Eye of the Beholder

I rummaged through my side of the wardrobe to look for a cloth that would be suitable for attending the dinner at the alpha's residence. After staring at my clothes for around 15 minutes, I gave up and sat down on the floor while holding my head. I had nothing to wear!

I let out a frustrated groan and thought of doing my makeup first.

I sat in front of the vanity mirror and stared at my reflection. Caleb had noticed my dark circles the last time I was bare-faced. I didn't want him to see my flaws, so I decided to cover them all up.

Having lived my early teen years in Julia's shadow, I was self-aware of my average look. I wasn't as heavenly as Julia, nor was I as effortlessly beautiful as Shera. The only good things going on for me were probably my full lips and silk-like hair. I had already ruined my hair texture though.

Anyway… my point was… If it wasn't for the mate bond, would Caleb even spare a glance at me? I bet that he wouldn't. Everyone who has seen us together must have noticed that Caleb is way out of my league.

So, I tried my best to look presentable by covering up all my flaws and insecurities with layers and layers of makeup. I also did my hair to the best of my abilities. I tied it into a bun with a loose curl gliding on either side of my face.

I didn't want people to feel sorry for Caleb for getting a mate like me. Thus, I had to dress up well too. Besides, it was the luna who invited me, I must look my best.

In the end, I ended up stealing one of Julia's evening gowns. Most of her dresses were either green or yellow. Those colors suit her so well, but I looked like a clown in them. The only one that looked somewhat okay on me was a red dress. Its length was long for me, but I would have to make do with it.

I jumped and almost tripped on the gown when my phone blared. What time was it? Was it already 7? It was!

"Hello?"

"Are you ready yet? I'm here."

"Almost. Please, give me a minute."

I was so focused on looking perfect that I lost track of time. I hope Caleb won't be mad at me for being a little late.

I quickly put on my tallest pair of heels, shoved my phone and lipstick in the purse, locked the door, and then carefully climbed down the stairs.

I opened the main door and saw Caleb waiting outside, wearing his expensive-looking suit. He was facing the road, restlessly tapping his foot.

"I'm sorry for making you wait." I closed the door and greeted him with an apology.

"Yeah, we better hurr–"

He stopped mid-sentence when he turned around and his eyes fell on me. He stared at me with a stunned look on his face, making me feel self-conscious.

Was there something on my face? Did I overdo my makeup? Or is it the dress?

"I-Is something wrong?" I nervously looked down to check my dress. It wasn't sweeping the floor now since I was wearing high heels.

I suddenly felt a gust of wind hitting me. When I looked up, Caleb was towering in front of me and intently staring at me. Oh, I know this look. He was staring at me like this when we first met. He was looking at me like he wanted to devour me.

"C-Caleb?" I gulped and instinctively took a step back.

He immediately took a step forward and caressed my cheek with the back of his palm, his gaze fixated on my lips. "Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you look in red?" His ragged voice sounded so seductive that I felt ticklish somewhere deep inside.

"No?" My voice came out as a whisper.

Caleb took one more step forward, although there was not much space left between us. "Red suits you. I think red is your color."

"Really? I will keep that in mind." And I took a step back because I found it hard to balance myself on heels and simultaneously crane my neck to look at him. But then he kept on closing the gap between us, again and again, until I found myself pressed against the metal door.

I inhaled sharply when I felt a sting from the cold metal on my bare back. "Caleb? I thought we were already late. We should hurry up." I smiled nervously–his intention clear to me–and tried to walk towards the car.

However, he placed his hands on either side of my shoulder, caging me in place. "We are late, yes. Maybe I should call the luna and say we can't make it to the dinner." He looked down at me, his eyes full of raw instinct.

"W-What?" I gulped. "You're not serious, are you?"

"Oh, you have no idea how serious I am." As if to prove his point, Caleb pressed his body against mine.

A moan automatically escaped my lips when I felt something hard pressing against my lower belly. My insides suddenly twisted, but I was not in pain. I felt like my body desired something, and it was not a kiss. It craved something more, something forbidden.

I think my moan provoked the already riled-up emotion in him. I could tell his wolf side was fighting for control because his irises flickered between dark brown and amber.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't intimidated by that sight.

"Caleb?" I gently pressed my palm on his chest and tried to push him, but he didn't budge. So, I tried to talk to him. "Caleb, the luna must have put in a lot of effort for tonight's dinner. She must be waiting for us as we speak. So, will you try to calm down? Take deep breaths maybe?"

"Calm down?" He scoffed as if he had heard a joke. "You expect me to calm down when you are dressed so seductively? You believe that taking deep breaths will make my situation better?" The tone of his voice sounded almost accusatory as if I had done something wrong.

He leaned forward, his face right in front of mine. He was so close to me that we were practically inhaling each other's breath.

I felt sparks traveling down my entire body when his lips slightly brushed against mine. Oh, how I wish we didn't have a prior commitment tonight.

"You have no idea what kind of effect you are having on me right now, Valerie," he said in a low growling voice, captivating me entirely.

Umm… I think I do have some idea since something hard has been poking me for a while now.

"Yup! I've made my decision." Caleb finally pushed himself away from me, letting me breathe properly.

"Are we finally leaving?" I thought he would lead me to the car but he took out his phone instead.

He pressed some keys on his phone and shook his head. "Nope. I'm calling the luna and telling her we can't attend the dinner tonight."