19 No Tac

A part of me thought that this was really pretty but the other part of me hated how pretty it was.

I'm full of contradictions since I can't wear the things that I want in fear of being found out.

And I'm always way too paranoid for my own good.

Well, at least it's not too revealing.

When I glanced at the mirror stationed on top of the sink, I had to contain the screech of horror at seeing what my face looked like after the whole escapade.

My God!

I can see why everyone had such a strong reaction.

To say the makeup was melting off of my face was an understatement.

Mascara had flaked everywhere on my cheeks, mixing in with the thick layers of foundation I usually wear.

My brick-colored lipstick had transferred all around on my chin and parts of my cheeks.

I literally look like a nightmare come to life. If children saw me they would cry.

And the embarrassment was quick to make me want to hide away somewhere until everyone forgot about me.

With a large inhale of breath, I slowly washed my face free of the makeup and grime on my face, watching the sticky substance float down the drain.

It was pretty hard to take off since it was waterproof.

By the time I cleaned it off, it was almost 15-20 minutes later.

My hands were shaky from nerves and hunger, but I quickly applied the makeup until it coated my face in thick cakey layers.

The foundation was almost a shade or two off and made me look rather ghostly but that didn't matter.

Since I don't want to make myself look "good" in their eyes, I continued to cover up my own features until I became unrecognizable and finished with a thick layer of lipstick.

I unlocked the door and walked out.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the old lady bent over the bed with a blue spray bottle in her hand and a deep frown on her face.

After noticing me, she set the bottle down onto the nightstand in an innocent gesture not to offend me further.

My eyes narrowed.

Is she febreezing the spot that I laid on?

"You smell much better now, dear," she said with a rather relieved smile brightening her face as her body relaxed somewhat.

"Thank you," I replied awkwardly.

"Now let's get to dinner, Eros is waiting for you," she said, stepping closer towards me.

I took a step back, evading her outstretched hand.

Her words kept revolving around in my head, replaying like the words from a horror movie.

Why would he be waiting for me?

"Let's go," the old woman urged.

"I-I can't," I dryly retorted, straightening my back and staring her in the eyes as my lungs heaved in panic.

My cheeks had long lost that slight blush from the shower, becoming even paler in comparison to the makeup I had applied onto my face.

I know for certain that I don't want to see Alpha Eros right now because God knows what would happen to me if I did.

What am I supposed to say to a male who is supposed to 'mark, mate, and pup' me?

"You can't?" she repeated, testing the words and possibly testing me as well with a rather sharp look on her face.

"There's a lot of people in your pack who want me dead. Please, just let me go." I quickly pleaded, nervously pinching the fabric of the dress in my hands.

"Honey, let's get this straight. You are the Alpha Female of this pack now. You cannot leave," she replied calmly, almost too calmly as if she knew that I was going to refuse. "Although there are many that are...upset with your background, I'm assured that they will keep their boundaries. If not, Eros will protect you, so do not worry."

My lips pinched tightly into a thin line.

"But if you are to even think of running, Eros will catch you before you can even step off of the territory and, if necessary, he will hunt you down. You do not want to see him in Alpha mode as it will not be good for your mortal body when he forces you to submit," she cleanly warned me, finishing off with a click of her tongue. "Once Eros' room is finished remodeling, you will be moved there for your mating ceremony. And once the deed is completed, it is a done deal."