Not What You Expected

Chapter Twenty Nine

Riley Jane's P.O.V.

I descend down the stairs with grace and elegance. The train of my dress seems to flow behind me in slow motion. My face shows no emotions as I descend. My hands remain motionless clasped together in front of me. I stare ahead at the small crowd which is formed at the bottom of the stairs. Many men stand wearing tuxedos, some looking more expensive than others. But all together, they all look nice and acceptable to be in this house.

The air is filled with the scents of mostly vampire's and werewolves. But I do catch the hint of witch around here.

But all of those people, and all of those scents, become nothing but a big blur, as soon as Ethan steps forth from the crowd wearing a three-piece black suit. His hair is slicked back, and he looks like he belongs in one of those steamy CEO romantic books.

Luckily, he's all mine for the taking...

Our eyes lock, and every little thing fades away like it doesn't even exist. Everything seems to move in slow motion as I reach the bottom stair, and Ethan offers his hand. But he surprises me when he also bows while offering his hand. A small smile forms on my lips, while I take his hand and offer a curtsy.

I haven't had to curtsy in almost a hundred years. But it feels nice to bring some of the old century traditions back.

"You look...as beautiful as the stars when they shine the brightest. As beautiful as when the sun meets the ocean and the ocean mirrors the sun. As beautiful as the first and last sunlight in the day. There are simply just not enough words to describe your beauty..."

He pulls me closer to his body and stares deeply into my eyes.

"You have bewitched me, body and soul. - Mr. Darcy."

The biggest smile that I have ever seen from Ethan forms on his lips. Because in our love language, he knows that, that is my way of saying 'I love you'.

He leans forward and rests his forehead against mine. "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. - Mr. Darcy."

I start to lean forward as my eyes hood over, and just as my lips brush against his, a very loud and annoyed sigh echoes from behind us.

"Why don't you poetic weirdo nerds take your little–whatever this even is–away from the actual people who belong here."

With one glance around Ethan, I see that the higher-pitched male voice belongs to a young wolf shifter. He wears a black three-piece suit that looks almost as expensive as this house. He looks to be around eighteen or twenty, his neatly trimmed blonde hair matching well with his lightly tanned skin. He stands around 6'1 and looks to be a steroid junkie, as he has definitely 'too' many muscles.

Without even words, Ethan and I look at one another, and within moments, turn both of our heads towards the boy. But before so, Ethan allows his face to transform into one of a wolf. I allow my eyes to turn black and my fangs to dislodge from my gums.

The boy's face pales, and he immediately backs off. He's most likely new to shifting and hasn't figured out yet that there will ALWAYS be someone who is, if not smarter, than stronger than you are.

"Come, I want to dance."

I say, but I allow him to lead me towards the ballroom as that is more century-appropriate for this ball. His hand is warm against my cold one. His fingers lace between my own; we walk with our heads held high and our bodies graceful. Our eyes remain looking forward. Not once do we glance at one another or anyone. The crowd of people parts like water for us. Our hands are held outward.