My dress was in tatters now. I was in tears. Bruises cover my body. My step mother and step sister had beaten me, locked me in and went to the party. But I didn’t give up. I had a back up dress and as soon as they left, I dressed up and sneaked out of the locked house.

And now I stood at the entrance if beautiful ballroom of the back, wearing a golden mask. Flames from iron torches lined the pathway. Guests arrived in sleek cars, elegant carriages, and even horseback.

The name of the masquerade was-the Veil. It was a special ball held at Moonstone Hall, where everyone’s identity was concealed due to a mysterious spell that was casted centuries ago. But there was a catch, anyone could recognize the alpha of their pack.

Immediately, I stepped in, warm air hit my face. The party was in full swing, lanterns stayed, casting a golden glow around the huge hall. Everyone wore masks, some were bright and shiny, others dark and a bit plain and some were so ridiculous that I had to cover my lips with my hand to hide my laugh.

I picked up a glass of champagne from the counter. It always helped me ease my nerves.

“Hey! Do you think the alpha will come?”

I suddenly paused, then started walking slowly as I heard a few women talking.

“Of course he has to come. This party was thrown for him.”

“But how are we going to know its him, we can’t even recognize him. Or even ask anyone for their identity.”

“Yeah, its against the rules.”

A dejected sigh escaped their lips as I finally passed them.

“He has to come, Moon Goddess. I just want to breathe the same air as him.” Just as I was about to face forward, my body collided with something strong. The impact was strong so couldn’t help stumbling causing the contents of my drink to splash on my dress.

“My dress!” I cried out in panic, watching the red dress get darker as the liquid spread.

“Are you alright? I’m sorry for bumping into you.” The man infront of me apologized. His voice a deep baritone. He tilted his head downwards as a large hand reached out with a handkerchief and began to wipe the drink. I raised my head to thank him and my voice trailed off as I saw the person in front of me.

Alpha Jason???!

“I apologize.... for being dumb,” My voice shook as I uttered these words, still looking him in an awe.

It is Alpha Jason, Rosie!

A chuckle reached my ears only for me to realize what I just said. “I mean... I am sorry for not looking,” I quickly corrected myself, looking up at him. There was a significant height difference between us. He wore a black mask that might have looked plain but shone a deeper black like obsidian. His black hair shone like gold under the golden lights.

“Allow me to get you another drink,” he said and forwarded his hand and I placed my hand in his, agreeing to his offer. My hand looked noticeably small infront of his large hand.

Every pair of eye stared at the alpha and I while he was leading me to a bar counter. Whispers grew in the ballroom, heads turned as everyone talked about me referring to me as ‘the mysterious girl with alpha’. I can’t believe that Alpha was holding my hand. The texture of his palm was rough and callous but for some reason I felt protected.

“A glass of champagne for the lady and red wine for me.” He ordered the bartender who quickly moved, with rushed movements and passed our order to us.

I was taking small gulps while he sat infront of me. I could feel people ogling at him every now and then as if he was some sort of prize and whenever their eyes turned to me they looked at me with distasteful eyes. As if I was some door matt. The alpha noticed it too and it made me feel further embarrassed so I decided to stand up. I don’t even deserve sitting next to alpha. I was a weak, low class, below average looking pathetic omega and he was the alpha. A man who had secured our pack. Won several wars. Protected us. Daughters of older alphas wish to be with him. I understood mine and alpha’s worlds were very different and this hopeless crush on him will die one day.

I was about to stand up and leave when he caught my hand, “would you like a dance with me, young lady?” I turned to look at him, staring up at him in surprise, my eyes wide. I opened my mouth to answer, staring at him in shock. A few seconds passed and I was still shocked hen the back of his fingers tapped against my lips and I was quick to close my mouth shut

“A dance? With me?” I pointed to my chest.

He chuckled and nodded his head.

“I don’t see anyone else here.”

Wow. He was asking me to dance with him?

With uncertain movements, I placed my hand on his. His large hand felt strong and warm. A tingling shiver went through my body and spread to my legs.

“Um....sure. If you can manage me.” I mumbled, tearing my face away from his piercing stare.

He laughed out as he gently led me to the dance floor. The music shifted as he started leading me, my body was flush against his hard body. I followed his movements, surprised at how effortlessly our bodies moved together.

“You don’t speak much,” he said.

“I’m not supposed to be here,” I nervously replied before I could stop myself.

He tilted his head. “Neither am I.”

A nervous laugh escaped me. “then what are you doing here...” I studied his face seriously.

“For a small escape,” his voice dropped a notch down.

That made me look up at him. His lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

I hesitated. “Rose,”

“Rose,” he repeated my name in a soft murmur.

We danced in silence for a moment, our eyes staring at each other and then he leaned in, whispering against my ear, “You don’t belong to anyone yet, do you?”

I stiffened slightly. “No...alpha,” I whispered back. I had a hunch where this conversation was heading and for some reason I wanted things to escalate to that direction. I know it would be cheating with my future mate but I can’t hold back the spark bubbling up between alpha and I. It was considered a symbol of disgrace and shame in our pack if a yet-to-be mated she wolf, specifically omegas, were intimate with other werewolves. I was young and waiting to be bonded but in this moment I don’t care about my future mate and my cherry which only he had the right to plop.

A beat passed.

The music faded. He didn’t let go of my hand.

He stared at me earnestly, his hands getting hotter by the minute. I raised my eyes to stare into his eyes. Shock went through me as I saw that his eyes were filled with dark, unhidden desire.

My heart sped up.

The alpha wanted me?

“Come with me.” He growled with deep urgency as he held my hand tight and led me towards corridor with different rooms. You could heart the grunts and moans of the people behind the almost closed doors.

A guy in charge there noticed the alpha and quickly walked towards us, exchanged some words with the alpha and then he led us to a room, specifically designated for the alpha.

The room closed and our eyes met.

“Undress,”