Her Revenge Contract
Chapter 46

Katherine's

POV

"Don't look so nervous!" Xavier said as he took my left hand and planted a butterfly kiss on my fingers.

We had already gotten into the limo and were driving around the block to ensure a grand entrance.

"I am not," I answered, taking a sip of my champagne.

"That's not what your body language is screaming at me!" He answered against my fingers, lifting an eyebrow. "I can feel your anxiety."

I sighed out loud with a smile and rolled my eyes while shaking my head as I turned my gaze and met his.

"You are not supposed to be able to read me, Mr. Black," I said, taking another sip of the champagne.

"But I must!" He answered certainly and moved away, "Whatever bothered you, concerns me too!"

"I am fine, Xavier," I said. "I am just worried about what John is planning!"

"Everything will be fine," Xavier said, sitting back in the seat. "I will make sure nothing happens to you, I promise."

There was so much love in his words that my heart warmed.

The driver took the limo to a slower speed as soon as we turned into the street.

"We are almost there, Alpha," the driver informed us.

"Are you ready?" Xavier asked and turned toward me.

"I

I guess so..." I answered, feeling overwhelmed.

I wasn't sure what to expect.

I turned my gaze out the window and saw hundreds of people standing in front of the hotel.

A couple of bodyguards and security were trying to keep the crowd of people under control.

As we drove closer, my gaze landed on some of the guests that were attending the engagement party. They were all dressed up in glamorous and expensive dresses and ballgowns.

I sighed, suddenly feeling a bit out of place. Was all of this really necessary? Couldn't life be much easier?

Did I really need to act the whole night, greet people, and be someone else?

Another breath escaped my lips, and my mind wandered off to what Edna told me.

"Luna," the old woman said, her eyes serious yet carrying warmth, "my sister did warn your father of the dangers lingering inside your pack. That was one of the reasons you never grew up with your pack members. Your father trusted everyone around him blindly when it involved him, yet when it came down to you, he ensured to keep you safe."

Edna became quiet for a minute before she spoke again.

"My sister had a vision minutes before your father left. She begged him not to go."

"He didn't listen? Did he?" I whispered, and my heart sank.

"He did," she answered, "and that is why you are here today!"

My gaze snapped toward her. "But?"

She shook her head.

"Your father made arrangements; that is why you were never in that vehicle," she answered.

"Kate," Xavier called, squeezing my hand, and the memory faded before my eyes, "are you okay?" "Sure," I answered, and I gave him a small smile.

Xavier leaned forward and carefully rubbed his thumb over my cheeks.

I hadn't even noticed that tears had spilled over.

"Thanks," I said, finding his gaze. His blue orbs looked concerned, yet he didn't say anything.

"You are welcome," he said, smiling.

The driver brought the car to a stop, got out, and opened the door for Xavier.

The crowd of people cheered, and my heart escalated. I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat, feeling hundreds of butterflies fill my stomach. Hell, I was dead nervous... Xavier casually held his hand out for me to take, and I hesitated for a second.

Was I doing the right thing?

"Come on," Xavier urged, "I will be by your side the whole night!"

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes as I moved over, took Xavier's hand, and stepped out of the limo.

Cameras flashed non-stop, blinding us in the process, and at that very moment, I wished I was just a normal person.

A couple of huge bodyguards rushed closer, forcing the crowd and reporters back behind the designated rope and blocking them off.

"Let them through," Xavier said calmly, and the bodyguards moved out of the way, giving the reporters and supporters a good view of us.

Xavier smiled at the crowd, pulled me closer, and waved. I stood frozen in my spot, unable to move or even smile.

"Wave to the crowd," he urged, "they will love it!"

I hesitated as I lifted my hand and moved it from side to side. It felt unnatural and stiff.

"Mr. Black!" A reporter shouted, "How does it feel to be engaged to the most eligible bachelorette in the city?"

Xavier turned to me, and I felt my cheeks fluster.

"It's the most amazing feeling in the world!" He answered and pecked my lips.

The crowd went wild, and more and more questions were raised.

The murmurs of people whispering and gossiping about me and Xavier were slowly getting on my nerves.

Can't people mind their own business?

Xavier must have seen my discomfort and bent down to me.

"Since you want revenge, ignore the whispering and be patient," Xavier said.

His voice was like clear water, leaving a trace of purity in my troubled world.

Xavier indicated to the bodyguards that he had answered enough questions, and he excused himself, and we started off toward the entrance.

As we entered, Xavier handed me a flute of champagne at the door, and we slowly emerged toward the ballroom where the party was held.

A couple of men were standing outside on the balcony, deep in conversation.

"Who are they?" I asked Xavier as we passed them, and he turned his gaze to where I was showing.

"They are all old foxes in the business district," he answered sourly. "You don't need to worry about them."

I nodded in response and followed Xavier to our table.

It is only now that I have noticed all the beautiful decorations.

A huge crystal chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling. The tables are decorated in black and gold with beautiful flower arrangements in the center. Yet that wasn't even what caught my attention. At the back of the hall, acrobats were standing and waiting.

"Xavier?"

"Hmm?"

"Why are they here?" I asked and gestured to the back of the hall.

"They will entertain the guests while we get dressed," he responded.

"Dressed?" I shifted my head to the side, a bit confused.

"Yes," he answered, "I have arranged a dress for you as a surprise."

"Why?" I asked, shocked.

"Because the dress I have especially made for you is the dress I want to officially announce our engagement!"

"Mr. Black," someone called, and Xavier turned his attention toward the voice, "the news crew has arrived."

"Come," Xavier said, and snaked his arm around me.

Xavier and I walked out of the hall room into the lobby, where a television crew was set up.

"Good evening, Mr. Black, Ms. King," a fairly old gentleman in his fifties greets us, "it's an honor to do this interview with you."

Xavier nodded his head but didn't say much.

"Come, come, have a seat," the old man gestured to us, and Xavier pushed his hand into the small of my back.

We took a seat, and while Xavier calmly answered questions, I was internally freaking out.

"Calm down!" My conscience yelled at me, "You have done hundreds of interviews in the last few weeks. This is not any different!" "Yes, but..!"

"Stop it!" I internally growled at myself, "Stop it now!"

I let out an audible breath, and Xavier and the old man both pinned their eyes on me.

"It seems like Ms. King is a bit nervous," the old man commented.

I nervously chuckled, trying to hide my embarrassment.

Xavier snaked his arm around me, pulled me closer to him, and gave me a warm and loveable smile.

"It's been a busy week, Gavin," Xavier answered. "Ms. King is just a bit exhausted from all the excitement."

Xavier then lifted my left hand, showing the huge diamond ring on my finger, suddenly attracting all the attention, and all focus was pinned on my ring. "Thanks," I whispered to Xavier.

When we were done, we quietly walked back to the ballroom.

Xavier let me take a seat at the table and turned toward a waiter to order something for us to drink.

"Kate!" Rose's screeching voice sounded over the noise in the hall, and my whole body stiffened at the sound of it.

Xavier must have seen my reaction, and he bowed his head.

"Calm down and act normal," Xavier whispered in my ear.

I gave him a small nod of my head, and we both turned around.

"Oh, Kate, you look so beautiful tonight," Rose praised me with a smile.

"Well, thank you," I replied half-heartedly. This was just another Rose act coming my way.

John casually walked closer to his mate and snaked his arm around her waist.

"Now, Kate, you will be Mrs. Black in the near future," John said with a warm tone. "You must consider Alpha Xavier's interests in everything you do, and you will have to keep your emotions in check and be temperamental, like a true Luna." "That's correct," Rose commented, "and I know you will be able to do so."

Rose suddenly sighed, looking emotional.

"Kate, my dearest," she said with tears in her eyes, "Erika feels very bad about what she has said and done before, and she asked me to find out from you if you would be able to forgive her."

Forgive her? I almost spat at Rose.

Yet Rose ignored my gaze and continued.

"I am ashamed for neglecting you too, Kate," Rose said, "and I came to apologize to you here, before everyone, and ask for your forgiveness."

Rose casually raised her glass and waited for a response from me.

I narrowed my eyes at her, forcing myself to control my emotions. There was no way I would ever forgive her for what she had done to me and my parents!

Xavier must have seen my reaction, and he carefully poked the side of my waist.

My gaze moved to Xavier, and he slowly indicated with his eyes that there was a crowd listening to our conversation. Rose was doing this on purpose, and if I didn't react, I would be branded disrespectful. That gave me the idea to turn the tables.

"Why would you be ashamed, Aunt Rose? You take care of me like a mother should. If my mother's spirit did go back to heaven, she will certainly thank you one day!"

With that, Xavier handed me the champagne flute, I raised it in the air and gulped down the golden liquid.

Rose's eyes widened in shock, yet didn't say a word.

"Kate!" Erika's annoying voice sounded in my ears and my gaze snapped toward her, "I came to apologize as well."

"Serious?" I internally sneered.

Erika handed me a glass of red wine, and I suddenly had a bad feeling about that.

"I am not going dismiss the fact that I have not collided with my cousin before. The King family and King Group will rely on my cousin in the future. Here, this is for my cousin Kate!" Erika lifted her glass in the air," I wish you and Alpha Black all the happiness in the world!" Erika downed her drink and waited for me to do the same. Even though I couldn't see her face due to the camera flashes, I knew she had no good attention at all.

Xavier casually took the glass from my hands, as if the drink was meant for him, and took a sip. "Kate, can't drink too much," he said, "I don't want my fiance drunk... I hope you don't mind."

"No, no, no," Erika said with wide eyes, "as long as my cousin is fine with it, I don't mind at all!"

Something in Erika's words indicated that she was happy about Xavier drinking the wine, and my mind raced back to John's plan to get Xavier seduced. There must be something wrong with the wine...