Chapter 15 +16 Bonus " Allow me to introduce you to Lord Theron , " Isabella said with a saccharine smile . " A nobleman of quite high status . " Theron stepped forward , his sweaty hand reaching towards me . " Would you do me the honor of a dance , my dear ? " Every instinct screamed no . I had seen him pawing at some of the other women earlier , his gnarled fingers lingering too long on their waists , brushing too close to their breasts . I took a measured step back . " I'm afraid I must decline ." A flicker of irritation crossed his face . " Come now , " he coaxed . " One dance . " I stiffened as he reached for me ; I didn't want to be touched by this male . " Apologies , Lord Theron , " a voice cut in as Asher stepped between us smoothly , his stance relaxed but his presence dominating over Theron , " But I believe the Lady has other engagements . " " And who might you be ? " Theron scowled . " Asher , no last name needed , " he said simply . Theron hesitated . Recognition dawned in his expression . He muttered some kind of apology under his breath and stalked off , Isabella shooting me a sharp glare before following . I exhaled , tension draining from my shoulders . " Thank you , " I murmured . Asher smiled , a glint of mischief in his gaze . " Dance with me instead ? " I hesitated . But refusing him after he had just rescued me seemed ungrateful , so I placed my hand in his , letting him lead me onto the floor among the sea of dancers . The moment we began to move , I became aware of Asher's eyes on me , memorizing every detail . I quickly avoided his gaze , not wanting to accidentally give myself away . " You don't like to be watched , " he observed . " Not particularly , " I admitted A beat of silence followed , then , his voice softened , becoming almost thoughtful . " If you're not chosen tonight , would you consider me as an option instead ? " I blinked up at him . It wasn't exactly a proposal , but it was close . It was a blatant suggestion wrapped in invitation . We had just met , but I was certain men like Asher - playboys and spoiled nobles - couldn't give me the love and life I craved . Besides , the longer I stayed at the Palace , the greater my risk of exposure . I weighed my words carefully before shaking my head . " No. But thank you . " 1/2 Asher didn't look surprised . He only smiled , a " Interesting , indeed , " he said quietly . if amused by my answer . 15 Bonus® Before I could respond , the hair on the back of my neck rose and I felt my skin prickle . I glanced across the dance floor and immediately locked eyes with Damon . He wasn't watching his dance partner ; he was watching me . I swallowed , a flicker of guilt twisting in my stomach , unsure why I felt this way . I had no reason to feel guilty , I could dance with whoever I wanted to . Ruby stirred inside me . Because he didn't recognize his mate at first . I tore mu my gaze away as the song ended , and I stepped back from Asher , offering a small nod . " I need to rest for a moment . " " Of course , " he said , his gaze lingering before releasing me . I turned away , pressing a hand to my chest . I needed to get out of here . Now . Desperate for some air , I started making my way towards the exit when silence fell , stopping my feet . Damon's voice rang through the ballroom , commanding and inescapable . " Come here . " My breath hitched , trying to fade into the crowd . The women around me stilled . Eyes darted between us - curious , envious , shocked . Emma rushed towards me , hissing into my ear , giving my shoulder a nudge to turn around . " The Lycan King is calling for you . " I froze , hesitantly I lifted my gaze to see Damon walking a direct pathway towards me . Oh no . He was calling for me .