Rejected, Abused, I Fall for the Forbidden Alpha (by Riley Scott) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Raven POV

I frowned at the omega as she shoved a bundle into my hands. “What’s this?”

“I was told to deliver it to you,” she smiled politely at me, “I’m afraid I don’t know anything else.”

I can feel fabric between my fingers and something hard wrapped inside it. I closed the door, thanking the omega, and slowly unwrapped it all. A dress with shoes. The shoes fall to the floor with a thud. I feel the softness of the dress, my eyes filled with wonder. So soft. So silky. The deep purple makes my skin look as though it’s glowing The spaghetti straps and corset back make it look like a princess dress and the tight bodice and loose flowing skirt match my height perfectly. It was like a dream. As though the dress had been made for me. My eyes fought back tears. Whoever had done this had known I didn’t have a suitable dress and gone out of their way to deliver one to me. I could only think of two people who would have taken that initiative and my second choice was the most surprising one of all. If it was him, then his attempt to distance himself from me was just for show. I was certain knew who sent the dress, but now I had to confirm my suspicions for myself.

I slowly smooth down the dress and then pick up the shoes, examining them. Plain black with small heels that would make it easy to walk in. I slide them on. My hair is loose and flowing down my back. I forgo makeup, not possessing any, and then hold the dress tightly against me, unable to tie the ribbons at the back myself.

A knock at the door. I slowly open it and then push it open, almost dragging a befuddled Jackson inside.

“Can you tie these?” I present my back to him and hear him swallow hard.

I look over my shoulder impatiently, and he nods, the tips of his ears turning red.

His hands are deft, pulling the ribbons tight and then tying them off with a flourish. He turns me around and inhales.

“Damn girl, you look fine,” he exclaimed with a laugh, “everybody is going to be looking at you tonight.”

“Did you send me this dress?” I asked as his eyes look me up and down in admiration.

He looks handsome, his suit tailored to suit his body. I can see how attractive he is, but there’s no spark, no romantic chemistry between us. I’m relieved. This is simply an event with two people attending together.

“No,” Jackson sounds slightly guilty now, “it didn’t occur to me to send you a dress for the party. I should have though,” he added, looking shame-faced.

“Then I wonder who did?” I murmured, smoothing the dress down again and feeling like a queen.

Of course, I knew. I smirked, knowing I had already gotten under his skin. This was merely proof he couldn’t stop thinking about me.

“Whoever it is, they have good taste,” Jackson said frankly, “that dress looks like it was made for you.”

“They certainly got the size and fit right,” I said agreeably.

He puts his arm through mine. “Shall we?” he gestures to the doorway.

I laugh. He leads me downstairs and outside, where tables have been placed and fairy lights twinkle everywhere. There are decorations adorning the trees, centrepieces strategically placed in the centre of the tables, and long tables with food. Omegas walk between the crowds of people, offering glasses of champagne and wine. Water is readily available on another table to the side. It’s beautiful. Magic. There are people everywhere, eating the food and chatting amiably with each other. I can feel the powerful auras of the visiting Alphas and Lunas. Warriors patrol the grounds, heavier than ever, protecting the guests and maintaining order.

I peer around me, my mouth watering from the smell of the food nearby.

“Are you hungry?” Jackson’s voice is knowing.

“Famished,” I groaned, my free hand going to my stomach, “I feel like I could eat that whole plate of canapes, I pointed.

“Let’s find a table.”

He steers me to one and pulls out my chair. I sit, sipping away at my drink. I can’t see Hades or Marissa in the crowd anywhere, and I relax, content to watch the crowd and remain out of harm’s way. Jackson comes back with two plates of food, and we begin to eagerly devour the delicious treats on offer.

“God, that’s good,” I moaned, shoving my plate away and feeling stuffed to the brim.

Jackson grunts, patting his stomach. “You have no idea,” he groused, “all day I’ve been busy. This is the first time I’ve been able to eat anything good.”

In the background, I see a woman weaving her way through the crowd, her bright red hair almost glowing in the darkness. There’s a huge smile on her face, and her gorgeous hazel eyes are enthusiastically scanning the crowd. She’s stunning. Her emerald green dress shows off her slight curves and enhances her figure. Her skin is like porcelain. She oozes with confidence. Her head turns, and she looks directly at Jackson who has his back to her. She moves forward, her hips moving back and forth seductively, her eyes beginning to glint. Before I can warn him, she puts a gentle hand on his shoulder, startling him, and speaks.

“Did you miss me?”

This had to be the infamous woman he was in love with. No wonder he sounded so captivated by her.