4.

                                 

In a very large and exquisite ballroom, filled with lights and exotic designs, were lots of people. The atmosphere in the place was that of a joyful and ceremonial one. The place was extremely large and could contain over a hundred people.

   Darrell and Jenna walked through a large door that led to the ballroom and they seemed to get a lot of attention. Darrell walked hand in hand with Jenna and kept a smiling face on. He was wearing a black suit with a moderate sized black designer tie to match up. He looked handsome, and gave off the vibe of a respectable gentleman.

   Jenna on the other hand was wearing a blue gown. It was nicely tailored to fit her… or should we say, Selena, as that used to be her clothing. The dress made her look sensational enough and didn’t hesitate to expose the shape of her nice curves. She was trying to look nice and friendly but she was gulping hard on the inside.

   ‘He just wants to use me for a show… I should act properly.’ She thought and tried smiling. She felt a bit awkward though, as she was in the midst of people who she barely even knew. She decided to not bother too much about them and she began looking around and acknowledging the work of art around her.

   The exquisitely designed pillars and the large, sparkling beautiful chandelier hanging on the roof made her eyes almost glow. She looked around at the people around her. All immersed in their own lives, they chatted and drank with each other happily.

   At the center of the ballroom sat a young man. He wore a black tailcoat and a bow tie. He was well composed as he played the piano with great finesse. Around him, were a few couples who were dancing joyfully and enjoying their romantic moment, while forgetting their past sorrows and putting it at the back of their minds.

   Darrell smiled as he watched Jenna admire the view of the place. He walked hand in hand with her before he was confronted by a friend of his.

   “If it isn’t Alpha Darrell himself! What a pleasant surprise. Good to see you old friend.” He said as he carried a glass cup filled with wine in his left hand, and shook Darrell with his right. Darrell smiled and shook his hand.

    “Good to see you too, David.” Darrell greeted me. They chatted and exchanged pleasantries for a while. Jenna pretended to smile while sizing him up. David was about six feet tall, nicely styled brown hair and a mustache right above his slightly pink lips. His appearance seemed stoic and mature and looked handsome.

    Noticing that Jenna was observing him, he spared her a glance. “It seems the prodigal daughter has finally returned.” He commented with an indifferent face. Jenna tensed up and her heart skipped a beat. She wanted to speak but nothing came out of her mouth.

   Darrell squeezed her hand lightly, trying to give her a sign. With this indication, her look turned solemn and she bowed her head.

   “I’m sorry. I was blinded by my own selfishness that I made a terrible mistake.” She apologized. David still looked indifferently at her and didn’t pay her any attention anymore. Darrell was now satisfied with Jenna’s act and he took over from there.

  “Well… that’s all in the past. She’s back to me now and we can forget about that.” He said with a bright smile. David looked at Jenna, who still had her head bowed. A glint of pity went through his eyes, which made him give a relieved smile. He used his hand to lift up her face.

  “It’s fine. As long as my friend here appreciates your presence, it’s fine with me.” He implied. Jenna gave a faint smile.

  “I appreciate it Mr. David.” She replied with a very respectful tone, which stunned David. Selena was not usually this respectful. Darrell was starting to notice that his plan was about to get foiled so he tried to cause a distraction.

   “I wonder why my father isn’t here yet. He said he would definitely attend this party.” He noticed as he looked around. It was also at this same moment that Damian walked between them.

   “You guys seem to be having fun.” He claimed. Darrell smiled while in his mind, he was thanking him. ‘Speak of great timing.’ He thought.

   “Where’s father? He doesn’t seem to have arrived yet.” Darrell asked his brother. Damian had his hand behind his back and kept a normal look.

    “Well, father is being delayed. He said he might not even make it to the party tonight.” Damian replied. Darrell and David were surprised.

   “Wait what do you mean he won’t make it? What’s delaying him?” Darrell questioned. His brother shrugged.

   “I don’t know. He said he had important business to handle.” He replied, “Whatever the case may be, he might not attend the party.” He said. Darrell sighed, one which Jenna noticed to be a sigh of relief.

     “I wonder what could prevent him from attending the party,” Damian pondered. Darrell put his arm around his brother and cheered him up… not like Damian needed it though.

    They all changed the subject and chatted for a while. Jenna stood with Darrell and did not say anything. She maintained a smile on her face to an extent that her cheek muscles were getting sore.

    In the midst of people she didn’t know, if this was any other day, she wouldn’t be in their midst. But she was indebted to Darrell, and she needed to repay her debt.

    After a while, a few more people came to join the discussion. More families and more friends. Darrell got busy chatting with people.   

    “Wow. You finally got your Luna back” A plump looking man walked to Darrell together with a beautiful young lady, who looked to be in her mid forties.

    “Good to see you Uncle Brian. I didn’t know you were in town.” Darrell claimed as he hugged his uncle.

    “You know me. I like to make everything as surprising as possible. Hahaha.” He laughed and then turned to Jenna. The look he gave her made her feel awkward. This was a good example of the expression ‘Paying for someone else’s sins’ 

    “And how were you able to find her?” Brian questioned. Darrell smiled.

    “I didn’t. She returned on her own volition.” He replied. Brian gave Jenna a look of contempt before turning his face away and drawing his nephew closer to speak to him.

    “Considering what she’s made you go through, you still want to invite her back into the pack? Can she be trusted?” he interrogated.

     

   “Don’t worry Uncle. She’s realized her mistake and she’s come back to us.” He said and gave Jenna a look, who returned a faint smile. It was all part of the act so no matter how uncomfortable it felt, she had no choice.

    “I don’t trust her. And you also shouldn’t .” Brian said. Darrell shook his head, seeing that it was no use convincing his uncle. Jenna gave a solemn look and apologized.

    “I’m extremely sorry if I caused you any inconveniences in the past and I admit that I was wrong. Please, help me find a place in your heart to forgive me.” Jenna apologized. However, Brian wasn’t fazed and he just saw it as an act. 

     “Save it. I will never forgive you for hurting my nephew.” He blurted and walked away with the lady he came with. Darrell was a bit speechless and he looked at Jenna. She felt it awkward and she frowned.

     “Why are you staring at me like that?” she asked, as she felt it was strange. Darrell walked to her and took her arm gently as they walked around. She didn’t bother resisting.

     “You should be an actress, you know?” he commended. Jenna rolled her eyes.

    “Whatever. It’s not like I have a choice.” She said, Darrell chuckled and he couldn’t help but remember the good times he had with Selena. He quickly snapped out of his daze and got serious. 

     “Since my father isn’t coming today, my trouble shall be postponed. I need to do something about the Crescent pack.” He muttered. 

     After some time, it was time for the most important part of the party, Darrell’s welcome speech. 

     After some time, Darrell walked to the center of the dance floor, receiving rounds of applause from everyone. He signaled for everyone to stop before silence overtook the room. 

    “My dear brothers and sisters of the Moonlight pack, thank you very much for coming to this party. I really appreciate it.” He thanked everyone in the room and continued, “My reason for coming here now is to announce the return of my runaway Luna, Selena.” He pointed at Jenna, who now had many eyes on her. She dropped her head and her expression was solemn… mostly out of nervousness rather than shame.

    “She ran away with my brother, Oscar a few months ago, but seeing her mistake, she has come back to the pack. I know you may not accept this, however, I love Selena and since she has admitted her iniquities, we shall forgive her and invite her into the pack with open arms.” He said. Everyone cheered for him. He then raised his cup and made a toast.

   “To love, and to the Moonlight pack!” he said, raising his wine glass. The others did the same thing and cheered, while Damian stood in one part of the crowd, staring at his brother and frowning. 

 “I guess you win today, brother, ” he muttered.