Sadie.

It's the day of the ball.

The day I used to fantasize about attending back when I thought my life would be normal. Back when I thought my biggest worry would be what dress to wear or how not to trip in heels. Back when I imagined how it'll be walking into the room side by side with Alec and then being announced as his Luna.

I used to be so excited about my first ball. Hell, when Alec told me about it, I was excited... And yet here I am, staring at myself in the mirror with my stomach twisted into something between anxiety and nausea.

My first ball and instead of being excited, I feel like someone shoved a hive of angry bees in my chest.

I'm nervous and anxious, and no matter what I try to do, I can't seem to calm down. The knock on my door startles me, pulling me from my depressing thoughts. "Open up, bitch," Raven calls playfully.

I roll my eyes even though a smile tugs at my lips. When I open the door, Raven walks in with all the confidence of someone who has absolutely no anxiety in her DNA. Her hair is in curlers, one sock is missing, and she still manages to look better than 90% of the world population.

"You look like you're about to bolt," she says, dropping a makeup bag onto my bed. "Or puke, or maybe both."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

She plops down and pats the space in front of her. "Come and sit. Let Raven work her magic."

Before I can move, another knock comes.

Raven raises a brow. "Expecting someone?"

"No."

I open the door and freeze when I see Piper standing there.

She's holding a garment bag and she looks nervous. I'm surprised because I haven't seen her since that day after we talked about her pregnancy and her fears.

"Hi," she murmurs, softness and warmth filling her eyes.

"Hi," I whisper back.

Awkward silence hovers for a second before she carefully lifts the garment bag. "This is... um... from Alec."

I feel my throat close. I stare at the garment back so focused on it, you'd think I have X-ray vision.

Raven moves and stares over my shoulders. "When did he have time to get her a dress?"

Piper shrugs, "I don't know when he bought it; all I know is he planned to buy it for her the moment he got word that we'd be hosting the ball."

For a moment my heart misses a beat. So even with him asking me that day, it wasn't something that

came up randomly. He'd alreadyet

planned to ask me, and here, thought he got the thought inthe moment.

“He shouldn't have.” I murmur, staring at the dress like it might bite.

"He wanted to,” Piper says. "And he's hoping you'd wear it... I also think you should."

A war erupts inside me. My heart wants to reject anything from him. My bond wants to cling to it. My pride wants to toss it out the window... But I also know Alec. When he chooses something he

chooses it with intention.

I exhale slowly. "Fine. I'll try it on later."

Piper releases a breath she'd been holding. Then her eyes soften. "How are you... really? After everything?"

“I've been better,” I answer honestly. "I'm just trying to figure out what to do."

"I might not understand what you're feeling, but I know how important mates are, Sadie. There is nothing worse than living separated from your mate... Give him a chance to make this right with you."

"You don't understand..." she doesn't let me finish; she cuts me off.

"I think I do... Alec wants you. That's the one thing you can count on and believe."

Raven moves beside me. "Aren't you just saying that because he's your brother?"

She gives a small smile. “Maybe, but

I know Alec, and Sadie, he's never

looked at anyone the way he looks at you Not even Lola. what he feels fergoes beyond the mate bond. You just have to trust his love for you."

I don't say a word, because what's there to say? My insecurities are still screaming

at me, while my fears are weighing me down.