"Do you know how important today is?"
"I know, my dear, but I can't help myself, besides, you are doing great on your own." He raised his beloved wife's hand to his lips.
But he didn't stop there, he pulled her to himself and kissed her plump, soft lips. He wrapped his arms around her thin waist, pressing her chiseled body tighter. The sensations from the contact of our lips gave way to a strong desire inside. If it weren't for the preparations, I would have picked Elizabeth up in my arms and carried her to the bedroom.
"Christian, you don't want to upset your wife, do you?" she asked, breaking away from me.
At such moments, seeing the fire in her beautiful eyes, I am ready to agree to anything.
"Of course I don't want to, Elizabeth."
"A large shipment of champagne and fresh meat will arrive soon, please make sure that everything is in the best possible condition."
"Okay, my love." He kissed her forehead, bowed, and hurried to meet the delivery men.
In a couple of hours, everything was ready. There was an abundance of various dishes on the tables. The servants were waiting for the guests to arrive. Little by little, London's high society, which had arrived especially for the occasion of my wife's birthday, began to gather.
The eyes are filled with the multi-colored dresses of the noble persons. I don't know half of the guests, but I have to smile. I hope the forced smile doesn't so clearly show my reluctance to participate in the social celebration.
The hostess of the house hates all this no less than I do, but in order to fit in with the highest circles, I have to make such sacrifices. Lady Salisbury's exit was truly enchanting. The silver dress favorably highlights her gray eyes with a green flower near the pupil, shading them with precious metal.
Fiery hair flows in large waves onto her shoulders. The whiteness of her skin, her long neck and exposed collarbones emphasize Elizabeth's grace. She swam out like a swan and charmed those around her.
I hurried to my wife. I extended my hand to her, her thin fingers touched my palm. The sensations overwhelmed me. I was completely and irrevocably bewitched. I will never cease to admire the girl that fate gave me.
The beautiful Lady Salisbury was showered with gifts. Several noble ladies noticed that Elizabeth did not touch alcohol. Whispers spread throughout the living room.
I smiled. If only they knew that my wolfish hearing allows me to hear every word.
Viscount Ethan, who appeared late, attracted the attention of half of the unmarried ladies. Although, no, and the married ones, too. Hardly anyone can remain indifferent to a blond with blue eyes. Of course, with the exception of my wife, her choice fell on a brunette with black eyes.
Her look full of love, warms the soul. How I love you, my moon!
Elizabeth tapped her fork on the crystal glass.
"Dear guests, I am very glad that you are present at the celebration in honor of my birthday." She is clearly nervous. The news that she wants to tell confuses and pleases her at the same time.
Elizabeth's parents smile broadly, guessing what, or rather who, will be discussed. They know their beloved child well.
Understanding that she does not dare to say it herself, he finished for her:
"We are expecting an addition to our little family."
The noise spread throughout the hall, glasses of champagne rose up. Everyone wants to make a toast in honor of the young parents.
But the joy was overshadowed by the reaction of a friend. He instantly turned pale, his eyes darted around, involuntarily fiddling with his clothes, as if he was terribly nervous.
I really want to know what's going on, but if I leave my wife at such a moment, those present will perceive it incorrectly, and I cannot allow that. I had to keep smiling. While accepting congratulations, I didn't notice how my friend had disappeared. Something was fishy here.
He's not the type to behave like that. Beta only looks young, but underneath the youthful shell he's a real man. My wolf instinct tells me that the reason is serious. My intuition has never let me down, which means I need to take some measures.
Time drags on, I keep glancing at my watch, the second hand seems to get stuck in place on purpose. Sitting at the table and nodding as if I were a participant in the conversation is beyond my strength. When the bones started to move apart, I was ready to send the rest away as quickly as possible. But I behaved appropriately, as befits a lord.
Elizabeth had long ago noticed that there had been a change in me. We shared feelings. She made it clear with her gaze that I could go. My wife herself saw off the remaining guests.
I quickly slipped to the door. I ran up the stairs to the second floor. I jumped from the window so that they would not see me leaving the house. But my attempts to find my friend were unsuccessful, he had disappeared without a trace. Why is my soul so anxious? I smell trouble - disgusting, heavy, caustic. I don't want to believe it, but my insides can no longer be convinced.
My heart suddenly began to pound against my ribs, threatening to break them. I gasp for air, unable to pull myself together. If this continues, the beast inside will break out, and a giant wolf will appear before the guests who have not yet departed. Hunters call us werewolves.
That is, those who can turn into anyone. But this is not so. There is a difference between us, we are werewolves - werewolves are what we call humanoid wolves. Those who feed on human flesh or have killed people turn into them.
Fear grips my throat. Nothing has happened yet, but I am already twisted. I walked further from the estate and howled. The members of the pack will hear the call.
But no one came. It never happened that they didn't respond to the leader's howl. Having waited for the last guest to leave, I hurried to the house. I burst into the living room. Elizabeth met me right at the door. I'm not the only one who senses trouble. I noticed anxiety in my wife's eyes.
***