Word Count: 2228

~Dove

I stare into Dev's mirror set up, feeling like a complete and utter fool.

Despite agreeing to come to this party, I feel like an imposter. I'm sitting somewhere deep inside Varian's manor with all of the performers, watching Dev prepare himself.

My mate is somewhere upstairs right now. He's somewhere beyond the thumping music and cheers from intoxicated partygoers.

I'm here to see him. I'm not sure what I plan to say to him, but I want to see him one last time.

Dev leans closer to the mirror, adjusting his false eyelashes. He's spared no expense in creating the most incredible look for tonight. He's outdone everyone in the room, and from the snide glares he's receiving, they all know it.

"You're so good at that," I marvel as he continues to fuss with his makeup. It's already perfection, so I'm uncertain what else there is to do.

But Dev is a perfectionist, and could preen all day if he could.

"It's years of experience," he murmurs, pulling away so he can peer at me in the seat next to him. "I'm surprised I can manage it considering how my fingers almost bled making you that dress on such short notice."

I look down at the dress, smoothing my hands over it.

The colour theme for the party is silver and gold. Dev picked silver for me, and made me a modest, simple dress in less than three hours.

I'm not here to enjoy the party and blend in. My only goal is to get to Varian, which I am hoping will be a simple task.

"Thanks for doing this." I smile at my friend.

"You still owe me, remember? I'm not going to forget our deal." He nudges me.

I sigh, my posture deflating. I did promise him more information on what is going on.

"I'm here to see Varian, if you must know," I say lowly, looking around at the performers all cramped near us, not wanting anyone to overhear. Thankfully, they are far too engaged in getting ready to notice us.

"Obviously." Dev raises his brow at me. "Why?"

"I suppose I'll decide when I see him," I muse with a shrug.

Dev grins, rubbing the top of my head, disrupting the hair I spent the entire train ride here smoothing down. I swat him away irritably.

"Hot." His smile falters and he looks momentarily confused. "What does that mean though?"

"I think I'm going to cut ties with him, but I'm not sure," I huff. "I just felt like spiting Matthias and my father by coming here again."

My father's offer to accept my relationship with Matthias angered me. After everything that happened, he still believes I would want to be with our Alpha, and that I would need his permission to do so.

Dev grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. His lashes are thick and his eyelids are glittery. There's a glaze of excitement over his eyes as he anticipates his performance.

"Then you better make the most of it," he says.

A woman wearing an incredible dress that looks as though it's made of liquid gold appears at Dev's side.

"Dev, it's time," she exclaims in a smooth voice.

Dev stands from his chair, adjusting his outfit. "Go have fun. Meet at the station at three past midnight?"

"Okay, good luck!"

"You too." He grins, winking. "Go get fucked, you deserve it!"

I watch as Dev and another cluster of performers hustle out the room and into the party. The door opens, and for a moment I get a glimpse of the bright lights and the dazzling celebrations going on.

I glance at the mirror once again, considering my options.

My best chance of getting to Varian is up the stairs and past the guards. He will likely be in his billiard room, watching stoically while everyone enjoying themselves around him.

With a deep breath, I steel myself. It is time to face the party.

The striking main hall almost blinds me as I slip from the backroom and into the festivities. Gold and silver decorations have been strung up everywhere, from the chandelier to the walls and even to the bannisters.

People dressed in the vibrant shades dance without care, others eating and drinking close to the makeshift stage where Dev will perform soon.

The last time I was in Varian's home was when I was held captive here. It looks different, so full of life.

I glide through the crowd, narrowly avoiding being shoved over by overzealous party goers who have consumed far too much alcohol. At one point, a slurring man's wine nearly ends up all over my dress.

They are lucky for their sake that they didn't, otherwise they would have to deal with Dev's wrath.

The music is loud and eager, spiralling in my head as I fight to make it to the stairs. It's easy to get swept away with everyone's mirth and overindulgence.

By the time I make it to the stairs, I'm out of breath, wavering where I stand.

"Excuse me," I murmur, going to walk straight past the guards, but one immediately steps in front of me.

"You must have permission granted to access upper levels," he states gruffly. "Do you have a slip?"

Shit. I forgot about Varian's system for allowing people in different areas of the house. Unless I can miraculously encounter Claude again, I'll have a hard time procuring one.

"No, but I'm Varian's mate. He will want to see me," I say, anxiously passing my gaze up the stairwell.

The guard laughs. It's an abrupt, vicious sound. He looks over to the other guard, who seems equally amused by my proclamation. It's absurd on its own, and yet somehow painfully true.

"Alpha Varian does not have a mate. Keep dreaming," he jousts, shaking his head. "I've heard all sorts of reasons why women like you want to get upstairs, but claiming to be the Alpha's mate is definitely a new one."

I roll my eyes. I could slap this guard, but I doubt that will get me anything but thoroughly kicked out of the building.

I hike up my dress, revealing part of my thigh. "Is this mark proof enough?"

The guard assesses me, flinching when he realises it was created by his Alpha. The other guard cranes his neck for a view, appearing startled at the sight of it.

The guard in front of me seems to come to his senses as I drop my dress back down, looking around to ensure no one else got a peek.

"Who knows how that mark was procured. It is not evidence enough that you're his mate," he decides.

I gesture up the stairs. "Go ask him then."

He turns his head toward the crowd, effectively dismissing me. "He doesn't need to be disturbed."

I groan, tossing my hands up. No amount of convincing is going to get me up there. I'm going to have to find another way.

I make my way to the front door, politely declining the offer of drinks while trying not to get swept up in the dancing. I emerge out into the front courtyard, dragging in a breath of the cool night air.

There is still a reasonably sized crowd gathered at the front door trying to get in. They eye me sceptically as I hurry past, the light breeze sweeping at the hem of my dress.

I'm not sure how I can get to the second level. From there, it will be easier to get to the billiard room, as long as I can get past the final guard.

Or perhaps all I need is to get to Varian's room, so I can wait for him in private.

With the guards distracted by the unsettled crowd at the front door, I slip into the shadows, rounding the house. I weave through trimmed bushes and along a cobbled path. Some staff members pass by, paying me no mind.

I vaguely remember the orientation of Varian's room within the house. I was in there once, believing I was about to be seduced by an Alpha.

I sweep around the back, where I remember Varian's bedroom window faces the glowing lights of the city. Thankfully, no curtains are drawn, so I can see into all the windows to eventually find Varian's private residence.

The problem is, getting up there.

I stand with my hands on my hips, staring up at the ledge of his balcony. It's a decent way up, and there is nothing for me to grab a hold of other than bricks and mortar.

Well, there is no point second guessing myself now.

Hiking my dress up, I approach the way. With tentative fingers, I assess places for me to grip. This will likely end with my on my back on the ground, winded, but it's worth a try.

Jamming my fingertips in gaps in the brick, I test my weight. It appears it will hold, although it won't be a comfortable climb.

Grimacing, I begin to scale upward. It's a slow, tedious process to testing my weight and trying not to get my dress bunched up between my legs.

I avoid looking downward, knowing the height is dizzying and it may unintentionally send me toppling back.

Eventually I make it within reach of the balcony. I manoeuvre myself until I have a tight grasp on the railing, pulling myself over it so I'm on solid ground. I sigh in relief, looking at my raw, red hands and fingertips.

Opening the balcony door, I step inside Varian's sitting room. It looks the same as it did a year ago, giving me an unsettling feeling of déjà vu.

So much was different then. I didn't know Varian was my mate, for a start.

I approach the blazing fireplace, listening to the dull thud of music through the walls. There is a chance Varian will come down here at some point. I just need to wait him out.

Just as I go to seat myself on the chaise lounge, the sound of voices outside the door have me pausing.

It's Varian and...someone else.

I can't be seen by anyone. The shame of facing Varian if he's brought a woman here to seduce is far too great to bear.

The doorhandle begins to turn. Panicked, I back away, before racing into Varian's bedroom. Just as the main door opens, I drop to the floor and roll under the bed, concealing myself amongst the shadows.

A giggling female voice clamours through the sitting room, and when I peer out from below the bed, I can see Varian's shoes, and the heels of the woman he's come here with.

On the nights of these parties, Varian brings a female down to his room to give the appearance of his overindulgence. He pleasures her, then sends her on her way...I complete forgot about his demented tradition, and now I'm about to bear witness to it.

"Sit down if you like," Varian offers to her, his voice clear from where I'm situated.

"This room is incredible," the woman gushes. "I've heard so much about it. About you."

I watch as Varian's black boots approach his bedroom. I grimace, pulling myself deeper under the bed as they enter the room.

"Only good things, I hope," Varian muses. He seats himself on his bed, a few feet away from where I lie.

"Oh the most wonderful things." The woman's glittery silver heels step closer to Varian. "I hear you're wondrously talented with your tongue, and that your cock is massive."

I shove my face into my hands, my stomach churning. It was a mistake coming here. I'm going to be forced to witness my mate bed another woman right above me, with no hope of escape.

"Let me call for a glass of water," Varian offers, his voice tight.

"Oh I'm not drunk, don't worry." She laughs. "I'm just excited. I never thought I would get this opportunity."

"What opportunity?"

She takes a step forward, standing between Varian's legs. I wonder if he is touching her, if he is gazing up at her with his intense, dark stare, consumed by lust.

I came here wanting him, needing him one last time. This is my punishment for my own stupidity.

"The opportunity to fuck you." Her voice drops, thick and sultry. "That's why I'm here, aren't I?"

"I don't bring women here to fuck, Penelope," he deadpans, his voice jarring even to me. I angle my head, listening keenly.

"Oh..." Penelope withdraws a step.

"Usually I pleasure them with my mouth and fingers until climax and send them on their way," he amends, telling her the same as he told me over a year ago.

Except this time, she isn't going to turn him down.

Penelope giggles, struggling to contain her excitement. "Well, I'll happily accept."

🩷••🩷

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***

My hands tremble by my sides. "Don't sleep with her..."

He steps toward me, his eyes dark. "Why not?"

"Whatever you were planning to do to her tonight, do it to me instead," I whisper.

***

~Midika 🐈‍⬛💜