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Chapter 12

I tried to keep my mouth close as we entered the massive ballroom packed with hundreds of wolves from all over. I had seen the finishing product of our work before we left, but it was much more magnificent, filled with lively chatter and dancing that brought it to life.

Little heads turned their attention to us as we entered the room, most too indulged in the festivities to see who had arrived. My wolf and I subconsciously sniffed the air, the memory of Rowen's intoxicating scent engraved in my mind, but we were both disappointed when it wasn't anywhere to be found.

"Your Alpha isn't here yet," Alana whispered in my ear as if she was reading my thoughts. "It's still early in the night. He should be here soon."

I nodded, letting the pair lead me through the crowd. Harsh whispers drifted to my ears as a few members of our pack recognized me, but they were immediately hushed from Alana's glare.

"Why don't you take her for a dance," Alana suggested to her brother, unwrapping her arm from mine. "I need to have a few conversations."

I shivered from her menacing eyes, but Helios only smirked, nodding his head in agreement.

"That sounds like a great idea. Come on, princess."

I tried not to trip over my feet as he dragged me to the dance floor, pulling me into his arms as he looped his arm around my waist. I nervously watched the others around me who looked like they had been dancing their whole lives. The only experience I had were the playful waltzes my dad used to do with me when I was 6 and my feet never touched the floor.

"I don't know what I'm doing, Lio," I whined, earning a chuckle from him.

"Oh, I fully expect you to crush my toes by the end of this song," he grinned, moving us to the beat of the song.

"Are you hungry? I'm hungry," I declared, trying to escape his grasp," Why don't we go eat instead."

He shook his head in amusement and locked me in his arms, making it impossible for me to get away.

"Trust me, Mari. Didn't I tell you we'd have fun tonight. Besides, you'll need all the practice you can get once your mate gets a hold of you."

I rolled my eyes, a smile playing on my lips.

"You don't know that."

"You've obviously never seen an Alpha with his mate. I'm surprised if he'll let you pee alone."

I took the liberty of crushing his toes, but he didn't even flinch at my violent maneuver. I growled in annoyance as he laughed at my unsuccessful attempt and whirled me around in a little twirl.

"You're gonna have to try harder than that, Princess."

We danced one song, and then another, and then one more after that when Helios finally decided to pull me out of my misery and take me to the dessert table. As much as I complained, we both knew I was having the most fun I had ever had in my life and it was with my best friend greatest of all.

I was in awe of the arrangement of sweets neatly displayed on metal trays. Even looking at them gave me the forbidden feeling I always had when I watched Mom and Mrs. Hamilton make them each year. We were never allowed to have them no matter if there was some left or not.

I was so tempted to try just one single piece and now it all laid in front of me unhindered to indulge. I immediately wanted to grab a handful and sneak them back to my siblings so they could enjoy it too, but I knew I couldn't. It wouldn't bode well for either of us.

"Here, try these. They're my favorites," Helios urged, handing me a plate filled with various desserts.

I hesitated, my guilt consuming me as I thought about enjoying them without my siblings. I wish they were with me now. Helios must have spotted the dejected look on my face, bringing his finger to my chin and raising my eyes to his.