Chapter 15
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“Allow me to introduce you to Lord Theron,” Isabella said with a saccharine smile. “A nobleman of quite high status.”
Theron stepped forward, his sweaty hand reaching towards me. “Would you do me the honor of a dance, my dear?”
Every instinct screamed no. I had seen him pawing at some of the other women earlier, his gnarled fingers lingering too long on
their waists, brushing too close to their breasts.
I took a measured step back. “I’m afraid I must decline.”
A flicker of irritation crossed his face. “Come now,” he coaxed. “One dance.”
I stiffened as he reached for me; I didn’t want to be touched by this male.
“Apologies, Lord Theron,” a voice cut in as Asher stepped between us smoothly, his stance relaxed but his presence dominating
over Theron, “But I believe the Lady has other engagements.”
“And who might you be?” Theron scowled.
“Asher, no last name needed,” he said simply.
Theron hesitated. Recognition dawned in his expression. He muttered some kind of apology under his breath and stalked off,
Isabella shooting me a sharp glare before following.
I exhaled, tension draining from my shoulders. “Thank you,” I murmured.
Asher smiled, a glint of mischief in his gaze. “Dance with me instead?”
I hesitated. But refusing him after he had just rescued me seemed ungrateful, so I placed my hand in his, letting him lead me onto
the floor among the sea of dancers.
The moment we began to move, I became aware of Asher’s eyes on me, memorizing every detail. I quickly avoided his gaze, not
wanting to accidentally give myself away.
“You don’t like to be watched,” he observed.
“Not particularly,” I admitted
A beat of silence followed, then, his voice softened, becoming almost thoughtful. “If you’re not chosen tonight, would you consider me as an option instead?”
I blinked up at him. It wasn’t exactly a proposal, but it was close. It was a blatant suggestion wrapped in invitation.
We had just met, but I was certain men like Asher–playboys and spoiled nobles – couldn’t give me the love and life I craved. Besides, the longer I stayed at the Palace, the greater my risk of exposure. I weighed my words carefully before shaking my head.
“No. But thank you.”
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Asher didn’t look surprised. He only smiled, a
“Interesting, indeed,” he said quietly.
if amused by my answer.
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Before I could respond, the hair on the back of my neck rose and I felt my skin prickle. I glanced across the dance floor and immediately locked eyes with Damon. He wasn’t watching his dance partner; he was watching me.
I swallowed, a flicker of guilt twisting in my stomach, unsure why I felt this way. I had no reason to feel guilty, I could dance with whoever I wanted to.
Ruby stirred inside me. Because he didn’t recognize his mate at first.
I tore mu
my gaze away as the song ended, and I stepped back from Asher, offering a small nod. “I need to rest for a moment.”
“Of course,” he said, his gaze lingering before releasing me.
I turned away, pressing a hand to my chest. I needed to get out of here. Now. Desperate for some air, I started making my way towards the exit when silence fell, stopping my feet.
Damon’s voice rang through the ballroom, commanding and inescapable.
“Come here.”
My breath hitched, trying to fade into the crowd. The women around me stilled. Eyes darted between us – curious, envious, shocked.
Emma rushed towards me, hissing into my ear, giving my shoulder a nudge to turn around. “The Lycan King is calling for you.”
I froze, hesitantly I lifted my gaze to see Damon walking a direct pathway towards me.
Oh no. He was calling for me.
