Chapter 36
Blaine De Lombardi's POV
I had perused a few of the missives that Ronaldo penned for his friend Dorothy. He referred to her as "Beauty" quite a bit. I followed Lucia down the stairs, and as I did, I discovered the significance of her moniker.
Her heart was what truly made her beautiful, not just her appearance. She was kind to everyone in her vicinity, including strangers. I couldn't say it about myself, but isn't that the whole point of dating? Despite our many differences, there is still a sense of balance between us. I recall my talk with Mr. Dickson and told myself that I should discuss my idea with Lucia later tonight.
Her gown had a shimmering bodice and was a deep grey color. With a deep cut through the middle that almost exposed her breasts, it hugged her figure tightly. The dress' other half flowed outward like a classic ball gown. Her curly brown hair was cascading down her back.
She appeared to be a star on a pitch-black night.
She comes to a stop beside me, her arm through mine.
"Excellent," I murmured in her ear. She gives me a smile in return.
After a brief wait, the announcer formally introduces us to the other players on the Glow. Before he speaks into the microphone, a trumpet blasts.
"I present to you Lucia and Blaine De Lombardi, Alphas of the Blood Moon Pack!"
We both inhaled deeply before turning the corner and passing through the wide doorway. As we made our way down the aisle to our table, there was a round of applause. Although it was customary to introduce the Alphas before we entered the Glow, it appears that people were overexcited to see us.
Why wouldn't they? Everyone assumed that the other Lorenzo sister would be with you.
The announcer said, "Introducing Hellen Jaden-Dante, Alpha of the Moonlight Pack."
When I think about what happened three years ago, I cringe. Nick Dante, her partner, lost his life in a battle between the Reapers and the Moonlight Pack. The Reapers were a group of werewolves who had formed a pack many years ago and were very well-trained. They lacked morals and guidelines. Nick's mate, Hellen Jaden, later wiped them out in retaliation.
A good alpha, Nick Dante, would be missed by many.
I gave each of them a heartless, indifferent clap. I'm staring at the woman on the other side of me, who seems to be seeing everything as if it were a dream. Occasionally, I notice her eyes narrowing as a result of a sudden bright flash from one of the reporters' cameras.
We had our own social media accounts and news channels, just like people do. One of the most watched events in history took place this evening. Worldwide, werewolves tuned in to witness their alphas respond to inquiries and take part in the numerous rites and dances.
"Thank you for attending this year's Lunar Glow!" Says Kyle Dickson into a microphone.
"Every year, hosting this event has been an honor. "Our objective is to unite all of the werewolf community's leaders," he says.
"Reminding everyone that this is a conflict-free area is important. "I understand that many packs have rivalries, but tonight's focus should be on embracing unity and putting our differences aside," he says.
"So let's begin this night with a dance!"
Immediately, a slow song starts to play through the ballroom's numerous speakers. Observing Lucia, I notice her nervousness and smile. I extend my hand to her and help her up.
"Little Wolf, what's wrong? Are you afraid to dance a little?"
"No, I'm just worried we are going to look awkward since we aren't close."
I bent down to listen to her.
"It was at a party three years ago, when Mirabel cheated on me and I danced with Lucia, and I remember our hips knowing exactly what to do last time we danced," I told her.
All she does is roll her eyes at me, then grab my hand and usher me over to the dance floor. Before she turns around and puts her arms around my neck, we reach the middle. I grab her waist with mine and draw her in.
"Middle of the dance floor, huh?"
She gives a small smile before responding.
"You want to show them we are a happily mated couple, right?"
I gave a nod. The speakers are so intense that I don't think anyone will be able to eavesdrop using their hearing.
I encircle her with my arms, holding her closer than before as her head rests on my chest. To the rhythm of the song, we sway. My nose is filled with her warm scent, and I try not to sigh with pleasure. Everything seems normal for a moment. Without all of the other nonsense that always seems to stick with us, we are just two friends enjoying each other's company.
As I let my fingers trace her exposed back through this dress, I hear her heart rate rise. Then, in an instant, our moment is ruined by someone.
"May I cut in?"
I was on the verge of speaking, but Lucia spoke before me.
"Of course!"
Her eyes are a little too fixated on his face, and her voice is a little too happy.
I smile tightly and make my way over to the bar. I would prefer not to provoke Lucia into a fight tonight. I got a drink from the bartender that looked like a foggy morning. They spared no expense for this occasion.
"It's nitrogen in liquid form," the bartender states. I gave him a curt nod, then looked back at the guy who'd forced my friend into a dance. Dancing with others is a common occurrence at these events, but it still bothers me.
I can barely make out what the man and Lucia are saying over the loudspeakers. It does not look flirty, but now and then I catch him looking at her breasts for a moment too long. She seems to miss it as she speaks about whatever it is they are talking about.
After a couple of minutes, he finally kisses her hand and walks away.
Finally, the torture is over.
Lucia smiles wide and walks over to where I am standing.
"Can you believe it? Austin Dickson wanted to talk to me about my medical journals," she told me. Her eyes are bright with excitement, and her hands are squeezing mine. I'm not even sure she realizes it.
"Medical journals?" I inquire. Greg never reported anything about medical journals to me.
"Yeah, I've been working on some while I was in Italy. The doctor there was willing to guide me," she says.
I try to find a way to tell her that there is no way she can juggle being Luna and a doctor for the pack.
"I know, I cannot be Luna and a doctor," she says with a sad face.
If our stupid wolves had not taken over back in Italy, she would not have been my Luna, and she could have pursued her dream of being a doctor.
"I'm sorry that I ruined it for you," I told her. She smiles at me, like the one that reaches her eyes and makes her dark eyes twinkle.
I think my heart does a flip.
"You've never genuinely apologized to me before," she said.
Could I be more of a douche?
"Look, they are about to start the moon ceremony!"
I turn to look at what she is pointing to. Women coming down the stairs with what looks like veils. Each of the Lunas receives one.
"What the...” I murmur.
Lucia winks at me before placing the veil over her head and running out the door with the rest of the Lunas. Some of the alphas around me look just as confused as I am, while the older ones act like this is just another Saturday night.
I watch as the moonlight touches her dress, creating sparkles in its wake.
"Oh, my goodness."