The Beast's Possession
41: Are you enjoying yourself, princess?

**Aife

pov**

For a brief moment, I held onto the hope of 'making myself presentable' without Bane's presence looming over me like a dark storm cloud. Unfortunately, he insisted he had to stay near to ensure I didn't look like a scarecrow.

He claimed my fashion sense was that of a rock, whatever that really meant. I didn't comment on his little digs, nor did I remind him that every piece of clothing that was considered as mine was actually picked and bought by him. "I think the yellow heels will fit the look better," Bane announced as I shifted my weight from one leg to another uncomfortably.

I had never been a big fan of dresses, and yet, he wanted me to wear a long, blood-red dress. It was pretty, sure, but it didn't fit me. And the yellow heels? He was out to embarrass me again, not make me look good.

But alas, I did as I was told, took the heels he was holding out for me and wore them.

Humming, Bane walked around me, looking like he was the one who designed the dress, not just bought it.

"No. This won't work. Change into the black dress and wear the red heels. Let's go for a more classic look since you clearly can't pull off something more unique." He announced and clapped his hands as if he had just solved a mystery of the century.

A little annoyed, once again, I did as I was told. Thankfully, the majority of the bruises from the party had faded and those still left were easily hidden by the dress.

Before I left the closet, I stole a glance in the mirror. Honestly, I looked great. The dress hugged me in all the right places and the heels added a little pop to the overall look.

Maybe I looked miserable for most part, but the look on my face didn't take away from the beauty of this dress. It turned out that Bane actually knew a thing or two about clothes.

As I stepped in the bedroom, a bright smile appeared on his lips. "Fucking finally," Bane laughed. "I almost thought there was nothing I could choose to make you look somewhat decent, but thankfully, this dress saved the day."

I ignored his comment and walked to him. Bane quickly inspected my hand and then checked his watch. "Shoot, we're late. Let's get going, reject."

Although I didn't hate it, every time he addressed me as 'reject' I wondered if Bane even remembered my name. The only reason why I didn't mind his approach was that if he said my name out loud, I would probably grow very resentful of it. Bane led me through the house the same as he always did - walking first with me, following him like a true dog.

As soon as we stepped outside the building, he took my hand in his and dragged me towards the main house.

Thankfully, he was mindful enough not to grab the hand I cut earlier. And technically, it was his fault that it happened, not that I could point that out.

I knew that in Bane's eyes, he did no wrong. He could do no wrong and anyone who tried to claim otherwise was a liar.

The closer we got to the main building, the more worried I grew. It was hard to explain not only what his presence was doing to me, but also the thoughts that kept running through my mind.

I was disgusted, that much was a fact. Disgusted by Bane, by his behavior and everything he forced me to do. But on top of that, I was as disgusted as I was terrified just by thinking about everything that might happen in the main building. And sadly, before I knew it, we had reached it. Bane hissed something under his breath, most likely a warning to behave or something like that, and then led me inside.

A man stood at the door and greeted him, completely ignoring my presence. I suppose it was truly foolish of me to expect that anyone in this damn pack could be decent enough to extend a simple greeting.

Bane led me to a massive living room and ordered me to sit down. All eyes were on me, even those of the reject women serving the pack members, so I quickly followed the command.

The last thing I needed was more drama.

At the beginning of the event, I almost let my guard down by assuming it was going great. No one bothered me, no one spoke to me or even sat nearby. Honestly, I had a feeling it was one of Bane's doings. Of course, he had to show he was in control of everything and everyone here.

But as the evening progressed, things switched up a little when a massive door was opened and rows of beautiful women wearing gorgeous gowns entered the room.

It took me seconds to realize this was how they really welcomed women in their pack. None of them had to suffer the same humiliation Bane forced on me.

They were all smiles and glowing eyes as they entered the room. Many tried to scout out the vile Alpha, but the pack men did their best to keep them away from Bane.

Now, seeing the contrast between theirs and mine arrival, I had even more questions about the pack system. Why were they treated like royalties while I was nothing but a speck of dirt under Bane's sole?

It didn't make any sense. Even more simply because all of them were lower ranks. I watched them separate into groups and soon after, one man after another approached the women.

Almost every single one was chosen. Except... Except the one that was standing in the farthest corner of the room, looking like she was trying to hide.

I quickly scanned the room until my eyes found Bane. As soon as I looked at him, Bane turned his face to stare at me, as if he could feel my eyes on him.

Slowly, I got up from my seat and walked to him. When I was in arm's reach, Bane grinned and grabbed me, pulling me incredibly close to his side.

"What's up? Are you enjoying yourself, princess?" He asked, catching me completely off guard.

Once again, everyone was staring at me, so I quickly reminded myself about the warning I didn't fully hear and decided to play along. "Very much so, I am. And you? I hope you're having an amazing time with your friends," I muttered and forced a smile.

Bane and his men laughed as if I just spit out the best joke ever. He actually had the gall to lean closer and kiss the top of my head right in front of everyone. "As you see, indeed, I am enjoying myself. Even more so now that you decided to join me."

I couldn't explain why it felt like it did, but Bane sounded freaking genuine. No hidden agendas, no lies, sarcasm or even backhanded compliments.

"But I suppose you didn't join us to ask if I'm enjoying myself, or did you?" He suddenly asked.

I shook my head, already seeking out the exit of this situation. Initially, I hoped he would pull me aside and we could talk about the girl I noticed in private. But now, I had to come up with a lie.

"No, I didn't. You know me so well," I fake laughed for the sake of the show and placed my hand on Bane's chest. "I was hoping you could tell me where the restrooms are. I need to powder my nose."

And that... Was the stupidest, yet most effective lie I could come up with on the spot.

Bane grinned at me again. "Take the main hall, third door on the left. Can you find the place or do you need me to hold your hand?"

I laughed again, even though I didn't find his words funny and turned his offer down as politely as I could. "I can manage. Be right back."

Bane released me and as soon as I spun on my heel, about to leave, he decided to do the most embarrassing thing ever - he slapped my ass like I was his property.

I hurried away without blinking, too scared tears might escape my eyes if I wasn't careful enough. I barged into the restroom and ran to the sink to wash my face. When I was done and straightened my body to look in the mirror, I jumped and screamed.