Chapter 8 Locked Gazes
Selene
The ballroom looked magnificent. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floor. I adjusted another bouquet of ice-blue flowers, stepping back to admire my handiwork.
"These look perfect, Selene," Mrs. Watson said, approaching with another arrangement. "Katherine will be so pleased when she's feeling better."
I nodded, taking the flowers from her. "I hope she recovers soon. The flu can be quite persistent."
When Archer's mother had fallen ill several days ago, I agreed to help organize the event. Now I was regretting my decision. Not because of the work—I enjoyed event planning—but because it meant spending the past few days in Archer's company.
He'd been visiting frequently, hovering nearby as I directed staff and arranged decorations. I caught the envious, amused, and sometimes sympathetic glances from the female employees.
I wanted to tell them all that I hadn't asked for his attention. I wished he wasn't so... curious about me.
Things between us had grown even more awkward since that incident in the car.
The masquerade had been my suggestion. I'd learned Vortend would be attending, and while part of me screamed that this was a dangerous decision, another part couldn't resist.
I worried Vortend might see through my disguise, especially after I'd reacted so strongly when Archer mentioned him. But Archer hadn't brought it up again, which made me think he believed my explanation—for now.
Looking around the ballroom, I felt a painful stab of nostalgia. Every party I'd attended with Vortend flashed through my mind—the way he'd made me feel like the only woman in the world, how his eyes would follow me across a crowded room, the subtle touches that sent electricity through my body.
'Where did it all go wrong?' I wondered, absently touching my slightly rounded belly beneath my loose blouse.
"Such a beautiful face shouldn't look so sad in such a charming setting."
I turned to find Archer approaching, his voice gentle.
"You've done a remarkable job," he continued, gesturing to the decorations. "Almost as if you've done this before. I truly admire you, Selene."
I forced a smile. "Oh, I'm fine." Deflecting, I added, "Thank you, I just enjoy party planning."
Archer was perceptive, and I remained wary of his indirect words. There always seemed to be layers of meaning behind everything he said.
"Mrs. Watson told me you helped with the flower arrangements as well," he said.
"I did help." I tried changing the subject. "Tell me, Alpha—sorry, Archer... why do you choose flowers every year?"
He smiled, clearly pleased I was engaging with him. "Why... I'm not entirely sure, it's always been a tradition... but this year I chose a specific color."
"Ice blue," I noted.
"Yes, ice blue... because it's the color of something I've come to appreciate recently." Our eyes met, and I noticed a flash of misty white in his gaze.
I looked away. "It's beautiful."
"I hope you'll save a dance for me tonight," he said softly, then added, "Please don't refuse me. I hope you'll come, even if only as a gesture of goodwill toward your new Alpha and pack."
I felt trapped. I hadn't planned to attend the evening's festivities. Vivian had informed me they would be coming, and Vortend would bring Adriana. I didn't want to see them together, didn't want to reopen wounds that hadn't yet healed.
But Archer's request sounded more like a command. Refusing him meant defying the new Alpha and showing disrespect.
Before I could respond, two men in suits approached, interrupting our conversation. One leaned close to Archer and spoke in a low voice, but my enhanced hearing caught every word.
"The Dark Gold Hunter is approaching pack boundaries."
My heart raced. I fought to keep my expression neutral, focusing on the flowers to distract myself.
I felt Archer's gaze on me, I hoped I hadn't revealed anything.. I kept my face calm, staring at the floral wreath by the double doors.
"Selene, I'll see you tonight. I must go," Archer said.
I smiled back. "Of course, see you later." Despite the nausea rising in my stomach. I understood his final words were a command, not a suggestion. And Vortend's arrival only made things worse.
When I returned home, I found a dress bag on my bed, the zipper partially open.
"When was this delivered?" I asked my mother, who stood in the doorway.
"Shortly after you left," Melanie replied. "He ordered it from the boutique... I knew Maggie was rushing an order for the Alpha, but I didn't realize it was for you. Now I understand why she's been so nice to me lately."
I looked at the sheer gown and whispered, "And the color..."
"He's taken a fancy to you, for some reason," my mother said.
"Am I that terrible, Mom?" I joked weakly.
Melanie hesitated. "No! But you're pregnant! Pregnant with another man's child. Why would an Alpha... I don't know, I mean it could happen, and you're beautiful, but..."
I noticed how much weight she'd lost, how her clothes seemed to hang on her.
Guilt washed over me. 'This is my fault.'
"You're right," I said softly, looking at the dress. "But he practically ordered me... I can't refuse."
Melanie buried her face in her hands. "I'm afraid, Selene..." I'd never heard my mother speak those words before.
I knelt before her, taking her hands in mine. "Mom... we'll be okay. I'm sorry... I know this has been hard on you too."
Melanie shook her head. "No, no, Selene, never apologize. This is what mothers are for. Everyone will know the Alpha invited you to the ball."
I tried to explain, "Mom, he said I should come. He didn't say I was his date—"
"That dress says it all, Selene!" she interrupted.
As Melanie closed her eyes, I could see the lines on her skin up close. I should be taking care of her, not the other way around.
She sighed, "I just don't want you going from one ruthless Alpha to another."
Entering the ballroom that evening, someone took my wrap. I scanned the room, hoping to find a corner to hide in. But as soon as I stepped into the grand hall, the crowd fell silent, all eyes turning toward me.
Whispers followed me: "That's the Alpha's woman..." "No wonder he's so fascinated..."
Discomfort grew within me. I knew people would misunderstand, but not so quickly. I hurried to blend into the crowd, not wanting to be the center of attention.
As I moved through the crowd, I overheard Archer's voice: "...surprise."
Then Vortend's cold, emotionless reply: "You sent the invitation. Did you think I wouldn't show up? Or did you hope I wouldn't?"
Hearing Vortend speak made my breath catch, my mind unable to focus on anything else. My chest tightened with pain.
I slowly turned, searching the crowd until I found him. Vortend stood out as always, even with a black mask covering part of his face. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit with a black satin tie and silver tie clip.
Adriana clung to his arm, her golden hair shimmering in the light.
She wore a deep pink gown, and I couldn't help staring at her stomach, hidden beneath layers of chiffon. I backed away slowly, feeling a chill spread from my feet upward.
I accidentally bumped into an elderly gentleman behind me. "I'm so sorry!" I apologized quickly.
The old man smiled and shook his head. "Not at all, dear. Be careful." His gaze dropped to my stomach, seeming to notice something.
After thanking him, I looked back at the man who had broken my heart, only to find him staring directly at me. Those dark gold eyes met mine, and time seemed to stop...