CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: THE BALL

SAGE'S POV

I stood in front of the tall mirror in my room while the stylists made the final adjustments to my dress.

The light peach-pink fabric felt soft against my skin, the off-shoulder sleeves sitting just right so I wouldn’t feel swallowed by layers of heavy material.

At first, it looked like Dante's input was a bad idea but now I couldn't love it more. The dress looked way better like this and the idea of a long, sweeping gown made my chest tighten with panic.

I had expected to look completely out of place in the dress, but staring at my reflection I looked like I belonged here more than anywhere else.

Crystal sat on the edge of my bed, scrolling through her phone with a small smile on her face. Her black satin dress hugged her figure beautifully, the slit showing a flash of leg every time she shifted.

Her purple hair had been styled into soft waves that framed her face. She looked stunning, but she was barely talking.

Every few seconds her thumb would move across the screen, and that same faint smile would appear again.

“You look really pretty,” I said, trying to keep my voice stable, despite how hard my heart was beating.

She glanced up, still smiling. “So do you. That color is perfect on you.” The stylists finished pinning the last strand of hair and stepped back. “All done. You both look incredible.”

“I’m not riding with you to the ball.” She stood up grabbing her clutch and I blinked, a small suspicion creeping in.

“You're not trying to set me up with Dante, are you?"

She laughed lightly and shook her head. “No, nothing like that. I promised a friend I’d drive with them. I’ll meet you there, okay?”

“Them?” I asked but she only gave me a shy hug pulling me into a tight hug.

“You look really, really pretty, Sage. I mean it.” I hugged her back, whispering, “You too.”

We pulled away and she gave me one last glance before walking out.

The stylists followed shortly after, leaving me alone with the silence and the heavy dress on my body. My hands started to sweat and I wiped them against my dress only to regret it.

I was sure the fabric style and sewing cost more than I could make in five years. My eyes wandered towards my reflection again and whispered under my breath, “Moon Goddess, please don’t let me embarrass myself tonight.”

I had never been to a ball full of werewolves, never even planned on going to one. The thought of walking in beside Dante while everyone stared and whispered made my stomach twist into knots.

Just then, a soft knock came at the door and a blond maid poked her head in. “Miss Sage, Alpha Dante is waiting for you downstairs.”

I took a deep breath, picked up my small bag and phone, and headed down the stairs. I knew Dante was waiting but I had not expected to see him right below the stairs. Immediately our eyes met it felt like my body had been put on fire.

He looked devastatingly handsome in his black tuxedo — tall, broad shoulders filling the jacket perfectly, dark hair neatly styled, those steel-grey eyes lifting to meet mine.

Heat rushed through me so fast I had to stop on the last step to steady myself. He stared at me for a long moment, something dark and lustful flickering in his gaze before he masked it.

“You look beautiful.” His words took me by surprise and all I could do was stare like a deer in headlights. Not trusting myself to speak. “Thank you,” I managed, my voice sounding smaller than I wanted.

He offered his arm, and I hesitated for half a second before slipping mine through his. The contact sent another wave of heat through me.

His scent wrapped around me, that intoxicating mix of coffee and cinnamon and I had to focus on putting one foot in front of the other so I wouldn’t trip.

The car ride was worse. We sat in the back seat, close enough that our thighs almost touched.

The air felt thick and hot even though the AC was on. I tried to act natural since he acted like I wasn't even beside him. We had spent more than three minutes driving and his eyes had not left his phone once.

“Is the air conditioning too low?” I asked, my voice a little breathless. I was so desperate, it took the grace of the goddess not to crawl to the passenger seat.

"No it's perfect," Dante muttered looking up.

He went back to looking at his phone, but I couldn’t stop feeling him. I could feel every movement he made, every breath he took.

Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, his hand grazed my thighs. It barely happened but I was so sensitive that it made me jump. Heat pooled low in my belly, making me press my thighs together.

I turned my face toward the window, pretending to look outside, but all I could think about was how close he was and how badly my body wanted to lean into him.

The car finally stopped and I looked out only to be met with flashes of cameras, the paparazzi. Of course. Dante was a billionaire and an Alpha. Events like this would draw attention. He stepped out first and offered his hand to help me.

I took it, feeling the warmth of his palm against mine, and tried to keep my face neutral as we walked toward the entrance.

Inside the grand hall, the noise and lights hit me all at once.

So many eyes turned toward us but my own searched for a certain someone. I scanned the crowd desperately for Crystal but couldn’t find her. Dante’s hand stayed lightly at the small of my back as he guided me forward.

My eyes widened as I stared at the stage. Oh my Goddess, it was happening.

I whispered a small prayer as all sorts of negative thoughts filled my head. An older man handed Dante the microphone and he spoke with a calm but commanding tone.

“This is Sage Monroe. She's been staying at my house and would be taken as a member of the pack. Treat her with respect."

The crowd cheered in support clapping and all I could do was flash a smile, sweat sliding down my back.

It was ironic, I could dance half naked in a room filled with men but suddenly got stage fright.

I managed a small smile and a quiet “Thank you for your hospitality,” but my voice sounded far away in my own ears.

We walked down and the whispers started immediately. I was sure Dante could hear them but his face showed no reaction.

"I've got a few things to handle, I'll be with you soon," he whispered against my ear, tapping the low curve of my back.

Before I could reply, he disappeared into the crowd leaving me to myself. I searched for Crystal again checking everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found, and using her scent was useless here.

My eyes caught sight of a large food area and I rushed towards it, certain she would be there but she wasn't. Not even a scent.

My anxiety climbed higher and I turned about to walk away when a man stepped in front of me.

He looked older than Dante, maybe late thirties, with a charming smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You must be the mysterious Sage everyone is talking about. Care to dance?”

His question took me by surprise and all I could do was stare. Sure, Dante hadn't called me his partner but the hint was more than clear. "I'm sorry but I'm busy at the moment," I said, trying my best to sound nice.

“Just one dance. You look far too lovely to be standing here alone.”

Irritation flared hot in my chest. I didn’t want anything to do with another wolf right now — not after everything I’d been through with them. With that asshole.

“Excuse me,” I said firmly and stepped around him, heading toward the restroom to get some air.

'Where are you? I can't stay here alone, meet me at the food table.' The text showed the delivery sign but she never read it. My lips twisted into a frown and I pulled out a paper towel, wiping my sweaty hands.

Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the bathroom but I could take more than a few steps, when a strong hand grabbed my arm and yanked me sideways into a side room.

The door clicked shut behind me and I opened my mouth trying to scream when a large hand pressed against my mouth.