68. Her Strength

KIARA

I took a deep breath as I entered the same venue as last night. This time I felt a thousand times different. There was no excitement, but a deep pain in my chest. My mate was going to mark someone else tonight. That had been another slap in the face, but on the way here, Mom had mentioned how the council seemed to want the marking done today too. Dad and I both hadn"t told her about my mate.

First of all, I didn't get the chance as she and Dad had practically jumped each other the moment Mom walked on to pack grounds, and then Raihana had helped me get ready.

Sadly, Raven had gone back home per her dad"s orders. Although she had wanted to stay, her dad had heard of the attack and was going crazy, so she had to listen. Her dad reminded her that she was still seventeen and under his command. I couldn"t blame him, and I kind of agreed, being around me she'd just be in more danger.

I could see many had their eyes on me, and as much as I'd love to say it was because of how I was dressed, I knew it wasn"t. Well, not entirely. The rumours about me had spread and now all the unmated Alphas were eyeing me like a prize to be won, knowing I had special abilities like my mother. I hated their predatory gazes and their lust-filled eyes.

Dad had one arm around Mom, the other around me. I was the only woman dressed in dark colours as I had wanted. I was here to make a statement, and although mom had questioned me on my choice to go against the dress code, she hadn"t said much. Rayhan had offered to accompany me tonight, saying it was just as a friend, but I didn't want to entangle him in this mess anymore. Now that I knew who my mate was, the thought of any other man was off-putting.

Raven had chosen a gown that screamed me, yet at the same time, it was elegant. Made up of black sequined lace and sheer nude panels, it was cut in a mermaid style, with a trail spread behind me. It had long sleeves that were partially sheer and a dipped sweetheart neckline that was sheer down the centre, showing off a good amount of cleavage. I wore nude heels, and my hair was curled with half pinned up and the rest down, a small thin vine entwined into it.

I had told Raihana to go easy on the make-up today. Keeping the base dewy, with a soft smoky eye and matt red lips. I didn't want to look like I was trying too hard, and after last night, I didn't feel up to the full dramatic look. I wasn't even able to look at the mating ball dress that I had picked out so lovingly. Although when I looked in the mirror I still looked regal, there weren't those excited sparks of a girl wanting to meet her soul mate anymore. I looked like a woman standing in the face of destruction, staying strong no matter how bleak the future looked.

Today the venue was decorated in red, cream and gold. The only difference was that there were a lot fewer people. Soft music played in the background and there was the bustle of waiters carrying trays of drinks. Then the pleasant, deep hum of people conversing mingled in with the scents of werewolves, expensive fragrances along with the treats and drinks that were being served.

I could sense the Alpha's and Lunas, see the way they sized each other up. Their egos and displays of power clearly rolling off them. I saw Aunty Indy standing with her mate who was busy talking to two other male warriors and I felt a pang of annoyance. I still needed to talk to Aunty about it.

"Elijah!" Uncle Rafael's voice came.

We all turned to see him standing there with his mate, who looked stunning in a nude gown, Raihana by her side in pastel pink. Everyone met each other with hugs and kisses before they began catching up on the latest. I zoned out and scanned the room. They weren't here yet… My heart constricted painfully.

"You've grown Kiara." Uncle Rafael's voice brought me back to the present.

"Oh thanks. Guess I couldn"t stay small forever." I said, giving him a smile.

My mate's brother… Just the thought made my stomach twist. It felt a little strange calling him uncle now.

"Where is Alejandro anyway?" Rafael asked, now looking around.

"He'll come soon enough, I"m guessing." Maria said.

I saw the uncomfortable look in her eyes, seemed like she didn't really like him… I wonder if there was a reason, or she simply had made that decision for herself? Something told me it was the latter and that irked me.

"I really enjoyed my stay, it's a shame I"m going home tonight." Raihana said gloomily.

"Then we should enjoy tonight." I said, trying to cheer her up despite how crappy I felt inside.

She nodded.

"And drink." She whispered.

"Raihana." Her mom warned.

"We're just going over to the dessert table." I said before excusing us from the adults.

"How come you broke the dress code?" Raihana now asked, looking me over. "Don't get me wrong, it"s gorgeous, I wanted to ask you earlier but got so caught up."

I shrugged.

"Didn't want to follow it?" She asked.

"Hmm." I didn't want to answer that.

I looked at the table that was laden with sweet treats and dessert shots. Picking up a cake pop each, we returned to our parents.

I had just taken a bite when his deep, rich, seductive scent hit me like an avalanche. My heart pounded recklessly as I slowly turned to look at the man that had just entered, as did everyone else.

He looked extremely handsome in a black suit, a white shirt that had a few buttons open, showing off his tattoos and a few chains around his neck. He held a cigarette in one hand, the other in his pocket. He was perfect. He exuded power and dominance, his aura rippling through the room, showing every werewolf there who the ultimate Alpha was. I felt my wolf whimper and my own stomach knotted. I saw his jaw clench as he swallowed and I wondered if he could smell me too?

My heart was thumping but I wasn't going to let him get to me. I turned my attention to Jasmin, who stood by his side, her hand resting on his arm ever so slightly, as if she was scared he'd pull away or lash out if she got too comfortable. Funny, considering they were fucking just yesterday…

She looked stunning in a gold shimmery princess gown; her hair was twisted up in a bun with a tiara sitting on top of her head. The perfect pair… That stung, but I kept all traces of my emotions hidden.

"She looks good I guess." Raihana said, earning a frown from her mother.

I saw her glance at me and knew she wasn't sure about how things were with Alejandro and me. I was glad she didn't bring it up again, and I was even more glad she didn't know about Rayhan and me.

Everyone had fallen silent as the king made his way through the centre.

"She does look good, a fitting pair." I said softly.

"Yes." Mom said with a nod. She looked at me and I saw a sliver of concern in her eyes. ‘Are you ok, Kiara?' She asked through the link.

‘Yeah.' I replied, trying to focus on keeping my heartbeat steady.

I knew he had heard my remark, seeing his brows knot as his eyes now found me. My heart thudded with pain and sadness but I simply looked at him indifferently, I wasn't going to react. I was here to show him that I wasn't going to mourn him. I saw his eyes flicker over me, his eyes flashing red. He swallowed and looked away, taking a drag on his cigarette.

I didn't miss Jasmin"s look of annoyance as her eyes met mine.

"Congratulations Alpha Alejandro, Jasmin!" Alpha Bill said, proud to see his daughter by the king's side as he hurried over to hug his daughter, then holding his hand out to Alejandro, who simply ignored him. I felt a bit bad as he went beetroot red in front of so many Alpha's who were already jealous of him for being the Alpha Kings future father in law.

My heart sank a little as Alejandro began conversing with several people as he made his way through the throngs. Not spending much time with any of them, clearly unaffected. I needed a drink, but at the same time, I didn't want to lose my senses, not after how recklessly I had behaved last time.

"You girls are pretty quiet." Rafael said, looking at Raihana and me.

"I don't feel so happy, I"m going home tonight." Raihana complained, making her parents roll their eyes.

Rayhan, who had just come over, chuckled.

"I must say, all of you ladies look absolutely ravishing." He said, giving his mother a kiss on the forehead, before meeting Mom with a kiss too.

"He's a charmer." Mom said with amusement.

"Yeah." Dad said, glaring at Rayhan, who simply flashed him a smirk.

I knew Dad wasn"t happy about our night together...

"It's a shame you two didn't turn out as mates." Aunty Maria said, making Rayhan and I look at each other.

I blushed as Dad glared daggers at him, Uncle Rafael laughed.

"Don't make them feel awkward, sweetheart." He said, kissing her forehead softly. It suddenly felt strange to address him as Uncle, knowing his relationship with Alejandro…

"Kiara's mate will be a lucky guy." Rayhan said with a wink as Dad growled at him.

I felt a pair of eyes searing into me and I smiled.

"Rayhan's mate will be luckier." I replied.

"Mates are an interesting thing." Mom said, "There's a reason a couple is paired."

She looked up at Dad and I knew, despite the start of their relationship, her belief in the bond was strong.

"So, mind if I steal Kiara for the night? We're both mate-less and I mean only as a friend." He added, glancing at Dad.

Dad frowned as Mom raised an eyebrow, amused as she looked at me.

"I think that's my decision to make." I said, holding my hand out in mock elegance.

Rayhan smirked as he took my hand, giving it a kiss and winked at me.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight, the colour suits you well, care to dance?"

My heart skipped a beat and I nodded, I felt someone watching me with intensity and I didn't need to look to know whose gaze was burning into me. Well, I sure as hell could do this after what he did.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure." I replied.

Dad grunted as Mom kissed his neck soothingly.

"Relax, babe." She said.

Before Rayhan and I could even move away, I sensed him approaching. My heart thundered in my chest as Rayhan's brows knitted together thoughtfully for a split second. I turned to look at the couple, who had now stopped in front of us.

"Congratulations on your engagement, although the deal is not sealed yet." Mom said with a smile, as she met Jasmin with some air kisses. "You look amazing."

That hurt too. Jasmin smiled confidently.

"Thank you Scarlett, you look as stunning as ever." Jasmin replied.

Mom did look breath-taking in a silver gown with a slit down one leg, Dad matched her well in a grey suit.

"She sure does." Dad said quietly kissing Mom, his hand resting shamelessly on her ass.

He was quieter and I knew it was because of me… Mom looked a little concerned but said nothing. Well, nothing out loud anyway. I watched them look into each other's eyes before Mom frowned slightly and looked away. Yep, seemed like Dad was really going to let me tell her myself.

"Brother, congratulations." Rafael said, with a smile.

"Hmm." Alejandro replied, his voice making my heart squeeze.

Rafael stepped forward to embrace him but Alejandro held his hand out. I frowned, wondering what had happened between them. I saw the flash of sadness in Uncle - No - Rafael's eyes as he shook his hand. Maria didn't say anything to him and instead met Jasmin. I could feel Dad's eyes on me and I dared not look at Alejandro.

"Kiara, I love the dress… I had a dress code, did you forget?" Jasmin asked with a sweet smile.

"I don't really follow rules." I replied with a small smile.

Yes, it was her big day, but that was my mate she was holding on to. The thought made a fierce flare of anger rush through me and I felt my aura swirl around me, my vibrant purple eyes staring into hers…

Everyone looked between us, sensing the tension that had now settled in the air…