*~Gabrielle's POV~*
The ball began, and the room filled with chattering voices and movement, but even with the lively atmosphere, all attention still seemed to be on me. I swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of a hundred stares.
Male wolves began approaching she-wolves, asking them to dance. Even my sisters were approached by some wealthy-looking wolves and surprisingly, Mother approved. I was shocked she allowed it. Maybe because she wanted a private moment with me.
"Gabrielle, did you notice anything while you were turning on the lantern?" she asked, gently holding my hand.
"Yes, Mother… I think I saw a memory," I said.
Her eyes widened slightly, stunned. "You saw a memory? Tell me, what did you see?"
"Mother… have I ever tied my hair into a bun?" I asked, steering the conversation a little.
She shook her head. "No, dear. You don't tie your hair in a bun. I never let your hair go up, I always made it fall over your shoulders," she said with certainty.
Just as I suspected.
"Hold on…" she paused, squinting slightly. "Is that the memory you saw, dear?"
"Yes, Mother. It was a memory of me asking you to make my hair into a bun."
She froze for a moment, then let out a soft, exaggerated laugh and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Oh, silly me! That's right you did wear your hair in a bun sometimes when you were younger, dear. I must have forgotten. So… is that all you saw?" she asked, suddenly seeming oddly flustered.
What's wrong with her…?
"I'm really happy you were able to turn on the lantern," she said instead, squeezing my hands—and my heart swelled a little at her words.
Then a tall figure suddenly cast a shadow over us. I looked up and met a pair of glowing yellow eyes, bright as the sun.
It was him. The Alpha.
"Greetings, Forbes…" he said calmly.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Mother replied, and he gave a small nod.
"I'm afraid I'll have to steal you away from your mother, Lady Gabrielle," he said, turning to me and extending his hand. "May I have this dance?"
I looked to Mother, she gave me a soft nod.
I placed my hand in his, he kissed it and my heart fluttered.
Why are his lips so soft?
He led me to the dancefloor, and suddenly, everyone stopped dancing and turned toward us. As he pulled me closer, his hand settled around my waist, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck just like the other ladies did for their men.
But as I did, he tugged me in even closer. No inches between us. His face up close was breathtaking. He looked so much like the Gorgeous Monster… they both looked ethereal, like they didn't belong in this world.
"Can you waltz, my lady?" he broke the silence.
I immediately admitted, "No." That had been my fear the moment I stepped foot on the ballroom floor.
"Really? Then allow me to teach you. It's a sin for a gorgeous woman like you not to know how to waltz," he said, and heat rushed to my cheeks.
"I'm swooned you find me gorgeous," I whispered, and he smiled.
"If only you knew how beautiful you are, my lady… you'd sing your praises every day." He leaned in, his hot breath grazing my ear, making me shiver. "But you don't have to, men like me will do that for you daily."
I chuckled at his flattery. "I must say, you are quite charming," I said.
"Quite?… That hurts." He smirked and we both laughed softly. Then he paused.
"Enough charming. More waltzing," he said as he adjusted my position.
"Relax," he murmured, his hand gently pressing into my waist. "The waltz isn't about getting the steps perfect. It's about moving with your lead. And tonight, I shall be your…" he leaned in again"…one and only lead."
He tugged me closer, eyes lingering on my lips. Goosebumps erupted all over me.
"Now," he said, his voice low, "your left hand goes here on my shoulder. Good. Keep your back straight. Chin up. Let me lead you."
He straightened too.
"The rhythm is simple—one, two, three. Step forward with your right foot when I step back. Yes, just like that. Feel how your body moves?"
I nodded.
"Don't look at your feet." He gently lifted my chin. "Look at me," he said.
I tried. I bit my lip as he swept me into our first turn. His laugh rumbled low in his chest.
"Perfect," he teased. "See? You're a natural. You're getting it already."
I wanted more of that reaction. I let go of his hand, walked around him, trailing my fingers across his face. The crowd gasped.
I stretched my hand toward him. He took it and raised it to his nose, inhaling as though it was the most divine thing he'd ever smelled. Then, he pulled me close and spun me around multiple times. I nearly lost my footing but he caught me firmly by the waist.
A collective gasp echoed across the ballroom.
As he pulled me close, our noses brushed. His gaze fell to my lips.
I shut my eyes, breath caught…waiting.
Waiting for my first kiss… from the Alpha himself.
But instead, I heard a mumble. I opened my eyes and he led me back up gently.
Disappointment washed over me. Why lean in, if not to kiss me?! I was wheezing inside.
He kissed my hand instead… then pulled out a ring and slid it into my palm.
He turned to the crowd. "I have chosen my court. From today, I shall be courting Lady Gabrielle."
Gasps erupted, followed by thunderous applause. I turned to Mother, she was smiling from ear to ear. I let out a shaky breath as he kissed my right cheek… then walked away.
People rushed toward me until Mother's voice thundered causing them to halt.
"Back off!"
Everyone froze. She walked through the crowd, calm and majestic.
"Let's go home, dear. We've accomplished our task," she said, taking my hand. Levy and my sisters trailed behind us.
She led me to our carriage, and as it started moving, people followed behind, chanting.
"ALL HAIL LADY GABRIELLE!"
"ALL HAIL!"
Mother turned to me with a soft smile tugging at her lips
"I'm proud of you, darling. The Alpha will be your husband. You will be Riverdale Pack's White Wolf… and Luna."
Her voice was filled with joy. I blinked slowly, lost in thought.
A White Luna…?