Chapter 6 Hunting& Earrings

Keira POV

I couldn't see the Alpha's face because of his deerstalker, but even so, I felt silly for overthinking it when I realized this puppy lover wasn't the Alpha. I relaxed and smiled.

The puppy lover looked at me when he heard my chuckle, and then he continued to return his attention to the hunting scene. Based on the serious expression on his face, I guessed he was probably a skilled hunter as well. When he saw the man raise his rifle and aim it at the buck, he frowned, as if he already knew what was going to happen, inaccurate aiming or something.

The buck was still staring down and smelling the dandelions in the grass, completely oblivious to what was awaiting him. When I unconsciously sneezed, the buck alertly perked up its ears, pulled its head up, elevated its front feet, and raced quickly. The breeze carried the dandelion seeds off. The buck didn't even hesitate for a second before vanishing into the forest, and the Alpha, enraged at witnessing his prey go, beat his fist against the tree trunk. He could do nothing but shake his head in anger and leave to try his luck somewhere else.

"Did you do that on purpose?"

"How could I?" I appeared surprised and blinked my eyes to show my innocence.

He and I were staring at each other intently. Even my reflection appeared in his eyes. I was unable to determine his intentions because I couldn't read his eyes. I noticed a tiny increase in temperature and a slight heat sensation on my face. He kept his calm and I kept my word. We were getting closer and closer, so hazardous that there might be a kiss or something when he suddenly leaned over and bent down with his gaze level with mine. I couldn't take his stare and decided to walk away.

"Your ears are pierced. Just so happens, that I have a gift for you." He grabbed my wrist and pulled a little gift box from his pocket, opened it, and took the earrings out.

They were white gold openwork earrings set with two pear-shaped diamonds. When I first saw them, I was reminded of the lake that shone under the bright sun.

"Thank you, but..." I took a step backward, trying to get away from him. I didn't really want to accept this gift from him; it was too sudden, and this man was still a mystery to me.

"If you don't put the earrings on, I'll bite your ears." He pulled me into his arms and threatened me.

Hearing what he said, I stood there and dared not move.

I could even feel his breath on my face as he lowed his head and leaned in close toward my ear. He took the earrings in one hand and lifted the hair off my shoulder with the other. Just as I assumed he would swiftly place the earring on me, he took his thumb and forefinger and gently twisted my earlobe. I shuddered and heard him say, "Don't move." and I shivered. How on earth could someone be such a prankster?

"Your ears are so red." He chuckled lowly as he carefully threaded the earring through my ear hole.

"Your rubbing caused that." I murmured.

He moved to the other side but stayed close to me; his nose even lightly brushed mine. He looked at the earring-free ear on the other side of me and commented, "But this side of your ear, which I didn't touch, is rather red too."

He is! I must say, a very logical and skilled debater. But certain reactions are unavoidable and out of your control when a stranger makes an intimate gesture like putting an earring on you. I hate the way he talks to me.

"But that night, you were bold."

"What?" I missed what he said because of the distant howling of a few wolves.

He gave a chuckle and shook his head and continued putting on another earring for me, while he maintained this pose and said in a deep voice, "Pay homage to my most glamorous diva."

Then he put his hands on my shoulders, and bent low so that we were at eye level. For a second, I was lost in his blue eyes, which reminded me of a starry sky. We were forehead to forehead as if we were the only ones left in the world. Our heartbeat was the best anthem for this hunt.

There were a few more wolf calls and he tsked and turned to look the other side with a frown, "I have to leave now, see you in a while, puppy."

"You bastard!" I cursed him because before he went, he spank me hard. Then I stared at this tall and muscular figure left.

Again? He left me there standing like a fool!

I stood on this hill for a while blowing in the wind to make sure no one would think I was wearing too much blush. I wondered what happened to the deer, hoping it didn't get caught by anyone else. After a while, the Dancing was almost ready to start and I had to get to the hall early. I said goodbye to the forest, the lake, and the deer.

To my amazement, the hall was already filled with well-dressed people when I arrived. The beautiful, spacious Full Moon Hall had six enormous columns that were carved with the history of the pack. The marble floor was white with gold shining, and the hall's name, I believe, derived from the painted blood-colored full moon that hangs from the ceiling. The males had changed into suits or tuxedos and some even had their hair slicked back, they were ready to invite the females to dance later. The females were almost all dressed in gorgeous evening gowns, decorated with large ruffles, gold lace, or ribbons with ornate jewelry and luxury handbags in their hands.

I was a bit dazzled, and even though my brother's outfit was catching eyes enough to be found, it was still a challenge to spot him in the crowd. I searched all around and even got on my tiptoes to scan the crowd, but to no avail.

"Hey, you look fantastic. I was just about to phone and inquire where you were." Lynede patted my shoulder and exclaimed.

"Oh, Lynede, you look gorgeous today. Look at our princess, who wouldn't fall for you?" I finally met someone I knew.

"Come on, Keira. You know what, I just wanna sit in a corner and have a drink, because I am tired of these."

"I agree with you, but do you know where my brother is? I can't locate him. He doesn't pick up the phone."

"Your brother?" She looked around and said, "Well, I don't know. He must be talking with our new Alpha, don't worry! By the way, have you met your mate?"

"Jesus, why would anyone come in dressed like that?" Before I answered, a harsh voice came from behind.

Lynede rolled her eyes.