"Kat? Honey, we're late." Zach knocked on the bathroom door where Kat had been for ten minutes. It was finally time for the ball and he was nervous for what he was about to do.

"Just a second." She checked her dress once more in the mirror. It was a rich royal blue dress with a flowy tulle skirt that ran to the floor with a soft slit up her right thigh. The upper half of the dress was in a corset style that hugged her waist and chest gracefully, showing exactly the right amount of cleavage, not too much, but enough to drive Zach mad, she hoped. The sleeves were puff and a little transparent, giving the dress the finishing touch it needed.

Kat moved her hands to her hair, making sure her updo would stay in place, the few strands she let down looking perfect. Satisfied with her light make up and nude lipstick, Kat decided to exit the bathroom.

Zach was pacing the floor with the small box in his hands, his palms sweating with excitement like a little boy on Christmas. God, Kat wasn't just changing him for the better, she was also making him feel emotions he had never felt before.

His eyes traveled to the bathroom's door once he heard it open and his breath caught in his throat. Dear God, have mercy.

"Wow." He breathed, his eyes wide at the most beautiful female they ever laid on. "You look.." Words failed him as he tried to find one that would do her justice. No, not a single word would, he decided.

"That good, huh?" Teasing him just like he did last night, Kat felt her heartbeats quicken. His eyes were eating her alive, moving so slowly on every single inch of her, as if he was trying to save this memory to his mind.

"No," Zach breathed out as he took two long and hurried strides her way. "This good." He crashed his lips on hers, his free hand at the back of her neck pulling her insanely closer.

Kat pushed herself higher to meet his fierce lips; even in her heels she was still quite shorter than Zach. After finally having his hourly dose of her addictive lips, he pulled away, as out of breath as she was. A kiss was always better than words, Kat now believed as she blushed.

"I swear if we didn't absolutely have to get down there I would've locked that door and tore that goddamn dress apart, Kat. You're torturing me." Zach groaned as he pressed his forehead against hers, lost in his favorite kind of pain. His back was finally healed this morning, but he had absolutely no problem if Kat wanted to claw her way all up to his heart.

Kat pulled back enough to look at how dashing he looked in a tux and she automatically swallowed the water in her mouth. "That might be a plan I'm down for." She moved her hands along his muscled arms that his black jacket hugged so damn seductively and wished she too could push it off his broad shoulders and rip that white shirt open.

Zach chuckled softly before pulling her for another kiss. Feeling his heart beats fasten their pace, he decided it was time for what he wanted to do. He stepped back slightly, cleared his throat and moved the gift he had for her close enough to catch her attention.

"What's this?" Kat asked as he handed her the small box, her senses suddenly alert, her heart suddenly jumping.

"I've wanted to give you this for a while now, but I wanted to wait. And I think now is the perfect time for it." He rubbed his hands together nervously as she opened the box.

Kat felt her heart come to a stop as her eyes landed on a golden necklace that took her breath away. It was so elegant and so beautiful that she couldn't help but frown. Why a necklace though? Why did it have to be a necklace? And why now?

"Do you like it?" Zach asked with a frown, unable to read what she was thinking.

"A flame. Why a flame?" She moved her eyes to his, the hope his irises were swimming in broke her heart.

Zach held her empty hand in his. "Because ever since I found you I've been burning, Kat. My heart has been burning and no matter how close to me I pull you the fire deep inside of me only grows stronger. And I absolutely love every second of it." Zach spoke the words he wished would make her understand how deeply he had fallen for her, yet without using the words he knew would scare her away. "You're the flame that has the power to ignite my soul to life or destroy it completely. And I'd rather burn by your fire for eternity than know what it's like to spend a day without you by my side, Kat."

Kat could no longer breathe, no longer think. What was he saying?

"It's beautiful. I don't know what to say." True, she didn't. What did all of this mean? And if she accepted it, what would that too mean? She was confused.

"Say that you'll wear it for me, love." Zach's frown deepened as her eyes travelled to his. Yeah, he could read everything she was feeling right now and they could all be summed up in the word Zach hated the most, fear. She was still scared of him, of herself, of her feelings.

"I..." Her hand moved up to the crescent pendant that was her anchor for months now and she shook her head. "I promised never to take this off."

Zach's eyes widened at her words and he felt a dagger go through his heart. Jared had gifted her that necklace. And she wasn't going to take it off, now even for him.

Kat regretted her words once they left her when she saw pain flash across Zach's eyes as he clenched his jaw and simply nodded. "No, I mean... Zach, it's beautiful, but---"

"It's okay." Zach cleared his throat and straightened his jacket, his wolf howling at the rejection he just experienced. So this is what it feels like? Serves you right, he thought. "You don't have to explain." It was still too soon. He should've waited, maybe.

"No, I do." Kat closed the box and took a step closer to him urgently. "Your gift is priceless, Zach, but I can't take this off. It has become a part of me." She tried to explain but Zach only flinched at her words. "Look, Zach. The first time I ever saw you was the exact moment I put this on. And when you just looked away and kissed Megan right before my eyes, this necklace was honestly the only thing that took my mind off of everything for even a few seconds. Yes, I didn't know you back then and I wasn't feeling for you what I do now, but seeing you turn away from me and into her arms hurt me more than I wanted to admit. I think I already knew right then that you could never be mine. And the only thing that helped get through that awful, long day was this." Her hand traveled to her necklace and she held on to it. "It has become so special to me ever since, as if it was my source of strength."

Kat shook her head in confusion, a part of her wanted to accept Zach's gift because she knew what he was truly offering her wasn't just a necklace but something far more precious, yet another part of her was so scared, terrified even, to accept such a huge part of him so soon.

"It's okay." Zach nodded his head, his eyes softened as he looked at Kat. It seemed like he would forever pay for the mistake he made. It seemed like no matter the progress he made with her, the past would always find its way back to stab him though the heart with guilt and shame and regret and just hatred. "I understand."

Pulling her closer to his chest, Zach decided to end the uncertainty in her eyes as he gave her forehead a soft kiss. "I shouldn't have, I'm sorry." Taking the box out of her hand, Zach tossed it gently on the bed and held Kat in his embrace. It was still too soon for him to present his heart for her on a silver platter, not when he knew she wouldn't have it. It was stupid of him, he knew that now. Yet the realization did so little to calm down his aching heart.

"I'm sorry." Kat whispered, her wolf cursing her for ever saying no to him. She just needed time, that's all. She needed time to trust her own heart, her own sense of judgment.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Kat." She closed her eyes when she felt him give her forehead a kiss, yet his voice was so small and full of agony that it made her heart twist in pain too.

Zach cleared his throat once again and gave her a smile he hoped would reassure her as he pulled away. "Now let's go. We're already late."

Taking a deep breath, Kat let Zach pull her out of their door and down to the ballroom. Holding his hands tighly with hers, she wished her guilt and his pain would fade.

****

"You look gorgeous!" Caroline greeted Kat once they made their way to the table that the four of them decided to share.

"Thank you. You look wonderful too. Your dress is amazing." Kat smiled, admiring her friend's silver dress that shone brightly with the lights above. It was the perfect color to match with Caroline's hair.

Both Alpha's exchanged a nod and a smile before Zach tugged gently on Kat's arm. "I'm gonna go get us something to drink. Champagne?" Kat nodded, meeting his gaze and he gave her a smile, yet it didn't reach his eyes. He moved his eyes up. "Do you want anything?"

"Thanks, man." Ryan answered before Zach headed to the bar. Kat let out a deep breath with a pout.

"You guys alright?" Caroline asked with a soft smile and Kat only sighed further. It was that obvious, then.

"We'll be fine." She nodded, reassuring herself before her friend. She smiled when Caroline patted her shoulder sweetly.

"If you ever need to talk, I'm here." Caroline promised sincerely. She knew what it was like to be confused and have no one to talk to, so she selflessly offered her friend a shoulder to lean on and an ear to vent to.

"Thank you." Kat gave her a quick hug, deciding to ask her about the shifting problem she was having later. Kat looked around the ballroom, her eyes searching the bar for Zach but never finding him. Deciding to go look for him and apologize once more for not accepting his gift, she excused herself. "I'll be right back."

****

Zach waited patiently for the Champagne to be served as his mind drifted back to Kat's words. Groaning, he was about to ask for something stronger than Champagne when Lucy showed up with a hand on his arm.

"Hey there. I finally caught you alone." She moved her hand up and down his firm arm, squeezing at the muscles she found.

Groaning again, Zach pulled his arm away. "So not the right time to piss me off, Lucy." He warned.

"Ooh, some trouble in paradise, I presume." She stepped closer to him, her hand resting on his chest, making him stiffen. "I can take your mind right off that. You remember how good it was, right? The sex?" She asked, loud enough for a couple near them to frown.

"God." With a louder growl, Zach held her arm and pulled her with him to an unoccupied room at the far end of the ballroom.

Kat moved her eyes among the crowd, until they finally landed on Zach. Only he was pulling Lucy into a room. With a frown and a loud beating heart, Kat followed them. He wouldn't.

Shoving her inside, Zach left the door open, hating the idea of them in a closed empty space. "What the fuck do you want?"

"You." She scoffed. "Isn't it obvious? What have I always wanted, Alpha? You. Years after years I've wanted you. And after last year I thought this one we could take our relationship to the next level." Lucy closed the distance between them only Zach took a step back.

God, she was delusional. "I told you that night that if we walk inside that room it'll mean nothing, Lucy. And I reminded you right after, then again the next morning. How many times am I supposed to tell you?" Zach glared at her with annoyance. Last thing he wished to do now was deal with her.

"And I thought that the sex might change your mind. I looked for you after I showered but you were already gone. I've been waiting for this annual ball for the past year." Mischief shone in her eyes as he stepped closer again, resting her hands on his shoulders.

Kat stopped walking once she saw Lucy rub Zach's shoulders through the open door. Yet she couldn't miss the anger that was evident on his face.

Pulling her hands off him, Zach pushed her away again. "I have a mate now, for God's sake. What on earth gave you the idea the I still wanted anything to do with you?"

"Yeah, right." She huffed sarcastically, her annoyance rising. "A mate that you still haven't mated with. She clearly isn't satisfying you, Alpha. Not in the way I know I can." Lucy took a sudden step towards him, shoving her lips against his.

Growling, Zach pushed her away with enough force to make her stumble on her feet. "Speak of my mate again and I'll rip out your throat. Touch me again and I'll tear you to shreds." His threat was laced with venom, every word darker and deeper than the one before. "I won't say this again, so listen carefully. I absolutely regret ever touching you. And I would never do it again. Not even if my goddamn life depended on it. Do I make myself clear?"

Kat took a deep breath as she heard Zach's words and smiled. Truth be told, she was worried he might take Lucy up on her offer after she had technically rejected him a few minutes ago. But when he pushed Lucy away with so much hatred she new she had nothing to worry about. Turning around, Kat made her way back to her friends, her heart calm and happy.

"Why? Why wouldn't you touch me?" Lucy raised her voice. "She has nothing to offer you that I can't. You know you want me, Alpha. Just one last time, and I promise you she'll never know."

Zach couldn't help the dark bitter chuckle that escaped his throat. "I would rather kill myself than touch you again, Lucy. I would never do that to Kat, so for fuck's sake, back off." He shook his head and headed for the door, yet stopped and turned around one last time. "Show me your face again and you'll regret it. You don't want to mess with me, remember that."

****

"You good?" Caroline asked Kat who had a grin on her face. She was better than good, she was happy. Kat nodded excitedly.

"Sorry I'm late." Zach cleared his throat as he made his way to Kat and pulled her from the waist closer to his chest, their drinks long forgotten. Caroline's eyes widened at what she saw and Ryan cleared his throat.

Zach frowned at Ryan who was rubbing his lips frantically and raising his brows at Zach, telling him something that he couldn't get. "What?"

"Uh.." Caroline swallowed, her eyes moving between Zach and Kat who still had a smile on her face. "He wants to tell you that you, uh.. have lipstick on your lips."

Zach's eyes widened in horror before he wiped his lips quickly. Eyes moving to Kat's, he shook his head rapidly. "It's not what you think, I swear it. I can explain." He promised her never to touch another female again, and he knew if he ever broke that promise she would leave his ass for good.

Kat couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. Stepping closer to him, she whispered sweetly in his ear. "It's okay. I saw you push her away. I trust you." She gave him a soft peck on the cheek and he let out a deep breath, his shoulders visibly relaxing.

"Oh, thank fuck." He gave her forehead a kiss and Caroline giggled.

"Look how scared he just got." Alpha Ryan laughed and his mate joined before Zach sent him a deadly glare.

"Hold on," Kat frowned playfully, moving her gaze to Ryan. "So you see lipstick on him and the first thing you do is try to make him hide it so I wouldn't notice?" She crossed her arms.

"Well," Ryan shrugged with a grin. "Men stick together, I guess." He had heard many stories about Alpha Zach, and one of the reasons he and his mate joined this event was to create alliance with him, but now that he had gotten to know him a little better, he knew they could be great friends.

Caroline groaned and shook her head. "That is so not the right thing to say." Kat nodded in agreement with a smile.

"Good to know you have my back, man." Zach chuckled and patted Ryan's back, their brother's bond growing stronger.

"You know what?" Caroline got up from her seat. "Why don't you two enjoy each other's backs while Katie and I bond over some music?" She pulled Kat's hand, only Zach didn't let go.

"No, no." Ryan pulled his mate back next to him. "You know the first dance is always mine, sweetheart." He gave her a sweet kiss, pulling her to the dance floor before sending Zach a wink.

"I like them. A lot." Kat giggled as she watched Caroline try to playfully push her mate away. Turning to Zach she saw him looking at her with admiration in his eyes.

"Can I have this dance, my queen?" He asked with a smile and she nodded eagerly. God, she wondered how to put her feelings for him into words.

"You can have all the dances I can manage tonight, my king." She giggled as she pulled him to the emty space next to Caroline and Ryan. The four of them swayed to the music with grins on their faces.

This trip was so not what Kat had expected at all. Yet despite all the drama, the fights and the arguements, she had never felt happier than she did now with her head on Zach's chest and his arms around her, swaying softly to music, getting lost in a paradise of their own making.