"We have to be there for the party by 8PM," Daryn said. "I would still suggest that you don't go."

She smiled. "I will be ready in an hour."

​​

Daryn ruffled her hair. "In that case, wait a minute." He rushed upstairs and when he came, he was carrying a large white box with pink ribbon tied around it.

"What is it?" she asked when he gave the box to her.

"Your dress for the evening."

When did he find time to buy a dress for her? She gasped. She wanted to protest, but he stopped her, "Please wear that."

There was so much passion and hope in his eyes that she couldn't refuse. A blush spread in her cheeks. "I will," she replied and walked to her room. Daryn went upstairs. There were a few things that he had to deal with before going to the party. As for Dawn, she took a long hot water soak in the tub. It was such a wonderful day. Her mind went to the sex they had in the ocean and she became scarlet red. This was the first time she had become naked in the open and only because of Daryn. She stepped out. It was time to get ready. She pulled the pink ribbon free and removed the top of the box. She pressed her hands to her mouth.

Dawn picked up the silk coral pink dress that let the box fall to the bed. "It's beautiful!" she said aloud. Daryn had a good taste. And when did he go to buy it for her? She smiled at his thoughtfulness and planning.

The dress had a deep plunging neck that extended just above her ribcage exposing half of both her breasts. It became tight on her waist and pooled around her ankles. There were three strings on each side to hold the dress in its place exposing most of her sides. Dawn tied her hair in a neat bun, applied rogue, thick mascara, matching lipstick and a fine line of red eyeliner just for the effect. She wore her mother's pendant, paired that with long earrings, which fell to her shoulders and slipped into coral pink heels that he had bought along with the dress. She walked out of her room, looking like a siren.

Daryn was waiting for her outside. He was wearing a custom-tailored black suit with a white shirt whose golden cufflinks were visible. His hair was gelled and neatly combed to the back. He looked so handsome as if he had walked right out a fashion magazine. Dawn held her breath when their eyes met.

He approached her and ran his finger on her cheeks until her clavicle and then traced the outline of the curves of her breasts. Her skin tingled under his touch. She could never comprehend as to how he could make her so lusty. He leaned his face into her neck and said, "If anyone touches you, I will kill them," and placed a light kiss on her lips.

She chuckled and said, "That's typical jealousy."

He didn't say anything. He was an Alpha and he had to show to the world that this woman belonged to her. If anyone even dared to make an advance towards her, he would rip them in pieces. She was his mate. "Come, we are getting late," he said softly and held his arm out for her to wrap her hand around it.

The driver was waiting for them and he became glued to his place when he saw the two of them walking like a couple. Wasn't Maya his fiancé? Hoping that he had hidden his expression well, he opened the door of the Maybach for them. Daryn held Dawn sit inside and then seated beside her. He held her hands until they reached the venue because he knew that she was nervous on the inside. He patted her hand with his and said, "Just be confident. Don't let anyone bother you."

She rubbed the back of her neck. "Daryn, this is a big step we are taking. You are still engaged with Maya and we are entering a party hosted by Maya's father and that too in their house. That's going to be viewed as the ultimate rebellion. And I am not even thinking how the media is going to go about it. It will be splashed in newspapers tomorrow."

"Then let's just kick some asses," he said in a very quiet voice. "I don't want to stay like this. I want every pure blood, every neotide to know that you are mine."

Dawn looked at him affectionately. She squeezed his hand and leaned near his face. When she was barely an inch away, she looked seductively at his bow-shaped lips and then kissed him on the corner of his lips. Some of her lipstick left a light stain there. It smudged on his lip and his white marble skin. She brought her hand up to wipe it off, but he held it and shook his head. "Let them see it."

She blushed. Her nervousness diffused.

It was 8:30PM when they reached the venue. Dawn observed how beautifully the place was decorated. There were small strings of lights that were wrapped around every tree that was in the garden. A narrow red-carpeted pathway, which had potted green ferns on the side, led to the main building. Daryn walked to her door, opened it and helped her out. He held her at the small of her back and amidst stares and glares, led her inside. The two looked every bit of regal and elegant. The way Daryn held her close to him made everyone turn his or her glances towards them. A hushed silence fell upon the crowd. While some people rapidly blinked their eyes to understand what was going one, some gaped. Dawn's breath became shaky and she swayed a little under the scrutiny of so many people. Daryn tightened his grasp around her waist as if to assure her. Suddenly she felt heaviness that expanded to her stomach. This was a bad decision.

Daryn and Dawn walked together and Neal joined them. Gayle who was standing with Caleb and Pia watched the two of them walking in the center of the crowd. A smile erupted on his face.

Maya was talking to her father when she noticed visible tension on his face. He was looking beyond her. She followed his line of gaze and her eyes widened. Shock and fury rose inside her chest. She gripped the side of her gown. 'So the bitch was alive and kicking,' she thought.

The way she walked past the guests, it was as if it was her house instead of Maya's. Dangling from her ears were long earrings with stars embedded along the chain. They shimmered and accentuated her perfect neck. She looked beautiful and every male in the gathering, gawked at her. Daryn had wrapped his arms around her waist as if he owned her.

Seeing them this close, Maya's chest burned with jealousy and her breathing became coarser. She muttered, "You have come to the right place, Dawn. I am going to shred your reputation into so many pieces that it will take a thousand lifetimes for you to put it back together." She had planned on a showdown for Daryn. But this was unexpected. "Even better," she snarled.