Chapter 10 Mating Ball

Katie's POV

The party was about to start. Yesterday was such a mess. Thankfully, Khalid and Jessica came together with Khael. I don't care how weak I sound, but I really relied on my brother at that time. He was beyond mad and punished Lexie and the others. I didn't ask for the details but was told they weren't killed due to beta and gamma's interference. Well, I don't want them dead either. Just want them to learn their lessons. It is also because of the rising issue of the declining population. Won't be seeing them anyway, so it's a win-win.

Kath shared that Khan wanted to thank us. She explained to me the concept of the mind-link.

Apparently, it was my brother's longtime wish. For me to ask for help. All this time, he was the one offering. I was stuck on being brave just so my brother wouldn't worry about me, but it seems to do the exact opposite. He was worried that I kept it all to myself and was afraid that I would burst and breakdown alone. That is why it felt like a huge burden was lifted from my brother when I ran to him and tattled like the little sister that I am. Like when I was young and innocent. He was taken aback when I buried myself in his chest, as I did not want others to see me cry. He carried me to their house, and the rest is history.

Luna Kathrina entered the room in which I slept here in Khalid's house. She honestly looks distraught. My eyes took a peek at her face, and I looked at her with a concerned face.

"Are you.. okay?" I asked, hoping she wouldn't get mad or suddenly be cold. She was caught off guard. As if she didn't expect to hear those words from me. Sounds fair, though. With how coldly she's treating me, I should be ignoring her. But Kath purred and urged me to just show my real feelings. Mother stared at me for a whole minute. Secrely calling her that because she is actually less hostile than Alpha Fredrick, who looks like he wants to rip my throat out every time he sees me.

"I'm really sorry about yesterday, dear," she quietly whispered. Almost mouthing. half-air-half words, but I was able to hear what she wanted to say. Now, it was I who was taken aback. Did she just call me, dear? After all these years? Maybe it bothers her that I will be exiled tomorrow or later this midnight and wanted to.. I don't know; bid a last farewell and treat me like a daughter.

Having so many thoughts in my mind that I just stopped thinking too much. My head whipped in her direction and just nodded slowly. "It's fine, Luna. None of that was your fault. That kind of scenario is kinda common with us omegas. The bullying and all."

I know it shouldn't be considered or brushed off as 'normal', but honestly, I don't know what to say or how to comfort her. I can't even assure myself that I will be fine. Hug her? Tap her shoulders? Hold her hand? I was scared to do all of those things, as we were not that close.. anymore.. We used to be inseparable back in the old days. But yeah, things have changed.

"Thank you. You really have gotten braver," she stated, and my lips curled to form a little smile while blinking my eyes several times. Was kinda still strange for me to see her actions today. That gesture made her look away.

"You need to go to the Mating Ball with us as our daughter, Katie. Your father had already agreed with me. The other packs had been curious about you for quite some time. This will be the dress that you'll be wearing.." She looked at me softly and smiled. A kind of smile a mother would have. I slightly doubted her more now. Can anyone blame me? She was always busy with her missions and just looked away whenever Alpha Fredrick spat hurtful words at me. But she sometimes stopped him before it escalated too far. Well, I guess I should give her a chance. Already promised myself that I wouldn't leave with regret anyway.

She helped me wear the outfit. Gave me some earrings and a necklace that suited the fishtail gown. It was an off-shoulder one with a v-line, as the fabric hugged my breasts perfectly. Not too much can be seen, but at the same time, it doesn't look too traditional, like what the elders would want their grandchildren to wear at parties like these. It was tailored as a delicate blend of midnight blue and silver hues. I also wore the crescent moon bracelet and anklet. The dress featured intricate lace that had moonlit patterns. Its flowing silhouette complemented my demure beauty and showed my bold attitude. Mother gave me a pair of new silver-hued pointed heels. It creates an elegant, flawless fit for this year's Mating Ball.

The buzzing murmurs and business chats were what greeted us when we arrived. I entered the two wooden pillars together with Alpha Fredrick and Luna Kathrina. Khalid was at the back, following us along with his family. All eyes were on us, especially me. This is the first time that they've seen me because my family hasn't let me come with them to past events. Male wolves were now drooling and oogling. It was now nighttime, but the sky and clouds seemed to be angry as light thunderclaps could be heard.

Taking a quick glance at my left, I saw that the left pillar that was left unfinished yesterday now had the same design as what I did to the other one. They obviously hired one from where I worked since he or she had an excellent talent to be able to copy and paste what I made.

Glancing around as my eyes searched for my friends. Then I remembered that the only wolves that were allowed to participate in our pack were those who had ranks. Formal smiles and faked giggles spread all over the venue as Alpha Fredrick roamed all around the place. Greeting everyone he came across. With his mate by his side, I'm beside mother. They kept on introducing me to many different single male wolves that each had ranks in their respectful packs. It made me wonder..

"Were you.. nice just because both of you wanted to sell me off?" I asked softly to Luna Kathrina, feet glued to the ground as I refused to take another step. Not wanting to continue this farce.

"K-Katie, I only did so because.. it is for your own good, my daughter," she sweetly said, and I just know it was fake. All this time, she had this hidden agenda.

"For my own good? How could the both of you? I thought you finally warmed up to me and accepted the fact that I didn't wolf out! I really thought you just wanted to be a mother before I finally get banished." I uttered, slightly raising my voice. Instantly regretted saying it once it left my mouth, as her eyes were painted with hurt and pain. But I was too full of pride to even take it back.

All the guests gasped. So they weren't aware of this fact. Aloha Fredrick must go to great lengths just to keep my identity secret. They even hide the truth from other packs now? Are they that ashamed of me?

Luna Kathrina wanted to say something, but Alpha Fredrick held her wrist tightly. She just shrugged it off away.

"You have to understand, Katie! You.." Before she could finish her words, she suddenly whimpered in agony as she held on to her chest. All while glaring at Alpha Fredrick.

"Alpha Fredrick, stop this!" Khalid immediately ran in our direction the moment the ruckus began. He scowled at Alpha, and they looked at each other. Luna Kathrina gasped and punched Alpha Fredrick's chest.

"How could you do that!? All while knowing!? You.. you are a monster.." She was scared and looked at her mate with disbelief in her eyes. It seems they communicated through the mind link.

Khalid wanted to tell everyone what Alpha Fredrick and Luna Kathrina knew. But then my brother screamed in torment and anguish. The specific event took me back twelve years ago. Alpha Fredrick attacked his own son with hostile pheromones, and even alpha commanded him to stop talking. In front of everybody. Luna Kathrina tried to stop him, but it seems he also alpha commanded her to stop resisting. He nodded at some wolf guards, and they took Khalid away.

"Tonight's Mating Ball ends as I have important matters to attend to. I apologize for the chaos. Have a great evening, everyone," he bellowed, and the guests whispered in confusion as they all left one by one.

He nodded again to two wolf guards, and they both held my arms. As if they knew what he meant, they dragged me towards the prohibited forest.