The dining table had disappeared by the time Abby had finished helping her sister unload all of her beauty and hair products. Braydon stood nearby listening to Emma tell him all about the story book she had drawn for him, yet he was completely entranced by how much Jessica had in that black bag. It was as if it had a never ending bottom as two hairdryers, three different styles of hair straighteners and a bag of curlers, were pulled free next. Emma turned the page, earning Braydon’s attention once more and he went back to listening to her story.

“Thanks for coming again Jess, you did an amazing job last year!” Miranda returned with two coffee cups for her stylists. Rather than booking into an overpriced salon and pay people she didn’t know for a job she rarely actually complained about, Miranda preferred to give her money to someone she knew and did wonders with her hair. Jess had her own business as a mobile hairdresser and beautician so it worked out well for all involved. The fact she was also Abby’s younger sister helped too.

“Anytime Andy!” Jess barely looked up as she sat arranging everything she’d need.

“And then it beginned to rain ice-creams and we all had ice-cream and that’s my pink one and you can have the blue one and,” Emma stopped, frowning.

“What’s wrong?” Braydon asked, not sure why a story ending in ice-cream could make the little girl upset.

“I forgot Andys!” Emma ran over to her bag and pulled out a purple crayon, snatching the book from Braydon so she could quickly draw in another ice-cream. “And that’s the end!”

“Wow Emma. That would have to be the best story I’ve ever heard!” Braydon applauded Emma, making her cheeks redden with a blush as she smiled up at him.  Going to hand it back, Emma shook her head.

“It’s for you to read!” Her smile only widened as he accepted her gift.

“Emmy, I hope you’re not annoying Braydon?” Abby asked cautiously, still not quite sure what to think about Braydon. He wasn’t what she had been expecting at all, with his long hair and facial hair. She’d never known Miranda to even consider being with someone so, unkempt. Sure he seemed nice enough, and finally seeing Miranda with him filled in some gaps, but some part of her still presumed she’d see her friend walking down the aisle with Jason.

“No!” Came Emma’s reply in such a way she expected duh to come next.

“It’s fine!” Braydon assured her mother, not liking the way she kept starting at him.

It was then Braydon’s phone beeped and ruffling the top of Emma’s head, Braydon left his seat beside her and went to get it from the kitchen, unable to stop the smile that appeared. With Miranda distracted for the majority of the day, he had his own things to attend to.

“I’m going out. I’ll be back later.” He told Miranda, kissing her cheek as Emma attached herself to his leg.

“Why can’t you stay Baydon? Can I come?”

Miranda wasn’t sure what to say. Where could he be going? He stopped his classes last week, so it wasn’t like he had anywhere to actually go.

“Not today Emmy, but how about you write me another story?” In one swift movement he picked her up, and sitting Emma back at the table, saw her pencils and colouring book. Perfect.

“But, I brung my movie. Don’t you want to watch the bears with me?”

“I would love to, but I really need to go.” Braydon got another text and quickly put it in his pocket.

“When will you be back?” Miranda asked cautiously, walking him to the door.

“Oh, soon. Um, have fun?” Braydon smiled and quickly disappeared out of the door, leaving Miranda with no doubt that again he was going to go see Carolina and he still couldn’t just tell her that.

“Everything okay?” Abby asked as Miranda returned.

“Yeah, of course.” She lied, turning to Jess she didn’t want to dwell on it. “So, what do we do first?”

-x-

Hours later, Miranda sat sharing a fruit plate with Emma as Jess and Abby packed everything away. There wasn’t a hair out of place with the simple looking, but rather elegant up-do. It taken longer than she had thought it would when Jess showed her a picture she found online, and Miranda had liked the way the braid had gone down the side of her hairline to sit on top of the low bun at the back.

Emma had asked to put flowers through it to match the floral like design that had the emerald gown sparkling and while Miranda declined, she did let her little assistant help her choose which earrings to wear.

“I think you’ve out down yourself this year Andy!” Jess gushed, taking a minute to appreciate all her hard work. Miranda’s normally clear blue eyes, now appeared to take on a softer shade of green thanks to the eyeshadow that had been carefully applied.

“I agree. I’d kill for your collar bone.” Abby said wistfully, and subconsciously, Miranda instantly touched her neckline where the lace fabric had a retro twist in the off the shoulder neckline.

“Um, thanks. I think?” Miranda laughed and looking at the clock, it was nearly six thirty. Where the hell was Braydon?

She’d tried calling him an hour ago with no response, and at three when she realised his suit had never turned up, she had called the store to be told it was picked up instead. She’d have to leave soon and now she was thinking about it again, her stomach started to churn.

“Andy! Hello? Your phone!” Abby pointed out and glancing down, sure enough her phone was ringing.

“Hey Dad.”

“Hey love, just wondering if you know if your Mother is on her way home yet?” Her father asked.

“Um, I have no idea. I haven’t seen her today.”

“Oh! Right. Well, I must have heard her wrong. Bye!” He quickly hung up and Miranda stared at her phone for a second trying to get over the weirdness of the call. Deciding to try calling Braydon again she had no luck and as Jess started taking her things to the front door, Miranda grabbed her purse.

“Where do you think Braydon is?” Abby whispered, not wanting to mention the B word around Emma since she kept asking when he was going to be home.

“I have some idea, but I can’t be late.” Miranda sighed, slipping into her shoes.

Holding Emma’s hand, she followed Abby and Jess to the elevator. The sisters chatted happily about picking up pizza on the way home and Miranda stared at her reflection in the silver panel over the buttons. She hardly recognised herself. The fake tan only brought back the glow she had after her forest adventure and she rarely ever wore makeup. When she did it wasn’t like this and with her eyelashes a little longer, Jess had made her eyes appear larger too. At risk of sounding vain, she thought she looked beautiful and yet, where was Braydon to tell her that?

The diamonds sparkled from where they hung off her ears and as much as she loved being dressed up and the party that was she was heading too, Miranda couldn’t bring herself to smile as disappointment gnawed on her insides.

“Uncle Baydon?” Emma squealed excitedly, letting go of Miranda’s hand she rushed out of the elevator and beside her, Jess and Abby gasped.

Jess managed to be the first of the three women to walk out of the elevator. In seconds Rory was there, helping her with her bags and Abby followed, stunned into silence.

Miranda on the other hand, was completely frozen.

“Oh darling, it’s like you’re going off to prom all over again!” Helen exclaimed seeing her daughter. She practically dragged her from the elevator, holding the door open in the process and Miranda couldn’t think, let alone speak. “I always tell you to wear more green. That’s a lovely shade on you!”

Despite the happy chatter of Miranda’s mother and Emma, the other adults were all strangely quiet. Abby quickly snapped out of the sight before her and called Emma away from Braydon, holding her hand as she glanced at Rory who looked like the cat who caught the mouse.

“Where did you find him?” Jess whispered to Miranda, her eyes wide in shock and appreciation.

“He came from the wild.” Miranda managed to answer, blinking slowly out of her daze.

With Emma distracted, Braydon was able to go and stand before Miranda. He smiled almost sheepishly, and despite the suit he had on, he felt extremely exposed and vulnerable. His hair was practically non-existent now, cut short in a more contemporary style that Helen and Rory had discussed for a good ten minutes with the barber before he got started. The beard had left him next, revealing for the first time, completely smooth and bare skin on his face.

What Miranda didn’t know was that he had suffered through an eyebrow wax, a facial and Helen had even talked them into a manicure while he was on the table. He didn’t know what Miranda had been through that day, but it couldn’t be nearly half as traumatic as his experiences. The only positive had been the scalp massage at the salon before the cut and now the look on Miranda’s face.

“Hey.” Braydon greeted.

“Hey.” Miranda answered, not quite sure what to say as she felt the burn of tears behind her eyes. All day she had suspected the worst and had been preparing to go to the ball alone, thinking he had abandoned her.

“You look, beautiful.” His hand went up to gently caress the side of her face thinking that word wasn’t enough to describe how amazing she looked. It was nearly impossible for him to remember how she looked that first time he saw her.

“Thank you.” Miranda felt her cheeks heat up from his compliment.

She had never felt so, shy around another person before. Even when she had managed to cut his beard, it wasn’t like this. The times he had shaved had never completely removed it. Something had been done with his eyebrows, while still masculine they had a shape now, but it was his lack of hair that spun her out the most. Miranda had always found him attractive, but now she felt as if she was seeing him for the first time and the suit was like the icing on the cake.

“You look, I just, Braydon, your hair!” Miranda managed to reconnect with her ability to speak and with a trembling hand reached brush a few stray strands that fell over his forehead.

“Do you like it?” He wanted her to like it. He wanted her to see him like the other people she knew and worked with. This was him proving to her he could really fit into her world.

“I do!” Forgetting their audience, Miranda reached up to kiss him. The strong, woodsy cologne was another new addition to his look. Anytime they’d been at a store and she’d taken him near the perfume section he’d refused. She liked what he had chosen, and as his hands gripped her waist, Emma had them breaking apart with an awkward laugh and red faces.

“Ew!”

“And that’s our queue to leave!” Abby sighed, scooping up her daughter as Rory now acted like their pack horse and took all of Jess’s bags.

“Thanks guys, for everything!” Miranda said a quick goodbye and gave Rory a hug, before they walked outside with her mother. “You helped with all this?”

“Braydon asked,” She smiled rather smugly, “you know I have a soft spot for that boy Andy. He’s quite handsome isn’t he? Now let me get a picture for your grandmother before I head home!”

Miranda really did feel like she was going to prom now and as their town car pulled up, she insisted on her mum using it to get home once it had dropped them off. She had paid for the night after all, so she may as well get her money’s worth.

As they approached the hotel whose ballroom had been transformed for the evening, the traffic got heavier with a variety of town cars and limousines all lining up, ready to drop off the most influential and important people in the business world. International visitors were lucky enough to put in rooms upstairs, most missing out on a trip through the packed streets as they easily made their way to the ballroom.

Miranda reapplied her lipstick as she spied the red carpet getting closer.

“Okay, so you know where to go once I get out?” She asked Braydon, squeezing his hand.

He wasn’t going to be going on the red carpet, instead meeting her on the other end to go inside.

“Yup!” He offered her a smile, despite the fact he hated this part of the arrangement. Then again, from what Miranda had been saying the night before – so did she.

“Okay. Great.” She mumbled more to herself.

“Miss Wright, Mr Carpe is just getting out now. Are you ready?” Her driver called from the front.

“I’ll see you later Mum, and I’ll see you in a minute!” Miranda kissed Braydon’s cheek, and as the car came to a rolling stop, Jason was the one there to open her door. He barely glanced in long enough to see Miranda’s companions and taking her hand, helped her out of the car – practically slamming the door in Jason’s face.

“Wow. Just, wow!” He complimented, giving her a second to gather smooth out her dress before moving to take their place in line. The Tyson logo was all over the screen set up on one side of the red carpet and knowing what to do from the previous years of practice, Miranda and Jason stood side by side and had their photograph taking.

“Mr Carpe, again you have Miss Wright with you? Still no ring on that finger?” One of the older photographers called out. He was about as common a sight there as the red carpet itself, though Miranda never did remember his name.

“Same answer as last year Kyle, Miss Wright is here as a valued friend.” The million dollar smile Jason finished with would perhaps suggest otherwise and with well-practiced synchronisation, the duo made their way to the entry. They were nearly there when Mr. Gray appeared and seeing Jason with his mentor, the camera’s fired back up. The pair shook hands, happy to pose for the world to see. If anything it might even help their shares come morning by appearing like such a united front.

“Miranda, you look positively beautiful!” He kissed her hand as his wife appeared after speaking to one of the fashion reporters.

“Hello Mrs. Gray!” Miranda and the older woman briefly hugged.

“Jason, Miranda, how lovely to see you both!” She greeted, looking between them knowingly. For years she had seen them grow together, and there was no denying how positively radiant Miranda looked by Jason’s side. His hand casually rested against the curve of her back, guiding her almost protectively down the aisle. It warmed her heart to see the two of them together and while Mrs. Gray knew her husband was hoping Miranda would join his latest business adventure, she was prepared to comfort him when Miranda turned his offer down. She’d never leave Jason.

The four kept walking and as they got the door, Braydon was off to one side waiting. It was Miranda’s smile Mrs. Gray noted first, and following her gaze saw the rather dashing young man return it. Instantly she looked at Jason to see an almost deadly scowl on his face and catching her husband’s gaze, he seemed just as curious as she was.

Without a thought Miranda left Jason’s side, either not noticing or not caring about the glare that followed her. As Braydon lifted his arm, Miranda put hers around his side and with the other on his chest, turned him around to face the trio.

“Mr. Gray, I’d like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Braydon Winters.” Miranda introduced.

Braydon did a good job of ignoring Jason, something Mrs. Gray didn’t miss.

“And his lovely wife, Susan Gray.” The group all shook hands and mumbled polite greetings, following the crowd inside and towards the ballroom.

It wasn’t long until Tyson made his presence known, singling out the group of five.

“Here he is!” Mr. Gray greeted.

“Roger, Susan, so glad you could make it. You and I need to talk if these rumours I’ve been hearing are true!” Tyson laughed, enthusiastically shaking Mr. Grays hand.

While Jason was hitting thirty, Tyson was nearing forty, though the way he looked after himself would make that hard to believe. Before Jason had made it onto the scene, Tyson had been there first, their stories of rising to success almost identical. Yet that was where the similarities ended. Tyson was loud and out for a good time, all the time. If you looked playboy up in the dictionary, a picture of him would be there and while Jason didn’t have a perfect reputation either, Tyson was in a league of his own.

“Now Jace, please tell me you and that little firework, oh Miranda! Didn’t see you there!” He greeted, grinning mischievously at her.

“Really Tyson?” Yet Miranda only returned to smile as she leaned over for a hug. Tyson’s eyes instantly went to the figure behind her, who didn’t seem to share their laughter. “Good to see you again!”

“Every year Miranda, I get on my knees and beg you to ditch this loser and come work for me. Do I have to get on my knees again, or will just tell me what I want to hear?” Leaning in close, he whispered something into her ear and Miranda only shook her head. While it looked like something else, it really wasn’t. One of the businessman’s loves did not actually involve anything naughty as he would have you believe. It was simply to annoy his rival; Jason.

Miranda whispered something back before turning to Braydon. “This is Braydon, my boyfriend. Braydon, this is Tyson. His company are the ones paying for us to have a good time tonight!”

“Boyfriend?” Tyson smirked, looking at Jason who rolled his eyes. “What an honour! Hurt our girl here and you’ll be the first to find what government contract I just landed first hand.”

It was a playful threat, and Miranda shook her head, returning to her place at Braydon’s side. “Not necessary Tyson!”

He winked at her before finally acknowledging Jason. “You, me, bar now.”

The pair excused themselves and sticking with the Grays, found the table that had been assigned to them for the evening.

“Who is Tyson?” Was the first thing Braydon whispered to Miranda. He didn’t think he would turn out to be another Jason. Miranda was too relaxed around him.

“A friend. Jason actually loaned me out to him last year,” she laughed, “I arranged his office so it runs very similarly to Jason’s. More than either of them would like, but it works. He had to learn to stop hiring women based on how likely he was to score with them and start looking at resumes and qualifications. The bonus I got from him at the end of my contract wasn’t something to complain about either.”

“Oh.” Was all Braydon had to say about that.

The night went on and it was just after one of the final courses of dinner was set down in front of them that Braydon started to look around uneasy. His wolf had his blood burning, eager for him to pay attention, but to what he didn’t know. The champagne was going down easily, the food was delicious and he spent the last hour before eating with Miranda in his arms, swaying around the dance floor. He didn’t think he would be able to have such a good time, and the best part was, Jason had been practically non-existent, too busy networking.

Miranda had gone to see some people too, apparently it’s what happened at these things. He had never seen her at work, and didn’t really know much about what Jason did. One thing was for sure, people respected him and her, so Braydon learnt to enjoy the ride he was being taken on. After all, he did like the food and the champagne and the dancing that came with it.

So why he was suddenly so on edge didn’t make sense.

“You okay?” Miranda was quick to pick up on it and luckily everyone else at their table was too busy talking and laughing to notice.

“Ah, yeah.”

“You’re nearly crushing my hand, are you sure?” Looking down, Braydon quickly let go of her hand. He had realised he had even taken it and after flexing her fingers, Miranda gently placed it on top of his. “Did you want to go outside for a minute?”

Was it the crowd getting too much? Should she had stopping him drinking the champagne? Were there other shifters here to get him agitated? Miranda didn’t think that last one was the problem, but she hadn’t been paying that kind of attention to the other guests tonight.

“I might. Stay here, I’m fine. I just need to go to the bathroom.” Braydon excused himself and Miranda watched as he disappeared.

It wasn’t long until Jason finally joined them and as the minutes ticked by, Miranda went to excuse herself too. Finding Braydon, he was outside on the deck that over looked the hotel’s outdoor pool. The lights beneath the surface had the whole garden glowing blue and the softer lighting caught every sparkling facet on Miranda’s gown.

“You look like an angel.” Braydon held her close as the duo took a moment to themselves.

“Braydon, please tell me what’s wrong.” She practically begged, pulling away from him, she leant on the railing and could see the worry all over his face.

“I really don’t know. I just have this feeling that something is going to happen.” Braydon looked up to the sky, noting that the clouds above them would be bringing rain. Maybe a storm was coming and that’s what had him so worked up?

Another couple came out and went to the opposite end of the deck, not holding back in their rather obvious make out display.

“With your Uncle?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” He sighed, resting his forehead against hers.

“You’re wearing cologne.” Miranda pointed out, smiling.

“Rory said I had to. I don’t know if I like it.”

“It’s very you, earthy. Masculine.” Something about the way she said that had Braydon paying attention. His worry vanished as instead he focused on her voice.

A few more people came out, the men lighting up cigars. Braydon wrinkled his nose, not liking that smell either. Miranda didn’t notice, and put her face against the skin of his neck. Now Braydon’s blood was burning for another reason, and as her lips brushed against him, he shuddered in delight.

“Miranda,” he whispered, his voice deep and husky.

“Mm?”

“There you two are!” Mrs. Gray called out, walking over not bothered by how close there were standing or how they had both jumped at her voice; clearly oblivious to all that was going on around them.

“Mrs. Gray! Everything okay?” Miranda stuttered, glancing up at Braydon before moving to stand beside him, rather than behind.

“Tyson was wanting to talk to you dear. He is having a few issues with his staff and just fired some poor girl.”

“What?” Miranda didn’t believe that. For all of Tyson’s flaws, his temper wasn’t one of them.

The trio went back inside and sure enough Tyson met them just inside the door.

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need someone to present a couple of scholarships and awards. It’ll be as a favour to me Miranda, and I do apologise if it ruins your evening.” He looked at her hopefully.

“What happened to your usual speakers?”

“Um, not the speakers.” He mumbled, looking at the ground, “I need you to hand out the awards, the bit of eye candy you know? I just caught Nicky assisting Mr. Rydes in the staff corridor. Considering Mrs. Rydes will be accepting a donation for her art foundation, I don’t think it’s appropriate after that!”

“Oh!” Miranda fought to hide her amusement at that. “Um, of course then. Whatever I can do to help!”

“Ah you’re a life saver! Thank you my darling, I owe you one!” He pecked her on the cheek before patting Braydon on the shoulder as he went to walk away. “Hold onto that one Winters. Come up to the stage in about five minutes!”

Turning back to Braydon and Mrs. Gray, Miranda finally let out the laugh she’d been holding back. “Poor Mrs. Ryder!”

“Don’t feel sorry for her. I know for a fact she only takes tennis lessons for her instructor!” Mrs. Gray didn’t supress her own giggle, while Braydon didn’t quite understand what either of them where talking about.

“I’ll tell you later!” Miranda promised, linking her arm in his and going back inside, Braydon stopped as they went into the ballroom.

Now he had a chance to clear his mind and his nose, he didn’t know how he had missed it. “Carolina?”

“What?” Miranda looked at him frowning.

“She’s here.”

“What?” She repeated a little too forcefully. “Why? How?”

The look on Braydon’s face matched her own feelings so she didn’t think he actually knew.

“I don’t know.”

Looking around he couldn’t see her, and her scent was everywhere as if she had hugged each and every person or at least done twenty laps of the seating area, which maybe she had if she had sensed him there too.

“Miranda!” Tyson waved at her and she nodded.

“I have to go look pretty for ten minutes.” She sighed, practically dragging him to their table. “Don’t eat my dessert if it comes out.”

Braydon managed to smile in reply. His eyes were glued to Miranda’s retreating form as she went to the side of stage with Tyson and as the speeches started and the donations were called out with numerous organisations representatives going up to shake Miranda’s hand as she handed them giant cheques or small trophies, Braydon managed to look around the room for Carolina. Why was she there? She hadn’t mentioned it to him when he saw her yesterday.

The answer came barely five minutes later when Tyson started talking about how important education was, especially for those unable to afford it.

“This year we’ve extended our scholarship to eighty thousand dollars!” A round of applause broke out from the crowd. “Would Dean Evans, Mrs Ida Cants and Miss Carolina Corbani please come forward?”

“That’s double what he gave last year!” Mrs. Gray gasped to her husband as the pair clapped.

“It’s all for show. He couldn’t give a rat’s ass about education.” Came the reply.

Braydon’s clapping stopped as he quickly looked to Miranda whose face fell at the sight of the trio making their way over to the stage. One of the people from behind the curtain passed her the oversized cheque and when she looked back to the crowd, clapping as well, the smile on her face looked as if it had just been painted on. It was as natural as keeping your mouth open for the dentist, all teeth and the corners of her mouth barely lifted.

“Mrs Cants and Miss Corbani have done some great things in regards to getting underprivileged youth into their secondary education programs and also getting the young and homeless, off the streets. Well done ladies, society needs more people like you.” Tyson clapped, sending the audience into another round of applause before Miranda handed the cardboard over and Dean Evans took the post.

Carolina kept the other woman between her and Miranda, though she never once looked in the she-wolves direction. Seeing the duo together gave Braydon a moment to study them both. Carolina looked more uncomfortable than he had ever seen her, keeping her eyes down at her feet while Miranda stood tall and proud. The gowns the teachers wore weren’t to the same standard as Miranda’s either, lacking the same jewels and delicate fabrics. The white dress floated around Carolina’s form, her long dark locks kept down in gentle waves over her bare shoulder as the other had a strap from the dress going over it. Both had simple, yet effective makeup on, and deep down, the wolf inside knew it should be Carolina he looked at, that he noticed. Yet Miranda had him captivated.

She may only be human, but she wasn’t one to be underestimated and looking at Jason who seemed to more interested in Braydon than the women on stage, Braydon couldn’t have cared less because Miranda was his. Somehow he knew Jason had to be behind it, but whatever his goal here was – he wasn’t going to reach it.

Once they were done, Miranda gulped down her glass of champagne like a camel finding water in the desert and as the band started back up, Jason moved to her side. “Braydon, do you mind if I borrow Andy for a dance?”

Miranda’s thoughts matched Braydon. He had to have something to do with Carolina’s attendance and glaring up at him, Miranda realised they had the attention of the table on them. So did Braydon.

“Not at all. That is if Miranda is okay with it.”

“Andy?” Jason smiled, extending his hand.

“One. Dance.” She muttered through gritted teeth.

“I really thought that one day he’d-“Mrs. Gray started, only to be silenced by her husband.

“Not now Susan.”

“But look at them together!” She sighed, “Then again, there isn’t anything more romantic than young, new love!”

She elbowed Braydon, winking at him. They could say what they want, he wasn’t going to listen to it. “Please excuse me.”

“Oh love, I didn’t mean anything-“

“It’s fine. It’s not that. I just need some fresh air.” He smiled politely, and then headed back out of the ballroom. How long do these things go for? It was nearly eleven o’clock and he had enough of being here.

Rather than go towards the deck like last time, he went right – taking the stairs that took him down to the pool area rather than above it. The second he opened the door, he realised why he went this way as Carolina sat with a bottle of the champagne and a glass on one of the deck chairs.

Even if he wanted to turn and disappear it was too late for Braydon as she turned instantly. “Braydon!”

“Hello Carolina.”

He didn’t understand why she was looking at him so strangely, and scratching the back of his neck he was soon reminded why.

“I almost didn’t recognise you!” She sighed, patting the space beside her.

Against his better judgement he went to sit opposite her instead.

“Did she make you do that?” Her glass was pointed in his direction, clearly talking about his hair.

“No. I did it on my own.”

“I like it.”

“Thanks.”

They went quiet, and Braydon had no idea what to say. “So, um, having a good night?”

“I was.” Carolina sighed, topping up her glass.

“Until?”

“Really? You have to ask?”

“Oh.”

Carolina sit back in the chair, smiling to herself as she realised Miranda wasn’t nearby. It was just them. Her wolf was absorbing the attention, and reaching out, she held his hand. From where Carolina had told Braydon to see him hurting, hurt her, the situation was the same now. He knew it was hard for her, and while he never meant to rub the fact he was with Miranda in her face, it’s all he seemed capable of doing.

So they held hands.

Meanwhile, Jason was glad Miranda hadn’t left him the second the song changed. Glancing over to their table, Braydon was gone and looking towards Carolina’s, so was she. Sure he could have used the favour Tyson owed him for something major, like an extra vote during a meeting or support in a merger, but getting that teacher here and having Miranda see her without any trace of it being linked back to him, was just too good.

“I remember a very drunk Miranda singing this song in that little karaoke house when we went to Tokyo last year.” Jason mused.

“I wasn’t drunk, I actually enjoy singing in front of random strangers!” She argued, listening to the band who played a classical, alternative version of Papa Don’t Preach. She hadn’t even realised that was the song.

“Sure, sure, two bottles of sake and you were all about getting a Hello Kitty tattoo and doing karaoke to midnight.” He laughed. Now he laughed. At the time he ended up carrying off stage and back to the hotel.

“Pretty sure that could have been the best night ever if you hadn’t been a party pooper.” She retorted, though the venom wasn’t there.

“I was just looking out for you.”

“And just like now, back then I wasn’t the stupid teenager you keep thinking I still am. Hey Jason, guess what. I’ve had five, yes five glasses of champagne tonight. Want to book me into rehab?”

“Andy, please don’t be like that.” Clearly he didn’t appreciate her sarcasm.

“Tonight doesn’t change anything Jason. I’m done.”

“Just-“

The tap on his shoulder had him stopping and turning to find Gray standing there, only frustrated him further. “May I cut in?”

“No!” Jason snapped.

“Yes!” Miranda answered simultaneously. “Of course Mr. Gray!”

Stepping away from Jason and into the softer, older embrace of Gray, Miranda let him guide her around the dance floor, and away from Jason.

“What is he doing this time?”

“Sorry?” Miranda asked dumbly.

“You’re face. You look like you could murder him.”

“Which is why I think it’ll be for the best if I take you up on your offer.” She answered.

“Really? No regrets, no change of heart once you hand in your notice?”

“No. I owe him a lot, you know I do, but I think we both need this.”

“Well, in that case, welcome aboard!” Gray spun her around and it felt like a weight was instantly shaken off her shoulders.

“Thank you!” Miranda smiled and spying their table empty, wondered where Braydon went. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my date and tell him the good news!”

“Of course. Seems like a good boy that one, does he golf?”

“No, but I’ll ask him about it.” Miranda laughed.

“I think I saw him go out to the deck!” Gray called and nodding, Miranda thought it was too warm in there anyway, or maybe it was just the champagne and all the dancing that made her think that.

Quite a few of the party goers filled the balcony now. A couple of men shook hands, while a woman had her phone out prattling on about shares and the stock market to a possible new investor. That used to be her, talking up Jason to the ones he’d point out to her during the night. With the woman she’d compliment their outfit, the men would be asked to dance, all while acting like the office gossip about new deals and whatever else Jason wanted them to know that might help draw in some new investors. Tonight she had done that too, but it wasn’t the only reason why she was there.

This was much better.

It didn’t take long for her to realise Braydon wasn’t outside and as she went to leave, she was positive she heard his laugh. Going over to the railing, the couple poolside were not hard to miss or identify and gripping the stem on her champagne flute, Miranda could have snapped it as Carolina stood and did a twirl in front of Braydon. Just on body language alone she could see how the other woman was flirting with him and as Braydon stood, Carolina ‘fell’ against him.

He didn’t look awkward, he didn’t look shy or uncomfortable or anything he should, with her acting like that around him. Again the duo laughed and gripping the railing, neither had noticed her standing above them. Had Miranda had their strength and abilities, that bar would have been dented with her handprint.

They were close, too close; closer than she had been with Jason dancing and holding her breath, Miranda felt her heart aching as each beat vibrated through her body. Her throat constricted as if the last mouthful of champagne had been poison and then it happened.

Carolina’s hands went to either side of Braydon’s face, bringing it down, closer to hers. Braydon went still, yet not once did he move away, stop her or leave. Of course he wouldn’t. There was no mistaking what was happening beneath her, and to anyone else it wouldn't be a big deal to see two people kissing. The strangled gasp was supposed to be some kind of bitter laugh and as she class fell from her hand and smashed at her feet, a few people nearby turned to look at her.

Dizzy.

She felt dizzy.

She couldn’t breathe, no she wasn’t breathing.

She was holding her breath again and somehow she managed to get her lungs to function as she couldn’t move her eyes from the sight below her. She didn’t care about the smashed champagne flute or the waiter who came rushing over to clean it up. She didn’t hear him ask her if she was alright as she leant against the railing for support as she felt like someone had just punched her.

The commotion around her was what broke the duo apart and looking up, the second Braydon met her gaze Miranda snapped out her thoughts. Turning, she nearly knocked the poor waiter over as he had been trying to get her attention, as well as one of the women who had been quick enough to see what had been going on down there.

“Can I do anything for you?” The woman asked, her tone thick with pity.

“No. Thank you. I – ah. No.” Miranda stuttered, pushing through the crowd. The second she was inside she ran back into the ballroom as her mind went numb. Picking up her purse, she said nothing to the Grays as they sat enjoying dessert and as she made it back to the door, Jason was there.

“Miranda, what’s wrong?” Her face was pale, and the way her eyes had glazed off worried him. “Stop. Tell me!”

“I have to go.” She whispered, needing to get out, get away before she either rammed her stiletto into Carolina’s skull or started to cry.

“Why?”

“Let me go Jason!” She pushed his arm away and as she saw Braydon emerge from the stairwell, kept her head down and made it onto the street without being seen. Calling her driver - if he wasn’t there in seconds, she’d start to run home and away from them, before she completely fell apart.

 Why she was so shocked and letting this affect her so much was beyond her. She always knew, deep down that she-wolf would take him from her. What was one stupid, human girl against some even more ridiculous werewolf fate?

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Question: Would a cameo from the She Runs With Wolves crew be a good or a bad thing? They are stand alone stories, but I thought if one or two of them pop up, it might cool.

Next chapter will give that from Braydons POV, I just stopped it here cause otherwise this would end up being a HUGE chapter lol