Chapter 16- Wicked Forest

“You will both be polite. The perfect gentlemen,” his father lectured.
“Yes sir,” Levi and Drake chorused.
“Tonight, my boy, you will be meeting your future bride. When you do I want you to be charming. We both know you can do that after all that is the reason we are in this mess. It will become the reason we get out of it too.”
“Yes sir,” Levi said biting his tongue. No one was going to let him live it down. One mistake and that was it. Everyone hated him and used it as a weapon against him.
“Drake you better… why is he coming along?”
He turned to his wife who put her perfectly manicured hand on his shoulder, giving him a sweet smile.
“Because he is part of the family, a Carmichael and should join in with family events,” she said in her soft voice.
“He isn’t even a real Carmichael, but a Danroe,”
“Now, Seth.”
“Fine, best behaviour any funny business Drake and it will be the end for you,”
“Yes sir,” Drake replied.
The four of them left the house and climbed into the back seat of the limousine that waited for them. Levi fidgeted the entire way. He didn’t want to meet the girl, dance with her or attend the engagement party.
With no choice he sat quietly as the car moved down the winding roads. He watched the trees whiz by and wished he was out in the forest or anywhere other than the backseat of that car. The closer they came to the Hudson’s household, the more he felt like his fate was sealed.
How different his life had become? One wrong turn and a nightmare had been created.
***

Lilly popped her head around Crystal’s door. “It’s time,” on shaky legs she made her way to the staircase. With a deep breath she took the steps one at a time.
Walking slowly, she didn’t look up. She kept her gaze on her feet. She watched her white sandals take each step to the fate she just wanted to run from.
The entire house was silent. It played havoc on her nerves making her hands shake. They became clammy as she held onto the banister to steady herself.
When she reached the bottom, she was met with stares. Some of awe, some of disgust and anger, it was a mixed reception. When she met her parent’s eyes for the first time, she saw pride.
“Levi Carmichael, we present to you, Crystal Rose Hudson, Princess of the Starlight Coven,” Jeanette proudly said.
“Thank you,” A young, man stepped forward and Crystal’s breath caught in her throat. He wasn’t at all what she expected. Black hair that looked like it had been windblown, strong facial features with golden eyes. As her gaze travelled his body she took in his muscled and toned figure. He was handsome, even more than that. He didn’t look like a monster.
He was tall she guessed over six feet. His arms looked strong. He gave off the impression of a guy that loved the gym.
Levi extended his hand to her. With a little hesitation she took his hand in hers. He led her through the crowd and into the ball room. As soon as they entered the music began to play. Levi led her to the middle of the dance floor and placed his hands on her hips.
Heat instantly flooded her body with his touch, along with a slight tingle. Following his lead, she placed her hands on his shoulders and let him lead her in a dance.
Soon others joined them. Neither of them spokes. However, the silence didn’t feel uncomfortable. It was like they had a joint agreement that didn’t need to be voiced.
She was glad he didn’t try to talk to her. Her words would have most likely come out in a jumbled mess.
She gazed up at his face. He could have been a model, with his stunning looks. She shook her head to rid herself of the superficial thoughts. His eyes were scanning her, taking her in, under his gaze she felt herself squirming. She wasn’t pretty, nor beautiful she was average and couldn’t compare to him.
“May I cut in?” Crystal’s heart froze. Drake stood behind Levi with a smile on his face. Levi’s eyes flashed orange as he stepped away from Crystal. It was quick but she could have sworn she had seen it.
“Wh…what are you doing here?” Crystal hissed.
“Well, I couldn’t miss my cousin’s engagement party.” Instantly Crystal’s face flooded with heat. He was related to Levi. Her life couldn’t get more complicated. Then the lies flooded her mind. He knew.
Drake put his hands on her hips, she felt a sudden rush of warmth and her heartbeat faster.
She followed his lead moving in time to the music.
“When were you going to tell me, you were engaged?”
Crystal stopped dancing and took a step back.
“It wasn’t my choice,” she said in a faint voice, somehow, he heard her.
“Then call it off. I like you, Crystal; I want to give us a try.” Crystal’s heart danced. She had been crushing on him for so long. It was her dream to be his girlfriend. Even though she knew that she couldn’t stop the wedding.
“I can’t,” Crystal walked away and exited the back door. She needed air. He wanted her to call it off. How could she? She had no power; she was nothing but a pawn in their games. Closing her eyes, she let a tear drop. All this time he had known.
***
“Ruby, we need to talk. When the guests leave meet me in my office,” Ruby gulped as her mother dug her nails into her arm. To everyone else she was sure her mother looked friendly, yet Ruby could see the disgust and anger in her eyes.
“Go find Crystal,” Jeannette said coldly.
She knew. With her head bowed she moved through the house and went into the kitchen; it was the only room deserted. Leaning against the kitchen counter she placed her head in her hands. She needed a minute to compose herself before Crystal saw her.
What was she going to do? Run? That wasn’t an option.
She could no longer hide the truth and the disappointed she was sure her mother would see her as made her heartache.