worried about what would become of me if I couldn't do it.

My father just smiled placing his hand to my cheek, "You'll do just fine Lucy."

His confidence in me was encouraging and he lead me out the Solarium doors into the gardens as snow softly began to fall. Our guests followed him out, and I noticed my Aunt had setup white tents for changing. She appeared by my side and took me into a tent in the center towards the front which must have been meant specifically for me. I was glad she was with me to help take off my dress, and so I wouldn't have to do this all alone. I would cling to her like she was my security blanket.