47
JARIS
“I’m going with Marta,” I supplied when she was done, returning my attention to the files in front of me.
She must be surprised because she was speechless for some time.
I didn’t care. I just continued ticking and writing on my files.
“O… Okay,” she said at last, clearing her throat.
But for a moment longer, she stood there, as if waiting for me to say something else. But I didn’t even look at her. As usual, that stupid pull was imploring me to take a look and say something, but I won over it. I didn’t.
And shortly after, she opened the door and left.
LYRIC
pain knifed me in the chest as I watched Jaris and Marta go into their waiting car, leaving for the party.
Marta was wearing a long blue dress, looking so beautiful. For a moment there, I wondered if she was prettier than me. Maybe that was the reason Jaris preferred her company to mine.
Was I still ugly in some way? Do I embarrass him?
My vision soon became blurry with the tears that filled my eyes, and when their car drove out of the gate, the tears fell.
I drew the curtains and turned around. Standing before the mirror, I wiped my tears.
This was it. I was done allowing myself to get hurt. I made a promise to myself three years ago that I’d never let anyone hurt me again. I didn’t know what Jaris‘ problem was, but I was tired of being wounded by him.
*******
JARIS
One of the reasons I hated taking Marta
as
my plus–one to parties was as a result of how clingy she could be.
She kept her arm wrapped around mine, wearing her big stage smile as we walked into the party.
As expected, it was filled with important guests. And I didn’t miss the pause in the atmosphere when they laid eyes on me. “Jaris!” The celebrant–Rhys–called as he came toward me with a wide grin.
He tapped me on the shoulder. “I’m glad you made it.”
“I didn’t have a choice. Happy birthday, Rhys.”
He laughed to my response.
Well, since I was aiming for the Alpha King’s Throne, I needed to do well with public functions and proving to the other Alphas that I could be there for them. It was a shitty demand, but a necessary one.
Anyway, Rhys was the closest thing I had to a friend. We’ve known each other since childhood, went to the same school and all. He likes to brag about the fact that we’re close, but I wouldn’t really say I had any friends. I grew used to people avoiding me and shut my heart to those who truly wanted to be close.
“Marta.” He nodded at her.
“Hi, Rhys. Happy birthday.”
“Oh. Forget about the birthday. I just needed a reason to spend money.” He shrugged while Marta laughed.
Rhys glanced behind me.
“You didn’t come with…”
“I believe you’re not blind. I didn’t.” I snapped.
“Hm. It’s been less than a week and things are already this bad between you two? What happened, anyway? I heard you showed up quite late to the mating ceremony. A lot of guests had already left, thinking you wouldn’t come.”
I glared at him. “Are we here for your party or mine?”
He laughed.
A waiter stopped by, placing two glasses of wi
Successfully unlocked!
Rhys left to attend to other guests. But well, I didn’t need to go to the guests. They came to me.
One good thing about gaining power.
1/2
About an hour later, Rhys returned to my side, bringing up side talks about Packs and Alphas at war.
“Isn’t that… your mate?” He suddenly asked mid–sentence, looking at the door.
I turned along with everyone and found Lyric making her way in. I frowned. She came alone?
“Damn, she looks gorgeous, Jar.”
My balls tightened at the realization. She did look gorgeous. Her dress was stunning and her face was… well, always pretty.
The thought unnerved me.
She walked into the place like a boss, radiating a certain kind of confidence that commanded attention and turned heads. She didn’t look intimidated that she was entering such a place alone. Usually, Rhys‘ party was strictly by invitation. But the men at the gates must have let her through when they realized she was my mate.
“To be honest,” Rhys leaned in. “I’d have preferred someone like her standing by my side over Marta.” He lifted his hands.” Just saying.”
Marta was no longer by my side, having gone to meet up with some friends.
I didn’t give a response to that.
Though I didn’t want to, I kept my eyes on Lyric as she made her way to the counter and ordered a drink. I wasn’t the only ‘one staring nonstop at her. Every man in the room was.
“We’ll be dancing soon,” Rhys said. “I’d like to dance with her if you don’t mind.”
“Whatever,” I mumbled, emptying the last content of my glass into my mouth.
“Oh. You don’t mind? Thanks, man.” He clapped me on the shoulder and took some steps forward.
“I’ll break your bones if you go to her.” I reached for another glass of wine.
He stopped walking and laughed. “And here I was, thinking you didn’t care. Well, you better go ask her to the dance, then. This place is filled with men who wouldn’t want a pretty lady like her dancing alone.”
Fucking no. I couldn’t lay my hands on her.
Rhys winked at me and left.
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