Rejected and Regretted (Ashen Wolves #1)

32

It was already dark by the time we returned to the village. Streetlamps cast a warm, golden glow, illuminating the wide cobblestone streets. The closer we got to the hotel, the more people we came across. Leaders from all across the country gathered around the bars and restaurants. Every now and then, their eyes spotted me, but my presence didn’t seem to bother them in the least.

At first, I assumed they just didn’t know I was an omega. No one knew me, after all. However, they could certainly recognize Koen, who definitely had to let the Elders know he was bringing me along. My name and rank must be on the event guestlist, which every leader undoubtedly read.

The realization also made me wonder how hard it must have been for Koen to include me at the last minute, since the participants were supposed to confirm their presence a few days in advance. Unless…he had already added me to the list prior to inviting me. I halted, debating whether I should question him about it, but I was more struck by how none of the other high-ranking wolves sneered at me.

Some of them looked slightly confused about why an alpha would bring an omega as his plus one, but they didn’t seem disgusted at all. Then it struck me: of course, none of them cared about my rank. Most other packs recognized the worth of omegas and the importance of the role they played. I had almost forgotten that, having lived at Whispering Hills most of my life. Surely, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Beta Gregor was the only person here who wasn’t fond of me.

Once back at our hotel floor, Koen and I went to our separate rooms. While he had a meeting to get ready for, I had absolutely nothing to do. I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, trying hard not to think about the feelings I shouldn’t have for my former mate while I contemplated the options I had to pass my time.

Maybe I could go for a walk around the village. I didn’t have the chance to take a proper look around earlier. There were a few stores I could check out, perhaps even get a souvenir for Theo and Elijah. I had almost settled on the idea when I heard a knock on my door.

Not expecting anyone, I barely registered it the first time. The second knock made me blink a couple of times, but it was only on the third, more urgent knock that I finally rolled out of bed. After staring at the door for a few more seconds, I at last opened it to reveal an all-dressed-up Koen waiting outside.

I had never seen him wearing a suit and tie before, and it sure caught Kea’s attention, judging by the way her ears perked up inside my head. Well, I couldn’t deny that the neutral palette of his black and white outfit did suit him. Combined with his carefully-combed hair, he looked…regal, even.

“I wanted to talk to you before I leave for the meeting,” he clarified, identifying my confusion. “I’m afraid only ranked members can take part in it.”

“I assumed as much,” I granted, arching an eyebrow. “It’s fine, really. I’ll find something to keep myself occupied.”

“There’s a party afterwards,” he spilled as soon as I finished my sentence, almost as if he hadn’t even heard it. There were signs of tension in his posture, making me hesitant.

“For the alphas, lunas and betas,” I guessed. “Understood. I’ll just stay in-”

“I’d like you to accompany me,” he blurted out, leaving me speechless.

“Oh,” the vowel slipped through my lips as I took a moment to process the second unexpected invitation he had made today.

Shit, what should I say? Judging by his tension and the purpose of the event, his request didn’t sound innocent at all. I thought I had been able to get myself through to him the last time he made a move on me. Back then, I had the strength to tell him no, but what if tonight I couldn’t? Then don’t , I could hear Kea plea, and I promptly ignored her.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to wear,” I told Koen in the end.

“I didn’t expect you to, especially with such short notice,” he replied, the corners of his lips tugging at his eyes, letting me know he had something planned.

Only as he shifted did I notice the slim cardboard box he was carrying underneath his arm. He offered it to me, and when I was too shocked to grab it, he opened it himself, showing me its contents. When my eyes landed on what seemed to be a folded black dress.

A short breath pushed its way through my lips as I stared at Koen’s gift, completely dumbstruck. Out of sheer fluster, my trembling hands reached out for the piece, simultaneously excited and nervous to study it closer. As I lifted it out of the box by the shoulders, it gracefully unfolded in the air, allowing me to examine it fully.

The dress was a sophisticated black midi with a V-neck and long sleeves. It was crafted from velvet that subtly glimmered under light due to tiny silvery glitter particles, adding a touch of glamor without being ostentatious. Its ruched waist was designed to accentuate the body's curves, while a discreet slit at the center of the skirt added a hint of sensuality without crossing into vulgarity.

It was exactly the type of outfit I would have picked for the occasion.

“I got one with long sleeves,” Koen pointed out at my long silence. When I finally managed to break my attention from the dress, I glanced at him to find a sheepish smile printed on his face. “Thought you’d appreciate it.”

My heart drummed at his words. It was obvious that he had put a lot of effort into finding a dress I would be comfortable wearing.

“So?” Koen pressed, eager to know my answer to his invitation.

“It seems like you left me no choice.” I managed a smile, struggling to hide how touched I actually was.

While Kea helplessly wagged her tail like a happy pup, eyes glistening as they locked on the beautiful dress our former mate had carefully chosen for me, I fought to remind myself that there wasn’t necessarily anything romantic about his gesture. After all, he had told me earlier that he needed me to be seen with him, and he surely didn’t expect an omega to have an outfit that matched the event’s dress code.

“Honestly, that was my plan,” he replied, not even bothering to mask his satisfaction. Straightening himself, he informed, “I’ll come by once the meeting’s over to pick you up. Be ready.”

With those final words, he turned on his heel and leisurely strolled down the hallway, leaving a flabbergasted me behind.

I wasn’t sure how long the meeting would be, but I wasn’t too keen on waiting for it to be done anyway. The longer I stared at the dress, the more apprehensive I got. When I couldn’t take it any longer, I decided to try it on in hopes it would minimize my anxiety.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise that the piece fit me flawlessly, yet I was still mesmerized as I studied my reflection in the mirror. I lost track of time of how long I stood there, occasionally spinning and posing, looking at the dress from every angle. Subconsciously, I wanted to find something I didn’t like about it, but no matter how hard I tried, I found none.

When I realized how late it already was, I quickly scoured through my bag for the plain black, low-heeled sandals I had brought in case I had to attend a formal event - though I expected something more like a dinner rather than a ball. High heels would have been a better pick for the occasion, but I hadn’t brought any with me to Whispering Hills, and I didn’t like wearing them anyway.

As soon as I finished putting my shoes on, there was a knock on my door. I stilled, realizing it had to be Koen. Taking a moment to clear my mind and remind myself not to fall for the man who had broken my heart once again, I rose to my feet and marched to the door. The second I opened it, the alpha openly gawked at me, while I pretended not to notice it.

“I’m glad I got your size right,” he murmured, and I wondered if he was proud of his accomplishment.

“It seems like you have a lot of experience with this,” I replied, a hint of bitterness in my voice as a thought crossed my mind. Before I could scold myself for even caring about it, the accusation left my mouth. “Do you make a habit out of shopping for women?”

He chuckled, not the least offended by my question. “It was actually my first time.” The honesty in his reply knocked me off my feet. “Beginner’s luck, I guess.” He shrugged, stretching his arm out for me. “Shall we?”

Reluctantly, I loosely intertwined my arm with his, scared of the effect it might have on me if I clutched him too tight. Together, we walked to the elevator that took us to the rooftop, where the party was being held.

When we arrived at our destination, I was immediately taken aback. The rooftop was a stunning display of opulence, with string lights and lanterns illuminating the elegantly dressed guests. Leaders from across the country mingled, their conversations a soft hum in the background. The air was thick with power and prestige, a reminder of the significance of this gathering.

Overwhelmed by the atmosphere, I nervously adjusted the hem of my dress. Sharp as always, Koen soon noticed my reaction, placing a reassuring hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward. Beside me, he looked every bit the alpha in his tailored black suit, exuding an air of authority and strength, transpiring confidence.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

I nodded, though my insides churned with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "As ready as I'll ever be."

We stepped onto the open-air dance floor, drawing the attention of the attendees. Whispers followed us, and I felt slightly relieved. This was what Koen wanted - for the guests to witness our proximity, making him look more approachable and reliable.

Without warning, Koen pulled me into his arms, and the music swelled around us. I tried my best to follow his lead despite the way my heart raced, making it hard to breathe. There were almost one hundred people around us, yet for a moment, it seemed as though it was only us. I felt pathetic as my earlier resolve to resist him wavered with each step we took.

Get a grip, Avril! I yelled at myself. Taking deep breaths, I battled to ignore his scent, his touch, and the fire of the moment trying to bend my mind into thinking this was right. It wasn’t. Koen and I were never meant to be.

Yet, as my eyes met his, it became so hard to trust my own decisions.

With utter sincerity in his bright emeralds, he breathed out, “I could get used to this.” My chest heaved up and down as my pulse pounded wildly. As he leaned forward, I felt like a deer in the headlights yet again. With his mouth impossibly close to mine, his hot breath against my lips made me melt. Almost desperate, he whispered, “Tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way, Avril.”

There was nothing but honesty in his gaze, and it clouded my judgment. Trying to stay true to the promise I had made to myself, I waged an inner battle against the other half of my soul. It would be so easy to lose myself in him again, to forget the pain of the past. But I shouldn’t.

Stabilizing my breath, I began, “Koen, I…”

But before I could finish my sentence, our bubble was soon burst by a roar.

As we both looked in the direction of the sound, we saw Gregor standing by the edge of the dancefloor, his furious glare locked on us, canines poking out of his lips.

“I’ve had enough of this,” the beta declared.

Koen’s mood shifted abruptly. Assuming a defiantly protective stance, he placed himself in front of me. “Not now, Gregor,” he warned, but the man paid no mind to it.

“You’re right, I should’ve done this ages ago,” Gregor spat. “I won’t stand by and let you ruin everything our parents worked hard to build by claiming someone like her!”

Before I had time to realize what was happening, the beta’s beast broke free, lunging at us.