The day of the gala had finally come after three days of careful planning including regular pre gala visits to the Gotham hall everything was set I was all dressed and stood before the mirror staring at my reflection hoping it would have the effect I was aiming for with a red gown that dipped low showing just the slightest cleavage as the slim cut hugged my waist an intricate gold filigree in lace making the fabric pop. My black hair spun into curls that fell down my back and framed my face.
Zeld wrapping his arms around my waist looked at my reflection.
"Your a vision of beauty."
I smiled.
"Intimating beauty I hope?"
He laughs.
"You don't need a dress for that."
His lips meet mine briefly as I step back admiring his all black suit which brought out the green in his eyes even more.
"The same could be said for you."
He smiles as he smooths out his suit jacket.
"Yes beautiful was what I was going for."
I slap him with my purse playfully.
"I meant intimidating."
He pulls me to him again kissing my neck his breath on my skin as he answers.
"I know but since you were teasing me with that dress I figured I'd tease you back."
He squeezes my butt as he grabs my hand.
"Come on everyones waiting."
We made our way downstairs where the bus was waiting. Not exactly glamorous but since we couldn't fit an entire pack of fifty into a car and I refused to be separated in front of potential enemies it was the only solution.
Even though we could possibly have to fight our way out it didn't stop the pack from getting excited at the prospect of seeing something other then the four walls of their rooms and Central Park.
The bus stopped just outside of Gotham hall as we all filed out and stood before the grand building. I turned to the pack.
"Does everyone know the plan if things go sideways?"
They all nod as we make our way into the building. Two males nodded as we passed. red paw tattoos on their necks. I keep my eyes on them as we walk into a large ball room that was beautifully decorated. From the elaborate table settings to the red curtains hanging from the ceilings. The room was packed with members of the red paw pack that all stopped and turned as we entered.
"They went all out didn't they?"
Loki leaned in to whisper. Without looking away I answered.
"Just make sure everything's set just in case."
He nods as we step closer to the line of tables at the end of the hall where a young handsome male with yet another red tattoo on his neck that spread into and even more elaborate tribal design that disappeared under the collar of his grey suit.
He stood as his eyes drank me in, he was younger then I thought realising that this must be Damien Are's son.
"Welcome all of you. I'm so glad you could make it."
I stared at him my eyes locked on his as I asked.
"Where is your father shouldn't he be receiving us?"
Damiens smile dropped only slightly.
"Sadly he is no longer with us."
My eyes widened in surprise as Damien motioned us to sit. I turned to my pack, they looked to me for confirmation. Nodding slightly they made their way to the various spare chairs that scattered the room. Leaving Zeld Talieus, Keyon, Loki and me to sit at the main table. Separating us as I'm sure was the plan.
I approached Damien he motioned for me to take the seat next to him as we both sat side by side.
"Thank you for coming I trust it is to your liking?"
He spread his hand indicating the ballroom. I smiled sweetly my answer all too honest.
"We are wild wolves Damien material things such as these hold no interest to us."
His smile remaining plastered to his face his voice never faltering.
"Of course but a nice break from roughing it I'm sure."
I remained silent neither confirming or denying his words. It was a game we played and he had had years of perfecting it. His father most likely shaping him in his image, but I was not here to play games I was here for one reason only to convince him to give up this life in place of one we as wolves were meant to live.
"Let's cut to the chase shall we surely you didn't invite us here merely to show off when we both know the forest lakes wolves have no interest in your show of money."
Damiens eyes took me in from my face to the slight curve of my neck line causing Zeld to growl. Damiens eyes met Zeld's as he stared with a knowing look. Whether he was trying to provoke him I had no idea but if he didn't get to the point soon I was leaving.
"Fair enough we are both young alphas new to our reign and eager to not repeat the mistakes of our fathers."
His eyes dart to Loki but Loki being Loki doesn't rise to the bait.
"Come my dear I wish to show you something."
He stands up extending his hand as he adds.
"Alone."
Zeld's quick to jump in.
"If you think I'm letting you take her anywhere you've got another thing coming."
Damien holds up his hands in innocence.
"I mean no harm I don't plan to spirit her away I merely need to show her something a peace offering if you will."
Zeld pulls me close whispering.
"I don't like it."
I sigh
"so far we have no leads to where Luna may be or how we are going to convince the packs to leave all this."
I indicate the extravagance around us.
"Just let me hear him out I'll be fine."
Zeld let's go of my hand as he nods his face filled with worry but trusting that I could handle Damien.
"Very well but take this just in case."
He hands me the detonator that would blow This place sky high if he tries anything.
I nod as I tuck it into a secret pocket hidden in the lace of my dress where I also held one of my throwing knives. I followed Damien away from the ballroom as he lead me to a room upstairs. Stopping at the door he turns to me.
"Before I let you in I need you to know my bid for peace is genuine. I know you don't believe me but I'm hoping this will convince you."
"What's in there?"
He smiles.
"Something to help in you fight against Shiya the one that killed my father."
My eyes widen at his words. was this some sort of trick and if not then no wonder he wants to help. Slowly he opens the door as my eyes land on the one person I never thought I'd ever see again.
"Tharon!"
"Raven! Thank god your alright."
He rushes forwards taking me into his arms it was such a surprise I stood there not knowing what to do. The whole time growing up he had never showed me any affection yet here he was genuinely happy to see me.
He pulls back his hand on my cheek his eyes taking me in.
"Look at you your the splitting image of your mother. I'm so glad you trusted Damien enough to come. There's so much I need to tell you."
I shook my head my mind reeling.
"How is this possible I thought Shiya must have killed you."
"She tried but after she killed Damiens father he made it his mission to take her down so when he found out what she planned he saved me and has kept me safe ever since."
I turned to Damien.
"It's true i would love nothing more then killing that bitch. She's gone too far this time it's one thing to want power but to capture our moon goddess to try and steal her power?"
He shakes his head.
"If she gets that power we're all doomed. We have to free the moon goddess and I need your help to do it."
I stand there taking it all in as I ask.
"Do you know where she is?"
He nods smiling.
"Of course."
His smile widens
"So what do you say do we have a deal to join our packs against Shiya?"
I match his smile finally we catch a break finally something seems to be going our way. My decision made I turn to Damien my resolve strong.
"Looks like you have a deal?"
I shake his hand as all three of us head back downstairs.
Zelds face widens with shock as he looks to me, Tharon however just smiles and pulls Zeld in for a father like hug just as he did me.
"Zeld I'm so proud of you."
Zeld's eyes held mine questioning this new found touchy feely side. I just shrug my shoulders as Tharon looks between us his eyes noting our marks a smile curving his lips.
"I knew you two were meant for each other even when that traitor forced his mark on you."
He growls with the memory of it.
"Anyway he'll figure out soon enough that he's on the loosing side."
My face darkens as I remember my last meeting with him somehow I felt that he didn't agree with what Shiya was doing rather that something else was motivating his actions. If only I could figure out what it was maybe I could get him to stop following Shiya. I sighed doubtful if I knew anything about Ki when he decided on something there was no changing his mind.
Now that a peace had been brokered between our packs we spent the rest of the night letting off some steam. It felt good to have fun there had been too much heart ache and pain. It had been so long since we just enjoyed being a pack. It was a welcome break from the constant worrying. I will say one thing the red paw pack knew how to party. Even I let my hair down so to speak as I just enjoyed the night having found an ally in the red paw pack silently thanking the universe for this welcome gift.