Chapter 24 - Dance The Night Away

*“I cannot let you burn me up, nor can I resist you. No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed.” ― A.S. Byatt*

***Neron***

Fine and impassioned tunes of the baroque floated through the cool air of the long corridor leading to the grand banquet hall. Violins and violas, harpsichords and bassoons; all melted into the resplendent atmosphere of wealth and power. Other couples joined the train behind me as two doormen dressed in black and gold held the double doors open for us to enter.

The music resounded through the opulent room filled with alphas and lunas in picturesque dresses and colors; mingling, chatting, and dancing. A small orchestra responsible for the evening’s melodies was tucked in the stage's corner, led by a conductor in a classic black suit. Tables bedecked with drinks and appetizers lined against the walls, dined upon by the wolves hunting for snacks before the big dinner. Moonlight spilled through the windows, penetrating the golden haze with its silver blessing.

Selene’s eyes were on her wolves tonight, but mine was on the woman on my arm.

In a sea of both familiar and unfamiliar faces, I’m immersed in the waters of calm but soon catapulted into the fields of flame when my thoughts drifted to last night. Kiya dressed as a prim and proper lady with hints of sensuality tattooed on her skin and clothing, but I’ll never forget her fervent cries and high-pitched moans when she rutted her hips against mine through our kiss in the bathroom.

I run my tongue over my lips, groaning inside at her lingering taste. Sweet as ripe strawberries. Addicting like an illicit opiate. Kiya seared her taste to my lips, engraving the sinful experience into my memory. I thought I was strong enough to combat the hunger I hold for her, but I’d be a fool to keep up that lie. I was teetering on the edge between sanity and insanity, and I fell face first into the latter.

The supermoon’s energies pulsated, weaving through and pulling at Kiya’s innate charm. Her aura caught the eye of men and women sensitive to her power, heads turning toward us. A twinge of anger pulsed in my chest, resting my hand over the one Kiya held onto me with.

I knew she’d inevitably draw attention, whether it be through her beauty or charm. But it infuriated me to see some of their lustful gazes. I shouldn’t be possessive, but I am. I shouldn’t be itching to fight those studying her, but I am. Kiya leaned into me and my inner beast purred in delight. Onyx purred along with it, satisfied yet restless.

My jaw clenched. I’m not sure how long I’d last with the need to taste her again, roaring like a hungry lion running through the flames in me.

Goddess, this woman has officially institutionalized me in the madhouse. I try to think about something else other than the way her body molded perfectly with mine, but it wasn’t working. It was jerked back to the way her hands felt roaming my chest, my hands smoothening and caressing every lush curve and valley she owned, my pinkies brushing up the hem of her panties with the undying need to peel them off and bury my face deep in her—

“Anthony!” Kiya shouted, waving her hand to her brother. I blinked and swallowed, praying it would smother the growing flame in my core.

I didn’t need a cold shower. I needed to bury myself under ten feet of snow and *freeze*.

We walked to where Anthony stood with our fellow Alpha and allied partner, Alpha Zachary. They shook hands and Zachary departed. Anthony turned fully to us with Kiya leaving my arm for his. Onyx whimpered at the loss of contact.

“You look lovely, Little Bit.” Anthony cooed, pinching her cheek. She batted his hand away, giggling. “But don’t you think that’s a little too much leg?”

“And *that* isn’t?” Kiya pointed across the room to Alesia, chattering with another luna, wearing a double-slit maroon dress with a casual v-neckline. Anthony blinked, his cheeks dusting deep carmine, much to his chagrin.

“That’s different.” He rolled his eyes. “She’s my wife, and you’re my little sister. The dynamics aren’t the same.”

“Would you say the same to Lyria? Our dresses are almost the same.”

She’s right. Lyria’s violet dress was the same style, except it had a more conservative bateau neckline and was made to fit over her pregnant belly as she danced with her husband.

Anthony pursed his lips. “N-no, but—”

“I rest my case.” Kiya folded her arms across her chest. “You don’t have to be in ‘protective big brother’ mode all the time, Tony.”

“It’s not like I can turn it off.”

“I know.” I watched as Kiya opened her purse, pulled out a couple of make-up wipes, and handed them to him. “There’s lipstick on your neck.” She stretched her neck out and snickered. “A lot of it, actually.”

This moment is going down in the history books. I’ve never seen Anthony, the calm and serious Alpha, fluster when he smacked his hand over the right side of his neck. His white collar brushed against the evidence of earlier passion, adding a splotch of color to his solid black suit. His eyes found mine, looking as if he wanted to chew my face off. I bit my lip, resisting the urge to laugh.

“You got something to say, Neron?” He accused, snatching the wipes from Kiya’s hand.

I couldn’t keep it in. “That shade is a nice color on you.”

“Shut the fuck up.” He snarled before walking away, taking the heat of embarrassment with him. Kiya and I shared a look and bust out into laughter. Her smile was absolutely breathtaking.

“So,” She stepped toward me, bearing a grin on her pink lips. “Besides dressing up and drinking champagne all night, what is the real purpose of this big banquet?”

“Depends on who you ask.” I set my hand on Kiya’s back, guiding her to the appetizer table. She quickly grabbed a small plate and began piling on food. “Some use this opportunity to show off to draw more potential allyships that they couldn’t get a couple days ago, while others use it as a kickback; hanging out with old friends and whatnot.”

“What about breaking allyships?”

“That has happened a few times. It is preferable to do it in private rather than in a public setting such as this. In the past, some alphas took it upon themselves to embarrass one another. Carrying such a title doesn’t leave any room for disrespect or humiliation and the results can be disastrous. There were fights, some even to death.”

Kiya stopped piling her food, her skin growing pallid. “Some alphas died in these gatherings?”

“Oh, no. Missing a chunk of skin or two? Yes.” I took a flute of a non-alcoholic cocktail from the table, careful to not clink it against the other glasses. “Allyships are the backbone of a pack’s survival, minus the Alpha’s leadership and wealth. Losing one, especially *an important one*, is bad for business and makes the alpha look weak because they couldn’t cement a partnership to ensure their pack’s wellbeing. There’s only so much an Alpha can do on their own.”

“Jeez. These things are more serious than I thought.” She muttered as we ambled back to our table. I pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to sit. Kiya gave her thanks and settled in her seat. “How many allyships have you gained?”

“About four so far, more than what I’ve gained previously.”

“How exciting!” Kiya nibbled on her artichoke wonton wrapper before stuffing the whole thing in her mouth. “It sounds like you’re doing a good job.”

“And I’m glad you got to see me do it.”

A gentle red dusted behind her powered blush. “I’m glad I’m here.” Her eyes locked with mine and I felt the heat rage in me again. I wonder what she’s thinking. Her saccharine scent billowed in my nose, acting as an accelerant on my heat. *I wanted her again*. Kiya squirmed in her seat. The red on her cheeks deepened and a train of appetizers disappeared into her mouth at a rapid pace.

“You’ll choke if you don’t slow down,” I warned, my voice tight.

“As if.” She scoffed, her voice rising to a soprano. Kiya quickly finished her plate and washed it down with a glass of champagne. Suddenly, the tempo and the melody of the surrounding music slowed and mellowed into a soft, intimate ballad. Couples around us, including Anthony, gathered their mates to the center of the room, pulling each other close. “Oh…”

“**Ask her to dance**!” Onyx screeched, hopping on his paws. “**The worst she can do is say no**!”

I swallowed and adjusted my tie. Last night stamped everything we share in the future with an element of danger. The danger of losing control and surrender to our instincts. The fire between us wouldn’t die, only be exacerbated by our closeness. What would happen if we kiss again? Does Kiya want me in the same way I want her?

*Does she love me*?

“I don’t know how to dance.” She blurted out, bowing her head to hide her shame. Her tendrils brushed against her cheeks. “I have two left feet. If you want to dance, you can find someone else—”

“There is no one else.” I retorted. Kiya shot her head up and bit her lip, averting her eyes away from me. “Do you *want* to dance, Kiya?”

“Um, kind of.” She admitted, rubbing her upper arm. “I don’t want to embarrass you.”

“As if,” I smirked, copying her earlier rejoinder. “All you have to do is follow my lead, and you’ll be fine.”

“That’s all I have to do?”

I nodded.

“I-I guess we can try to dance, but don’t say I didn’t warn you when you go plummeting to the ground, Skyscraper.”

“You ought to be a little kinder to yourself, angel.” I sipped the rest of my cocktail, rising out of my chair. I offered her my hand, in which she stared at it and hesitated. “You’re probably a great dancer.”

Kiya’s lips parted to debate me, but she shook her head. Silently, she placed her supple hand in mine. I curled my fingers around the back of her palm, bringing it up to my lips for a soft kiss. Tingles shot through my veins like rockets. I heard her breath hitch in her throat. Her taste was potent on my lips anew.

I’m a goner. Lost from humanity. Lost *in her*.

When I lifted my head, I glanced past her to see Wystan poking his nose in our direction. My need to keep Kiya at my side roared to life. She won’t be available for him to snatch away. He’ll never get that chance. Wystan has a mate out there somewhere, but it won’t be Kiya. Not as long as I breathe.

Because Kiya is *mine*.

I guided the beautiful lady to the dancefloor, entering a dream. I kept my eyes on her as I rested my hand on her back, pulling her close to me. Kiya placed her hand on my shoulder, tightening her grip on our conjoined hands. It was futile to anchor myself when I looked into her eyes, because I immediately sunk yet again, drowning without a chance to resurface. The warmth between us grew more powerful by the second. We became one with the harpsichord and violins, with the dance and with each other. She smiled at me and I returned one in kind.

I went left; she went left. I went right; she went right. Yet, for a moment there, it felt as though she was the one guiding me instead of the opposite. Every moment, every angle, seemed to be planned in advance. Our feet moved in unison, but her heart led mine astray and I didn’t care. *She’s perfect*. I knew from here on out, Kiya was and always will be the only person I’ll bend the knee to.

“Neron,” Kiya whispered. “I feel eyes on us. Should we stop?”

“Absolutely not.” I chuckled softly. “Are they really? I haven’t noticed.”

She rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re such a man.”

Our dance was picture-perfect; everything from our breathing to how our feet moved stayed in sync as we spun in a circle. When the ballad ended, the audience’s applause filled our ears, but it wasn’t enough to tear my gaze from the woman standing inches apart from me. The depths of her deep browns laid diamonds twinkling under the light of the chandeliers and the smile on her lips rivaled their sparkle.

“Thank you, Neron.” She said, the hand on her shoulder slowly moving toward my neck, her fingers ghosting over the stubble under my chin. “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”

“Not bad for your first dance, huh?”

“Well, if all my firsts are like this, I have no problem sharing them with you.”

My breath caught in my throat. *Oh, sweet Selene*.

*She should **not** be saying stuff like that*. *Not with that innocent look in her eyes*.

I was sad to be away from her warmth when we separated, but my heart and Onyx were happy as clams.

This moment I will treasure for the rest of my life.

-----------------------------------

Kiya squealed in delight when her dinner plate set in front of her. She grabbed her fork and applied a generous helping of butter on her steak before cutting into it. The mountain of appetizers she devoured before our dance did nothing to curb her voracious appetite. The rest of us dug into our food once we were served, our conversation melting into the dense noise surrounding us.

Our conversation bounced from Lyria’s due date to Anthony’s plans of expanding his land, since his pack numbers were growing. I spoke about my plans to lead a summer art class for my younger pack members and drawing up plans to build more homes on the territory. The entire time, I felt Kiya’s eyes on me and her smile shining in my peripherals. A mix of both pride and embarrassment bubbled up and misted heat across my cheeks.

“When do you start teaching?” She asked, poking at her steamed broccoli.

“I aim to start within the next two weeks. The kiddos’ school year has ended, and they deserve a break before thinking about anything relating to class again.”

“Can I come and see?” Kiya twirled one of her tendrils around her finger. “I know I’ll be back home when you start, but still…”

“You’re welcome to come by at any time.” I grinned at her and she smiled back at me, shy. So cute. I went back to my steak but not before catching a suspicious stare from Anthony, Alesia hiding her grin behind her flute, and Dimitri and Lyria whispering to each other before giggling.

“**Do you think they know**?” Onyx asked me.

“*I think they have some idea of what’s been going on*.”

“**We should kiss her again if they’re looking for a show**!” His sly voice suggested. I closed my eyes, resisting the urge to toss Onyx in his corner yet again.

“*Onyx, for the love of all things holy*…”

“**Not even the angels in heaven could tame a devil dog like me**. **The closest thing we’ll get to holy is Kiya’s lips**! **I’ll give anything for just a little taste again**…”

“*Will you let me eat in peace*?”

“**Yeah, but be sure to take care of that tent in your pants later, m’kay**?”

I quickly folded one leg over the other under the table, feeling the heat swirl on my cheeks. I never wanted to strangle someone *so badly*.

I was chewing on my piece of steak when Alpha Jackson marched past us with purpose and anger marking his steps. He walked to the door where the Omegas and other workers were holed in and started waving his hands exaggeratedly. The sounds of the banquet hall was loud enough to drown out his voice. The workers looked frightened, visibly pale and flinching whenever Jackson waved his hands too close to their faces.

The table he was sitting at earlier was bare except for the plate of food and his willowy luna, Liberty, sitting alone in a simple silver dress, face contorted in worry. Perspiration dripped down her temples as her hands shook in her lap. The room wasn’t hot, so it couldn’t be from the heat.

*Something was terribly wrong*.

Turning back to my table, I noticed Kiya had stopped eating. She pinched her eyebrows together and pursed her lips when she honed her focus on Liberty. “Something isn’t right.”

“I know.” I responded.

When Alpha Jackson returned to his seat, Liberty visibly flinched but straightened herself in a fruitless attempt to look calm. The older man shot the woman a glare and she bounced back to eating her food. Kiya growled softly beside me, her grip threatening to bend her fork.

No normal couple acts the way they do. Compared to the love and fondness from the other couples in the room, I hadn’t seen Jackson and Liberty share an inkling of affection toward each other. My jaw worked tight. Liberty feared him. I knew in my mind that Jackson was hurting her.

This world has no shortage of men who abuse women.

Kiya tapped her brother’s shoulder and leaned in to whisper something in his ear. Behind us, the doors to the kitchen opened and two small Omegas rolled into the hall beside two older Omegas pushing carts filled with champagne bottles and food extras. The two girls were small in stature and noticeably young in age, and it bothered me. One girl was a redhead with pallid skin and the other girl had coily black haired and darker complected. Both held stony faces, but their eyes told the story of their exhaustion and fear.

*They couldn’t be any older than twelve*.

The older Omegas guided the children in refilling flutes, collecting dishes, and curtsying to the guests as their thanks. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them. The urge to protect these two girls came over me. I wanted to tear them away from the scrutiny of the banquet hall and take them somewhere safe.

They came over to us and performed for us just as they performed for everyone else, their rehearsed tones unable to hide their exhaustion. Kiya bit the inside of her cheek as she watched the redhead filling her glass.

“Would you like some champagne, sir?” I turned to the coily hair child holding a champagne bottle. Her arms buckled under the weight. I plucked the bottle from her hands and placed it back in the cart.

“No, thank you, sweetheart. I don’t drink.” I tried my best to offer a comforting smile, but her eyes widened with fear, forcing her to retreat behind to the cart. Once the red-headed girl joined her, the four of them went to other tables to continue their act.

“Why the fuck do they have children serving alcohol to the guests?” Kiya blurted, unable to hide her anger.

“Some Alphas bring their Omegas and other servants to the gatherings as a way for them to ‘train’ them by having them perform their duties to other pack leaders,” Dimitri explained, sipping his drinks. “It’s a way for them to gain experience. Omegas start their training when they’re young.”

“And no one else is seeing how unethical this shit is?” Kiya asked, her veins pulsating against the skin on her forearm. “The girls haven’t reached puberty yet and they’re tossed in a sea of adult men and women. Anything could happen to them! How is anyone confident that they’re Omegas when they haven’t shifted yet?!”

“Kiya—” Whatever Alesia was going to say was interrupted by a sharp scream and the clatter of silverware hitting the floor. We all turned our heads to see Alpha Jackson standing over the redhead child with the color of anger panting his face. Silverware scattered across on the ground along with a couple of broken champagne bottles, pink bubbly seeping onto the floor.

“I bought you here to be trained, but instead, you fucking embarrass me?!” He bellowed, drawing attention from *every* person in the room. A dark liquid stained his pants, which I assume was gravy for the potatoes.

“I-I’m so sorry!” The redheaded girl whimpered, shakily scooting away. Her hand grazed the broken bottle, cutting into her skin. Red, the same color as her hair, stained her hand. “I didn’t mean it! I’m so tired and—”

“I don’t give a fuck if you’re tired! You’re supposed to do one simple thing, and you can’t even do that right!”

“No!” The coily-haired girl ran over and kneeled beside the girl, hugging her from behind as she stared down the gargantuan alpha. “S-she didn’t mean it, Alpha Jackson! We’ll clean this up quickly and—!”

“Insolence!”

Time slowed down. The entire scene had played out like a slow-motion movie. Alpha Jackson raised his hand and swung it down. The girls whimpered and covered their faces. Luna Liberty rose from her seat, reaching out to stop him. Everybody was watching, waiting for something to happen.

And it did.

A smaller hand shot like a bullet and gripped Jackson’s thick wrist, fingers tightening around the skin until we heard a sickening crunch. Jackson’s pale eyes widened when he glared down at the one who dared to stop him. Time flowed again, now under the mercy of Kiya shielding the girls with her body while staring down Jackson with a look that could kill, revive, and kill again. Her perfect pink lips curled into a snarl when she pivoted back on her heels, pulled the alpha with her, and use all of her strength to push his body away from her.

“Back off!” Her voice boomed through the room like a sonic sound wave, descending a chill around us. It was powerful, unwavering, and as if our goddess herself spoke through her.

It wasn’t a simple shove. Kiya, a smaller woman weighing less than half of his weight, *launched* Alpha Jackson’s, a bigger and bulkier older man across the room like he weighed nothing. His body landed on top of a barren table, collapsing to dust underneath the impact. Gasps and shrieks filled the room, but I was in awe. When Kiya turned to the girls, I caught side of her eyes breaking way to blue. She dropped to both knees, dug into her purse, and pulled out a two napkins, bunching them together.

“May I?” She asked the red-headed girl, holding out her hand. The two girls shared a look before the redhead gave it. Kiya pressed the napkin on her palms gently, watching the winces on her face. “Hold it tight in your fist, dear. It’ll stop the bleeding.”

She faced the Omegas cowering away from the scene. “Fix this cart and go grab a towel from the kitchen to clean up the spill. And grab a basket as well to clean up the broken glass.”

The brunette Omega shuffled in her spot. “Luna, but—!”

“It was **not** a request.”

The two older Omegas squeaked and got to work with one of them scampering back to the kitchen with her tail in between her legs. The two young girls softened and relaxed in Kiya’s presence as she spoke to them in a hushed tone, rubbing their arms to soothe them.

However, Alpha Jackson wasn’t about to take defeat lightly. He roared to life, rising from the debris, and bolted toward my woman in blue, his arm raised and eyes green with fury, primed and ready to exact his revenge.

*But I was faster*.

As he was blinded with rage, so was I. I launched myself out of my seat and tackled the big bastard to the ground before he got within a foot to Kiya. Landing a solid punch to his face, I picked him up by the collar, twisted his arm behind his back, and slammed his face against his table. Luna Liberty gasped, jumped out of her seat, and ran toward the girls.

“Release me, boy!” Jackson shouted, but grunted when I tightened my hold.

“Touch her and I’ll rip your fucking head from your shoulders!” I snarled in his face. **No one** is to raise a hand against the woman I love. “Hurt her and I’ll bury you alive!”

“Neron, let him go.” Anthony came over and gripped my shoulder. I didn’t relent. “We’ll deal with this mess. Release him before you regret it.”

I wouldn’t regret killing him.

If I release Jackson now, he’ll hurt Kiya. I know he wouldn’t hesitate to hit her. Pricks like him are all the same!

My grip on his arm tightened further as he struggled against me. One jerk and his shoulder will pop out of his socket and I was waiting for the opportunity to do so. I was waiting for Jackson to push me to where I’d do it. I cannot let him go, knowing that he’s a threat to my love.

I turned to Kiya, whose eyes widened when Liberty said something to her, hands squeezing her shoulders. Chaos was a speedster, and the madness was over before it started. The women, including Alesia and Lyria, helped to clean up the mess as the two girls lingered from the scene before Liberty took them out from the room through the door leading to the hallway. I shot a glare down at Jackson’s arm; the purple spreading from my grip outward into his arm.

*He’ll hurt her*. *Just as he has hurt others*.

In the end, after a *good* while, after I was sure Kiya would be safe, I released him. The bastard gave me a good shove before marching out of the banquet hall, muttering profanities under his breath. The rest of us, including Kiya, stood and stared at the exit he disappeared into. I was panting, feeling the brutal fury dissipate from my chest and around my heart.

I could’ve killed Jackson. I *wanted* to kill him.

Because when I held him down, I didn’t see his face. I didn’t see the old man who insulted and undermined me days before.

*I saw my father*.