Chaoter 4

Elena spent nearly two hours getting ready.

I spent twenty minutes.

She curled her blonde hair, applied layer after layer of makeup and changed her earrings three times. She had also managed to convince one of her new friends to lend her a designer handbag.

I wore the black dress I'd brought from home.

It was pretty enough, I supposed, but I couldn't stop thinking about the emerald dress hidden in my suitcase.

"Dahlia, hurry up!"

"I'm coming."

I stepped into the corridor. Elena looked me over and sighed. "At least you don't look completely terrible."

"Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment," she said and all I could do was nod.

She linked her arm through mine. "Come on. Tonight is important."

I sighed.

Everything was important when she might benefit from it.

◇◇◇•••◇◇◇

Crescent Hollow was enormous and comprised of a campus that housed many of estates for professors and prestigious students. The binfire was happening at an estate at the far end of the campus and Elena had driven us there.

She parked on a lawn where many students had.

The driveway wound between towering trees before opening onto a sprawling mansion illuminated by golden lights.

Music pulsed through the grounds, and students filled the terrace, the gardens and the stone steps leading towards a swimming pool.

Werewolves letting loose what could go wrong. All scents mingled in the air cedar, rain, pine, smoke and something distinctly wild. My wolf stirred so violently that I stumbled.

"Watch where you're going," Elena muttered.

"Sorry."

"Honestly, Dahlia. If you embarrass me tonight, I will never forgive you."

She released my arm and disappeared into a group of girls before I could answer. Within minutes, she was laughing, flirting and telling everyone about how her father had spoiled her with the maginificent dress she was wearing.

I found a quiet corner near the terrace and accepted a glass of juice from a passing server.

This was going to be a long night.

"Hey, stranger," I turned to see Lucien. He wore jeans and a simple button down shirt. "I was hoping you'd come tonight."

"Dahlia," I heard someone call and turned to see Kieran walking towards us.

My wolf was going crazy now.

"I was hoping I would get a moment to speak with you. It's important."

I stared at him, bewildered. What could be so important between two people that just met. "Well it will have to wait," Lucien interrupted.

"No it can't," Kieran said.

The two men were now staring each other down. "What's your problem Lu?" Keiren asked, both men were now glaring at each other.

"I-" I stuttered, "I need ladies room," I said and moved to go down the hall.

"Dahlia," I heard Lucien call but I kept walking. I went upstairs to find the ladies room and as I passed I saw a shadowed figure on the balcony.

My wolf whimpered. It felt like she was howling in agony. I paused and moved toward the figure and then he turned, sensing me too.

It was the boy with the magical silver eyes. He was dressed in black, a glass untouched in his hand. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and the silver grey eyes I'd been trying not to think about since orientation were fixed on me.

My heart stumbled and I immediately looked away from him then I looked back when I was certain I wouldn't bs blushing. He was still staring at me. I considered leaving, but something about his expression held me in place.

He didn't smile.

My wolf pressed against my ribs. I gripped my glass so hard that it shattered in my hand causing me to snap out of it. "She wolf, doesn’t know her own strength," he smirked, breaking the silence.

I looked away embarrassed. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket which surprised me more than anything. "Men still carry around handkerchiefs?"

"With a grandfather like mine they wouldn't have a choice." He stepped towards me. "Let me see that."

"Its fine, really," I said but he took my hand regardless and began examining it.

His scent was invasive, he smelt the spice and something warm and I leaned in closer. "There doesn't seem to be any shards in your hand but you're not healing as fast as you were supposed to," he looked concerned. He tied the handkerchief securely around my hand and I pulled away.

"I just take abit longer," I said.

His eyes softened but their intensity still held me in place. "I should go-" I tried to say.

"Stay away from the champagne glasses," he said as I turned to walk away but it was like my feet did not want to move. I wanted to stand outside with him a bit longer.

"So why are you up here by yourself?" I asked.

"I thought you were leaving," he said, not turning around. I moved to stand next to him. He was staring out into the court yard.

"I don't want to go back down there to be honest."

He smiled. "Perhaps we should just leave then," he said.

"I wouldn't mind going back to my dorm."

He looked at me this time, grinning wickedly, "you're inviting me back to your dorm room?"

My cheeks flushed. "What no-" I said quickly, "I thought you meant separately. Not leave together. I don't want to leave with you. Believe me I am not that kind of girl."

"I wasn't making a assumption on the kind of girl you are." He smiled. I could see how much he was enjoying watching me squirm under his gaze.

I was now embarrassed. "I think I'm just going to stop talking now."

"Please don't," he laughed, "you are by far the most interesting thing I've come across." His eyes met mine and this time I was certain his irises were pure moon light.

"Dahlia," Elena's voice cut between us. She appeared beside us, wearing a bright smile that didn't reach her eyes. "There you are." Her eyes flickered toward the man.

"I'm sorry is she bothering you," Elena said and immediately groaned.

"Dahlia do you know who this is," she muttered to me through gritted teeth. "I'm sure Mr Valmont doesn't want to be disturbed.

"Mr Valmont?" I questioned.

"Grey Valmont," she said stunned. "Unbelievable, Daliah." She turned back to him but he was still staring at me. "I've heard so much about you," Elena said to him.

"I'm sure."

She laughed, apparently unaware of his indifference. "Is it true that your family hails from viking royalty?" She beamed.

My eyes widened. He came from royalty and here I was making myself look like an idiot in front of him, every chance I got.

"Yes," he answered but he looked uncomfortable.

Then she turned to me and leaned closer. "Dahlia, can I talk to you?"

I glanced at Grey."I'll see you around and thank you so much for the handkerchief. I will return it," I said.

"I hope. It is one of my favorites." His gaze lingered on mine before he turned to look out on the balcony again.

Elena grabbed my wrist and pulled me away. "What was that?" She asked when we were far enough.

"What was what?"

"Don't play stupid. You mean to tell me you were talking to one of the most legilbe alphas on campus, no wait scratch that, the freaking world. He is practically a prince!"

"Elena breathe."

"Do you really have no idea who he is?"

"Nope."

Two minutes ago he was just a beautiful man and now he was Grey Valemont which was increasingly more intimidating.

"How did you two meet?" She asked. "We met at orientation."

"And?"

"That's it." She stared at me as though I'd deliberately stolen something from her.

Then she smiled. It was the smile she wore when she'd already decided how to get what she wanted. "Well since you've already opened a door to him for me. Perhaps I can forgive you."

"Wait what?"

"It will be easier to talk to him now since you've made yourself a fool infront of him." Before I could respond, she began pulling me away with her and I was now officially beginning to get tired by being dragged and pushed around by her like I was a rag doll.