CHAPTER 13

Nylarizza POV

I pulled the chocolate ice cream from the fridge and sat on the couch, enjoying what it once was in it's full glory. I ate it straight from the carton, letting the first scoop melt in my mouth. My stomach had a satisfied feeling from the months of limited food. I grabbed everything in the fridge and started making the strangest combinations.

I shrugged and did exactly that. I wrapped the pickle in the warm and crispy bacon, smelling it's strange scent. I shoved it in my ice cream and covered it in the ice cream and the syrup. I smelled it, shrugging and stabbed my spoon into it. I took it all in my mouth and chewed, the flavor bursting in my mouth. It tastes so good!

I stabbed the pickle again and shoved it in my mouth again. I was about to take another bite when Zavier walked out from his office and stared at me, confused. "What were you eating? Is this something that pregnant she wolves do...?" I rolled my eyes.

"I don't know, but it tastes so good!" I explained, cramming the third bite into my mouth. Zavier came over and took the carton.

"There goes the perfect chocolate ice cream. Ruined by Riz herself with bacon and pickle." Zavier muttered, shoving it in the freezer. "Well, I was coming out here to tell you we're going somewhere. The pics are holding a little gathering and you're going with me."

"Are you afraid you're going to be alone?" I asked, smirking.

"No, it's just required for me and you to go," he shrugged. "So go get dressed in the pink dress that I got you." I shrugged at him and went up the stairs, into the bedroom with a sigh.

The pale dress was on the bed, with a pair of pink heels. I pulled them on after taking off my pajamas and headed into the bathroom to do my makeup. I was going to do a bolder look to show that my capture didn't affect me, but it was still matching to the rest of the outfit.

Okay, let me confess something. I absolutely despise the color pink. I mean sure, girls stereotypically like pink, but not this girl. This girl likes red the most. This girl hates dresses and heels. This girl likes shorts and baggy shirts. This girl loves sweatpants more than anything. I threw my hair up quickly and went down the stairs, where Zavier was standing near the door with his traditional tuxedo on.

"If anybody comes near you that doesn't know you," he smiled at me, "I'll kill them." He continued to smile and I shuddered. He rolled his eyes and hugged me before taking my hand and getting into the driver seat of the car. I got in the back seat and Zavier looked at me. "Are you wanting to sit next to Carol?" I nodded, not knowing she was coming with us.

"You can sit with her mate or whatever," I say. He nods.

"He's my Beta," he says, grinning. My mouth drops. "Yep."

He doesn't drive. Carol opens the door and smiles at me. "Riz! Oh my gosh! It's so good to see you! I mean, I knew you were alive because Zavier told me, and he told me you're expecting but I didn't think you would come! Look how pretty you are! You're wearing the dress that Zavier gave you! Oh my gosh I am ranting on and on, aren't I? I am so glad you're here bestie! Finally Zavier will stop whining and finally get his priorities straight and be an actual Alpha like he was instead of the whimpering hopeless wolf he was." Zavier growls, making his Beta chuckle.

Carol hugs me and I notice her dress. Her short velvet dress was soft, and it made me wish I was so comfortable. Well, not all of us can go to a regular store and just not have the fanciest dresses. Well, Zavier probably didn't mind that I wasn't wearing the pink dress. Ugh, pink. One reason I don't want a she wolf. Their baby clothes are completely pink and it's disappointing. "Okay Carol, I get that I am the best person ever and you couldn't live without me." She rolls her eyes and I do the same.

The Beta, Austin, started talking to Zavier and I completely just zoned out on my conversation I was having with Carol. "So, when did you find out?"

"The first day I was in the hospital. They took an X-ray and found something strange so they took an ultrasound and there the baby was," I replied. "I was rather shocked that I was pregnant through part of the... abuse?" Carol shook her head.

"That's what you would call it, Riz. That man beat you," she gestured to me then looked down at your stomach. "And would have hurt your pup.

"The pup is fine. Perfectly healthy," I say, straying from the abuse. "Anyway, how was the pack?"

"Practically restless," she answers, snorting. "Everyone was a mess without you here. Alpha always snarled at everyone who mentioned you and everyone missed you after you saved that wolf on the full moon three months ago. They were pretty disappointed that you couldn't be at the other full moons after that. Speaking of which, there is another in a couple days." I nodded.

"Well what can I say? Everyone can't get enough of me," I say sarcastically. She laughs, but Zavier snarls, making Austin laugh more. "Zavier, don't be jealous. I mean, the people love me, but I mean as a leader." I knew he understood, but I still explained.

"But yeah, no one can get enough of Nylarizza Laven," I smirk, crossing my arms over my chest.

The ballroom was gorgeous, large pillars, chandeliers, dancers leading the dances, dance bartenders with the best flips and tricks. I latched arms with Carol as Austin and Zavier went to a hall and inside another room. I pulled Carol towards the barstools, where the bartender was putting on a show with someone's order. He flipped the wind glass in the air and caught it, filling it with wine then raising his eyebrows. "Not impressed yet?" he challenges. The bar was filled, people chanting him on, most of them probably half drunk already. He lifts the wine glass and flips it quickly, keeping all the wine inside. He places both his hands around the top of the glass, covering all the liquid.