Chapter 56
Bour’s POV
“Wow Rose, you look like a different person! You sait that hairstyle so much you seriously look like a true lana tonight” Lydia gushes as I step out from the bathroom, now wearing my dress and almost fully ready.
Her words cause tears tis brim in my eyes, a smile playing on my lips at my friends kindness. I was far from representing a taina… however the compliment meant more to me than the knew.
“You look gorgeous too Lyd… and I just know that Hunt will think so too… I giggle, causing Lydia to blush and shake her hei
frantically at my words.
“Oh quit it! I swear I don’t even like him like that! Besides, it’s way too soon after everything that happened… I can’t be thinking that way yet!” Lydia groans, as I chuckle at her flistered cheeks as she bubbles on.
I could sense a small romance blossoming between the pair, however knew that Lydia would no doubt he having an inner battle with her feelings and understandably so with everything she had gone through….
I did hope for Hunt and Lydia to have a future together at some point though… and often compared them to myself and Ashton.
Maybe Hunt would be her saviour? Show her a new path in life… a much happier one. It was the perfect love story, and I was a true sucker for romance novels so who could blame me?!
As we shared same mone laughs and a few more minutes of girl talk, the excitement for the ball began to overshadow any lingering nerw
I hadn’t quite processed that I would be seeing my ex–mate Derrick tonight, but I tried to focus on the good by assuring myself that I was fully protected by Ashton and his pack…..
I can do this… not just for Ashton, but for myself!
“The men will be arriving in a few minutes, let the photographer grab some photos of you both before they get here!” The older woman gushes, before the glam team worked efficiently and skillfully, adding the finishing touches to our looks.
A younger female in the team then retrieved a professional camera to snap different shots of us, as I grew embarrassed by the cheering and whistles from Lydia and the glam squad as I posed and smiled and moved around for each shot as instructed.
p with happiness and
Shortly after, it was Lydia’s turn, and I soon found enjoyment in cheering her on in her own photo shoot – seeing her eyes light up her smile beam from ear to ear…
This girl had now tasted freedom, and with her ex being gone, she was free to feel confident and happy!
After a lengthy process, having some snaps taken together next, there was a heavy knock against the bedroom door, causing the women to grow giddy to show off their work…
Nerves crept in to my stomach, not knowing what Ashton would think of the finished look. Would he like it? Would he maybe think that it was too much? Did I look good enough to show off to the other Alphas or would I bring him shame?
I couldn’t bare the thought of the latter…
“Is everybody decent in there? I’m not ready to be seeing some ass! We hear Sawyers sarcastic tone call out from the other side of the door, causing us all to chuckle slightly.
y to show off the
One of the girls rushed to open the door, as myself and Lydia were pulled to stand in the centre of the mom – fully dressed and ready final look to them as they entered.
Sawyer was the first to enter, followed by Hunt whose eyes landed on Lydia almost instantly followed by a lopsided smirk and a few nods of approval. Ashton was last in the room, causing me to inhale a sharp breath as I glanced over his own sharp and freshened up appearance,
He had changed in to a cream suit, with a tie to match the colour of my gown perfectly. I noted his dark tattoos spilling out on to his neck and hands which added contrast to his ‘clean cut appearance by adding a touch of “bad boy all the same. His leatlier brown shoes had been shined to perfection and his watches and rings had been carefully selected and placed on display to define his niches as an Alpha…
His scent was what followed next, almost forcing me to go weak at the knees with its captivating peppery musk simply divine.
The man I had somehow managed to claim as my mate was quite simply a God… or at least must have been hand crafted by them himself! Ashton stood by the door proudly, squaring his shoulders and fixing his cuffs as his eyes carefully raked from my heeled feet all the way up my dress before reaching my face… his emerald eyes finally landing on my own.
y white to
our eyes locked, 1 chewed my lip anxiously, before seeing his lips pull up in to a toothy smile – showcasing his fresh pearly
teeth.
us a minute to talk
He then began to move towards me, as the glam team decided to make themselves busy in the room to pack and tidy up–giving us a
“I was thinking Rose… maybe I actually shouldn’t have brought you here with me…” Ashtons words come as a sudden blow to my gut, as my eyebrows pull together in confusion at his words.
Did I just hear him right? He doesn’t like it? But he smiled as if he did? Why had he changed his mind?
“W–What?” I breathe out, forcing myself to respond as he continues to take slow–meaningful steps towards me,
“Well you’re just too fucking beautiful to show off now aren’t you? All those other Alphas will be wishing they had you as their own!” Ashton chuckles, his cheeky smirk returning as I suddenly find the air reaching my lungs once again.
It was only a compliment… calm down Rose.
“sa… you do like it? I test, as his large hands reach out to take hold of my own shaky ones,
“Love it… you look like a princess and that’s exactly how you should be treated.” Ashton leans forward to talk in to my ear, causing floods of butterfly’s to flutter within my stomach,
“I might even cancel going tonight just to get you out of that dress and in to bed…” Ashton concludes quietly, so only I would hear, before nipping at my ear and pulling back–leaving me wide eyed and flustered.
He chuckles at my response, as my eyes
as my eyes dart around the room to see if anybody had heard which they didn’t seem to – thankfully!
This man…
“Ok folks… let’s get some gorgeous photographs of you all together on the ba towards the balcony doors, as we all shuffle and do as she asks.
balcony before you head off!” The lady with the camera encourages us
We spent ten minutes or so snapping shots, starting with the boys together, then each on their own–standing proud one by one with a drink in hand in their suits.
I then got some photographs alone with Ashton, as he stood behind me – hands encircled around my waist followed by some side by side shots with me cuddled in close to his side as he stood tall.
“Ok, on to the next couple?” The lady suggests, as all eyes land on Lydia and Hunt who both grow flustered under our gaze.
“Uh… yeah ok… but we ain’t together… just dates for the ball. Hunt clears his throat, causing Sawyer to snigger and Ashton to smirk.
We watch as he takes Lydia by the hand, showing his true gentleman side which I hadn’t taken him for, before they stood similar to how myself and Ashton had done.
After many photographs, and a satisfied photographer, we were finally ready to go….
The moment that I had been so worried and nervous for was now here. It was time to truly face the demons from my past and I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect.
“You good?” Ashton leans down to question as we head out of the door – following our designated gulde down towards the cars awaiting us outside. “Nervous.” I admit gently, as his hand reaches out to find my own interlocking our fingers as his thumb instantly rubs soothing circles across my knuckler
“Don’t be nervous Rose! That bastard will finally see just what he lost after he rejected us like he did! Besides, we have Ashton and Zen now… he’s a fat stronger wolf than Derricks could ever bet”
I take note of Auroras opinion as my wolf floods my thoughts offering her strong comfort.
Looking back at how I was before I met Ashton, I was alone and scared. But now, I have a wolf, friends and a new mate who actually treats me well, I
guess that is worth showing off after all!
“Nervous for what? Seeing that piece of shit? Don’t be Rose… you have the upper hand here remember. Show him just how amazing you actually are. He missed out, although I’m kinda glad that he did.” Ashton encourages with a smile, as we approach the main doors to leave him helping me down the front steps in my dress.
“If it gets too much at any point, we can step away for a break too but trust me when I say that he won’t hurt you… I wouldn’t allow it.” Ashton continues, as I tackle each step in my clicking heels beside him with care.
“Thank you… I want to enjoy it… it’s just daunting.” I continue, as Ashton nods and leads us towards our private car.
As we approached the sleek black car, the realization sank in that tonight would be a test of strength and resilience. The echo of my heartbeat mirrored the anticipation of the night ahead. Ashton opened the car door for me, his gestures both reassuring and protective.
We settled into the luxurious interior, the scent of leather and the soft hum of the engine enveloping us before we quickly set off towards the next location.
Ashton’s hand found mine, providing a comforting anchor in the midst of my swirling thoughts…
“I’ve got your back, Rose. Whatever happens tonight, we face it together and I’ll always protect you. The best revenge will be to have fun and show that bastard that he didn’t ruin you- he only made you stronger. Ashton whispered, his gaze fixed on mine as my heart skipped a beat at his kind words.
What
hat did I ever do to deserve this man? This second chance? It was a blessing if I had ever seen one…
The sincerity in his eyes melted away most of the anxiety I held, and I managed a small smile in response. “You’re mine now… and don’t you forget it.” Ashton chuckles lightly, causing me to giggle too and nod my approval of his possessive words.
I was his… and fully happy to be.
The car ride to the venue was a mix of shared glances, silent reassurances, and the distant hum of the pack life outside. The tension grew with each passing moment, yet Ashton’s presence was a calming force.
It was only a further fifteen minutes or so before we were arriving at the grand ball venue, the imposing castle like structure looming before us.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, with hundreds of hand lit candles lining the entrance steps and helping to illuminate the event from outside…
As the car rolled closer, with many attendees already entering, the sound of music spilled out from the open doors. The ball was clearly already in full swing, an elaborate dance of shifting colours, shadows and laughter spilling out from within.
As we stepped out of the car, the night air greeted us, charged with the scent of excitement and uncertainty.
Ashton guided me towards the entrance, his touch a steady support, as he greeted a few familiar faces on passing before we finally reached our
friends…
“Ok this is it… let’s get inside and find our table.” Ashton instructs, as I glance around shyly at the overpowering array of male and female high profile figures who lined the walkway…
–
Ashton seemed to acknowledge most of them, some stopping to shake his free hand with adoration often commenting on his attendance and saying they were ecstatic to see him back.
One man had even commented that they were pleased to see a female wrapped around his arm which made me feel a little more confident with the approval…
The grandeur of the ballroom continued to unfold before us, a dazzling display of elegance and power as the crystal chandeliers twinkled and the whole event was decorated in gold…
My eyes scanned the room in search of Derrick, however landed on who I’m guessing was Alpha Jacoli, another figure of authority and influence, who stood proudly on a higher platform alongside what I’m assuming was his own family and closest of friends.
He studied the ball carefully, his wrinkled face p pulled up in to a bright smile as he waved around at the room, pleased to see the hall filling up as the night went on….
“Right this way Alpha, your table is closest to Alpha Jacob.” A tuxedo dressed staff member guides us through the crowd, bringing us closer, as I clung to Ashtons arm for security.
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