Page 53 of Moon Kissed

Moving to the full-length mirror, I admired the dress against my skin, my white hair matching the silk perfectly. I thought that too much white would clash, but it didn’t. Rummaging through my closet revealed a pair of white lacy ballet flats. I slipped them on then hurried to the bathroom, wondering what I could do with my hair and makeup that would do the exquisite gown justice.

I scoured the internet for an hour before I decided on an updo that didn’t look too hard to replicate. Curling my hair, I let it cool completely before brushing it out. It had the effect of putting soft waves in my hair. From there, I began twisting and pinning pieces up, leaving a long piece that fell behind my left ear.

Now, for makeup.

I was no makeup artist, but keeping with the theme, I smoothed white glittery eyeshadow over my lids before lining my eyes with black and applying mascara. I added some highlights to my cheeks then walked to my mirror again to look myself over.

My wolf hummed her appreciation at the reflection, feeling like I’d managed to get my makeup just as striking as the dress.

I couldn’t wait to see Rylan’s face when I walked in.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Rylan

I stood with my guards as the room steadily filled with shifters. There was excitement in the air that made me apprehensive. The idea of Pearl revealing herself to the packs had sounded good in theory, but now, looking at the hungriness in every eye, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. I’d taken every precaution, but I could admit that I hadn’t thought of everything. I prayed that I’d at least thought of enough to keep her safe tonight.

It was hard to remain focused when all I could think about was Pearl and the dress I’d sent her. I knew it would be a surprise, and I hoped that it had gone over well. It had to be specially made, which cost a small fortune, plus extra to have it ready in time.

My tux would complement Pearl’s dress, making us look like a power couple. That was the attempt at least.

“Rylan, good to see you,” Deacon, the alpha-apparent for the Sanda Pack said, hand extended in greeting.

“Deacon.” I slapped my hand into his. He pulled me into a one-armed bro hug. “It’s good to see you.”

“Likewise.” He smiled, looking around at the crowded room. “Eyes on anyone tonight?”

Deacon was one of the few that I had opened up to during my time away. He knew about Pearl but not by name. I got the feeling that was who he was referring to.

“Just one,” I responded, watching as his grin turned cheeky.

“Hopefully it’stheone.” He winked, watching me knowingly.

“It just might be.”

“My man.” He slapped my shoulder and squeezed, looking genuinely happy for me. “I noticed the increased security.”

My smile faltered, wondering if he was commenting so he could gain information from me. I mentally shook myself. This was Deacon I was talking to; he was probably the closest thing to a best friend I had.

“Yeah, could be overkill.” I chuckled and met his russet eyes with a look that spoke volumes.

The corners of his lips faltered as he got my meaning. This was no ordinary Gala. I tried to warn him to be on guard, but he gave no other reaction.

“I’m sure it will be.”

“I’ll see you around,” I said pointedly.

“Count on it,” he commented then gave me a knowing look.

I watched him walk away, wishing I could go with him and forsake the pressures of my pack. If I did that, I’d have to walk away from Pearl, which was not happening. I took a breath and tried to calm my anxiety. The reveal tonight would either be met with contempt or acceptance. From my experience in the other packs, I knew that the Alpha Seeker wasn’t well known, which begged the question why Faela had been imprisoned with no fight. Surely the other packs would have stepped in.

Unless they didn’t know.

That was the only explanation that made sense. I wonder how the packs would react when we revealed the death of the last Alpha Seeker and the rising of a new one. I was confident that the revelation would be met with anger at Faela’s imprisonment and relief that another had been chosen.

An hour passed with no incidents. The room was full, but I knew that after the introductions, the numbers would drop as lovers moved to more private areas.

I hadn’t seen any sign of Pearl, which added to my anxiety. My wolf assured me that we would have felt if something was wrong with our mate. She was just arriving fashionably late, which was perfectly fine.

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