100

Chapter 100
*Rafe*
*Rafe*
The grand ballroom glittered under the cascade of crystal chandeliers hanging high above, the light changing into a dazzling ray of colors. The polished marble floors reflected the luxury as elegantly dressed couples swirled and danced in perfect harmony to the soft music of a live orchestra. My eyes swept over the scene, taking in the lavish gowns in different shades of deep emerald, royal blue, and crimson red. Everyone ladies outfit seemed more extravagant than the other, adorned with either beads, lace, or silken textures that spoke of wealth and status.
Noble werewolves from different packs around the globe mingled together, their laughter and chatter forming an undertone to the music. The air was thick with their scents-distinctive, powerful, each one telling its own story of lineage and strength. It was clear that tonight’s ball was the pinnacle of social gatherings, a gathering of the werewolf elite.
“Isn’t it magnificent, Rafe?” Jessica’s voice broke through my thoughts, her grip tightening on my arm. Her smile was wide, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Yes, quite the turnout,” I replied, forcing a polite smile. Inside, I was a loud storm of frustration and longing. Freya should have been standing beside me, not Jessica.
“Look at Lord Ainsley and his mate. Their outfits are divine! We should dance too, don’t you think?” Jessica suggested, leaning closer.
“Perhaps later,” I said, my tone measured.
She laughed lightly, though her fingers dug possessively into my arm. “I know the Alpha king is not a fan of dancing but You know how much I love dancing.”
“Of course,” I murmured, trying to keep my voice even. The council had insisted on Jessica’s presence tonight, claiming that appearances mattered. They didn’t understand-or maybe they chose to ignore-how much my heart ached for Freya.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Rafe?” she asked, her eyes searching mine. Did she sense my discomfort? I couldn’t tell.
“Yes, it’s… lovely,” I lied, shifting slightly to create some space between us. But Jessica only clung tighter, her nails briefly grazing my skin through the fabric of my jacket. My wolf inside me growls in frustration. He apparently couldn’t stand her scent.
“Good, because I think the night is just getting started,” Jessica continued brightly.
“Indeed,” I replied, my gaze drifting back to the dance floor, my mind far away from the dazzling scene before me. I raised my head up and saw Connor with Freya’s friend, Addy. They seemed to be having fun, I smiled at them and they nodded back with a bow.
“Rafe,” Jessica’s voice broke through my thoughts, her fingers a persistent weight on my arm. “Shall we get some champagne?”
“Of course,” I replied reluctantly, my gaze still scanning the crowd.
That’s when I saw her-Freya. She stepped into the ballroom with Daniel by her side, her laughter ringing out like a melody over the hum of conversation and music. My heart clenched painfully in my chest. Freya was mine, the love of my life. Seeing her with someone else, even if it was just her friend Daniel, felt like a dagger to my soul.
“Rafe?” Jessica’s voice was a distant murmur now as my attention zeroed in on Freya.
Daniel said something that made her laugh again, her face lighting up with joy. It should have been me making her laugh, sharing this night with her. As if sensing my stare, she looked up, and our eyes locked from across the room. The air between us crackled with unspoken words and suppressed emotions. Her smile faded slightly, replaced by a look I knew too well-longing.
“Who are you staring at?” Jessica asked, following my gaze.
“No one,” I lied quickly, tearing my eyes away from Freya. But it was too late; she was already walking towards us, Daniel at her side.
“Alpha Rafe,” she greeted, her voice soft but steady, sending shivers down my spine. She looked stunning, her elegant dress hugging her curves, the fabric shimmering under the chandeliers. Her hair cascaded in waves down her back, and her eyes-those deep, captivating eyes-held mine with an intensity that made time stand still.
Taking a deep breath, I reached out and gently lifted Freya’s hand. The world seemed to slow down as our skin made contact, a jolt of electricity shooting through me. Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of recognition passing between us, the kind that only we understood. I brought her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles, my gaze never leaving hers.
“You look mesmerizing, Freya,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, laden with unspoken words.
“Th.. thank you,” she replied, her voice just as soft, tinged with an emotion that mirrored my own-yearning, regret, and something deeper, more primal.
“You’re welcome,” I managed, my voice rough with emotion.
“Good evening, Alpha,” Daniel said, his tone respectful yet casual. Too casual for my liking.
“Daniel,” I responded curtly, barely sparing him a glance. My focus was entirely on Freya. Why hadn’t he left the palace already? He claimed he was here to protect her, but it felt more like he was staking a claim.
“Enjoying the ball?” Freya asked, her voice like a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.
“Trying to,” I admitted, my eyes never leaving hers. The tension between us was palpable, a silent communication of everything we couldn’t say aloud.
“Well, it certainly is a beautiful event,” Daniel interjected, clearly oblivious to-or ignoring-the charged atmosphere. I was this close to strangling the motherfucker.
“Yes, beautiful,” I echoed, though my gaze was fixed solely on Freya. Beautiful indeed. Beside us, Jessica shifted uncomfortably, her grip on my arm tightening as if to remind me of her presence. Daniel stood next to Freya, his expression unreadable but his stance protective. He placed a hand on Freya’s lower back, guiding her away after what felt like an eternity but was merely seconds.
“Shall we?” Daniel glanced at Freya, offering his arm.
“Of course,” she replied, casting me a lingering smile my way before taking his arm.
“Enjoy the evening,” Daniel said, his tone polite but firm. Freya cast one last look in my direction before allowing herself to be led away, her fingers slipping from mine, leaving a lingering warmth in their wake.
As they moved away, Jessica’s grip tightened on my arm once more, pulling me back to reality. I watched Freya walk away, my heart aching with every step she took further from me. Daniel had overstayed his welcome, and I would need to address that soon. But for now, all I could do was endure the torment of watching the woman I loved drift away, even if only momentarily.
“Yes, enjoy,” Jessica echoed, though her voice lacked the warmth of sincerity. She glared daggers at Freya and Daniel, her jealousy almost palpable.
As the night wore on, I found myself reaching for drink after drink, each glass of champagne and whiskey dulling the sharp edges of my emotions. Jessica encouraged it, perhaps thinking it would make me forget about Freya. But how could I? Every laugh, every smile, every glance in her direction only intensified the ache in my chest.
“Have another, Rafe,” Jessica urged, pressing another flute of champagne into my hand. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and desperation.
“Sure,” I muttered, taking a long gulp. The alcohol burned my throat, but it was nothing compared to the fire raging inside me.
Then I saw them again. Freya and Daniel, dancing close together, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. My vision tunneled, focusing solely on them. Each touch, each whispered word, felt like a dagger to my heart. Jealousy surged through me, hot and fierce, making my hands clench into fists.
“How dare he,” I growled under my breath, my eyes narrowing at Daniel. The urge to march over there and rip him away from her was nearly overwhelming. To pull him apart for daring to touch what was mine. But all I could do was watch, seething with impotent rage, as Freya danced further out of reach.
“Rafe?” Jessica’s voice cut through my thoughts, her hand resting on my arm.
“Leave me be, will you?” I snapped, shrugging her off. I couldn’t deal with her right now; all my focus was on the couple across the room, the woman I wanted was with someone else and it was driving me insane.
***