Chapter 37. Letting off the Hook

A/N: I didn't proof-read the chapter so sorry in advance for the innumerous errors in typos.

Ariana's POV

A frown settles between the brows of the women who is currently trying to groom me up to perfection--for the ceremony I don't even want to be the part of--as she sees my lack of co-operation.

"Miss, you're supposed to wear the dress. Alpha will not be happy if you're late for the ceremony." The women who's assigned to dress me up, urges me to wear the ridiculous red dress as she practically shoves it into my hands.

"I'm not wearing it," I blatantly refute to wear the dress, shoving it back into her arms--just the way she did. "Isn't it enough that I agreed to get ready? Why isn't my dress fine for the ceremony? It is also a party wear, then what's the problem with this one?" I gesture towards my black sparkly full-length gown, which covers each inch of my body, not revealing even a bit of my skin, due to it's full-length sleeves and upto-toes height. Honestly speaking, the dress looked more like a goth dress one wears for a funeral but I'm much more content wearing this than the one the women is forcing me to wear.

Don't get me wrong. I'm usually not rude to others and the red body-fitting gown is pretty beautiful. The thing is, it's backless with a thin strap to hold the dress, very tight-fitting, might as well reveal my body-shape perfectly, but it's just that it's quite revealing. Atleast, for me since I've never worn something like this. I usually wear non-skin-revealing dresses that make me look elegant and demure. This one's elegant, but it will make me look more like....sexy or hot? Which is very weird to imagine myself as. Besides, I don't want to look anything as such in front of Anthony, who, to be precise, is a pervert.

"Miss, please. Try to understand. It's the Alpha's order. I'll be in trouble if I don't take you down in this dress." She motioned towards the red dress, looking troubled.

I sigh in defeat. Poor women. Got caught in the feud. I don't want to cause her trouble. Let's wear it even if I don't feel like wearing it. The point is, I want nothing than to run away from here, away from the ceremony, which for your kind information, I can't since Anthony had doubled the security around the packhouse ever since I followed him to the graveyard.

"Fine, I'll wear it." I took the dress from the lady as she looked at me as if I was her life saviour.

****

Minutes later, I'm descending down the stairs to enter the ballroom where the ceremony is about to take place, completely dolled up--my hair let down in soft waves, my face caked with makeup- smokey eye with gold sparkles near my brows and red lipstick on my lips which was the same colour as my dress, killer heels stilettos torturing my poor feet.

The moment I got down the last stair and stepped my foot on the ballroom's tiled floor, I spotted Anthony standing next to an elderly man who was trying to make a conversation with him but his eyes were fixated on me.

I glared at him as I saw a lop-sided grin make its way on his face, probably because of seeing me wearing the dress 'he' bought--note the sarcasm please. I looked away from his annoying face, intending to walk over to anywhere but near him. Although the next moment, he was already making his way towards me, completely ignoring the man beside him.

"Where do you think you're going, mate?" Anthony hooks his arms with mine while I protest by trying to free my arm out of his but that protest dies down the next second,

"Stop making a scene, Ariana. Or else I'll give them a scene worth watching. A scene which involves Daniel and him being a hybrid," he whispers into my ear making me freeze on the spot.

So, I wasn't wrong. He and Kiana did tie hands to blackmail Daniel and me. Afterall, both of them would benefit out of this compensation. Kiana would get Daniel and Anthony would get me to torture Daniel. Sounds like a perfect deal, not.

I looked around frantically. What if someone heard Anthony? It wouldn't be good for Daniel.

"Don't worry. No one heard. Atleast for now. You forgot I'm a royal too, I can conceal my voice very well. Just like Daniel." Anthony grinned down at me before his eyes focused on something or rather someone behind me, "Ah! Speak of the devil, and here he is!"

On hearing his words, I turned around, freeing my arm from around Anthony's and sure enough, I saw Daniel making his way into the ballroom alongside....Kiana?

My initial happiness on seeing Daniel instantly dimmed down and turned into annoyance by seeing how close both of them were standing--arms hooked with one another's and how Kiana was smiling with all her thirty-six teeth on display, putting salt on my wounds.

As if my misery wasn't enough, I caught sight of Carla trailing behind them with her head bent low. Carla suddenly bumped into Daniel and Kiana--quite literally--making Kiana's arm around Daniel unclasp due to the force and her toothy smile drop, to turn into a sneer as she glared at Carla. Carla on the other hand, acted oblivious to Kiana's heated gaze as she stepped ahead and hooked her arm with her brother's before Kiana could do so. I even saw a huge grin making its way on Carla's face before she put a straight face in front of Kiana.

Her actions made my own lips morph into a wide smile. But that smile vanished as I thought back to when Carla had left the packhouse yesterday--heartbroken--after accidently hearing my and Anthony's conversation. She hadn't blamed me even once, but that didn't make me feel any less guilty.

It was clear as day that Carla loved Anthony a lot and the news did shatter her to a great extent. Maybe she is really good at hiding her emotions. That's why she's acting to be fine and great right now although I know, she must be hurting inside.

My heart started beating uncontrollably fast in my chest as Daniel's ocean blue eyes caught me staring at him. His gaze peering deep into my soul staring at my face before looking down at what I wore as I saw his eyes darken visibly. A frown forms on his handsome face which I realise is because of Anthony's arm on my waist that I have no idea when he had placed there.

Daniel and Carla walk towards me and Anthony with an irritating Kiana following behind them. My breath starts quickening along with my heartbeat as Daniel's intense eyes never leaves mine while Anthony's grip on my waist tightens.

"I'm honoured to have your presence here today, your highness. Isn't Queen Ariel visiting?" Anthony steps ahead making me step ahead along with him due to his hand on my waist.

I glance over at Anthony, breaking the heated eye-contact with Daniel. I don't want to trip on my heals or end up with anything embarrassing as that just because Daniel's stare was making me weak on my knees.

There's a smirk on Anthony's face and mirth in his eyes as he looks at Daniel but that mirth is considerably replaced by one that of softness as his eyes fleets over to Carla whose staring at the ground as if it's the most interesting thing to watch. The change in Anthony's expression surprising me immensely.

"Drop the pretence, Anthony. You and I both know very well why you're so eager to have me here today. As for Ariel, just so that you know, she's in Veneton with James and Cami." Daniel's reply makes Anthony to look at him with the smirk back on his lips.

"I see. So, princess Carla is finally aware of your contract marriage, Daniel. I wonder how. Did you say her? Or did she find out herself? If she had found out then do you know that Carla is-"

"Anthony," there was warning in Carla's tone as she finally lifted her head up to glare at Anthony--going un-noticed by Daniel but I saw it anyway.

"I mean, Alpha Anthony." Carla corrected probably to avoid Daniel being suspicious, "Could I talk to you for a minute? I have something to ask you."

I'm sure she hasn't said about her relationship with Anthony to Daniel but she completely knows of my and Daniel's marriage now.

"What do you have to talk to him about?" Daniel tilts his head to the side as he raises his brow, giving his younger sister a questioning look.

"I...I said you about my friend in the pack, right? I wanted to ask alpha Anthony something about him since the alpha is a friend of his and he's also the beta. So...the alpha must know certain things about his beta, right?" Carla tried reasoning out but I knew she was lying.

One, because I don't think she knows anybody except Anthony in the pack.

Two, if she had actually met Giovanni and he was her friend then she must have long realised that he's her mate.

Yeah, I figured it out yesterday that maybe it's Carla who is Giovanni's mate. And sure she is, since Giovanni agreed when I asked him and he told me to keep it a secret. Also, now he's suddenly missing from the party--certainly because he's hiding from Carla.

Daniel seems a bit suspicious and hesitant to let her go with Anthony but when she sweet-talks him, he agrees helplessly. Thus, walking away with Anthony leaving me, Daniel and Kiana alone in an awkward silence.

"I...um...how are you?" I try breaking the awkward air around us but mentally facepalm myself as I think of what I've said.

Seriously, Ariana, 'How are you'? How much more stupid can you be?

"I'm okay. What about you, Ari?" He looks at me while Kiana steps ahead and hooks her arm with his again, which, for your kind information, annoys me.

"I can see you're more than 'okay' since you've already reconciled with Kiana." I blurt out mindlessly trying not to sound jealous but failing miserably.

"What?" He looks confused before a knowing smirk makes it's way onto his lips, "Oh, yeah. You're fine with it, aren't you? You've no problem, right?"

"What problem would I have? Infact, I'm...happy for you?" Why did that sound like a question? Oh, no! "Besides, I've Anthony now. He's my mate. I'm happy with him."

I saw his expression darken and turn into one of hurt as he looked away from me before murmuring slowly, "Yeah...right. You're happy."

His sudden change in mood made me hurt as well. I shouldn't have said it. He had said me indirectly that he loved me and my words must've hurt him. But he should've not brought Kiana here although he doesn't even know that I love him.

"Danny, let's go dance!" Kiana tuged onto Daniel's hand, pulling him towards the dance floor.

Giving me one last glance, Daniel follows her to the dance floor. Kiana immediately wraps her arms around Daniel's neck as his own arms wound around her waist as they dance to the music. I sense Daniel's eyes looking at me and sure enough he's staring but still dancing to the rhythm of the song with a stunning Kiana in his arms arousing a fresh and almost foreign feeling of envy within me.

I look away from the pair. Why do I suddenly feel more dispirited than I already am? And why am I so jealous of Kiana right now?

The thought that Daniel must have actually moved on and is currently with Kiana, causes a pang of hurt and guilt hit my heart. Hurt on seeing Daniel with Kiana. And Guilt on leaving him behind when he confessed to me. But it wasn't my fault entirely...I did want to be with him, only that I couldn't be with him.  But Kiana isn't the best for Daniel...he deserves someone better than her. All she wants is his money and status. She doesn't truly love him. Is he happy with her? Did--

"Hey," I nearly jump out of my skin at the deep voice whispering into my ear.

When I turn my head to the side, I find Anthony staring at me, his face just an inch away from mine, which causes me to instinctively take a step back. Anthony realises my awkwardness all too soon as he himself takes a step back--maintaining the much needed space between us.

Scratching the back of his neck looking almost nervous, he blinks his eyes a few times before clearing his throat. I see him extending his right hand towards me with his palm open,

"Um...let's have a dance, shall we?"

I stare at him blankly before his words finally register into my slow-working brain. I open my mouth to refuse but he grabs my hand before I could do so and then I know, we're already on the dance floor.

Anthony takes hold of both my hands and places them around his neck while his hands go around to hold my waist. I look up at him only to find him staring at me.

What's with the staring?

"What are you staring at? Weren't you speaking to Carla? Why are you here?" I snap at him grumpily which funnily seems to amuse him.

Don't even get started on why I'm grumpy or should I say oh-so-burning-with-jealousy today.

"I already finished talking to Carla. It wasn't like we were actually speaking about Giovanni. It was just an excuse. As for you, there's nothing in you to stare at, stupid mate. You're not the best I've seen but I must give it to you, you're an ethereal beauty. Don't be flattered there." He winks at me before inching his face closer to mine more so than my comfort. His lips brushes past my cheek causing tiny tingles to erupt on the skin--probably due to the mate bond--as he leans over to my ear. "It's clear as day that you're jealous as hell. Atleast don't make it so obvious. Don't give him the satisfaction of making you jealous, okay?"

Anthony moves back his face and flashes me a grin. I look at him weirdly before glancing over at Daniel and Kiana. Kiana is trying to get Daniel's attention while he's busy staring at me and Anthony--more so glaring at Anthony.

"Is it that obvious?" I whisper, focusing my attention back on Anthony.

Anthony nods his head lightly while guiding the both of us to the ryhtm of the the music.

"What should I do then?"

I wonder for a moment why did I even bother asking Anthony that question but who cares? He was the one to point out first, and he doesn't seem like he minds me questioning nonsensical things to him. Might as well go with the flow.

"Just act along," Anthony winks at me again while I try to make out of what to act along.

My question is answered as he pulls me forward, making my body almost glue to his. Anthony's one hand leaves my waist to raise upto my face as he cups my cheek with his extraordinarily warm palm and before I know it, his lips are on mine.

Just like the last time, the kiss lasts only for a few seconds but when he backs away, I am left blinking my eyes to process what had happened.

Anthony kissed me! In front of so many people! In front of Daniel to be precise!

I stole a glance of Daniel and found him glaring at Anthony furiously. I could even see a vein popping out of his forehead.

Oh, no...he's really pissed off.

I averted my gaze away from Daniel and looked--scratch that--glared at Anthony, "Why did you do that?"

"Thank me later. It's obvious that you're oh-so-in-love with him. And it's honestly anoying my poor ass self with the stupid longing looks you both pass to each other. Like seriously, its the what 21st century guys, move on! Anyways, consider it as a favour. I'm not doing this because I've given up on my revenge or anything close to it. I'm only doing this because, as I said, it's fucking annoying! As for my revenge, I'll find another way. You're of the hook just because you have nothing to do with it but Daniel isn't let off, remember that. Now, stop looking at me as if I'm an alien and go jump in bed with Daniel or whatever you want." Anthony ended his mini-speech while I am left staring at him like a hawk with my jaw open so wide that it might catch flies.

Did he just...did he just give me chance to be back with Daniel? Oh, God, I can't believe this!

"What about Kiana? What if she'll reveal-" I shut my mouth as I saw Anthony gently shaking his head gesturing me to not utter the words since the room is filled with super-hearing werewolves.

"Don't worry, I'll handle Kiana. Leave it to me. Now, get the heck away from me. You're standing too close to me," He muttered irritably.

I gave him a weird look. Who was the one to glue me to his body? Who was the one who kissed me? And he dared to say that I was sticking to him!

Nevertheless, I stepped back without a word. Putting up a sincere smile, "Thank you." I said genuinely.

His own smile grew on his lips, "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Now, go. Shoo away."

I laughed slowly at his irritated state and stepped back--completely--as his hands unwrapped from around my waist. I gazed at Anthony one last time only to find him staring at me with a different emotion in his eyes which I couldn't quite pinpoint. Was it hurt? Loss? Sadness? I didn't know, but something seemed off about him, as if he wasn't entirely okay with this whole ordeal but was only doing it for God knows who's sake...

"I'll just go use the restroom," I murmured since things suddenly seemed awkward between the both of us and I wanted nothing than an excuse to scurry away.

I never imagined to have a light hearted talk with Anthony to begin with but I guess life is full of surprises...

With that, I walked away from the dance floor, trying my best and also succeeding in not glancing Daniel's way ad I headed towards the restroom.

On my way to the restroom, I was suddenly pulled by a warm hand towards a dark isolated corridor.

Before I could process what was happening, I feel my back being pressed against a wall as warm and soft pair of lips capture mine in a passionate yet possessive kiss. The tingles and the wobly feeling in my knees tells me who exactly it is.

Without a thought, I wrap my hands around his neck, and stand on my tip-toes to kiss him back with equal fervour. Gosh, I missed this so much. I missed him so much. It's now, when he's kissing me like I'm his last drop of water do I realise how I can't live without this man in front of me. This man who also happens to be my husband.

"I missed you, Daniel,"

I rasp out unknowingly when he backs away from the kiss but then I realise he was with Kiana a few moments ago and if I interrupted their relationship now, I would certainly become a third party which I don't want to be.... the thought of letting him be with Kiana hurt me immensely though I tried to conceal it. All my doubts flew out the window as he uttered the next words, knocking the air out of my lungs--quite literally,

"I love you, Ari."

Daniel's blue eyes peered into mine as he said those words before he leaned in to kiss me again.

__________

Next chapter update: Sunday? Or earlier if possible:)

Okay....don't kill me! I know, I was supposed to write steamy thingy but the chapter is already like 3,500 words long. Which is like too long, even for me while reading. So, I ended it here.

Don't worry, I'll try to put all the steamy thingy together in the next chapter then, I guess?🤔

Besides, there's gonna be a little bit of sad moments coming...

HINT: Includes Carla, Anthony and Giovanni...might be unexpected change of events though....

College started and I'm so freaking annoyed already :(

Ah, I got my exam's result today and surprisingly I got kinda good marks...lol. Imagine me expecting to fail but ending up getting goody marks...the feels..hehe😂

Anyways, that's all for now. Hope you enjoyed the chapter:)

Let me know what you think of Anthony.

Goodbye:)

Have a nice day ^_^