Alec

The first guests are already out of their cars by the time I get to the courtyard. I

recognize the Alpha. They once bordered us on the east, but they moved their pack and now reside on the far side of the country. He surveys our pack with a hint of arrogance, which I frankly don't understand given our pack is better and bigger than his.

This ball couldn't have come at the worst timing. Just when it feels like everything in my life is falling apart.

I force my shoulders back and smooth out my expression. An Alpha does not show weakness. An Alpha does not flinch. Even when his mate won't look at him.

Even when his past has crawled back out of the grave. Even when his chest feels like someone carved it open with a serrated blade.

"Alpha Alec," The Alpha says with a stiff bow as I approach. "Thank you for hosting this year."

I clasp his arm, give the customary greeting, my voice steady even though Knox is pacing like a caged beast inside me.

"I'm glad you could make it." I answer, my voice steady.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything," he murmurs, still scanning the area.

Next, his Luna and then his Beta arrive. I welcome them before asking one of the omegas to show them to their rooms.

Just as they step inside the pack house, another fleet of cars arrives. This one, though, has the insignia of one of the vampire clans.

The ball isn't just for werewolves; it's for all three supernatural species. It was first established as a way to foster peace between all three species. Over time it evolved. Now it's a way for wolves to find mates, to make alliances, hookup and anything else you can think of. Mostly though, it's used for enjoyment.

After the first two, more people arrive. Different packs, different clans, different covens... Greetings are exchanged. Polite lies are traded. I nod in all the right places and answer all the expected questions.

But my eyes keep tracking one person... Sadie.

She's a few yards away with Raven and King, just watching. She won't even glance my way, so I focus on my duties as Alpha.

I've been standing outside for more than three hours, just greeting and welcoming guests. When the final ones are shown to their rooms, breathe a sigh of relief stare at the place Sadle once stood and it's empty, so I turn and head for d for my

office with Micah and Jason

following behind me.

When it comes to these things, some usually arrive a day before the ball, while others prefer coming the ball. Among the list of

day of the on the day of thes

those who come on

battis the council.

"So." Micah starts the moment we are behind closed doors. "Still nothing? I saw how

she ignored you. She wouldn't even look your way."

I exhale. "I know."

I've racked my brain about what to

do, and each time I come up completely empty. I can't think of a fucking thing, that would make Sadie realize that belong to her, body, mind and soul

"Seriously?" Jason joins us, lowering his voice.

"She won't give a chance to explain or fix things." I mutter.

Micah winces. "Damn."

Jason elbows him. "I do get where she is coming from... I mean, put yourself in her shoes."

“I don't know if she has any exes, but imagine how you'd be gutted if you saw an ex kissing her while you stood there." Micah continues.

"I did push Lola away,” I say, defending myself.

Micah says, sitting down on one of the chairs. "Yes, but the damage was already done... The right response would have been to push her before her lips got anywhere close to yours."

Knox snarls in my mind, "He's right. We didn't react fast enough."

"In his defense, he was shocked, and it took a minute for his brain to take action," Jason tries to reason.

"It doesn't matter... even if the kiss was a millisecond, it was still too long and to Sadie that was a betrayal... don't you watch Tik Tok videos?"