Chapter 120: I Canโt Believe I Got Drawn as a Dance Partner
As soon as those words were spoken, I noticed Madelineโs expression stiffen. Her face turned dark. In the past, Christopher had never spoken to her like that. Since that incident, it was clear that his feelings toward her had soured. It seemed he had seen through her true nature. As another Alpha like me, he was perceptive, and I admired that about him.
Caught up in my thoughts, I heard Madeline speak. โI just thought this watch suited Alpha perfectly, so I decided to give it to him. I didnโt really think beyond that.โ
โMaddie is so kind to Ben,โ Henry said earnestly. However, just as he finished, Benjamin picked up the box I had given him and turned to me. โWhat did you get me?โ
Surprised, I replied, โA tie. I hope you like it.โ
As soon as I finished speaking, Benjamin opened the box. After taking a look, he seemed genuinely pleased. โThis is great! It really matches my style. I didnโt expect you to know me so well.โ
I smiled faintly, immediately feeling the weight of Madelineโs jealous glare directed at me. Just then, a maid hurried over. โAlpha, the ball is about to start. Old Mr. Southwell wants you to come over.โ
Benjamin nodded and handed the gift box I gave him to Christopher. โHold this for me.โ Then he made his way toward the hall.
The hall was bustling with activity, packed with people both inside and out. In the center of the stage, the host stepped up to warm up the crowd. โIโm delighted to see everyone here today. I hope you all have a wonderful time! As we prepare to start our ball, we thought it might be a bit dull to stick to tradition, so this year, weโre trying something different.โ
As soon as the host finished speaking, the crowd erupted with excitement, all eyes fixed on the center of the stage. โTonightโs ball will follow a drawing system, and everyone must wear a mask. Your dance partner will be entirely random; those who draw the same number will be paired for the evening.โ
The crowd cheered! Soon after, the Southwellsโ servants began handing out masks to everyone in attendance, and I was one of them. I received a fox mask and then drew my number: 56. Looking at the number in my hand, I couldnโt help but wonder who was unlucky enough to draw me as a partner. After all, dancing was my Achillesโ heel; my skills were far from impressive.
I stood among the crowd, holding a glass of champagne, as everyone around me began pairing up. I started to feel a bit anxious, thinking maybe no one had drawn my number.
Just then, a tall figure approached me, wearing a wolf king mask and holding the number 56. โMiss, may I have the honor of this dance?โ The familiar voice sent a thrill through me, and Hera, catching a whiff of his scent, went wild with excitement. I didnโt even need to look to know who it was. โBenjamin, is that you?โ
I felt a mix of surprise and a hint of joy. Benjamin chuckled softly. โLooks like itโs fate.โ Then he extended his large hand toward me. After a brief hesitation, I placed my hand in his palm, allowing him to lead me to the dance floor.
โBenjamin, I should warn you in advance. I canโt dance,โ I said before we began. He reassured me, โItโs fine; just follow my lead.โ
As the music started, Benjamin took the initiative, guiding me. โStep with your left foot, take three steps back, then the right foot.โ I did my best to keep up, but within a minute, I found myself apologizing. โIโm sorry, I stepped on your foot.โ
Benjamin just smiled gently. โNo problem, take your time.โ Feeling a bit embarrassed, I continued to follow Benjaminโs lead, step by step. Yet, halfway through, I found myself apologizing again. โIโm sorry, I stepped on your foot again.โ
Each time, Benjamin calmly reassured me, โItโs fine, youโre doing well.โ I was not sure if it was his encouragement or if I was simply getting better, but gradually, I began to match his rhythm. Step by step, my movements became smoother, and I no longer stumbled.
โNot bad, youโre dancing really well,โ Benjamin kept encouraging me. I felt a bit shy, but I managed to keep up with the steps, losing myself in the moment and ignoring the curious glances from those around us. Hera was practically over the moon; our bodies were so close! I always had to control her urge to have me take him away for mating.
Soon, the crowd began to thin out, leaving just the two of us on the vast dance floor. When I finally came to my senses, the song ended, and the surrounding audience erupted into thunderous applause. Feeling overwhelmed, I bowed in gratitude alongside everyone else and let Benjamin guide me away from the dance floor.
โYou did great,โ he praised as we stepped away. I quickly replied, โIt was all thanks to your guidance.โ Benjamin met my gaze and added, โNo teacher is greater than a dedicated student.โ
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I rubbed my head and said, โThis is the first time Iโve danced through an entire song. I never realized dancing could be so easy.โ With a smile, Benjamin suggested, โYou should learn more in the future.โ
Just as we were talking, Irving unexpectedlyโฆ