CHAPTER 4

I was all dressed for the ball. Aunt Maya had threatened to allow my father to send me

to wolf camp.

The castle was magnificent; it had been a while since I last visited the palace.

The bright chandelier lights glowed brightly.

Everyone conversed with their friends; the girls giggled, whispered, and

snickered as they stole glances at me. They were talking about me, no doubt. My life was miserable in Dycan. The female wolves were envious of my looks. They could never be friends with me.

I had no friends; my best friend Evelyn had moved to Lycester when we turned fifteen. She was all I had.

I could only see her when I visited Aunt Maya. I had only done that once in ages.

                  The king soon emerged. My heart raced when I saw Derrick walking closely behind him. He was

breathtaking. I got lost staring at him; his cold, mean eyes met mine. I looked away.

immediately.

Derrick treated me like a non-existent creature. I had never gotten close to him.

except once when he bumped into me at the transition festival. He walked past me.

without a word of apology, like I was some piece of rag. I had made a fool of myself in front of him. I didn't shift; I remained human in the midst of the big, intimidating wolves the rest had transformed into.

Recalling the incident brought an unpleasant feeling to my stomach.

I left the ballroom because I needed to clear my head.

"Need company?." A deep, husky voice pulled me back to reality.

It was a beta wolf named Brandon; I forgot he'd be there. He had been chasing after me lustfully.

for a long time. "No thanks."

I made to run away, but he drew me back and pressed me closely to himself.

"Be a good girl, Gwen."

I stomped on his feet and ran away. I went back in, shaking as I walked hastily.

I could feel all eyes were on me. My beauty was both a gift and a curse. I was always the center of attention. Rumors had it

I was the most beautiful young lady in Dycan. It was a gift bestowed on my mother's ancestry. My mom was extraordinarily beautiful, as were her mother and the women before her.

I got very nervous. Aunt Maya was socializing with the court ladies, and her father was dining.

with the nobles.

Ava? I had no idea where she was.

Suddenly, my feet struck hard against something.

I fell flat on my face.

Sorry, sis, I didn't see you there." Ava apologized sarcastically.

Everyone laughed at me. In humiliation, I picked myself up and ran out of the ballroom in tears.