Avielle stared into sharp green eyes looking back at her in recognition.
It was one of the serpent shifters that had escorted the Grand Luna into the hall just a while ago.
“I knew I recognized you.” The woman said.
“I’m sorry miss, you’ve got the wrong person.
My name is Ava.” Avielle denied.
She remembered where she’d met this woman before.
It was during a meeting with the Serpent Council where she had accompanied Kyrian at the United Shifters Association.
The serpent shifter narrowed her eyes, “I never forget an aura or a smell Luna, your face looks different now but I know it’s you.” Avielle could see Courtney watching curiously, scared that this might cause some suspicion about her identity she smiled shakily, “Courtney, please tell the decorators to take a break, I’ll call them back in a little bit.” Courtney nodded and went to gather the workers to leave the hall.
Avielle was left alone with the serpent shifter a while later.
“What do you want?” Avielle questioned with hostility.
Someone was watching her and that person knew her identity as Avielle Dustwood, it was that same person that sent her that video.
Not to mention the fact that she knew someone had been after her life back in Obsidian.
Her reports had shown that she was stealthily being poisoned with Wolfsbane in small amounts, she still didn’t know how that would affect her pregnancy so she couldn’t be too careful.
“I see you’re hiding your identity.
Don’t worry, I have no plans to expose you.
I’ve recently been hired by Luna Gloria, I couldn’t believe I’d see you here.” Avielle could see genuine sincerity in the girl’s eyes, the hostility around her vanished a bit.
“It’s very dangerous for me if anyone here finds out my identity.
Can I trust you to keep my secret?” The serpent shifter was about to give a reply when another voice, sharp and deep cut through.
“What secret, Ava?” When she looked up, her eyes clashed with Zaden’s.
He was standing there, hands in his pockets.
When had he gotten here?
Avielle felt her whole body freeze up.
Was this it?
Had she finally exposed herself?
Zaden’s eyes were fixed questioningly onto her, she couldn’t tell if there was anger or hate in them.
“Zaden…
what are you doing here?” She stuttered.
“I was…” He suddenly stopped, his gaze looking around the hall.
“What happened here?” Avielle was grateful for the momentary distraction.
“The ball is tomorrow night.
I thought everything was supposed to be done.” Avielle shared a discreet glance with the serpent shifter who nodded and quietly slipped away while Zaden was distracted.
“I’m sorry Zaden, the decorations had been completely done but then…” “But??” “Don’t worry about it, the workers are very fast.
We can set everything up again in no time.
You weren’t supposed to see all this mess.” She decided not to stir unnecessary drama by telling him his mother had done this.
She began to move around, bending slowly to pick things up but Zaden followed, stopping her.
“I knew you wouldn’t tell me that this was Mom’s doing.” “You know?” He nodded, his eyes hooded with disappointment, “An omega told me so I came here as quickly as I could.” “Courtney.” Avielle sighed.
The girl was just too sweet and innocent and she had stuck by Avielle’s side ever since they met recently.
“I’m sorry about my Mom’s attitude, she’ll come around.
When she gets to know you she’ll see what I see.” “It’s okay, I don’t need her to like me.
I just need her to be nice enough she allows me to do my work.” Avielle said professionally.
“But I want her to like you.
What man wouldn’t want his mother to like the woman who has rocked his world like you have mine.” “Zaden…” He put a finger to her lips.
“A broken heart doesn’t mend itself Ava.
Your broken heart tells you that you’re not ready, but when someone comes along, willing to mend every broken piece of your heart, you let them.” He moved back a bit, looking at her with a smile on his face.
“Turn around.” “What?” “Turn around, Ava.” His voice lowered into a sexy husk.
Avielle sighed and slowly turned her back to him, she felt his warmth come upon her and he pushed her hair to the side.
Something cold suddenly settled on her neck.
She looked down to find a glistening blue Sapphire necklace with tiny diamonds glittering all around it.
“Saw this at an auction and instantly thought about you.
Reminded me of your eyes, they’re the exact shade.” He whispered by her ear.
Avielle caressed the jewel, she couldn’t help the awe she felt looking at it.
She’d never seen anything as beautiful as this necklace, it was crafted so beautifully and it felt so perfect around her neck.
Regardless, she turned around to face him.
“I can’t take this Zaden.” She reached back and unclasped the necklace, then took his hand placing it in his palm but he didn’t let her hand go, he turned her palm and placed the necklace back in hers.
“I don’t take no for an answer remember?
If you don’t want it, toss it in the trash on your way out but I won’t take it back.” Avielle hadn’t met a man so persistent like he was.
“Oh, and save me a dance for tonight.
I’ll send some more people to fix up the hall again like you made it.
You did a wonderful job, but you don’t have to do it all over again.” He said retreating.
Avielle only stood there watching him go.
She was torn, how could she tell him that she wouldn’t be showing up at the ball tomorrow night?
Though it was a masquerade ball, Kyrian might still recognize her.
Nelly had told her that Kyrian was bringing Claire as his date, she didn’t know if she could see them both together without peeling open wounds she was trying to heal.
“Zaden.” She called to stop him and walked up to him.
“I won’t be coming to the ball tomorrow night.” It was best to be firm and open to him.
Disappointment climbed his eyes and she felt bad for hurting him.
“You won’t even if I beg you to?
I’ll be going to a ball where several packs will be present all alone with no one by my side, do you know what everyone will say about me?” His words were soft and it only made Avielle feel worse.
“It’s not that I don’t want to, Zaden, it’s that I can’t.” “Why can’t you?” She wanted to make up some excuse, but Avielle knew nothing she’d say would make sense to him right now.
“Tell me Ava, why can’t you come, is it because your ex-husband is going to be there?” Her head swung up sharply in shock.