Chapter- 4 "Glimpse of Past (Part- 2)"

Alice POV 

***

I head downstairs and meet my two best friends, Nate and Kara. I hug them both and congratulate them. They recently discovered they’re mates. They’re happy about that, and I am happy for them.

Nate looks handsome in his black tuxedo, which fits perfectly on his frame like a second skin. His dark brown hair is styled neatly, and his blue eyes sparkle whenever he looks at his mate.

Kara wears a knee-length baby pink dress that compliments her olive-colored skin and light blue eyes. Her light makeup, silver-colored high heels, and shoulder-length blonde hair that hangs down straight, complete her look.

Both of them ask in unison when they notice my nervousness, “What’s wrong?”

I shrug and reply, “Just nervous. And as you guys know, finding a mate is my worst nightmare.”

Okay, I might be overreacting a little, only a little.

Kara steps closer, taps my shoulder, and says with a wicked smirk, “Don’t worry, babe. I bet the Moon Goddess forgot to make one for you.” Nate and I burst out laughing.

Nate steps forward, stands in front of us, and extends his hands in a perfect gentlemanly posture.

Kara and I clutch each of his arms right before he clears his throat and asks in a gentle voice, “Ready, matrons?” We nod and giggle as we head toward the party hall.

---

I step into the ballroom, and my breath catches. Tonight, it looks fabulous. Mom and Ellyn did a great job. Elegant crystal chandeliers spiral down from the arching sky-blue ceiling, illuminating the glimmering golden walls and a floor so polished it looks like an iced-over lake. The music choice is equally perfect.

And it’s not just the ballroom—there’s a huge crowd of well-dressed people, and the women sparkle like a box of jewels, shades of emerald, ruby, and amethyst swirling before me. Nervous is an understatement now. I hate formal parties, but as royalty, hiding in a dark corner isn’t an option either.

Nate squeezes my hand and mutters under his breath, forcing a smile on his face, “Smile, princess, or these old wolves will eat us alive!” I can’t help but laugh at his words, and Kara giggles along.

They drag me toward the drinks counter right away and put shots of vodka in front of me. I stare at them in disbelief and shake my head. “Are you both crazy? Mom will kill me. Drunk at the party? No way!”

Kara rolls her eyes and says, “Oh, come on, Alice. Nobody will know if you’re drunk. Trust me,” and grabs herself a drink that she finishes in one go.

“Hurry, babe. You seriously need this.”

I glance at both of them to see if they’re serious. Dead.

With my friends together and me sober? Nope. Not a chance. The look on their faces tells me I don’t have a choice either. I sigh in defeat and announce, “Okay, just one shot.” I grab a shot and gulp it quickly. I glance around to make sure Mom isn't watching from somewhere.

Just paranoid. She can't possibly see me through the crowd. 

“See? Nobody cares,” Nate teases. I shake my head. They are not wrong. 

I end up drinking two more shots, but it does nothing to calm my nerves. What if I meet my mate tonight? How will I explain to him that I’m not interested? Or should I just escape? At the thought of escape, Rhea growls not liking my plans to ruin her fantasies of uniting with her mate.

I have been busy admiring the sight of couples dancing when Ellyn comes over and sits beside me. She snatches my drink. “I need it more,” she mutters. I agree and say nothing. 

Ellyn is the smartest wolf I’ve ever met, and no, I'm not saying this just because she is my cousin. She’s the same height as me, with brown hair and chocolatey eyes, similar to my aunt Luciana and my mom, while I get my father's hair. Today, she’s wearing a dark red full-length silk gown that fits her curves flawlessly.

After finishing the drink, she drops the bomb: “Aunt is asking for you.” 

I let go of a shaky breath. 

Here it comes. Showtime, baby.

I stand up and hold Ellyn’s hand, dragging her with me to my parents.

My parents sit on the head seats of the grand table arranged for the VIPs of the night. Other seats are occupied by the alphas from all the packs. Some of them bring their mates with them while others hope to find one tonight. 

I approach the table and bow my head in respect to the King and Queen of Entalia. 

Dad looks handsome as always in a dark blue suit, and Mom looks flawless in a beautiful blue silk gown with intricate embroidery, tuning with dad. Her dark brown curls hang around her small face, and the crown on her head, adorned with diamonds and sapphires, complements her chocolatey eyes and pale skin.

I hug my dad. “You look beautiful, princess,” he praises me and kisses my cheek.

Grinning ear to ear, I mutter softly, “Thanks, Dad.”

I also give a hug to my mom and kiss her cheek. She nods softly and gestures for me to look at the guests at the table as says, “Alice, let me introduce you to everyone.”

I knew this was coming. One by one, the alphas come up to introduce themselves and kiss my hand as courtesy. I only half-listen to their words, keeping my gaze low most of the time.

I’m not interested in their compliments or in having any of them as my mate. I admit they are pretty for the eyes, but no thank you.

Soon the last alpha comes up and holds my hand longer than needed to. Tingles shoot up my arm like lightning bolts. A sweet, rich scent floods my senses.

Rhea, my wolf, howls in happiness in the back of my mind.

He kisses my hand like others did, but it is nothing like the others. How could a small touch set every part of my body ablaze, sending my heart racing?

To find out the answers, I snap my head up and look into the eyes of the alpha. His dark forest-green gaze meets mine, and the world stops moving. Or at least my world.

I remember him. It’s him—the same guy from the nightclub last week.

I had sneaked out of the castle to hang out with my friends. That’s when this guy and Vick got into a fight over me, hitting each other badly. When I couldn’t stop them, I panicked and used my powers to teleport myself, Nate, Kara, and Vick out of the club.

That incident terrified me.

If Mom finds out? I silently pray to the Moon Goddess for help. 

That’s when Mom’s voice cuts through from beside me, making it pretty clear this alpha isn’t in her good books. “Alpha Gabriel from the Blood Moon Pack of Warriors.”

And hearing the name, I instantly remember why. I heard so much about him in the past several months. He is a royal pain in the ass.

I forget my hand is still in his until he tightens his grip, right before he pulls me close to him.

Before I can react,

He holds my waist possessively and buries his face in my hair, inhaling my scent like some sort of creep.

My wolf purrs in pure delight, not minding a stranger harassing us in front of my parents and hundreds of guests.

My heart skips a beat when he growls in a low, dangerous voice. “MINE!” 

I pull away from him right away, and he lets me go. I stare at him in disbelief, shock and horror hitting me hard. Goosebumps rise all over my body.

The entire ballroom falls silent, everyone watching the scene in stunned disbelief. Even Mom and Dad are shocked, and the worried expressions on their faces are loud and clear.

Please tell me this is not happening. 

---

End of flashback

I’m pulled out of my thoughts as the back door of my apartment creaks open. I turn to see Dad walking out.

“Alice?” He calls my name, softly.

I hug him, unable to find the words. He hugs me back without asking anything. I am grateful for having such a loving and supportive father.

After a minute, I pull away and offer him a small smile. “It’s time to go back home, Dad,” I announce and open a portal with my powers.

A black oval hole forms in the air before us. Dad holds my hand, showing his unconditional support. I smile at him, and together, we walk into the portal.