Chapter 2

_Dahlia’s POV_

I stared at myself in the mirror for the umpteenth time. I wasn't sure what their typical party wear was since I have only been to formal events with my brother.

But the white dress looked perfect on me. Not to mention, it was my most expensive dress.

The silky fabric hugged every inch of my curves, the neckline dipping in a way that was elegant yet… maybe a little daring. I dabbed on a bit of perfume and slid my feet into silver heels. My heart pounded harder with each tick of the clock.

I really didn't want to embarrass Taylor, especially when there was a chance that he might be showing me off to everyone tonight.

I clutched the small diamond clutch Atlas had gifted me for my last birthday, taking one last deep breath before stepping out of my room.

The moment I arrived at the venue, my jaw nearly dropped. The place was buzzing with laughter, music, and flashing lights. Expensive cars lined the front, and I recognized some of the most powerful Alpha heirs stepping out in designer suits. It was like stepping into another world.

I searched for Taylor, my eyes scanning through the clusters of people. I spotted him near the bar, laughing with Annabelle, his hand resting just a little too comfortably on her lower back.

For a second, I hesitated. That strange unease I’d felt earlier returned, curling in my stomach.

But then he turned, his eyes finding me in the crowd. And he smiled.

That smile… it made everything else fade.

“Dahlia!” he called, waving me over. Heads turned in my direction, and for the first time in months, I felt… seen.

The stares followed me all the way to him. My skin prickled with nervousness but I tried to focus on the glint in his eyes.

“Wow, you look… different,” Annabelle said like it would kill her to give me a direct compliment.

Taylor, on the other hand, was still checking me out and just when I thought he would compliment me at least, he said something totally absurd.

“Could you get a more decent dress? Maybe a jumpsuit or something. You didn't have to expose so much skin like you're whoring yourself out,” he stated and I blinked rapidly, stunned by the statement.

“What?” I blurted, glancing down at the dress. I had purposely gone with a knee-length gown because I didn't want anyone seeing the ugly scars I had on my thighs. “But there is nothing…”

He took off his jacket and draped it around me. Even though I didn't like him regarding me as a whore, I blushed a little at the thought of him being jealous. It was cute.

“None of that really matters, Taylor,” Annabelle nudged him. “Remember our surprise?”

Oh that too.

“What is it?” I asked with excitement but she was looking past me for some reason. Her lips parted slightly in shock.

“Oh my gosh, is that Jace Blackmoor?” she blurted.

“Is that a joke?” Taylor huffed but when we followed our gaze, we realised she wasn't kidding at all.

The red-haired Lycan playboy was really here with three girls draped over him. All my time in the academy, I had only ever heard of him on the school blog and fan pages, seeing him in person was so unreal, especially with him looking like that.

He was like a walking dream. Curly messy red-hair with piercing blue eyes and a smile that could melt anything. He had the body of a god and a height that was so fucking attractive.

“I know we have some connections around campus but pulling a whole Lycan Prince is wild!” Annabelle blurted to Taylor in disbelief. “Not just any one but Jace fucking Blackmoor?”

“I'll go say hi,” Taylor said quickly and brushed past me. I tried to go after him but Annabelle caught my arm.

“Where do you think you're going?” She asked. “Now that Taylor is gone, this is the perfect opportunity for you to plan something special for him.”

“Something special?” I repeated with a puzzled expression.

“Yes. You know maybe girls use the excuse of a party to do exceptional things for the boy they like. I think you should take this chance,” she said.

I bit my lip, a little uneasy. “But… I'm not sure what Taylor likes. What if he gets mad?”

“He won't if you do it right,” Annabelle grinned, placing her hand over me. “Besides, I am his best friend so I know even the things he keeps from you.”

My palms were growing sweaty from nervousness already.

“So, are you ready to sweep him off his feet?” She asked.

“Uhmm… yeah, I guess…”

“Come with me,” Annabelle said, linking her arm through mine. “The surprise needs to be done somewhere private, so it’ll really blow Taylor’s mind when he sees it later.”

I hesitated, glancing toward where Taylor tried talking to Jace Blackmoor, who blatantly ignored him. He didn’t even look my way.

“Okay…” I murmured, letting her pull me toward the staircase.

She led me down a long hallway lined with closed doors until we stopped in front of one. When she opened it, I saw a lavish guest room, plush carpet, a king-sized bed, and a giant mirror covering one wall.

“What are we doing here?” I asked, clutching my clutch bag tighter.

Annabelle smirked. “We’re going to make something unforgettable for Taylor. Trust me, I know what gets him excited. He loves… surprises he can brag about.”

I swallowed. “Brag about…?”

“Yeah, but you're going to need this.”

She held up a black blindfold.

I blinked. “Why?”

“Because trust is romantic, Dahlia. If you trust me, and if you trust him, you’ll do this without question.”

Something in her tone made my stomach twist, but the thought of making Taylor happy drowned out my doubts. “Fine,” I murmured, and let her slip the blindfold over my eyes.

“Good girl,” she said softly. “Now… take off your dress.”

My breath caught. “What?”

“It’s part of the surprise. Just your dress. You’re still wearing your underwear, right?” she teased. “Unless you want Taylor to think you’re too shy to keep him interested…”

The jab hit hard. My fingers trembled as I unzipped the white silk dress and let it slide down my body, pooling at my feet. The cool air brushed over my bare skin, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around myself.

“Perfect,” Annabelle murmured. I heard the faint click of a phone camera, but she laughed lightly when I flinched. “Don't worry, this is for Taylor.”

“Should I take off the heels…”

“No, leave it on. I have one more thing for you,” she said. Before I could ask her what it was, I felt the collar clip around my neck. The leash dropped down my body.

I honestly didn't know that Taylor was into stuff like this.

“Now you look perfect! I've sent a message to him already, so drop those hands and get on your knees. You need to look as confident and seductive as possible.”

Sweat was beginning to soak through me as my nerves went haywire. I have never done this before, heck, I didn't even know if I was doing it right. But I did as she said.

“On all fours, Dahlia!” She snapped and I immediately obeyed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I hear someone has a very lovely surprise for our host, Taylor,” I heard the words blast through the speakers and my heart skipped a beat. “Let's go check it out.”

“Annabelle?” I called her immediately. “What does he mean by that? Are they all coming here?”

“Of course not, don't be silly. Only Taylor is coming here,” she said and my body relaxed. I anticipated his arrival, wondering what his reaction would be.

I really wished I wasn't blindfolded.

Then I heard footsteps over the music and chatter. I didn't think much of it until the door opened. That must be him.

I did the pose just as Annabelle said, trying to steady my body that was trembling from nervousness. I bit my lip as seductively as I could, facing the direction of the door.

There was pure silence for a couple of seconds and I couldn't bear it any longer.

“Hey Taylor, do you like it?” I asked and right at that moment, the room erupted with laughter.

It felt like cold water was dumped on me as I heard several camera clicks.