Page 52 of Rejected and Regretted

When I realized how late it already was, I quickly scoured through my bag for the plain black, low-heeled sandals I had brought in case I had to attend a formal event - though I expected something more like a dinner rather than a ball. High heels would have been a better pick for the occasion, but I hadn’t brought any with me to Whispering Hills, and I didn’t like wearing them anyway.

As soon as I finished putting my shoes on, there was a knock on my door. I stilled, realizing it had to be Koen. Taking a moment to clear my mind and remind myself not to fall for the man who had broken my heart once again, I rose to my feet and marched to the door. The second I opened it, the alpha openly gawked at me, while I pretended not to notice it.

“I’m glad I got your size right,” he murmured, and I wondered if he was proud of his accomplishment.

“It seems like you have a lot of experience with this,” I replied, a hint of bitterness in my voice as a thought crossed my mind. Before I could scold myself for even caring about it, the accusation left my mouth. “Do you make a habit out of shopping for women?”

He chuckled, not the least offended by my question. “It was actually my first time.” The honesty in his reply knocked me off my feet. “Beginner’s luck, I guess.” He shrugged, stretching his arm out for me. “Shall we?”

Reluctantly, I loosely intertwined my arm with his, scared of the effect it might have on me if I clutched him too tight. Together, we walked to the elevator that took us to the rooftop, where the party was being held.

When we arrived at our destination, I was immediately taken aback. The rooftop was a stunning display of opulence, with string lights and lanterns illuminating the elegantly dressed guests. Leaders from across the country mingled, their conversations a soft hum in the background. The air was thick with power and prestige, a reminder of the significance of this gathering.

Overwhelmed by the atmosphere, I nervously adjusted the hem of my dress. Sharp as always, Koen soon noticed my reaction, placing a reassuring hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward. Beside me, he looked every bit the alpha in his tailored black suit, exuding an air of authority and strength, transpiring confidence.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

I nodded, though my insides churned with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "As ready as I'll ever be."

We stepped onto the open-air dance floor, drawing the attention of the attendees. Whispers followed us, and I felt slightly relieved. This was what Koen wanted - for the guests to witness our proximity, making him look more approachable and reliable.

Without warning, Koen pulled me into his arms, and the music swelled around us. I tried my best to follow his lead despite the way my heart raced, making it hard to breathe. There were almost one hundred people around us, yet for a moment,it seemed as though it was only us. I felt pathetic as my earlier resolve to resist him wavered with each step we took.

Get a grip, Avril!I yelled at myself. Taking deep breaths, I battled to ignore his scent, his touch, and the fire of the moment trying to bend my mind into thinking this was right. It wasn’t. Koen and I were never meant to be.

Yet, as my eyes met his, it became so hard to trust my own decisions.

With utter sincerity in his bright emeralds, he breathed out, “I could get used to this.” My chest heaved up and down as my pulse pounded wildly. As he leaned forward, I felt like a deer in the headlights yet again. With his mouth impossibly close to mine, his hot breath against my lips made me melt. Almost desperate, he whispered, “Tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way, Avril.”

There was nothing but honesty in his gaze, and it clouded my judgment. Trying to stay true to the promise I had made to myself, I waged an inner battle against the other half of my soul. It would be so easy to lose myself in him again, to forget the pain of the past. But I shouldn’t.

Stabilizing my breath, I began, “Koen, I…”

But before I could finish my sentence, our bubble was soon burst by a roar.

As we both looked in the direction of the sound, we saw Gregor standing by the edge of the dancefloor, his furious glare locked on us, canines poking out of his lips.

“I’ve had enough of this,” the beta declared.

Koen’s mood shifted abruptly. Assuming a defiantly protective stance, he placed himself in front of me. “Not now, Gregor,” he warned, but the man paid no mind to it.

“You’re right, I should’ve done this ages ago,” Gregor spat. “I won’t stand by and let you ruin everything our parents worked hard to build by claiming someone like her!”

Before I had time to realize what was happening, the beta’s beast broke free, lunging at us.

33

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K O E N

I didn’t knowwhat had gotten into me. Avril had made it crystal clear that she didn’t want me. Even though Columbus insisted he could sense her heart felt otherwise, I couldn’t bring myself to keep pursuing her against her will. I had brought her here solely to keep an eye on her and ensure she wouldn’t be in danger alone at Whispering Hills.

However, the moment I saw her in the dress I had gotten for her, my judgment grew hazy. It was already hard enough to resist the pull I never stopped feeling toward her; I craved her with every fiber of my body and spirit, both human and wolf. As we danced at the center of the floor, surrounded by other leaders, I dove headfirst into a beautiful fantasy.

I pictured Avril as my Luna, carrying the title that was meant for her all along. I could see us ruling side by side, achieving the peace I had always dreamt of. I fantasized about the night I would claim her and how magnificent she would look with my mark adorning her neck. We would attend many more events together, but I knew that every time we had a chance to dance, like we were doing now, it would feel just like the first time.

I could get used to this. I would fight for this to become real.

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