"No! Absolutely not. Only drinks from out suite that Liam makes." Fiona took the glass of champagne I finally found and downed it.

"I'm sorry Lady Fiona, I didn't know." Jennifer looked scared and stepped back from the table looking between Fiona and Oisin.

"Yet you know all about her..." Fiona looked at Oisin and put her hand up to stop before he said the wrong the thing.

"Master Oisin, please." Jennifer couldn't even look at him.

"Why don't you find Rian and make sure that he has someone to distract him from declaring war during this amicable event."

"But - But...I thought I was your date Oisin?"

"Jennifer, you belong to King Rian. I suggest you find my brother before he finds you."

She was owned by Rian? Why were they being so mean to someone who has seemed nothing but nice.

'It's all a façade.' I heard his voice in my head as Jennifer walked off like a glamourous model walking the runway. She was clearly upset but she made sure she didn't show it once her feet turned to walk away from the table. That's a skill I don't think I'll ever master.

I didn't hear his soothing voice again in my head and when I turned around it was just Fiona waving at some other guests. She took me by the arm and kept me close all night.

The food was delicious. Not the place for a vegetarian. Meat everywhere. Rabbit, lamb, turkey, steak, and so much more. Lots of bacon wrapped veggies, because why not? I had to have a nibble of everything and was stuffed by the time I got to the end of the buffet. Fiona had a goblet of something dark and thick. I assumed blood, which made my stomach do flips, so I ate while in the buffet line. My mother would be disgusted by my poor manners but my mother basically traded me for her own happily ever after so...fuck her.

Walking into the ballroom again, I was shocked at the fondling happening on the dance floor. Newly found mates were eager to get to know one another. I just hope they wait until they are somewhere more private.

"Warm or turned on? I can't smell you properly with the dogs around." A familiar voice was sniffing me.

Ah, Rian. How charming. And his comment on my blush only made it worse.

"King Rian, just enjoying the party." I waited for Fiona to make a remark but when she didn't I turned back and tried to loop my arm with Fiona, but she had already walked off to the dancefloor with Liam.

How am I not surprised the scent of sex is in the air. Where there is sex there is Liam and Fiona.

Where is Oisin when I need him?

"Would you like to dance love?"

I knew I couldn't say no but I tried to stall by any means necessary.

"I can't hear you over this awful music!" leaning into him and then starting to walk away innocently.

His hand wrapped around my wrist and guided me to the dance floor which immediately changed to a slower song.

"Is this song more to your liking?" Taking me into his arms and one arm out, leading me in a slow dance.

All I can do is nod. His hand at the small of my back bringing me in closer, but not entirely into him.

"Evelyn, can I ask you something?" I nod and swallow hard.

I have a question of my own: where is Rian and who is this charming guy?

"Do you have any idea the spell you have put over so many tonight? You are bewitchingly beautiful in that gown. Even mates are envious of you and they only have eyes for one another."

Oh god. My legs are jelly.

"I highly doubt that, my King." I blush and look away but I do find many eyes are peering at us. I mean Rian is an attractive specimen for sure...

Oh shit and I just doubted the king/sociopath that holds my life in his arms. "I'm so sorry to have said that. I didn't mean to say that I doubted you..."

"Hush darling, I knew what you meant. You really can't see the impact you have on others. I'm beginning to think your mother knew you'd be alright even in this situation that she has put you in because she could see the beauty in you."

Ha! Yeah right. I can't help but roll my eyes. "How about we discuss any other topic besides my mom, like that amazing installation art creating the night sky." I point up.

"You like my work?" Rian's face changes into a genuine smile. His eyes bright and hopeful that I'll say yes. Honestly, I can't believe a monster could create such beauty.

"Brother..." Oisin's eyes darken as he stiffens.

"May I cut in?" Before Rian could answer I find myself twirling into Oisin.

"It's stunning." I try to say to Rian, looking around for him but only Oisin is there.

"Yes, you are." He dips me as the song changes back to some sort of dubstep.

Oh wow. My heart might fall out of my chest from thumping so hard. Oisin's eyes are smile as he brings me up slowly and looks around.

We both laugh and step apart. I guess he's not into grinding, but an old soul like his wouldn't be. I like that about him, although I wouldn't mind a little bump and grind dancing with Oisin.

Oisin walked off of the dance floor, leaving me there speechless. My feet like cement stuck to the floor.

Fiona comes up from behind me, thankfully no longer dry humping Liam on the dance floor.

"How about we go get you that drink now?" I nod my head yes furiously, feeling hot tears move down my cheeks. I didn't even notice I was crying.

I stand in my spot for a moment longer watching Oisin walk away gracefully. He settled in at a high-top table with Jennifer and King Rian. They're all so gorgeous and fit together. It was like seeing the popular kids in school in the cafeteria. I didn't belong there.