I know you've been waiting
The Ball: Part One
Mercedes paced back and forth, occasionally looking at the clock on the wall before feeling her nerves going crazy again. She had been poked and prodded for two days straight and now everything held in the balance. She'd been coached for hours by Santana about all the important guests that were coming and she was surprised to find out that the women from her grandmother's coven would be attending.
She was also warned about the Alphas, there were six coming and they were all leaders of their own packs, apparently they were scattered all around the world and rarely came out for these types of things.
They made the exception due to the importance of this particular ball.
"Why are they coming?" Mercedes asked.
"Because of you." Santana answers nonchalantly. "They're coming to see the witch that's destined to destroy the world."
Mercedes frowned. "I'm not destined to do anything… I'm not some show pony that-" she started but stopped when she heard her laughing. "What's funny!"
"You are! There's no way they could know you are a witch. They just assume you're some human that he's sired to, chill chica." Santana replied laughing.
Mercedes let out a nervous laugh. "Sorry, this is all so much and I don't know what I'm doing or why my parents haven't come for me. Also…" She said trailing off.
"You miss him?"
"I can feel when he's near and being connected but not being able to see him… it's…"
Santana looked at her amused. "It's like you can't breathe and your whole body is on fire with want."
Mercedes nodded. "Yeah. I know you mentioned it before but now… since I said I was the luna, I feel it. It's harder to fight."
"That's how it was when he selected me as his Beta. I didn't feel like I was until I accepted my new role. A female Beta is unheard of so there was a lot of backlash… Now that I think about it, everything he's done has been unorthodox so you being his mate makes more sense. Seems that fate is real…"
"Fate, huh."
There was a knock on the door that made Mercedes stop pacing. She'd been waiting for the knock, it was time for her to get dressed. Everything had to be done at a certain time, she would get dressed then wait another fifteen minutes before it was time for her to head to the ballroom.
She looked at the dress displayed on the mannequin beside a full length mirror. A stunning ball gown, in various shades of purple in an ombre setting, a pair of clear heels was nestled at the bottom of the dress and on display next to it was the jewelry she was expected to wear. Everything, down to how her hair was styled was already determined. She looked at herself, seeing her hair pulled into a low bun and soft makeup adorning her face and shook her head.
"What am I doing?" She asked herself before there was another knock.
She was supposed to be dressed by this point, she quickly took her robe off and walked over to the mannequin. The dress was large and she figured she would have help but the only person that was to see her first in her gown was Sam. She pulled the dress off of the mannequin, gently lowering and stepping into it.
She slowly pulled it up and just like she figured, it fit like a glove. She purposely didn't look at herself in the mirror while she slipped on the heels and jewelry, her nerves were on edge and she found herself trying to remember the other Alpha's names.
Breathe, I'll be there to help.
She let out a shaky breath hearing Sam but it was also calming to know he could sense she needed reassurance.
I thought we couldn't communicate until the ball.
I'm the Alpha, I can do as I please. That and your nerves are making me feel on edge.
Oh… sorry. I'm just anxious and feel like an imposter.
You're not. If you ever feel overwhelmed just squeeze my hand.
Thanks.
You know I can also feel when you blush, right?
Mercedes felt her cheeks grow even warmer. I'm not blushing… this dress is hot.
Hmm… you can always take it off or I can help you.
Mercedes flushed. And here I thought you were a gentleman.
Shouldn't make assumptions. I'll see you out there and remember to just squeeze my hand.
She started to reply when there was a third knock on the door, letting her know it was time to head to the ballroom. She briefly glanced at herself before rolling her shoulder and opening the door.
She gasped as soon as she stepped outside, the walkway leading to the ballroom was covered in greenery and dazzling sparkle lights, there were flower petals lining each side and the further she went the more in awe she became. She was instructed to follow the path until she reached the stairs, there she would find Sam waiting for her.
She continued down the path before turning right and taking a deep breath, heading towards the stairs. She immediately felt butterflies the closer she got and by the time she reached them, she was met by Sam's intense eyes.
He looked at her with an unreadable expression before stepping closer to her. "You look beautiful." He said, gently caressing her hand.
Mercedes looked at him, noticing how well the suit he was wearing showed off his muscles. He was wearing a black fitted crushed velvet suit, his lapel was pinned with lavender and his hair was slicked back.
"You look pretty good yourself." She managed to get out, feeling her nerves kicking in again.
Sam smirked. "I hope those nerves are because of me and not those people out there."
She giggled. "Can't it be both?" She asked, looking down.
He lifted her chin so that she was looking at him. "Don't ever hide your face from me." He said, running his thumb along her cheek. "You're safe with me."
She looked at him, nodding. "I believe you."
Sam smiled, leaning in close. "Good." He said against her lips, Mercedes expected him to kiss her but instead he pulled away. "Let's get this over with."
She could see the lights from the ballroom shimmering and hear the subtle sound of voices floating around just beyond the stairs. She looked at the candle lit stairs then at his outreached hand, the stairs seemed to look so small compared to him and she let out a breath before taking his hand and allowing him to lead her to up.
Each step they took, the more the voices became clearer and the more she felt herself getting more nervous. When they reached the top of the landing everything went quiet, the only thing she could hear was her heart beating rapidly. Sam looked over at her, giving her a reassuring hand squeeze before the curtain separated, slowly opening and she felt eyes on them. Many eyes looking at them, soft murmurs and she scanned the room before spotting her mother. She started to move to go to her but was stopped by Sam.
He looked at her and shook his head. "We can't." He said and she sighed knowing there was a process they had to follow.
"Okay." She replied, remembering they were to greet everyone before Sam announced her as his Luna, publically.
They slowly began to walk down the stairs, she felt a rush flow over her making her stop before he gently tugged her along. They stopped in front of a massive man, she remembered Santana telling her about him.
Anthony Rashad stood at 6'8, broad shoulder, gleaming light brown eyes and a chiseled face. He was exactly like Santana described, handsome and intimidating. He was the Alpha of the Shadow Rock Pack, he'd come from Macon, Georgia and was accompanied by his Luna, Jane.
Mercedes shifted under his intense gaze but managed to offer a small smile when she looked at Jane. She was a petite woman, with strong features and dazzling black eyes. She, to Mercedes at least, looked like a Luna. Her gown was black as night with subtle hints of gold flecks, her make up was elegant and bold. She was simply stunning.
"Anthony, Jane it's an honor to see you both again." Sam said, smiling at them both.
Jane smiled back. "Thank you for inviting us, we've been waiting for this day for you."
Anthony nodded, keeping his eyes trained on Mercedes. "It came to a great shock when we received your invitation, usually the unveiling of a pack's Luna is more centered around the region."
Sam nodded. "Well, special circumstances called for this type of gathering. I see you didn't bring Matt, I expected your Beta to be here too."
Anthony continued to eye Mercedes, noticing her shift again causing him to smirk. "She's pure." He said invading her personal space. "Evans, you slick bastard."
Mercedes looked up at him, swallowing. "Move away from her." Sam warned and Anthony growled.
"What's your name beautiful?" He said, ignoring Sam's warning.
"Mercedes." She answered, feeling herself being held captive by his eyes. He lightly caressed her face, taking in her beauty.
"Such a pretty, pretty little thing. He can't see what I see, all that fire swirling around in those eyes of yours. There's something ethereal about you, something intoxicating. There is something powerful running through those veins, he can't do what you need him to do… but I can."
Mercedes tilted her head, breathing deeply. "I…"
Jane placed her hand on his shoulder. "Stop it, Anthony."
Anthony kept looking at Mercedes, slowly smiling when she dropped Sam's hand and stepped closer to him. "It's so easy." Anthony said, running his hands along her arms causing her to shudder and her breathing to hitch.
Sam growled, his eyes flashing yellow as he grabbed Anthony's arm. "I said move."
Anthony chuckled, raising his hands and taking a step back. "Easy, I know she's spoken for. She's powerful though, I like her." He said and Mercedes let out a breath she didn't know she'd be holding.
One down, four more to go.
What was that?
His compulsion mixed with the desire you have.
Oh…
It's the desire you have for me. That's why he said that.
She looked over at him, seeing the amusement in his eyes and couldn't help blushing. "Enjoy the ball, Jane as always, it's a pleasure." Sam said and Mercedes smiled at them both before grabbing Sam's hand and letting him lead her away.
The first part of the ball was meant for Sam to present Mercedes to the other Alphas and then the actual ball would officially commence. The second Alpha was Jesse St. James of the River Creek Pack, Santana warned her about him and how much Sam couldn't stand him or his Luna, Rachel.
"Those two are vindictive and cunning. She won't like you simply because you aren't a wolf and he will try to hit on you. Don't let Sam talk for you, they will both take it as a weakness."
Mercedes nodded. "But I do let him talk when we meet Anthony and his Luna?"
Santana chuckled. "Do not speak, if he wants you to talk you will and you won't know why but you'll know if he likes you or not."
"Right, he's like Brittney. He has the ability of compulsion."
"Yes, but being that most stuff doesn't work on you, you're gonna have to let it. Alpha's love their ego's to be stroked, especially Anthony Rashad."
"Okay… he is the only one I should be worried about?"
Santana shook her head. "He's not the one you need to worry about…"
"Samuel, this is a bit much for the unveiling of a Luna, don't you think." Rachel stated, looking Mercedes up and down.
"I-"
"You'll soon find out, I'm not an ordinary Luna." Mercedes said, stopping Sam from speaking up.
Jesse, an average looking man with curly hair, smirked. "She speaks when she isn't spoken to, hmm."
Mercedes offered a smile. "I speak when I want to speak, Sam was nice enough to invite you so some semblance of decorum would be appreciated or do you not know what that is?"
Rachel scuffed. "Have care how you speak to an Alpha, you're not officially a Luna, know your place!" Rachel snapped, snarling at her.
Mercedes looked at Sam and he nodded before she stepped closer to Rachel. "Take care how you speak to me." She replied, slyly placing her hand on Rachel's and smirking.
The two women had an intense stare down until Rachel let out a scream, looking down seeing that her arm was burned. "You burned me! She burned me!"
Mercedes gently brushed her arm, softly muttering 'heal' before looking pointedly at it. "That was me being nice."
Jesse looked at her and frowned. "You let her harm my Luna?" He asked, starting to lunge but was stopped when Mercedes shot him a dark look.
I would think twice before speaking to my Alpha.
The entire room went silent. The only sounds that could be heard was the shuffling from the wait staff and the soft timber of music playing. It was eerily still. Mercedes looked around noticing everyone looking at the pair of them fearfully.
Mercedes looked at Sam. "What did I do?" She asked and he looked around.
He leaned down to her ear. "You silenced them."
"Is… is that bad?"
He smirked. "Hell no, you just showed them all you're the Luna."
She felt a rush of excited energy flow throughout her before her flesh turned cold. The hairs on her arm were standing on end and her grip on Sam's hand tightened.
"Something is wrong." She said but it was like she was speaking in slow motion.
Sam looked at Mercedes, seeing the blank expression on her face. He gently shook her before she released his hand and let out a ragged breath. "Mercedes?"
She blinked, looking around before her eyes locked with someone. "Who is that?" She asked and Sam followed her line of sight landing on someone he'd never seen before.
"I…" He started before looking for Santana.
Who is that?
Who is who?
Curly hair, black and red tux.
Santana looked before slowly signaling for others in the pack to be on alert as she walked over to the person. She smiled and mingled to keep any suspicions about her intended target at bay.
"Hello, I don't believe we've met. I'm Santana- Sam's Beta." She said to the man who seemed entirely too transfixed on Mercedes.
When she didn't get a reply she moved in front of him, blocking his view of Mercedes. "Are you new here?"
"No." He answered, shifting so he could see over Santana's shoulder but she moved, blocking him again.
"What pack are you a part of? It's very rare I don't know someone so-"
He looked at her before offering a warm smile. "I'm not a part of any pack… the witches invited me actually." He responded.
Santana nodded slowly. "Which coven?"
"Secret Meadow."
Secret Meadow? I've never heard of that coven…
Remove him, quietly. This has to go off without a hitch and she's about to meet HIM.
Santana sighed, signaling for Puck to come aide. "That coven is unknown to us, so we are going to take a walk." Santana instructed, earning a frown from the man.
"I was invited and I want to meet the new Luna." He challenged but it fell on deaf ears and he was pushed gently by her into the chest of a large man.
"Let's go." Puck said, grabbing his arm and guiding him out.
Sam looked at Mercedes seeing that her shoulders relaxed slightly. "He's gone, you're safe."
She looked at him, letting out a breath she was holding. "Sorry… I couldn't- who's next?"
"Brody Weston. Beta of River Red Pack." Sam answered and Mercedes nodded, remembering Santana telling her about him.
"Wait, why are we meeting the Beta and not the Alpha?"
Santana snorted. "No one meets him without meeting Brody first. Pompous asshole but so is the Alpha. He'll size you up, then tell his Alpha what he thinks, so you have to really play it up for him."
"What do you mean by that?"
"His Alpha is Sebastain Smythe, an annoying bastard but also very dangerous. You don't have to worry about that though… he only comes when the supreme calls."
"Supreme?"
Santana let out a breath. "The supreme is the Alpha of all Alphas- very rare for him to ever show up so you don't need to focus on that."
"What if he does show up?"
"It's not a good sign… it's a very bad sign especially with you being a virgin…" Santana looked worried, almost frightened.
"What does being a virgin have to do with this?"
Santana looked at her hard. "If he shows up… if Sam doesn't claim you he has the power to choose you for himself."
Mercedes shook her head. "What? No, I didn't sign up for that!"
"Ha! That's cute… as an unclaimed Luna, you are fair game. Personally, you should be thankful that the invitation was sent to him."
"I am not fair game! I don't understand this… how can he bite me the way he did and then someone else just say I'm theres?"
"Wolf law… you gotta learn that. Until you and Sam mate, you are still fair game to any male wolf out there regardless of the fact that you're his."
Sam looked over to where Brody was standing, and took a deep breath. "We're almost done." He said.
Sam hated this more than he could say, he wanted to get through this without a hitch and so far they were close to the finish line. He had to keep telling himself that because whether he was willing to admit it or not, he was worried shitless that an attack would happen and he'd be too distracted to spot it.
Even in a room full of wolves he knew the witches could easily take them all out and there were also the vampires. He's never personally been in a room with any before but he could feel the edge coming off of their presence.
"Wanna free my hand from that vice grip?" Mercedes asked playfully.
Sam flashed her a devious smile. "Careful, I'm being good by only holding your hand."
She smirked. "As opposed to what?"
He looked her up and down, biting his lip. "I could think of a few places I'd love to hold… bite…" he let out a deep growl that sent chills down her spine.
Unbeknownst to the pair, everyone was aware of their spicy encounter and to some they were very happy to see it but to others, they were very displeased that Sam was so taken in by a non-wolf.
"Brody." Sam addressed a tall dark haired man who offered a dazzling smile.
"Evans, you would go against the grain, can't say that I blame you. You are stunning but I'm sure you already know that." Brody replied offering a soft smile to Mercedes.
"You're too kind." She said, smiling back at him. " I was informed that your Alpha wouldn't be in attendance."
Brody nodded. "Sebastian sends his best but there was a rogue wolf that needed tending, I hope I offer some form of support by being here."
"Play his game, he will try to flirt you up to get a rise out of Sam. Let him… it's crucial."
"But why would I want to flirt with him just to piss Sam off?"
Santana snickered. "That the point, they need to see a real act of aggression from him about you."
"So what? Bat my eyes and brush up against him?"
"If it were me on the receiving end I would love that." She teased.
Mercedes stepped closer to Brody, light brushing up against him. "Your presence is most welcomed." She said, letting her voice drop slightly.
Brody grinned, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her even closer. "I'm sure he already told you but you smell absolutely delicious. Delicious enough to eat."
Sam snarled, gently grabbing Mercedes and pulling her back to him. "Don't touch her again."
Brody smirked, grabbing her back. "I think I'll decide when to stop touching her." Mercedes giggled, rubbing Brody's arm.
Sam shot them both looks, trying to reign in his anger but lost it when Brody caressed the small of Mercedes' back. His breathing increased, he could feel his claws begging to break free and his growl silenced the entire room.
"Move." He snarled.
Mercedes looked over at Santana who snickered before nodding. That was her cue to cut the act and calm Sam down, she quickly moved away from Brody and placed her hand on his cheek.
Easy, easy.
Sam blinked, looking at her as his rage continued to boil until the hairs on the back of his neck shot up and he heard heavy footsteps approach him. He blinked again before quickly moving Mercedes behind him, the other wolves went on high alert.
Mercedes felt chills running up her spine the tighter Sam gripped her. She looked around at everyone and saw the sheer terror in their eyes before her eyes locked with her mother's. She was mouthing something but she couldn't understand it, she looked at the woman next to her and she was mouthing something as well, she looked from all the witches seeing them all saying something.
Something's… happening.
Easy now, gorgeous.
She shook her head, the voice wasn't Sam's and it felt like someone was scratching at the walls in her mind.
Go… stop it!
Easy, I don't bite… unless you want me too.
Mercedes placed her hands on her head, trying hard not to scream but the harder he tried to break her walls the harder it was for her to fight.
Sam!
Oh sweet beauty, he can not help you. I am the Supreme.
So yeah... the shit is about to happened and I want to warn you now... it's going to be hard not to like the Supreme lol BUT HE THE ENEMY! haha until next time xoxo!
