Sould As The Alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 51 : Belle of the Ball

*Lena*

Mom spread the amber-colored gown over my bed, taking a step back to look at it fully. Her pale brown eyes moved over the glistening silk fabric, but her black brows knitted in frustration.

“No, not this one,” she murmured as she turned back to the wardrobe and began to flip through the assortment of dresses she’d packed for me before arriving in Avondale.

I was sitting at the vanity while a maid curled and braided my hair for the ball, the first event leading up to the wedding. My lowlights had all but vanished now, leaving nothing but a sheet of silver-white cascading down my back. I dusted my cheeks with blush while I watched my mom through the mirror. Her fingers settled on an ice-blue gown, embroidered with silver crescent moons. It had long organza sleeves, with a low back and a high neckline. It was one of my favorites, and most importantly, it would hide the half-moon scar Xander had left above my breast.

“Your dad wants you in the amber gown, but it just doesn’t work with your eyes,” she said in a low voice, almost to herself.

I smiled at her through the mirror as she pulled the blue dress from its hanger and laid it over the bed. “I like the blue one better. It’s a better fit. I can still wear my tiara and sash with it. Everyone knows I’m part of Drogomor, anyway,” I said playfully.

Mom gave me a sideways smile as she stepped away from the dress and made her way to the vanity, smiling gracefully at the maid.

“You can wear the moonstone and opal tiara your grandmother gave me.” She twirled one of my curls around her finger before pinning it in place.

My mother’s name was Hanna, and she was the daughter of Eugene, the Alpha King of Findali. But she hadn’t always held her titles. There’d been a time, twenty years ago now, when she was a troubled girl from Red Lakes, whisked away to Winter Forest when Dad was meant to marry my aunt Kacidra, instead of her.

But my parents had been mates, and the first year of their relationship had been marred by troubles I couldn’t fathom. Born during the war of my grandparents’ time, they’d be raised in peace, but when they were my age….

The maid took her leave. Mom started to rummage through the jewelry box on the vanity, pulling out a few dainty bracelets. I turned to look at her, admiring her long, ink-black hair that was braided and twisted into an updo. She rarely wore makeup. She’d never needed it; her face was always beautifully pink around her cheeks and her dark lashes brought out the color of her eyes.

Growing up, I’d longed for even an ounce of her beauty. Compared to my mom, and my aunts, I felt rather plain.

“Are you ready to get dressed?” she asked, and I nodded, but then went rigid beneath her touch.

“I can do it, Mom. You still need to get dressed too.”

I didn’t want her to see the mark. I hadn’t told anyone yet, even when Oliver prodded me for details and made fun of me for wearing a shirt over my bathing suit when we went to the beach last night to catch the sunset.

planning on introducing him to Abigail tonight. I’d secured her an invitation to the ball, and I knew for a fact she’d spent the majority of the day

about thirty minutes until we need to be downstairs to greet the guests,”

eyes against her touch, smiling to myself as she pulled away and left the room. I glanced at my reflection once more, then padded across the carpet, lifting the blue gown into the

***

the light of three crystal chandeliers. The whole place was dripping in gold as I walked around the room gripping a flute of pink champagne. It was too

Hollis’s blonde head in the crowd, her mouth twisted in a beaming smile as the Alphas and Lunas from across the pack lands greeted her and bestowed their congratulations. Will was nowhere to be found, at least so far. I’d seen

one of three royal events that would take place before the wedding ceremony this weekend. It felt like overkill, in my

over her dainty shoulder. George’s sister turned to me as she approached, her green eyes widening as she took

for you all night,” she beamed, taking my hand and squeezing it. “I thought you were supposed to be wearing the colors

not like I blend in,” I laughed, bringing the sickenly sweet champagne to my lips. Isla, the thirteen-year-old daughter of Beta Keaton, and his mate Myla, watched me with curiosity as I

but it was curly, and she favored her mother’s deep skin tone and dark eyes. Isla was going to be an absolute stunner in a few years. She was wearing an age-appropriate dress with turquoise ruffles, her hair

replied, glancing between Eliza and Isla. “Have you seen him, Lizzie? I’ve been walking around the ballroom for the better part

Hollis hasn’t even looked in his direction in the past several

yet he’d still been happy and playful like

boy. Is that true?” Isla asked innocently, fluttering her eyelashes. What was up with this younger generation? Luke had said something

makes you think I’m sad?” I asked, wiggling

her head toward the end of the ballroom

to bed,” she said under her breath. “I’m

on you!” Lizzie cried, turning to chase

too long ago, but that privilege had been passed on to the now eighteen year old Lizzie. I sighed, feeling a bit sorry for her before downing the rest of my champagne as I started to turn about the ballroom

to me as I made my way through the party. People glanced in my direction, of course, their

way they gazed upon my grandmother Rosalie. They looked at me with skepticism, obvious curiosity, and

incredible rank. As I turned the corner in the ballroom, walking past the sweet table once

didn’t hurt. I’d grown so used to blending in and just being normal, being me.

“Lena!”

was wearing that hugged every curve of her body like a glove. The tops of her

I