Chapter 0019

ZAIA.

New Year’s Eve is upon us, and I am rushing around helping with setting up the
banquet hall.

Atticus’s mother fell ill with the cold a few days ago and since I was helping Mrs
Watson with the flower arrangements I offered to help with the event organising. I
wish I didn’t, because I didn’t think it meant I’d be stuck around Atticus for the last
few days.

For an Alpha, who surely has much more to do, he visited often until I was getting
looks from the other female staff.

Envious, amused, and a few jealous. I did not ask for his attention, and I really
wish

he wasn’t so intrigued. 3

Since that day in the car, things have been a little more awkward between us.
“Place them to the right. They’ll fit better there.” I call out to the organisers as I
make

my way over to them.

“Here, Miss?” The man replies, looking confused.

I nod with a small smile. “Yes, right here.”

He obeys, before smiling slightly. “You’re right. It reflects just right. Thank you.”
“No problem. Do the same for the other tables and just make sure they’re not
placed

right near the mirrors.” I turn away and glance up at the floral arrangements that
hang from the ceiling of the grand hall. (0)

It’s going to be a masked ball, something I had suggested after I had learned that
Sebastian will be making an appearance.

It was a risky decision and the chances he’ll see right through me are high,
especially due to the fact that last time I lost my composure at the mention of
Sebastian. But he hasn’t said anything again. I think for now he believes me.

I look around the hall and hide a smile, satisfied.

It’s breathtaking… but it’s also a painful reminder of every party I’ve attended with
Sebastian. When he treated me like I was the only one for him…

Where did it go wrong?

“Such a pretty face in a stunning environment shouldn’t look so down.”

spin around to see Atticus walking down the centre of the hall, hands in his
pockets as he looks around the hall and whistles slowly.

“Oh, I’m fine,” I reply, smiling smoothly, squashing my thoughts.

“You did an incredible job, almost as if you’re used to it,” he says, whistling
slowly.” I’m truly impressed, Zaia.” (2)

“Thanks, I just like party planning,” I reply. By now I’ve noticed he is indeed rather
sharp and I’m aware of his indirect remarks, already prepared and alert around
him.

“Well, I don’t think our hall has ever looked better. Mrs Watson told me you
helped with the flower arrangements, too.”

“I did. So tell me, Alpha- sorry, Atticus… why do you choose fresh flowers every
year?” I ask, trying to divert the conversation from myself.

He sighs, but smiles, clearly happy I’m making conversation. “Why… I don’t
really know it’s always been a tradition… but this year I chose a specific colour.”
“Lilac.”

“Yes, violet… because that’s the colour of something that I have come to admire
recently,” he says. I make the mistake of looking at him and our eyes meet.
“That’s beautiful,” I reply, glancing around in hopes of a distraction.

“I’m hoping you’ll save me a dance tonight,” he says quietly, as he glances at the
people working around.

“I…” am torn. How do I tell him I don’t plan on being here tonight?

Valerie told me they will be coming and I simply can’t risk it, plus Sebastian is
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bringing Annalise. I don’t need to see them, only to scratch open my wounds that
are still not healing.

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“Please don’t deny me. I hope you will
come, even if it’s simply as a gesture

of goodwill towards your new Alpha

and Pack.” (6 Visit Novelxo.org

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Our eyes meet and he couldn’t be more obvious. Disobeying him means
disobeying my new Alpha and showing disrespect towards him.

“Atticus I-

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“Alpha!” Two men in suits approach
Atticus, and one of them leans closer

to him, but despite speaking quietly, I
manage to make out what they’re

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“The Black Beast is almost at pack borders.”

My heart skips a beat and I try to calm myself by thinking about something else-
anything else! The flowers… Think of the flowers!

The Black Beast.

A name that was given to Sebastian years ago, because of his power and the
colour of his wolf’s fur.

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I can feel Atticus’s eyes on me, but

I’m certain I haven’t given anything

away as I scan the garlands that

wrap around the double—door

entrance, keeping my face calm Visit
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and at ease.

“Zaia, I’ll see you tonight. I have to go,” he says.

“Of course, see you then.” I smile, despite how sick I feel inside.