My Most Precious Human

The party was supposed to be held in the large field near the forest. It was just outside the mansion's grounds. Beta Ari took me there. I was grateful for his company. I didn't want to spoil my mood by walking there with Draven. I was still pissed at him for what he had put me through, and I was additionally pissed at myself for doing something to his advantage after all of that. I couldn't evaluate where the limit of his arrogance was, and if I wasn't going to hear a sincere apology from him the next time we talked, I was going to punch him in the face. I deliberately delayed the moment we'd have this talk. I was looking forward to having some fun, drinking, and meeting people. Punching the Alpha of their pack in the middle of the party might have complicated a few things for me…

When we reached the spot, I saw multiple long tables. They were already set up with plates and glasses for the drinks. There was a huge fire set in the middle of that field, giving just the right amount of light to create the mood to party and get wasted. Most of the warriors from the elite squad were already there. It was kind of fascinating how their venomous faces were currently displaying admiration and respect towards me. They greeted me, smiling and nodding their heads.

There was no segregation at that party. Everyone could sit wherever he or she wanted. After all, the whole purpose of drinking and eating together was to integrate those who would soon fight alongside each other on the battlefield. I would certainly feel at ease there… if I wasn't the only person who had an already arranged seat, without the right to choose. I was supposed to sit at the main table next to the Alpha. Having Patrick at the same table gave me a little consolation, but it didn't change the fact that I would have to act and pretend.

I tried to cover up my anger with a forced smile, but the mask I had designed for myself felt heavier by the second, and when Alpha Draven showed up in front of me, the mask became almost unbearable to wear. Draven got up from his seat, put on a warily smile, and pulled out the chair for me to sit beside him. I exhaled and stretched my lips flat since it was the best form of grin I could give him, and then I accommodated at the seat on his left side.

"You look beautiful tonight," he said while leaning over my ear.

I looked at what I was wearing and chuckled at his compliment. A pair of black pants and a fitted shirt, since I didn't know what to expect at the training grounds earlier, certainly didn’t make me anything that could be called beautiful. That was yet another small thing that differentiated Sariel and Draven. Draven lacked finesse, and he definitely wasn't a smooth talker. I knew that he was currently "trying", and that his own clumsiness was humiliating him and enraging him, but I wasn't going to make it any easier for him. To make things even worse for him, Patrick sat right next to me on my left.

"Here. Let me pour you some wine." Patrick immediately reached for the bottle, seeing my empty glass.

"I'll do it," Draven hissed, grabbing the bottle just before Patrick.

I glanced at him with a mental face-palm gesture. He cleared his throat, forcing himself to act as if nothing had happened, and then poured me a glass of wine.

"Thank you," I smiled courteously at him and lifted my glass for a toast.

I had seen Draven behave gentlemanly before when I was sitting beside him at the party in the Palace's garden, but he was confident then. Yet at that moment, this cocky Alpha with royal blood running in his veins, this leader of the biggest werewolf pack ever known, seemed anxious and hungry for my attention. I caught him staring at me. He looked as if he was searching for a hint of my forgiveness for him hidden in my expression, but I couldn't just give him what he wanted. He served me food and drinks and kept asking if I had everything I needed. From the stunned gazes of Ari and other high-positioned wolves sitting at our table, I deduced that he couldn't be more out of his usual character. I knew he was making an effort, but it could never suffice as an apology.

my smile slipped onto my face more naturally. I felt more

so innocently and wholeheartedly, I could never imagine that you are a hell of a fighter!" One of the Gammas, named Raiden,

great," I laughed

chuckled, then froze when he noticed Draven and

for you," Draven hissed

corrected, smirking daringly at Draven. "Regardless of what

instant, and Patrick straightened as if preparing himself to attack. The air became so dense that a single spark could cause

I shouted, instinctively stretching my arms on both sides, putting more distance between Draven and Patrick.

smile while

I won't let them

and then glowered at him, letting him know that he had crossed the line big time.

or not when

They looked like they were holding their breath, glancing at me and their Alpha. Draven frowned at the inconvenient stares

"Lilith, I-"

thing that you wanted me to fight one of your warriors in human form, but it was something completely different

"I didn't mean-"

roared, leaning out and locking his deadly stare

Army soldiers. Everyone's eyes turned to our table. The vampires were ready to support their commander's actions while the wolves held their claws prepared to attack at Alpha's mark.

up and hit the table with