Hidden

Chapter 12

"They want you to be happy, Marielle," he insisted.

"I know, I just feel bad about it all."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"When things settle down, we can work together to convince your mate to take them somewhere special in town. How does that sound?"

"Really?" I piped in with a newfound excitement.

"Anything to make you happy," he promised, nodding at the desserts. "Now eat up, cupcake."

I grinned, picking up the first one I saw and taking a little bite of it. The taste exploded in my mouth and I looked up at Helios with wide eyes. I couldn't tell if I was really that hungry or it was that delicious, or both.

"This is-"

"Pretty damn good, right?" Helios beamed, taking something else that I didn't know the name of and popping it in his mouth.

I answered by stuffing my face with more. Whatever this creamy stuff was, it was starting to top all my favorite chocolates. I knew I would regret eating only treats and not the real food that was at the table right next to it, so I quickly filled my plate with anything that looked good, which was basically everything. I was glad my mate wasn't here yet, or he'd catch me munching like a pig. To my defense though, I hadn't eaten in a while and my appetite was finally caving in.

I was just about to take a huge bite from a piece of roasted chicken when the sweet aroma of fresh lemons and pine wafted past my nose. My breath picked up as I scoured my surroundings for dark hair and forest eyes.

I sat my plate down and stepped through the crowd, unable to see anything but the towering backs of the wolves around me. I tracked his scent until I finally saw his muscular form, his back turned to me as he chatted with other wolves. I froze as he slowly lifted his eyes to mine, connecting them in an intense gaze. Electricity moved down my spine as he excused himself and started towards me when I was suddenly pushed back into the crowd, lost in a sea of people. 

I grew frustrated as I tried to reach him, but his scent grew faint as I was pushed farther and farther away from him. There were too many people and I was too small. I jumped as a hand grabbed mine only to relax as I realized it was only Helios. I expected to get a mouthful on how I left without informing him, but instead I was met with a look of determination.

"Let's get you to your mate, baby girl."

I held onto his hand tightly as he guided me behind him, the crowd parting like the sea as he walked through. I gaped at him in awe, forcing my legs to keep up with his swift pace. We finally stopped as we broke through the crowd, mere feet away from Alpha Rowen and the other upper ranks.

Familiar strawberry blonde hair caught my attention by his side and I watched as she grabbed onto his suit jacket and leaned in close, coercing me to look away. I turned around, ready to fall back into the crowd, but Helios pulled me back and forced me to stay.

"He doesn't care for her. She just wants what she can't have," He stressed and nodded for me to take another look. She was now distant from him, a look of disappointment on her face as she accepted the hand of another high officer who asked for a dance. Helios gently shoved me forward, backing away into the crowd. "Go to him."

My steps were heavy as I timidly walked towards him, anxiousness swelling in my chest with each step. He didn't seem to be aware of me when I stood beside his massive frame, his deep voice weakening my legs as he spoke to those around him. I tugged at his sleeve gently, but I realized he didn't notice and I tugged harder to gain his attention.