After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Elle’s POV

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The transformation was complete-almost. My gaze drifted down to the final element of my outfit yet to be

decided: the shoes.

“I really don’t think I can walk in these all night,” I sighed, staring dubiously at the five-inch heels the stylist had placed before me. My toes ached just looking at them.

Vivian frowned slightly. “But they complement the dress perfectly.”

“I’m serious about the shoes. I’ll trip and embarrass everyone if I try to navigate a fancy party in these.”

She

hesitated, clearly torn between aesthetic perfection and practical concerns. Finally, she nodded and disappeared into the closet, returning with a different pair-delicate white crystal-embellished shoes with

a much more reasonable heel.

“These should work better,” she offered. “Still elegant but comfortable enough to stand in for hours.”

I slipped them on, relieved when they fit perfectly. “Thank you,” I said sincerely. “This is my first time attending something this… high-end.” My stomach clenched with anxiety at the thought of all those werewolves-all those judgmental eyes on the human who’d somehow captured their Alpha’s attention.

“You’ll do fine,” she assured me, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. I couldn’t blame her- everyone knew I didn’t belong in Brad’s world.

After the stylist left, I took one last look in the mirror. The emerald green gown with its intricate beading caught the light as I moved, the fabric flowing elegantly from the fitted bodice. I barely recognized myself with the elegant updo and subtle makeup.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the dressing room.

Brad was waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall. When he saw me, his amber eyes widened almost imperceptibly, something flickering across his face too quickly for me to interpret.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” I said politely, clasping my hands together to hide their trembling.

He didn’t respond immediately, his gaze traveling from my face down to my shoes and back up again. “You

look…” he began, then seemed to think better of whatever he’d been about to say. “We should go. The car is

waiting.”

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I carefully placed my hand on Brad’s offered arm as we walked through the mansion’s corridors. I couldn’t

help stealing glances at him.

“What?” he asked suddenly, catching me staring.

“Nothing,” I said quickly, embarrassed. “I was just thinking that you look… comfortable in all this.” I gestured vaguely at our formal attire. “It comes naturally to you.”

He made a noncommittal sound, and we continued walking in silence. Lost in thought, I missed a step and

stumbled slightly. Instantly, Brad’s hand shot out, wrapping around my waist to steady me. The heat of his

touch burned through the thin fabric of my dress, and jerked away instinctively.

His expression darkened. “Watch your step,” he said, voice suddenly cold.

By the time we reached the front entrance, Alex was pulling up with a sleek black car. Brad didn’t speak as he opened the door for me, his jaw tight with what looked like irritation. I slipped into the passenger seat,

careful not to wrinkle my dress.

The silence stretched between us as Brad drove, neither of us making any attempt at conversation.

When we finally arrived at the venue, several well-dressed attendants rushed forward. They greeted Brad

with deference, their eyes lingering curiously on me.

“Alpha Rayne, welcome,” one said, bowing his head slightly.

Brad nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to me, offering his arm once again. I took it immediately,

clinging a bit tighter than necessary.

As we approached the entrance, I gasped involuntarily. The mansion was stunning-crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over marble floors and intricately carved wooden panels, Fresh flowers adorned every surface, their scent mingling pleasantly with the aromas of expensive perfume and gourmet food.

“Don’t worry,” Brad murmured, noticing my wide-eyed expression. “No one will pay you much attention.”

Before I could respond, a tall man with steel-gray hair approached us. “Brad! Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.” His gaze shifted to me, nostrils flaring slightly as he caught my scent. “And who might this be?”

I felt dozens of eyes turn in our direction, conversations halting mid-sentence. My cheeks burned under the scrutiny, but I forced myself to stand straight, remembering Martha’s lessons about posture.

“This is Elle,” Brad said, his voice carrying clearly across the now-quiet entrance hall. “My mate.”

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Whispers immediately erupted around us. I kept my expression neutral, though my heart hammered against my ribs. Brad’s hand moved to the small of my back, a gesture that felt both possessive and oddly reassuring.

“A pleasure to meet you,” I said to the gray-haired man inclining my head exactly as Martha had taught me -not too deep for an Alpha’s mate, but respectful enough to acknowledge him.

He seemed surprised by my proper greeting but recovered quickly. “The pleasure is mine,” he replied. “Welcome to our community.”

Brad guided me through the crowd, nodding to various people as we passed. I could feel their curious stares, hear their whispered comments-some wondering about my human status, others speculating about our relationship.

After making our way through several introductions that left my head spinning, Brad led me to a quieter corner of the vast hall.

“Stay here,” he said, his voice low. “The buffet is just there-eat whatever you like, but avoid the alcohol. I need to speak with the host.”

“Are you leaving me alone?” I asked, unable to keep the panic from my voice.

His expression softened fractionally. “You’ll be fine. I’ll find you when I’m done.”

With that, he was gone, disappearing into the crowd and leaving me standing awkwardly by myself. I took a

deep breath, telling myself this was actually a relief. At least now I could relax without worrying about

embarrassing him with every move I made.

I made my way to the buffet, carefully selecting foods I recognized. I settled for some roasted vegetables

and bread, grateful to find options that wouldn’t make me nauseous.

As I ate, I found myself enjoying the moment of solitude. No one was forcing me to try strange foods or judging my table manners. After finishing what felt like too much food (pregnancy was definitely increasing my appetite), I decided some fresh air might help.

Following signs to an outdoor garden, I stepped into the cool evening air with relief. The garden was stunning-paths winding between meticulously maintained flower beds, small lanterns casting a soft glow over everything. I wandered along the paths, admiring the variety of blossoms and inhaling their sweet

scent.

A cluster of jasmine caught my attention, their white flowers luminous in the moonlight. I reached up,

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trying to touch one of the blooms, but they were just beyond my grasp.

“That particular variety is quite rare,” a male voice said from behind me. “Imported from Asia, if I’m not

mistaken.”

I turned, startled, and found myself face to face with a tall man with striking blue eyes. He was staring at me with an expression of complete shock.

“Is it?” I asked uncomfortably, taking a step back.

His eyes-impossibly blue-widened further. “It’s you?” he whispered.

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10:50 Tue, Dec 30 DAD

After One Night with the Alpha