The Mates of Monsters novel Chapter 15

After lunch, and after the Luna leaves, I help Helena prepare for tonight's dinner party, assuring her that I have the time. All twelve places at the dining table are dressed with decorative, fragile plates and heavy silverware, expensive-feeling napkins and tame, floral centerpieces. My fingertips trail on the backs of the chairs as my eyes wash over it all. A woman who I recognize from assisting with last night's dinner comes in with crystal wine glasses, gently placing one at each seat.

"Elegant, isn't it?" She asks.

"Yes," I murmur, "it looks lovely."

"Nothing you would like to change?"

I shake my head. "No. No, it's perfect. You all are better at these things than I could ever be."

As the sun begins it's decent, it starts to rain. I head to my room to get ready, listening to the pattering as I prepare for my stylist. Even though things have been unclear between David and me, I am still looking forward to seeing him. It's bizarre because I spend so much time conditioning myself to be cautious around him, and despite these self-given rules, I feel butterflies in my stomach when his presence is expected. I never know what will happen; what he will say. The unknowing puts me on edge and I've begun to crave it. My chest aches with anticipation, and no matter how many times I tell myself to cut it out, I can't.

It's like there are two people inside of me. There is Brigette who desires to protect herself—to be on her own. And there is the Brigette who falls to her knees for the bond.

Tonight is a little more complicated, however. David and I have to appear to be the happy couple I described us as to Aurora, more so than simply trading food like we did last night. I'll stand by him and every so often place my hand on his arm. It's something I've seen my parents do. I'll touch him like I'm making sure he is still there, still solid and real.

Once the stylist is done with me, and once I've managed to get into the fitted, sleek red dress that Jeremy praised, I make my way back downstairs. I brush my long, soft waves off of my shoulders and search around for David. Helena and her assistants stop me to compliment my look, so I ask, "Have you seen David? Has he come downstairs yet?"

"I don't think so, dear. I'm sure he'll be down any minute."

I wander the house like a ghost walking the hallways at night. The lady in red—forever looking for her lost lover. Music plays in the background and the scene is set along with a few candles lit around the rooms. The flames bring a warmth that was lacking before. I hold my hand over one tiny flame, feeling the heat rise up into my palm.

There is a second table dressed for dinner near the first. Furniture has been cleared, and for a moment I think about where it all went, and where this second table came from. Eight more chairs, as well. I consider who these chairs could be for. Two Alphas; two Lunas. Alpha Nicodra's party. David's Beta—I'm curious to meet him. Others of high-standing, mates, and maybe a child or two.

I turn at the sound of footsteps. My hands drop to my sides like a disobedient child, touching and questioning everything, seeing how long I can hold my hand over the candle flame before the pain becomes too much.

David peers into the room then enters. "There you are," he says while buttoning the minuscule buttons on his cuffs.

"I've been looking around," I murmur and step away from the candles. I try not to stare at him for too long; he looks as he did when I first met him—all dressed up and gorgeous. No matter what he wears, he looks like he belongs in one of those romance movies my mother watches in pairing with a glass of wine.