Luke's P.O.V.

I huffed as the tie fell from my neck again. How do people wear these damn things?! I shook my head before running a comb through my hair one last time. Today was the day of the party, celebrating the historic merger between the Blackwell and Ashworth pack. I fixed my cuff links and looked over my reflection one more time before snatching my tie and heading to my parents' room.

I knocked once softly before opening the door at my mother's "Come in." I laughed as she stood there, midway in the act of tying Dad's tie. I held my tie up sheepishly and they laughed.

"Your girlfriend better know how to tie a tie," Mom commented as she did mine, looking up at me pointedly. I looked down as she finished. "I hope Simon taught his boys how to do this, I doubt Anastasia has the patience to help all eight of them." Dad chuckled as he gave himself a once over in the mirror.

"Everyone ready?" Dad asked. I buttoned my jacket and nodded as Mom fixed the back of her earring before grabbing her clutch and weaving her arm into Dad's.

"How do I look?" she asked Dad, nervous as a girl before prom.

"Beautiful," he murmured before pressing a kiss to her temple. Mom swooned before they got lost in each other's eyes, like mates seeing each other for the first time. I smiled before slipping past them and quietly out the room.

I always admired the relationship my parents had, how they fell in love with each other every single day, stood beside each other no matter what happened. I really craved that kind of relationship, especially now that I found Anastasia but my own cowardice was keeping me back. I sighed as I grabbed the Range Rover keys and heading to the garage. I volunteered as my parents' chauffeur tonight, they deserve a relaxing night.

The entire pack was buzzing with excitement since preparations for the ball were kept top secret. No one was allowed to go to the clearing unless they were a volunteer, Mom or Ana. According to Mom, Ana did the most work in creating, planning and setting up for this party. I don't know how she did it between school, helping out at home, training and the singing/dancing classes she did with the kids. My wolf and I were proud; our mate was a natural Luna.

The opening of the car door interrupted my thoughts. I looked back to see Dad helping Mom in. I smiled amused to see Mom's smudged lipstick and Dad's pink lips. He growled in warning and I held my arms up before putting the car into drive.

~

The Blackwell pack met some distance before the clearing. Dad had decided to make an entrance as a pack. I scanned our pack, everyone dressed in their formal best. There was music playing and the buzz of chatter through the trees told us the Ashworth pack had already arrived.

"Alright everyone," Dad said causing the pack to get into somewhat of an order.

I stood behind my father, trying my best to ignore the whispers and murmurs. Yes, I was standing alone. I kept my distance from Isabel this week just as she was doing to me, though there were rumours of her breakdown in the girls' locker room over my lack of invitation as my plus one. I looked over to my left vowing only one girl would stand next to me.

I raised an eyebrow as we followed the lantern lit wooden path; leave it to Ana to think of everything. We kept on walking, getting closer to the brightly lit clearing. Mom gasped and stumbled a little as we walked in.

I was in awe. There was an entire canopy of string lights, illuminating the clearing but not outshining the stairs above us. There were rows and rows of tables, with pristine white plates and golden cutlery and beautiful flowers in the middle. The clearing was silent as we filed in, Mom, Dad and I walked towards the huddled Ashworths.

"Ah Jonathan," Alpha Ashworth greeted loudly as he broke the huddle, "beautiful evening isn't it?"

"Yes Simon." I heard Dad reply but there conversation faded away as my eyes fell on my mate.

Beautiful could not describe how Anastasia Ashworth looked.

My jaw dropped as I drank in every detail from luscious hair falling to the middle of her back to the pink on her lips, the teasing hint of her cleavage to the long legs peeking out from the slit of the light gold dress. She was an angel among us.

Mom poked my ribs good-naturedly as I snapped out of my trance to greet the Ashworths. I looked Ana in her enchanting brown eyes as I took her hand. I revelled in the heat of her skin as I kissed it. "Goddess," I murmured against her skin, smirking as I felt her pulse beat faster. I did not miss the heat in her gaze as I greeted her brothers.

"Let the festivities begin!" Dad and Alpha Ashworth shouted in unison and the packs cheered.

~

I walked around the dining area, greeting everyone, making sure everything was okay. They were in high spirits, everyone enjoying themselves between the food and drinks. Parents were given some time to themselves as their kids ran around playing the outdoor friendly games Ana created or their own imaginary games. My wolf growled contently as I sat next to my aunt and uncle to play with my baby cousin a bit. An unknown feeling swelled in my chest with the knowledge that my mate made tonight possible.

"Ooooo Luke, here take this."

I frowned in confusion as my aunt shoved her cell phone into my hands. A hush fell across the crowd as some of the kids walked to the edge of the dance floor. I looked on even more confused until Ana emerged, wearing a satin green floor length dress. She smiled as she took a microphone from Axel.

"Good evening everyone," she smiled, "as you may or may not know, every Thursday I conduct a singing class for any child who's interested. Over the past couple of weeks your kids have begged and bribed me," some of the kids giggled as she glared playfully at them, "to help them prepare a little something for you."

I grinned as I positioned the phone to record. I raised my eyebrows as I saw my little cousin Sammie, file on stage dressed in a snowman costume. Ana's eyes found mine as she sat Indian style in front the choir, back to the audience. I saw the looks of pride from her dad and brothers as Ana nodded to Axel who started the music.

My mouth formed an 'o' as a girl, from the Ashworth pack, started singing.

It was that Goddess forsaken song, Let It Go but different. Ana made it into something beautiful. My eyes fell on the girl in green as she conducted the choir, my heart swelling with pride. Sammie played her part as Olaf quite cutely and I got goose bumps listening to the children sing.

Ana had found the secret talents of the Blackwell pack and let them shine, their voices ringing into the night. I was the first one to clap as the choir closed off the last note. The applause and whistling got louder as the children tackled Ana.

I smiled as the sound of her laughter melted in with theirs. I clapped harder and whistled as she stood with them as they took their final bow. Our eyes met and we grinned, her eyes shining in happiness.

This is what I wanted. My mate happy, my pack happy. My heart thudded and my wolf purred, thinking about what a good mother she would be to our pups. I watched her with the kids, another reminder that she would be in heat soon; what supposed to be a special time for mates. I swallowed drily and shoved those thoughts to the back of my mind.

"My daughter everyone," Alpha Ashworth said as Ana bowed and made an exit stage left. Everyone could see how proud he was of her. "I don't how she does it, she must get it from her mother."

The Ashworth pack cheered at the mention of their late Luna. "As the formal side of tonight comes to a close I would just like to extend my gratitude to Jonathan and Emma Blackwell." He turned to face my parents. "You have been dear friends from the start of Asilin and I. You supported us through thick and thin, even after her death and for that, I can never repay you."

"You don't have to," Dad said as Mom dabbed her tears. "You are always welcomed here." There was a collective "Aw" followed by cheers as the two Alphas embraced.

"Now," Alpha Ashworth said, regaining his composure, "it's time to kick off the dancing." He placed his fingers to his lips, silencing the crowd.

The sound of a violin brought my attention to the front. Damien sat there, causally playing an Irish melody. Girls from both packs appeared in the wings as Kenna and Hayley came on stage, dressed in similarly to Ana, just in a darker shade of green. Ana popped up from behind Damien and she started singing.

I was hooked, her voice caught me, drawing me in like a siren. Her body entranced me as she moved in time with Damien's tune, never missing a beat.

I watched as she, Kenna and Hayley danced and sang across the stage, I didn't know they could sing as Ana twirled into the crowd. I grinned mischievously with her as she grabbed the two spoons in front Sammie and I. Sammie and I watched in awe as she played them, it was clear that Sammie idolised Ana. Ana grinned before rejoining her friends on stage.

My eyes never left Ana as she danced through her solo. She loved this, she was happy, time slowed as I burned the memory into my brain. How her hair fell over her shoulder, the twinkle of joy in her eyes, every move she made without losing her breath. However, my trance was soon broken by a highly unexpected figure.

"Ayyyyyyyyyyyy," Seth called and the crowd cheered as Jason tap danced his way onto stage.

My eyes widened in shock as one of my best friends, who I didn't know could dance, killed his solo. My eyes flickered to Ana who was highly amused, her eyes caught mine and she winked before starting the verse. My growl was lost in the music as she and Jason acted out the flirty part of the routine. My breathing stopped for a second as Jason, Asher and Ari joined the girls for the carousel turn. I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Ana, undoubtedly created this dance.

I stood up clapping and whistling loudly as the dance ended. Ana was sitting on Jason's bended knee, her arms around his neck to help steady her. My wolf growled and snarled but he was sated by the smile on our mate's face. I tried to ignore the stabbing pain in my chest and the nagging feeling that I was the one making her happy.

I grinned as Jason came to our table in regular dress shoes, shrugging on his suit jacket. Seth and Bryan joined us as well. "Who knew you could dance?" Seth elbowed Jason.

"Back when we were kids, while the rest of you were on vacation," Jason said seriously, "my mom got me into dance class, tap dancing was the only one that interested me."

"How on earth did Anastasia get you to expose your deepest secret?" Bryan clapped his back good naturedly.

Jason rubbed the back of his neck, "She can be very convincing. She also bribed me with ice cream and cookies."

I chuckled as my eyes drifted to her. She had re-joined her family now, standing by her father's side. I smiled as the first song of the evening started playing, followed by applause and cheers as my parents took the centre of the dance floor.

I grinned as Alpha Ashworth led Anastasia out to the floor. The father-daughter bond they shared was amazing. Soon each of her brothers had the chance to dance with her as the song came to an end. I walked over and tapped Ari on his shoulder as the next song begun.

"May I?" I held my hand out and looked at Anastasia.

She smiled softly as Ari released her and she placed her hand in mine. I looked at her longingly as my arm slid around her waist, right under the solid gold belt, pulling her closer. Her fingers curled into mine while her other hand rest on my shoulder.

"You look so beautiful," I murmured softly to her as we moved to the music. I chuckled as her cheeks reddened under her tan skin.

"Speak for yourself," Ana said softly as we moved together along the edge of the dance floor, "you look drop dead gorgeous."

I chuckled as I led her around the floor where other couples had joined us. "Can I ask you a question?"

She smiled as I spun her gently, loving how her dress twirled around her ankles. "You just did," Ana's eyes twinkled mischievously, "but you can always ask me anything."

I spun Ana out but pulled her back in so her back was pressed to my chest and our hands intertwined on her stomach. I couldn't help myself as I pressed my face to her hair, breathing in her scent mixed with the smell of the baby's breath flowers intertwined in there. 

"Your dance was amazing but I'm curious, why Jason?" I murmured lowering my lips to her ear, "Why not Xaden or Cael?"

I watched as Anastasia's lips twisted into a smile and felt her shiver. "Jealous are we?" I growled lowly in agreement. "I thought Xaden and Cael deserved to get off best friend duties for one night." She gestured to the boys and I chuckled as I saw Xaden with a spitfire looking brunette in his arms while Cael was locking lips with a feisty blonde.

"Their mates I presume?" I wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her back flush against my front.

"Yup," Ana relaxed against me, "a couple of the girls flew in just for this weekend." She gestured again and sure enough, I saw Rowan and Jared with their mates talking to Asher, Ari, Kenna and Hayley as well as some other scattered couples.

It hurt, seeing everyone so happy and here was I with my screwed up relationship. My heart bled a bit as my thoughts drifted to Ana, who had to face that every single day and probably worse knowing that she found me. I turned her around suddenly causing her to gasp as my arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against me.

This felt so right, having Anastasia in my arms. My wolf growled in pleasure as her body warmth sunk into my body and her hands slid up to my shoulders. My eyes closed as my head rest on hers as she lay on my shoulder. My fingers stroked the small of her back, loving the way she trembled under my touch. I was vaguely aware that the music that was fading but it could just be that sound of Anastasia's heartbeat was getting louder.

"Luke," her soft voice broke me out of my trance. 

I opened my eyes to see that we were away from the party now but more importantly my lips were mere centimetres away from her neck. I feel the heat of her skin and taste her pulse. My skin was burning hot as I realised where Anastasia's lips were, at the base of my neck on my left, just like mine, ready to claim our mate.

I felt my canines extend and I rolled my lips back as I forced my wolf down, not wanting to mark her against her will. I jumped as electricity coursed through my body when her teeth brushed my skin lightly before she pulled back.

I pulled back and gazed down at Ana. She was in control but I could sense the need and lust of her wolf beneath her skin. "I so want to mark you right now," I murmured lowly to her, pressing her closer to me.

Ana rolled her shoulders back to get some distance between us, "What about Isa-"

I growled, cutting of her sentence. "Don't say her name." I cupped her face making her look at me, "Don't you ever say that frustrating bitch's name. Goddess she's so annoying and manipulative and so damn psycho sometimes. I don't know what I ever saw in her, I feel so empty but you." I cupped her face with both my hands looking down at her, "I've never felt anything, no emotion, no connection that could ever compare to what I feel when I'm with you."

Anastasia's blush could be seen beneath her tan skin and her makeup as she looked up, avoiding my gaze. The need to mark her intensified as her movements exposed the smooth skin on her neck.

"It's so beautiful tonight," Anastasia murmured and I followed her gaze to the starry sky. I chuckled before wrapped my arms around her waist. The forest was alive as the owls and night creatures moved around and a cool breeze blew through the trees.

"I wish this night didn't have to end," I said wistfully. I wasn't talking about the party or the dressing up or the dancing. I never wanted to let Ana go, I wanted her by my side, wanted a us.

"It doesn't have to," Ana looked at hopefully wanting this as much as I did.

Her words sank in and I pulled her close. My eyes searched her face before I slid my fingers into hers. "Come with me," I said as I pulled on her hand, leading her back to the party.

"Luke," she said pulling her hand out of mine and causing me to stop at the edge of the clearing. "What are you thinking?"

I looked at her, slightly angry that she pulled away but I swallowed it. "Anastasia do you trust me?" She looked at me hesitantly while I looked at her hopefully and I extended my hand. "Do you?"

I smiled as her hand curled into mine once again and our fingers intertwined. I grinned at her as we re-joined the party and I started weaving through the crowd trying to get to the middle of the dance floor. The crowd parted for us slightly and I could feel their eyes on us as I wrapped my arm around Anastasia's waist and pulled her close to me.

"Relax," I said softly as she tensed up, threatened and uncomfortable. I growled long and low and those nearby got the message. Ana laughed and relaxed a little as she slid her arms around my neck again. We moved to the music, me picking up her moves naturally. I noticed Anastasia trying to hide in me.

"Ana," I murmured before pressing a kiss to her hair, "relax. I know how much you love dancing, enjoy yourself. Forget everything, tonight you can be free."

She relaxed against me as we glided among the other couples on the floor. I was aware of the onlookers, catching some smug looks from my friends and her dad. My wolf smiled as we listened to her laughter as I matched her routine perfectly. I laughed at her cry of surprise when I spun her around suddenly.

Her eyes shone brighter than the moonlight as I dipped her. Her laugh was music to my ears and she stared breathlessly at me as I slowly brought her back up. My eyes drifted to her lips and I forced myself to not give in.

Ana bit her lip as her eyes fell on my mouth. Snapping out of her daze, she giggled and swayed in my arms. "Spin me?"

I smiled and obliged, watching her hair fall back from her face and her lips form into a smile. I kept spinning as her hands fell from shoulders making me tighten my grip on her waist a little as I supported her weight. I felt light as a feather and a bit dazed as my gaze never left the grinning girl in my arms.

Tonight, I fell in love with Anastasia Ashworth.

Author's Note: 

If you would like to see how everything  and everyone looks : 

http://s1255.photobucket.com/user/Raqs225/library/The%20Ball?sort=3&page=1 

Children Choir Performance: 

Irish Dance Performance: 

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDI0Mzc4OTc2.html?f=17816433&o=1 

(Please bear the 30 second wait at the beginning, this is the only  link I could find of the complete dance) 

Ashworth Family Dance: 

Luke and Ana's First Dance: 

Luke and Ana's Last Dance: