Mason's POV
I found myself remembering her limp body that was carried away on a stretcher, a mix of emotions rushing through my body. I couldn't still get over the realization that she was pregnant. Was that why she came to the pack? Was she running away? These were questions I asked myself.
I straightened my tie, and a tired-looking face with worry lines etched into my forehead greeted me. I bit my lips and rolled my eyes. Finn had been right all along; she had been hiding something. I knew I should probably be relieved that it was just a pregnancy instead of something more tragic, but...
Glancing at my wristwatch, I glanced at my reflection again. Were the corners of my tuxedo uneven? I wondered as I tugged at them. Shaking my head at such absurdity, I left the dressing room. Following the sound of soft classical instruments, I soon found myself in the ballroom. The quiet chatters were now audible and no longer drowned in the music.
Adjusting the sleeves of my tux, I slowly scanned the room, hoping to see Violet. I'd been thinking of her for some time, and the only thing that had stopped me from going to check up on her was my pride and an anger I couldn't understand.
The reasonable side of me told me she had every right to keep her pregnancy a secret. After all, she didn't actually owe me an explanation. Yet the other part of me was furious. All in all, I still wanted to see her.
The distractions were too many for me to focus on finding her. There seemed to be always someone to greet. It wasn't up to three minutes since I'd arrived when Hans came beside me, telling me Rhoda was searching for me.
"Bring her here," was my curt reply as I took a sip of whiskey. In a few seconds, she was close to me. I could tell by her fragrance, which was strong and vulgar like its wearer.
I could feel her hot breath on my neck as she wrapped her hands around my shoulders.
"I've been looking all over for you," Rhoda said in a low whisper as she kissed my neck, her tongue tracing along my skin.
"You seem to not want me any longer," she sounded amused now, unwrapping her fingers from my shoulders. I rolled my eyes and tilted her chin up forcefully, something she somehow found entertaining.
"Don't be silly. Are you drunk?" I asked, even though I knew she wasn't.
"Of course I'm not. Come here," Rhoda slurred, her bright red lips puckered as they brushed my lips.
"Not tonight, Rhoda," I said coolly, backing away from her while eyes continued to hover.
"Why? Scared your little girlfriend will see you?" Rhoda sneered, her eyes looking glassy as she squared up her chin.
"Don't you have things to do other than be a pain in the ass?" I asked sweetly, knowing it would irritate her further. Her lips were slightly tilted downwards, and she hissed.
"I've been following your eyes," Rhoda retorted accusingly. "It's that girl you're looking for."
"And you would know because?" I was surprised, not entirely, but being in a light mood, I was determined not to let Rhoda annoy me.
I smiled smugly at her, waiting for her reply while I watched her struggle to keep her composure. "Because I know. This isn't fair," Rhoda said crisply, her eyes glaring at me like daggers.
"You have quite an imagination," I said dryly. She could keep guessing for all I cared. The less she knew, the better.
"I don't think I'm imagining," she sulked, her lips now formed into a pout—a pout I once found enticing. But now, I looked away and I was grateful.
"Either way, it's none of your business." It was as if Violet was a magnet. As soon as I looked away, my eyes fell on her. She was dressed in an emerald green gown, long and flowing, as it clung to her hips like a second skin.
Her olive skin looked more tanned, so tanned that I could only imagine how it would feel when my fingers caressed it.
"Here we go," was Finn's remark. "You're more sappy than those characters in Harley Quinn." I let out a low laugh at his remark, bringing the glass of whiskey to my lips.
"Gaping like a pheasant," was his second comeback. I guess he was disappointed with my reaction.
"I don't mind gaping, even if that's the only thing I do," was my calm reply.
"Whatever," Finn sighed, and I knew he wouldn't bother me for the rest of the night.
Her eyes held more sparkle as little diamond earrings dangled from her ears, glinting under the bright lights. Her hair was packed into a messy bun, and by her side stood Nicole and Charlotte. She was so beautiful I couldn't stop staring. I could feel Rhoda's eyes boring into the back of my head, her anger slowly seething, and for once, I chose to ignore her.
Whoever Violet was, she was getting the best of me. The very best of me since the only reason I'd come to the ball was because I looked forward to seeing her. Usually, the ball was one of those boring official duties I had to fulfill, but today... My thoughts had been on her throughout the day, and even if they had been a mix of different emotions, I still found myself very attracted to her.
If anyone had told me she'd passed out a few hours ago, I wouldn't believe it. Gone was the pale look she'd had earlier. Instead, her cheeks were flushed red, her hair styled perfectly. I dropped my vodka on the table beside me and headed towards where she was. Ignoring the waves and greetings, I was able to reach her on time.
She was now alone, Nicole only a few feet away when I tapped her back.
"Hey, stranger," I smiled brightly at her. Her face went from a flash of surprise to happiness.
"You look beautiful. Would you mind if you danced with your alpha?" I asked, hoping heavily that she'd say yes.