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{27}

"I can't believe you've never straightened your hair before." Leona muttered behind me, straightening the last bit of my hair. We were in her room, getting ready for the dinner party  that was being held for me.

"So like...I'm kind of taking your hair virginity."

Before I could snort and laugh at her words, Julian walked in on us at that moment and gave us a weird look. 

"I'm not even going to ask." He retorted, shaking his head and picking up the drink he left earlier. 

Leona giggled and opened her mouth to explain, but her mate beat her to it. "Don't even try to explain, I'm going." He laughed, swiftly leaving the room. She shrugged and went back to finishing my hair look. 

"Straight hair really suits you; go look at yourself in the mirror. You finally have my permission!" 

I got up from my chair, cringing that my foot fell asleep due to sitting for a long period of time. I stepped in front of the mirror and took in my reflection, gasping at my appearance. 

My usual wavy hair, was dead straight from the roots to its tips and was looking very luscious, longer and shinier than usual. My side part was replaced with a middle part; which I was initially felt unsure about since I've never tried it before, but turned out to look pretty good.

My makeup was already done, courtesy of myself, before the hair. I wore some BB cream to achieve a healthy, natural and glowy look; I didn't bother with blush since my natural, rosy cheeks was peaking through the BB cream.

I wore creamy, natural looking highlighter on the high points of my face and wore mascara to accentuate my already thick, curly dark lashes. This only brought more attention to my stormy gray-coloured eyes, which I absolutely loved.

"Now for your dress!" Leona cried excitedly, rushing to her closet. I watched her as she brought out all the dresses she owned; she was kindly allowing me to borrow a dress for the night since I didn't have my own.

She looked stunning with her pretty, golden hair tied up in an intricate and elegant way. Her face seemed to glow with the golden accents in her makeup such as her eyeshadow and highlighter.  Her high cheekbones and sharp but delicate face structure suited her beautiful, complex up do. 

"You look really pretty, Leona." I smiled, complimenting her. She turned around and put her hands on her cheeks in embarrassment, "Thank you." 

She held up two dresses, one was a pristine white and the other was a navy, blue colour. "I think these would be perfect for us, what do you think?"

I stood up and walked towards her, my smile widening at the navy dress. "I think they look amazing, which colour are you thinking for us?"

"White for me and navy for you!"

I mentally fist-pumped in happiness and relief, the navy dress looked incredible. The colour has always suited my skin tone and brings out the tiny blue specks in my iris'. We quickly changed into the dresses and took a glance at ourselves in the reflection.

Staring at the fit of the dress, it was easy to say it is absolutely stunning on. The sleeves were long and made up of a decorative and elegant, lacy fabric. The dress designed in an A-line shape, so it fit closely around my waist and then flared out in a seamlessly and graceful manner.

It seemed to look conservative and appropriate for a fancy dinner party, especially since it is being held for me, but the surprise was the slit in the dress - showing a little of my leg. 

"I love this!" I breathed, twirling at little. I've actually never dressed up this fancy in my life, not even for weddings. Judging by Leona calm attitude about this evening as well as the heaps of gorgeous dresses in her closet, it seemed like she was used to dressing up.

"Navy is your colour!" She commented, admiring her dress on me. "Since I haven't worn it yet, you can have it."

I widened my eyes in surprise and shook my head. "No, it's fine! You don't have to do that, but thanks."

She rolled her eyes, and sighed. "It's yours. You can't change my mind, I'm really stubborn." 

I didn't argue back, but smiled gratefully in response. I looked down at the dress in awe, this is for me? She walked back to her closet and opened another section where her shoes were on display. 

"This is where I keep the fancy shoes, they're on show because they look pretty." She explained, looking for the perfect pair to match our dresses. "Heels will suits both of our looks, but if you'd like you can change into flats after your speech and after meeting people."

Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she scrutinised each and every heel on display. She looked like an angel or a pixie in her sleeveless, white dress. Her dress' length stopped just before her knees, adding a cute element to her look. 

"Yes! Found the perfect pair for us!"

She held up a pair of gold, strappy heels in one hand and silver ones in the other. "The silver is for you and the gold is for me, how does that sound?"

"Amazing." I replied smiling, taking the silver heels from her. I slipped them on, thankfully we were the same size, and was, yet again, blown away by how pretty and luxurious they looked. I started to walk around, trying to get used to the height as well as getting rid of the unease I have when I wear heels. 

"I think we're ready!" She exclaimed, clapping her hands together in delight. She paused for a second, her eyes looking hazy and unfocused, indicating that she was mind-linking someone.   

"The party has been going on for a while so everyone else has arrived. Once we go downstairs, you'll do the speech you've prepared and then the party will resume to it's full swing." She told me, taking one last look in the mirror. "You ready?"

Taking a deep breath in, I smiled and said, "Yes, let's go."

We hurried out of the room and walked down the hallway to leave the West wing, before Leona groaned out loud and stopped. "I forgot my phone, I'm going back for it."

"Oh, okay. I'll wait here."

"No, you go on ahead. I told Julian you were on your way, and he said they're all getting ready for your speech. I don't even know where my phone is, somewhere in the bathroom or the actual room...?" She babbled, already hurrying back to her room. 

I watched her jog back, effortlessly in her heels, and saw her disappear into the room. I had to go down alone? 

Sighing out loud, I proceeded to walk out of the wing and into the upstairs lobby, where I could hear the hustle and bustle of the party in full volume. I leaned against the rail and looked down at the ground floor where everyone was, I saw a sea of people wearing their best clothes. 

I stepped away from the rail and took a deep breath in, I can do this! I made my way to the top of the staircase and started to come down the stairs, praying I don't trip in these heels. People's attention gradually fell upon me as I made my entrance.

I could already see a lot of familiar faces from where I was, Julian and Kobi were at the bottom of the stairs smiling up at me. Beside them was Jay in a black tuxedo, who sent me a wink and a grin when I caught his gaze. 

Among the crowd, I recognised the guy who picked me up from the waiting room and lead me to the fighting cage. He held a glass of champagne like the rest of the guests and sent me a nod when we made eye contact. Ethan, the doctor who I've had the pleasure of meeting, sent me a warm smile. I saw Irene standing near the front door, talking to a guy, not at all paying attention to me. Thank God for that, I was surprised she even came at all.

I couldn't help but scan the room for someone, there was no sign of him. 

Regardless, I walked down the stairs with a smile. When I reached the bottom, Jay held out his left arm for me to hold onto, which I gladly took and walked towards the makeshift stage that was made for the event. I managed to climb up the steps onto the stage without falling, and made my way to the podium, causing everyone's chatter to decrease. 

I suddenly had a whiff of Theo's delicious scent, making me perk up to see if he'd arrived. After seeing no signs of him, I realised his scent was coming from where I was standing; he must've done a welcoming speech beforehand. 

I took in the scene in front of me, in awe. About a hundred pack members, which surprisingly only makes up a small percent of the pack, were standing and waiting for me to make a speech. I wouldn't have ever imagined making a speech at a dinner party, that's being held in my honour at The BlackShadowed Pack.

If someone had told me that over a month ago, I would've laughed in their face and told them that they had a crazy imagination. Yet, here I was, about to make a speech as the warrior who defeated Irene Wolf. 

From the corner of my eye, I saw Leona quietly making her way downstairs and stand beside her mate. She made it before my speech, if only Theo could make it...where was he?

"Hello, everyone. I'm Elisia Knight, Chief warrior of The Imperial Pride Pack. I am so pleased and grateful that you could all make it to this dinner party, I'm thankful to have been invited as the guest of honour. As you all may know, I have been crowned the winner of the recent fight between Irene Wolf and I, and I couldn't be any more happier. She's truly a great warrior that I'm glad to have fought against and proved herself to be the worthy opponent that I'd been looking for. She really lived up to her reputation. You all truly have a great Chief warrior, and I hope you cherish her as much as she deserves to be cherished." I began to say, speaking every word purposely and confidently. I took a glance at Irene, who appeared to look shocked and confused at what I had said. 

Doesn't the saying go, kill em with kindness? 

"I was so overwhelmed by the beautiful hospitality that my fellow pack members and I have received during the duration of our stay. The love and friendship we have gained from The BlackShadowed Pack is something that we will never forget." 

"WHOO!" 

A involuntary smile crept up on my face when I recognised the cry as Leona's voice. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for making our stay memorable, whether you are a chef, doctor, nurse, warrior, Beta/Beta female, Gamma and Alpha. Thank you." I finished with a shy smile. 

A loud roar of applause erupted from the crowd, sending waves of relief throughout my body. They liked my speech! I was so worried it was too simple and not fancy enough, but I figured saying my true thoughts and feelings would sound better. I stepped away from the podium and walked off the stage towards Jay.

"That was amazing!" He exclaimed, smiling from ear to ear. He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my forehead. "I'm proud of you."

Leona and Julian reached us in no time, wearing equally happy expressions. "That was great, Elisia." Julian commented, grinning at me. "It was such a sweet speech, so sweet that I think it made Irene dizzy."

I laughed at that and said, "She couldn't believe what I was saying about her. It was probably the last thing she expected me to say."

I glanced back to where Irene was standing earlier and saw no sign of her. The crowd started to chat amongst each other and some began to approach me to congratulate me. I spent the next two hours meeting and talking to the guests, who all seemed so nice and genuine.

I felt bad to stop the conversation short, so I tried to have full conversation with each person or group. I had Jay beside me the entire time, also greeting the guests as The future Alpha of The Imperial Pride Pack. 

My feet were already aching from the heels and feeling uncomfortable from not being able to sit down, but I tried to ignore it and plough through the discomfort. To my knowledge, the women I was currently speaking to was the last person I needed to talk to.

After saying our goodbyes, Jay and I walked away from the busy crowd and made our way to the bar. We ordered our cocktails and finally sat down.

"How do you feel?" Jay sighed beside me.

"Tired and overwhelmed, but also very grateful." 

We watched our drinks being made in front us, before we were served it. I downed my alcoholic drink all in one go, honestly humans would be jealous. 

"Another please." I said, pushing my glass towards the bartender. He took my glass and refilled it immediately. I began to put the glass towards my lips and then frowned. 

The party started four hours ago, I arrived about two hours ago and there's no sign of Theo. The host of the party had not been doing his job, where was he? I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had to go look for him. I shook my head at that thought; he's a grown man and the Alpha of this pack, he can look after himself.

I hadn't noticed I drank fifteen glasses of this alcoholic drink before Jay pointed it out. "You should slow down now. Alcohol doesn't affect us as quickly as it does in humans, but if you consume a certain amount, you will get drunk."

I nodded and put my glass down slowly. "I'm going to the restroom, I'll be quick."

I slid off the high stool, made my way upstairs and entered the second level lobby. I was surprised how lightheaded and woozy I felt, was it the alcohol? I was about to enter the East Wing to use my restroom, but then stopped.

I glanced towards the North Wing in curiosity and suspicion; I could sense his presence in that area of the manor. Why would he be holed up in his room the entire night?

I walked towards the door and opened it slowly and quietly, maybe he fell asleep from exhaustion? He did organise the party after all, bless him. I took off my heels to avoid making noise and waking him up, if he was asleep. I walked to the end of the hallway towards his room, and stopped suddenly. 

I could smell another scent. 

A female's scent.

The instinct to rip the door down hit me hard, and I swung open the door in haste, to find a scene I wish I'd never seen. 

Irene Wolf and my mate kissing.

And by the looks of it, he was allowing it.

Both of their heads snapped my way, as I stood there disgusted and in outrage. Theo's eyes widened in shock, pushed Irene away from him and approached me in a low-spirited manner.

"Elisia, it's not what it looks like." 

I backed away from him, feeling immense emotions of betrayal and grief. "Seriously? Out of all the things you could've said, you say 'It's not what it looks like?"

He shook his head and tried to hold me, but I moved away from his attempt. 

I laughed humourlessly, not really feeling anything. "And to think I thought you missed the party because you were tired..." 

"Elisia, listen."

I stared up at him, feeling miserable and confused, but stayed quiet. I had always been the type to listen to people, even when I feel like I've made up my mind. I didn't want to be the girl to lose a mate, because she didn't listen to him. So that was what I decided to do. Listen.

"Theo, what the fuck?" 

My attention falls away from Theo and falls onto Irene who was getting up from the floor and dusting herself off. 

"You don't need to explain yourself to her!"

My lips curl back and I let out a low, warning growl. She's so close to getting her throat ripped open by me. She responded with a dirty look and a glare. 

"Yes, I do." He shot back, not taking his eyes off me. "What you saw is nothing close to what you're thinking, I-"

"Fuck sake Theo, why are you explaining yourself to her?" She cried, throwing her hands in the air in frustration. She glared at me venomously and said, "What right do you have to be upset with what you saw?" 

I swallowed back the harsh words that was begging to leave my mouth but I remained silent; I was trying to give Theo more time to explain, but she kept interrupting. 

"If you have a sad little crush on him, then news flash bitch - he's mine, was always mine and will always be mine!" She screeched, stamping her foot angrily. 

The pent up anger I felt was immense, I was about to snap...burst even. 

"Get the fuck out my house."

We both looked at Theo, who looked fed up and dejected. He turned around and faced Irene squarely. "Irene, get the fuck out."

She gasped, spluttered and scoffed before saying, "Are you seriously kicking me out?" 

"Yes."

She stood there for ten more seconds, staring at both of us in disbelief and swore. "Fuck you, Elisia. I really fucking hate you."

She began to march out the room, but stopped to say, "Your existence makes me sick."

I watched her leave, unsettled by her unhealthy obsession with Theo. I thought it was pretty funny when Julian and Leona were talking about her fixation with my mate, but I didn't think it was that extreme. I should've seen the signs.

"Elisia-" He began to say. 

"You've said my name so many times, but still haven't made your point." I started to say tiredly. "I'm leaving."

I turned away from him, but he grabbed my arm to stop me from leaving. "Wait, please. Let me explain what you saw."

"It's fine. Explain tomorrow, I'm too tired for this." I responded, pulling my arm out of his grasp. "Please don't follow me."

Not looking back, I walked out of his room and wing, trying to hold myself together emotionally. I'm going to get pass this, today will be a passing memory that I will laugh at. Something deep within me disagreed with that statement, but I had to lie to myself at that moment or I would've crumbled. 

I rushed to put my heels back on, hurried downstairs and went back to where I was sitting earlier. There was no sign of Jay which was a relief, because of what I was about to do next. 

I caught the bartender's attention and gave him my best smile. "Hi, Theo kindly gifted three of your strongest alcohols to Jay and I as a goodbye present."

His eyes widened at this. "Really? Alpha said that?"

"Yup."

He looked around the bar immediately, searching for three bottles to gift me. He brought out five alcohol bottles that looked fancy but also unfamiliar looking. "I'm giving you two extra bottles, it's on the house."

I thanked him, and grabbed all of them the best I can. People gave me surprised and weird looks as I climbed up the stairs with full arms. All I needed to do was reach my room without anyone I know seeing me. 

I rushed across the lobby, entered the East Wing and my room without bumping into anyone. I dumped the bottles on my bed and sighed. I was going to do what I've seen humans do to forget miserable things and repress sad emotions.

Get drunk.

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Hi. I'm back...eek ><

It's been a while since I updated, and I feel so bad :( 

Uni has been crazy the last couple of weeks, but everything is getting back to normal-ish.

I will do my best to upload more frequently from now on, and I know I've said that in the past...BUT this time, I will REALLY try <3

Love you guys, thanks so much for keeping up with the story.  There may or may not be a Theo P.O.V in the next chapter ;)

What did you think of this update? Hoped you enjoyed this really long chapter x

Please VOTE and COMMENT <3