Shit, I’m running late. I’ve been in the shower for over an hour. It’s already six o’clock.
I place the underwear on and wrap the towel around me again before heading to the mirror to dry my hair. After my hair is dry, I start applying my makeup but I’m unsure what to do. I look for my phone and send a text.
ANGEL at 06:13pm: What make up should I wear?
DAISY at 06:14pm: Dark and heavy, maybe straighten your hair if you can, with a middle parting? Send me a pic.
ANGEL AT 06:14pm: Thanks Daisy. You’re a star!
I get started on my makeup, applying foundation and then the dark smokey eye using greys, blacks and silvers. I use a thick eyeliner and thick mascara, making my eyelashes long and full. I only use a little blush on my cheeks then dab a little lip gloss on my lips. I straighten my hair just as she suggested and since its long in its natural wave, it’s extremely long when its pin straight. It falls shiny and sleekly all the way down my back reaching the top of my bottom.
As I climb into my dress, there’s a knock on the door. “Come in.”
Nixon comes strolling in looking rather dashing in his perfect all black suit. “Wow,” he mouths.
“You look good in that suit, Nix.” I smile at him.
“You look… uh... you look amazing, Angel.” He sounds out of breath. I lean on my tippy toes and kiss his cheek. “Thanks! Can you please help me zip up the back? I’d call my mom, but I think she’s busy.”
“No problem, I’ll be more than happy to help.” He winks as he moves around me.
I quickly stop him, grabbing hold of his arm and looking at him sternly. “No questions okay?”
Then I turn and wait for his gasp like most usually do when they see the scars that cover my back. The shocked gasp doesn’t come, but a deep growl sure does. He puts his hand on my shoulder and gives me a small squeeze; I cover his with my own.
“I’m okay, Nixon.”
I watch from the corner of my eye as he nods his head, the rest of his body clearly still rigid. After I’m zipped up I climb into my shoes and hand my phone to Nixon.
“Daisy wants a photo of the finished product.” I smile at him as I twirl around.
After he takes the photo, I send it and leave my phone on the bedside table.
“Ready?” Nixon says, offering me his elbow as we stand at the top of the staircase. I smile and entwine my arm with his as we make our way down to the guests.
****
I’m met by ooh’s and aah’s as we move through the crowd towards the back garden where the marquee is set up. I can smell my mate’s scents and know they’re here somewhere. I can feel their eyes on me and I know right now they’re trying hard to get into my head, but I’m closed off completely, not even allowing Nixon to speak to me through the link. When Nixon heads off to get us a drink, I’m left standing looking at the display of food that takes up the table; I’m too nervous to eat. I don’t have any idea what tonight is going to involve.
“Good girl.” I hear the husky voice of Axel whisper next to my ear. I turn to face him.
“Wouldn’t want anyone to hear my thoughts now, would I?” I smile at him and he seems a little shocked to see me fully dressed up with makeup and all that jazz.
“You clean up well, Axel.” I grin as I look him over. He has a navy blue suit on and his long fringe is neatly combed to the side. Most of his tattoos are covered up, but they still creep up under his collar to his ears; the ones on his fingers also displayed. He shakes his head and if I’m not mistaken I see his pale cheeks blush a little.
“Damn girl, you look good. Wouldn’t be surprised if Cass doesn’t work out a deal with your father and take you home tonight,” Axel says, making me freeze and stare at him wide eyed.
“What?”
“What did you think he meant when he said you’d make a good Luna and that he needed to have a conversation with your father? He wants you, babe. Believe me, when Cass wants something, he gets it.”
Axel turns to look out into the crowd, then lifts his nose and smells the air. A sweet smile forms over his face. I look at who has caught his eye and see Tyler’s girlfriend in all her flawlessness standing across from us staring at him with her mouth hanging open. Axel takes a step in her direction and then Kate turns and runs with Axel on her tail.
“I think Axel just met his mate, my lovely,” Faith murmurs.
****
“Don’t you look beautiful, my dear Angel.” Caspian’s deep voice and warm hands on my shoulders cause me to down the champagne I am currently drinking. I gently place it on the table beside me turning to face him. I can hear Faith’s words of approval in my head, but I don’t care how handsome he is, there’s something about this man that tells me he’s dangerous. I know enough about dangerous men to know when a distance needs to be kept.