Chapter 49: _Too Harsh

Chapter 49: _Too Harsh Night soon came and it was finally time for the ball. I was in my room, getting ready by buttoning my suit, while Marcellus stood behind me, already dressed up in a fine-tailored grey suit. "Looking dashing as always, my liege," Marcellus muttered teasingly just then, causing me to roll my eyes as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Just like I said before, I didn’t need to go around searching for a tailor since I already had dozens of tuxedos to choose from. I wore a blood-red tuxedo, the color representing our pack, and had my shoulder-length black hair tied up in a fancy-looking bun. Anyway, I turned around to glance at Marcellus before shaking my head. "Quit the flattering and tell me if you’ve discovered anything new about Odessa," I muttered. It was Marcellus’ turn to roll his eyes. "Seriously, I don’t get you." He remarked, folding his arms in front of his chest. "You’re her husband and she’s your wife. If you need any new Intel on her you could literally just ask her instead of relying on me." I arched an eyebrow at him after hearing his berating, causing him to raise his hands defensively. "No offense, of course." As annoying as Marcellus could get, I knew it was all harmless and that he meant well at the end of the day. ’Yeah, your best friend has a point, dude.’ Damon muttered in my head just then, causing my eyes to twitch. ’Odessa is your wife AND your mate. We don’t need to be cutting corners to uncover things about her. Quit being a wuss and start stepping up for once.’ I clenched my jaw at his words but decided not to respond to him because there was a part of me that secretly agreed with his words. Anyway, I gestured at the door after waiting a few more seconds. "Let’s go. The guests should be arriving by now and we can’t keep the South American Alpha king and his delegates waiting." Marcellus nodded his understanding and was about to take the lead and walk toward the door when a knock came on it. "Come in." The door swung open and Layla walked in. She wore a sleeved blue satin gown with intricate floral designs lacing it. Her braids were let down behind her, waving around with each step she took. "Sir, most of the guests are already there, and ma’am Odessa is almost ready." I nodded curtly at her and glanced at Marcellus before the three of us made our way out of the room. After closing the door behind us, Marcellus arched a curious brow. "Don’t you want to see your bride before heading to the hall? Her room isn’t far from here." As soon as he said that, we walked past Odessa’s room door. I picked up some of a likely conversation and also her lingering scent that always managed to get my wolf growling. But I quickly tore my gaze away from her door and continued walking like nothing happened. "My wife or not, she’s still a witch, Marcellus. Getting close to her would be a dangerous game." I blurted, ignoring the glance I got from Layla who walked in front of us. She could get nosey, but she knew better than to place her nose into my business. "You didn’t seem to care about her being a witch when you queried me constantly about any information I could get about her," Marcellus remarked with a sarcastic tone before he shoved me lightly on my shoulder. "Come on, man. I wouldn’t judge if you admit you’re catching feelings for a witch." My eyes widened and my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my throat. I turned my gaze to Marcellus when we finally began walking down the stairs, my eyes dimming with suspicion. "Where did you get that idea from?" I asked, scrutinizing his facial expression. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve sworn that Marcellus sounded like he knew about Odessa being my mate. And even though he’s my best friend... I’m not sure if I’m ready to let him in on that little secret. "Uh... The way you stare at her maybe?" Marcellus responded to my last question with a shrug, placing his hands into his pockets with a nonchalant expression. "Just this afternoon when we were welcoming Alpha King Leonardo, I noticed the way you stared at her. It was brief but... Intimate." Gosh, was it really that obvious? ’Hehe, at this point the only one who can’t notice the tension between you and Odessa is you. And that’s saying a lot.’ Damon uttered in my head with a mocking laugh. What I would give to be able to shove my fist into his mouth one of these days. Anyway, when we finally navigated our way to the compound outside, stepping into the night with the moon hanging above us in its half phase, Marcellus placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, there’s no shame in liking Odessa. I mean, she’s hot, I’m not going to lie." My eyebrows furrowed into a frown. Hot? Hearing that word from another man, referring to Odessa seemed to tick something off inside my head. It was like a bomb, waiting to burst. "What?" Marcellus asked just then, not realizing my sour mood. "I’m just saying that if she weren’t your wife and well... A witch. I think I can see myself–" "Thread carefully, Marcellus!" My voice lost all its friendly warmth as I grabbed his wrist and stared straight into his eyes, my wolf letting out a guttural growl. However, when I saw the surprise etched on Marcellus’ face, glanced at Layla, and noticed her shock as she stood silently beside us, I let go of Marcellus and grunted to myself. Fuck... "Let’s just go to the event hall and get this over with," I muttered, taking the lead this time as we walked toward the event building meant for the ball. Several cars were packed in front of the building, which was expected since elite members of werewolf society from select parts of the continent had decided to visit the pack to welcome the South American Alpha King. Unity was more than important to werewolves, especially during these times of war. Anyway, the event lacked the presence of any cameramen thanks to how private it was. We got inside to meet a hall with chairs arranged at all corners in a set and easy-to-navigate pattern. Werewolves of my pack and others from around the continent were sitting, intermingling, and laughing among themselves as they ate and drank while slow dance music was being played. My gaze went upstairs, where I saw the South American Alpha King and his wife already sitting at the separate spot designed for them. I glanced at Marcellus who gave me a curt nod accompanied with a smile before he walked away, his assistant joining him from where he stood at a corner. "I guess my reaction was too harsh," I mumbled to myself, getting a weird feeling in my chest. Was this... Guilt? I sighed heavily, about to make my way to the stairs that would lead upstairs when my nose caught a scent that made me pause in my tracks. I slowly turned my gaze around, my eyes scanning the hall in search of the source of the scent. The scent always managed to make my wolf growl with desire. The scent that only came from... HER. I finally spotted her, Odessa, my bride, walking through the large entrance of the hall and causing almost everyone in the hall to turn their heads to her as well. My gaze was transfixed on her while my lips slowly parted, my heart pounding heavily against my rib cage. Dear goddess...