Marry to Alpha or Vampire?

After returning home, Hazel took a bath and lay down on her bed. She hadn’t even had dinner yet. Just thinking about what Cyril had done to her earlier made her face flush. But more importantly, she wanted to know how her pearl ring ended up next to Bessie’s lifeless body.

“Guess who it is,” a familiar voice called from outside Hazel’s room. She recognized it as Eloise.

“Hey, come on in,” Hazel said with a smile, watching Eloise open the door and enter her room.

“Darling, how are you?” Eloise asked, her cute face showing concern for Hazel.

“Are you talking about Bessie’s incident?” Hazel guessed that this was the topic Eloise wanted to discuss. She hadn’t shared any information with Eloise since her return.

“Yes, did Alpha say anything? Elmer and I are really worried about you,” Eloise’s eyes were filled with concern.

“He didn’t say much. He said he would investigate it,” Hazel spread her hands in a helpless gesture.

“Have you got your ring back?” Eloise’s gaze shifted to Hazel’s hand, but it was empty. There was no sign of the ring.

“Clearly not. Cyril said he’d return it once the truth is out,” Hazel opened her hands, displaying them in front of Eloise, her face filled with worry.

“Don’t worry,” Eloise reassured, patting Hazel’s shoulder.

“Hey, there’s something else to look forward to. The Sean Club is hosting a grand bonfire party tomorrow night. All the young people in town will be there to have fun,” Eloise’s excitement was evident as she rubbed her hands together.

“I guess you weren’t here when you got back, but last year’s bonfire party was a blast,” Eloise pulled up a picture on her phone.

Hazel’s eyes widened as she saw crate after crate of beer being unloaded from a truck, people dancing and frolicking together. It was precisely the kind of activity Hazel enjoyed.

“Oh, my dear Eloise, you really get me,” Hazel hugged Eloise. Right now, she could use something to relax. Since she returned to town, strange things had been happening. Hazel missed the days spent with her grandmother in the cabin and orchard. Her encounter with Gerard had also been quite intriguing.

“Tomorrow night, Elmer will join us,” Eloise spoke up again.

“Wait, you mean all the young people in town will be there?” Hazel felt like she had caught the most critical detail. Could Cyril possibly show up there?

“Yes, everyone,” Eloise replied with a smile.

“We’ll wear masks, put on beautiful dresses, and who knows, maybe you’ll find your mate there,” Eloise reminded Hazel. She had turned eighteen, and finding one’s mate was a significant event.

“Hmm, and what about you? Maybe you’ll find yours before I do?” Hazel gave a mischievous smile.

“So, did Alpha give you a hard time today?” Eloise inquired again.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

At Eloise’s reminder, Hazel once again thought about the events of the day. Had Cyril’s actions been intended to make her uncomfortable? It didn’t seem that way. The more she thought about it, the more images flashed through her mind, making her cheeks flush once more.

“Hey, girl, your expression is not quite right. You’re blushing,” Eloise said, her hands crossed, sizing Hazel up. This was not the reaction she expected from Hazel.

“No, it’s not like that. You’ve got it wrong,” Hazel turned her head away.

“Come on, be honest,” Eloise felt Hazel was keeping something from her.

Hazel clenched her lower lip, unsure whether to tell Eloise what had happened this afternoon. It was difficult for her to discuss.

“Dear, tell me. What happened between you two?” Eloise’s face was full of curiosity. She was sure she’d regret it if she missed out on this juicy gossip.

“Okay, I surrender,” Hazel eventually decided to confide in Eloise. She didn’t want to hide anything from her best friend.

“Oh my God, Alpha actually did that to you!” Eloise gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. This was too scandalous. It was her best friend and the Alpha of their Pack!

“Hey, keep it down! I don’t want my grandma and Theo to hear,” Hazel rolled her eyes. She was genuinely concerned that Eloise might blurt out this information.

Eloise burst into laughter, feeling like she had uncovered some major secret.

“Listen, if you get to have sex with Alpha Cyril, then you’re the lucky one,” Eloise laughed louder, a sharp contrast to Alpha’s stern and authoritative demeanor in public.

“Eloise,” Hazel reached out and covered Eloise’s mouth. She was getting way off track.

But Hazel couldn’t deny that Eloise had said what she secretly desired. She just couldn’t admit it. She didn’t want to appear too eager to get closer to Cyril because that would put him on the defensive.

“Okay, okay, I won’t say anything more. You remember to seize the opportunity,” Eloise waved her hand, not wanting to anger Hazel. After all, Hazel was someone who could spar with Cyril.

“It’s very late, I have to go home. Elmer and I will pick you up tomorrow night,” Eloise said and left the bed. She walked to the door and smiled at Hazel.

“Goodnight, Eloise, please close the door for me,” Hazel lay back in bed. She was feeling tired.

“Goodnight, Hazel.” Eloise turned off the light and gently closed the door as she left.

Hazel lay in bed, preparing to sleep, but then she caught a whiff of a familiar scent – it was a note! Hazel got up from the bed, turned on the light, and reached under her pillow. Just as she suspected, there was another note.

“Would you be afraid, Hazel?” The note contained the same cryptic message, leaving Hazel puzzled. She felt like she was being drawn into a silent struggle. She didn’t know who was leaving these notes, but the fact that this person could silently enter her room made her feel powerless.

Hazel placed all the notes in a box. She decided she needed to investigate this further. She looked out the window at the darkness. It was time to sleep.

The next night at 7 o’clock, Hazel stood in front of the mirror, admiring her figure. The black velvet dress made her look exotic, with porcelain-like fair skin and slightly parted rose-petal pink lips.

Hazel heard the doorbell ringing downstairs and rushed to open the door. Eloise and Elmer were waiting outside.

“Darling, you look stunning!” Eloise nodded in approval, clearly satisfied with Hazel’s outfit.

Elmer was staring, his mouth agape, but he couldn’t find words to speak.

“When are we leaving?” Hazel was impatient. Drinking was not a taboo for her, or for werewolves in general. They never worried about getting drunk.

“The bonfire party doesn’t start until 7:30,” Elmer suddenly spoke, and his face had a slight blush.

“Look at what I brought for you,” Eloise picked up the bag behind her and took out a few masks.

“Seriously, do we need all this?” Hazel furrowed her brows, wondering if such extravagance was necessary.

“Of course, we do,” Eloise leaned in and whispered into Hazel’s ear, then gave her a mischievous grin. Hazel stared at her, signaling her to stop talking.

“Which mask goes best with my dress?” Hazel carefully selected one. Her eyes lingered on a black mask with diamond embellishments. She picked it up and placed it against her face, and surprisingly, it matched perfectly.

“It’s perfect,” Eloise clapped and cheered. The mask was a stunning match for Hazel’s dress.

“Alright, then let’s go with this one!” Hazel agreed; she also thought it looked great.

“Then let’s head out,” Eloise linked her arm with Hazel’s.

The three of them set off for The Sean Club’s bonfire party.