Enchanting deception

The night of the ball

The day of the Annual Alpha ball arrived and according to the traditions, the Alpha was accompanied by his Beta, and their third in command or a trustworthy member of the pack. The choice landed this year on Hugo. He wasn't a werewolf but Tase trusted him and he needed an excuse to get Sage to the ball. The three men waited at the main gates of the Pack house ready to leave.

- Weren't you the partner of Sabrina Dukan? - Timon asked while Tase checked his watch.

- Yes, during the ball, but his majesty's order didn't say anything about bringing someone with me to the ball. - Timon chuckled and pat Tase's back.

- I don't think they'll like this backdoor dude. - that moment the doors opened and the three ladies walked out of it. Timon couldn't take his eyes off, of Isadora who winked at him playfully. Hugo immediately walked in front of Sage, who wore a grey silk dress and matching shoulder scarf, with pearls. Tase couldn't move nor say a word when his glace landed on Adalinda. With her fixed dress and soft makeup, she looked like and angel who descended from Heaven. She waved in her usual carefree manners to Tase who chuckled at the innocence wrapped up in elegance.

-* I've never felt to close to Heaven ever before. - he said to Titan in their shared mind, but he remained quiet. Even Titan became speechless when he saw Ada. Ada skipped to Tase with a huge smile on her face and squeaked grabbing his arm.

- This is like in fairytales! - she said and Tase gave a peck on her forehead.

- I hole you'll feel like a princess today Ada! You look gorgeous. - she blushed and smiled.

- It's a shame that I cannot be your partner tonight. - Tase added and looked at the other two pairs with jealousy. Izzy was fixing Tim's tie while Huge had been nervously chatting with Sage.

- No biggie! You already promised to Sabrina. Don't worry, I'll be okay and we can dance at home whenever we want! - Tase wanted so badly to turn on his word and just stay at home, watching movies and playing some board games with his friends. I'd love to see what's under the ball gown... - At this thought he blushed a bit and Ada pulled him closer by his tie. She whispered in his ear.

- You just have to ask... But please don't tear it off of me, it took me lots of time to fix it. - Tase shook his head and looked into Ada's eyes. The cluelessness disappeared from her eyes for a split second and Tase would've swore that he saw desire in those sparkling eyes.

- What did you just say? - he asked but Tim interrupted them before Adalinda could've answered.

- Alpha we must go now! - Tase looked into Ada's eyes but apart from the usual playfulness he didn't see anything. They headed towards the car and left to the palace. The drive took about four hours and with each passing minute Tase felt more and more uneasy.

-* Maybe bringing her was a bad idea. - he said to Titan, who growled in agreement.

*- I have a bad feeling...

-* What kind of?

*- Like if I was forced to step into a lair full of snakes. - a cold chill ran down on Tase's back and Timon noticed his friend's shiver. They traveled in a minibus, with a few guards following them in another car and a driver in their. Timon was sitting next to Tase, the ladies behind them and Hugo after.

#- What's wrong Tase? - Timon asked through mind-link to avoid getting their companions uselessly nervous.

-# I have no idea. But I feel as if I was heading towards my death.

#-Come on! I know you hate these kind of events, but this is a bit too much.

-# I'm not kidding, even Titan is on alert.

#-Maybe you are this worried because you have feeling for the little fairy.

-# What does that has to do with this?

#- Tase, you obviously like her but she is not your mate, neither your chosen mate. Therefore, Linlin is a free prey for all the mate less Alphas om the ball. Maybe, you are uncomfortable because you are worried that someone will claim her as their mate tonight. - Tase scoffed.

-# Fantastic! Now I'm even more worried! I didn't think about this before.

#- Sorry dude! But, why don't you simply claim her as yours? She is clinging onto you and you like her.

-#I don't know. But if we survive tonight I might take the next step. - Timon grinned and held Izzy's hand who caressed his shoulder over the seat. The castle appeared in front of them like in a movie. Dozens of people were already pulling to the entrance in gorgeous gowns and ready to build relationships. When their car stopped and they got out, Tase offered an arm to Adalinda but she refused it.

- You have to accompany Sabrina. I'll be okay! - Tase sighed and walked ahead. Timon followed him with Izzy om his side, than Hugo with Sage and Adalinda got behind them. They walked through the long delicately decorated corridors to the ball hall. Izzy's eyes widened at the luxurious atmosphere and gorgeous people in front of them. The butler announced them and Sabrina stormed to Tase as soon as he stepped in the room. She locked her arm with his and asked in a low growling voice.

- What is she doing here? - she nodded towards Adalinda who walked around elegantly looking at the paintings on the walls.

- She is a friend of mine and I invited her.

- But I'm your partner tonight! - Sabrina said angrily and Tase grinned at her.

- You said that perfectly. Tonight. - Sabrina wanted to say something else, but her cousin walked to them.

- Alpha Tase Hidalgo! - he said with a bright smile. Tase bowed.

- Your highness! It's an honor that you remember me. - Tase's stomach curled up with disgust. Eirik chuckled and took a sip of his champagne that he had been holding.

- Thank you for fulfilling my dear cousin's wish Alpha Hidalgo.

- Prince Eirik, please rest assured that this wasn't my sole decision. - Sabrina scoffed and Eirik love to see her so pissed. Tase just announced that he had nothing to do with her. Suddenly, the Prince's nostrils widened a bit and he sniffed into the air. His blue eyes darkened and Tase followed his glance.

- Oh my, who is that fine lady over there? - Eirik asked and Sabrina answered quickly.

- She is Tase's childhood friend! - Eirik smiled towards Adalinda and Tase felt and urge to poke his eyes out for staring at Ada.

- What a lovely coincidence! Alpha Hidalgo, please, introduce us. - Tase had no other choice than to walk to Adalinda, who had been watching a painting.

- Adalinda. - he called her and she turned to him with a bright smile.

- Hi Tase! Lady Dukan. - she said than tilted her head.

- Who is your new friend, Tase? - she asked and with a bitter taste in his mouth Tase introduced them to each other.

- Prince Eirik, she is Adalinda, Adalinda, he is Prince Eirik the heir of the werewolf throne. - Eirik grabbed Adalinda's hand and kissed the back of it. Ada smiled sweetly at him and that was the first time Tase saw such a calculated smile on Ada's face.

- Adalind. You have a beautiful name. - Eirik said and Ada giggled but even her voice sounded differently.

- It's Adalinda, but my friends can give me nicknames. - Eirik grinned at her and offered her his arm.

- I'd love to get to know you better, would you like to dance with me? Who knows, maybe by the end of the ball, we can be good friends? - Ada took his arm and while they walked away Eirik smiled mischievously. This is more fun than I thought it would be! - Tase cursed and left Sabrina alone. He needed some fresh air to clear his thoughts, but the music started and he heard excited murmuring. He walked back and saw Adalinda dancing with the Prince.

- They look sickeningly good together. - Izzy said.

- Nah... The Prince looks like a Ken doll put of his box! - Timon said and Tase was grateful for his friend for secretly taking his side.

- That's true, but Ken dolls are handsome. - Izzy added and Timon rolled his eyes at her. Izzy giggled and poked Tase's side.

- Don't worry! She is head over heels for you! - that moment Adalinda and Tase's glance met for a second and she looked at him with a sparkle in her eyes. In the following moment, Prince Eirik slipped and almost fall over. The crowd gasped in unison.

"- Be careful! - Titan said and Tase turned to his left quick enough to notice the pissed Sabrina heading towards him.

- Tase! I've been looking for you all over the room! - she said but before she could grab Tase's arm, she fall over tripping in her own dress. The song stopped and everyone was looking at the humiliated Sabrina. Tase offered her his hand to help her up but she growled and tried to get up alone. Only to trip again. Adalinda rushed to her and grabbed her arm to help her up.

- Are you okay? - she asked kindly and Sabrina looked at her with pure hate.

- I know you did it! - Eirik rushed to them and Sabrina shouted at him.

- ARREST HER! SHE DID THIS TO ME! - Eirik's eyebrow run up.

- Sabri, she was dancing with me the whole time.

- I don't care! I know it was her doing!

- WHAT IS GOING ON? - a powerful voice trembled the room and everyone bowed their heads towards the sound. It was the king himself. Sabrina whined to her Uncle about what happened, but king Gareth's eyes got fixed at the lady's hair next to Sabrina. Constance?