I hurried through a shower like I usually did and I pulled my semi-wet long platinum blonde hair into a high ponytail, allowing it to hang and dry into its natural unruly curls.
I then took the red wine colored dress which we spent hours shopping for and stuffed myself into it.
It was knee length, shorter than I would like it to be, made of silky satin and both my back and cleavage were revealed for the world to see. Ummm… Was it too late to change into a different dress?
No. Damn it. I am already too far in. I am doing this today!
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled helplessly.
Short red dress check. Hair check. Red high heels check. Smokey eye make up check. Alright. This is my limit. I couldn't look more like a cliche even if I tried.
I grabbed my purse and then walked out of the dorm, fidgeting with the short length of my dress. Ughh… Why did I agree to wear something that I was not comfortable in?!
Too late now. I walked over in long strides to the cab that was waiting and quickly ducked inside before anyone could see me.
I might be a pariah in my pack but at least in college, I somewhat still had an image and a group of friends and I didn't want to ruin that.
"South Acadia." I muttered and the cab soon arrived at the destination, dropping me off. The familiar huge mansion of our Alpha stood ahead.
It was a spectacular bungalow with a lavish exterior and an extravagant garden. The interior also did not lose out. It absolutely matched the status of the head family.
Though our pack was spread throughout the Maine state, this was where we gathered on all occasions, so I have been inside several times.
And yet I was reluctant to simply walk in...
Honk. Honk.
Alright. Alright. I am moving.
Several cars flitted in after me and I as well entered the huge gates of the mansion, after pulling down and adjusting my dress one last time.
The pavement was decorated with several lamps and so were the trees lining the entranceway. It gave off a very festive mood.
Several brightly colored cars were parked at the driveway, all looking very fancy and expensive.
Is it just me or does it look like more than usual numbers are present tonight? I wonder what is happening?
Well, I guess I am about to find out...
The gathering was surprisingly being held inside so I walked into the main hall. A waitress immediately helped me off of my coat and served me a drink.
"Thank you." I smiled politely and took a sip of the bubbly drink. I felt the alcohol going through my veins, it was actually making me feel a bit relaxed.
Should I take a look around or should I just blend into the background?
On one hand, I was already tired, but on the other hand, that wouldn't do justice to the dress I was wearing.
Damn it. Klara. Stay strong. At least greet your ex-mate with a smile and let him know that you are over him! I reprimanded myself and grabbed another drink from a waitress passing by.
The gathering was a buffet-style dinner and everyone, of course, other than myself was busily mingling with each other and chatting and laughing joyously enjoying the party.
I scanned the room, looking for my family or other familiar faces, but the crowd was really thick.
"Hey, Klara!" A voice sounded from behind me.
Talk about the devil! I turned around to see my sister, Katherine, approaching me with a bunch of her friends.
I smiled reluctantly and waved to them, downing the rest of the drink inside.
"Sister, you didn't answer any of our calls? We were really worried about you. You didn't even text us back." Katherine lovingly pouted.
And I suddenly felt as if two drinks were not enough.
Did she always sound this hollow? I could see that she was trying to be concerned and caring but her words fell short.
Sigh. I am overthinking things. This is her day after all. She is just happy. "Do you know where mom is?" I asked her.
"I don't know where mom is, but I can ask around." She said, taking a sip of her champagne.
"But she will probably be busy now. You should wait a while longer and talk to her later tonight."
"Oh. That's right. I guess she will be busy." I nodded. "Eh! I almost forgot. Congratulations I guess?"
"Congratulations for?" Katherine looked puzzled.
"Isn't your mating ritual today?" I was equally confused. What else was this gathering for?
"Ah ha ha ha. No sister." She blushed as her gaze flickered over to the man standing across us at the other end of the hall.
His tall and sturdy frame stood out even among the pack of testosterone-rich wolves and Katherine's eyes twinkled like bright and brilliant stars in the sky.
This must be love huh... I smiled bitterly and nodded. Perhaps I was being a bad sister. I shouldn't feel like this. I should be happier for my sister.
Trying to change the subject, I turned away from the two star-crossed lovers and asked one of my sister's friends. "So what's the occasion today?"
"Oh! Did no one tell you?" Lavender, a tall brunette gave me an apologetic look. "Have you heard about the royal family?"
"Umm... the one in Europe?"
That's weird. I was not even sure that they existed. "Yes, that's right. It's the royal family in Europe." Lavender explained as Katherine nodded in agreement.
"The King is visiting us today."
"Gosh! I can't wait to see him!"
"Me too!"
"He is supposed to be insanely hot and the best part is that he doesn't have a mate yet!"
The group of girls started chatting and giggling among themselves, forgetting that I was also standing beside them.
But I was not complaining. This worked out rather perfectly for me. They were also dressed in a similar style as me and I blended in just fine.
A few more minutes passed and suddenly all the hushed voices and the murmurs in the crowd died down, the entire big hall becoming eerily quiet.
Ah. The guest of honor is here?
I lazily took a sip from my third glass of champagne and looked up when suddenly... a familiar figure walked into the hall.
Fuck! Why is he here???
Cough. Cough. Snort.
In my panic, I ended up inhaling the drink and my loud, hoarse cough echoed throughout the silent hall, instantly attracting everyone's attention to my sorry ass standing in a corner.