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Aria
I've always felt uneasy at parties, like a fish out of water in a sea of glittering fishbowls. The moment we arrive at the hall, I focus on maintaining a composed facade. The Wild Heart building has been brought alive with strings of light, its brick façade basking as more golden light spills from the open doors.
Once inside, I realize everyone from Wild Heart has transformed, donning gala dresses and luxurious suits. It soothes my initial anxiety about possibly being overdressed when I left home. In fact, the atmosphere is inviting, with dozens of people chatting and slowly moving through the foyer now adorned with more flowers than I've ever seen in one place.
Chase glances at me as he wraps my hand around his arm. "Well, what do you think?"
I meet his gaze, and suddenly, my cheeks burn with warmth. He must've been watching me, caught in a moment of sheer awe, when this is little more than our pack meeting place. "It's beautiful," I answer sincerely.
Chase chuckles as his eyes twinkle. "I've noticed."
I want to retort playfully, but our attention is drawn to the line beginning to clear up. We filter through, finding ourselves in the hall, now transformed into a ballroom. People nod differentially at Chase, murmuring welcomes to their Alpha. Each time, Chase nods back, as comfortable with the title as he is with having me by his side. With each step, I grow a little taller. If he’s proud to have me on his arm, then I’m certainly proud to be here.
We reach the drinks table and Chase gets us each a glass of punch. I take a sip, finding my throat parched. First, there was the dazzling kiss after I descended the stairs. Then the warm drive here. Then Chase in a tuxedo. It’s devastating to my senses. Chase in a tuxedo being sweet and attentive takes my breath away.
Then there’s the worry about being on show, even if it wasn’t the issue my mind built it up to be.
Chase lowers his glass, glancing at it. “Someone’s spiked the punch,” he says dryly.
I blink, taking another sip. Now that he’s pointed it out, I register the subtle bitterness. "You're right," I remark, "is there cider in this?"
"Bourbon. The lemon masks the burn, making it feel a bit like ginger. But it's there."
"What's the burn usually like?" I ask, curious.
Chase falls silent for a moment, a small enigmatic smile gracing his lips. "I can't decide whether I should be delighted or disappointed that you're not well-acquainted with liquor," he teases. He steps in closer. "What about dancing? How familiar are you with that, Aria?"
His gaze drifts towards the dance floor, and I instinctively start shaking my head. “There's not enough alcohol in the world to get me out on that dance floor.”
Chase takes my hand, his touch soft and reassuring, and he places a gentle kiss on it. "If it makes you feel better, feel free to step on my toes."
There's a teasing tone in his voice, but I sense he's only half-joking. There's no pressure, no coercion, and there's something in his eyes that assures me he won't keep me here if I'm truly uncomfortable. I become aware of the soft strains of a romantic melody filling the air as Chase arches a brow, and I know I won’t be saying no. I can't resist the charm in his eyes, the unspoken promise of making more memories. Of being in his arms.
I drink the lemonade with renewed fervor. I can feel the bourbon, deciding to use it as a dose of courage. Still, it’s with a shy smile and a fluttering heart that I let Chase lead me onto the dance floor. The world fades into the background, leaving only the two of us in the spotlight of the ballroom. The gentle sway of the music sets the rhythm for our dance, and his confident hold sends shivers of anticipation down my spine.
Chase's hand rests firmly on my waist, and I can feel the warmth of his touch through the delicate fabric of my gown. His other hand cradles mine, our fingers interlacing, creating an intimate connection that’s electrifying.
As we move together, I catch the subtle scent of his cologne, a tantalizing blend of sophistication and masculinity. Our gazes lock, and there's a mischievous twinkle in his eyes that ignites a playful spark within me.
The dance is a sultry exchange of movements, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. Chase's steps are confident and precise, and I follow his lead, surrendering to the intoxicating rhythm of the music and this man. The world disappears, leaving only the soul-searing connection between us.
Right until I step on his foot.
He chuckles, drawing me closer. Higher. Not only am I now on my tippy toes, but all of me is pressed against all of him. The chemistry is palpable, and with each intimate step and turn, the tension between us simmers and grows. The temptation to lean in and taste his lips is nearly overwhelming, but I don’t, conscious of the pack no doubt watching us. Instead, our unspoken desire hangs in the air like a sweet promise. This is a prelude to what awaits me later in the night, and the anticipation makes my heart race even faster.
The soft, lilting notes envelop us, wrapping us in their tender embrace. I rest my head against Chase's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. It's a moment of quiet intimacy amidst the grandeur of the gala, where words are unnecessary and the language of our hearts speaks volumes.
As the song nears its end, Chase twirls me gently, and I find myself in his arms once more. His gaze is filled with a compelling mix of tenderness and heat as he leans in closer, his lips brushing against mine in a gentle, lingering kiss.
It's a kiss that tells a story of love and longing, a promise of shared adventures and endless nights.
I know in that moment that I love him. With every beat of my heart. Every breath of my lung.
Every moment of every tomorrow.
The faint sound of someone clearing their throat filters into our consciousness. Andre walks past, close enough to brush Chase’s shoulder as he gives him a pointed glance. He continues on to the staircase on the other side.
I step back, not wanting for Chase to have to choose between me and Wild Heart. “He was being subtle, but I think he wants to talk,” I say, keeping my voice light and teasing.
