Saving Tragedy Chapter 58

*****Rose's POV*****

Ashton's hand tightens around mine, a reassuring warmth that grounds me amidst the rising tension in the room as my oxygen seems to dissipate for a few moments watching him walk in...

The whispers that were always there seem to grow louder, as I feel the weight of curious eyes fixating on us. I turn my gaze towards the grand entrance, and there he is - Derrick Colt - the source of my past nightmares standing proud amongst his men.

Sawyer's comment about Derrick's outfit breaks the building tension, and laughter ripples around the table. It's a brief moment of levity and serves as a much-needed distraction.

Lydia giggles too, reaching out to take my free hand in hers to help offer me further support to what Ashton was already giving me...

"Check him! He's such a little bitch! It's like he's trying way too hard to be noticed," Hunt adds, before Lydia chimes in, "Maybe he thought he was attending a leather biker convention and not a ball."

I manage a small laugh, grateful for their lighthearted banter - before glancing around at our nearby security as a reminder that he couldn't and wouldn't dare to hurt me in such a setting as this one... not with Ashton by my side now.

But still, beneath the surface, a current of anxiety runs through me. Derrick's presence stirs memories of rejection and pain that I can't manage to shrug off.

To think that the Moon Goddess herself actually thought to pair us up together... with us being so different too… it was beyond me. But I was a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

Perhaps I had to endure the loss of a 'mate', similar to Ashton, in order for us to meet like we did... it was only fair I suppose?

Ashton seems to sense my unease and offers a reassuring smile, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand and giving it a little squeeze every so often to remind me that he was there.

"He's a fucking idiot, Rose. You're here with me now, and that's what matters... and not to blow my own horn or anything, but I would consider it an upgrade!" Ashton whispers in a mocking tone, his voice a soothing balm which causes me to giggle some more.

I nod in agreement, finding solace in his words before replying - "The best upgrade I could've hoped for." I admit quietly, causing him to pull back a little to look me over with what looked like adoration.

"I'm glad." He concludes once with a smirk, before a waitress arrives with another round of drinks for the table, offering us a small distraction amongst the silent chaos waiting to unfold.

As Derrick manoeuvres around his table, picking his seat carefully, I observe him more closely. His arrogant demeanor hasn't changed at all, and he seems oblivious to the amused glances directed at his unconventional attire.

Ashton's intense gaze also looks across at him next, following Derrick's every move, a silent challenge brewing beneath the surface...

Derrick seemed way too engrossed in his own surroundings, that he hadn't greeted or taken anybody else in as of yet - including Jacob himself.

I force myself to inhale a steady breath, calming my nerves, before averting my eyes back over to the dance floor — watching it gradually fill up again as couples sway around to the gentle music.

Ashton suggests dancing later, and I promise to try, despite my lack of dance steps and knowledge on such an event…

"I take it that's him? The idiot in the leather? The one you told me about?" Lydia leans closer to me, whispering as though she were scared herself that Derrick might hear us.

I nod in confirmation, causing her to click her tongue in disapproval - shaking her head at the man in question.

I look back over at him, seeing Derrick's eyes lift up before he seems to scan the room for the very first time tonight... and for a fleeting moment, our gazes lock - causing my breathing to halt and my eyes to grow wide.

I instantly squeeze Ashtons hand, silently informing him that we had been noticed, before I feel him straighten up in his chair proudly from beside me.

Shit...

An icy shiver runs down my spine, but Ashton's protective presence shields me from the full force of that haunting stare. His eyes stay directly on me, his face void of any emotion, before his eyebrows draw in ever so slightly in scrutiny.

His gaze then darts over a little, seeming to land on Ashton, which causes the leather clad male to scowl even further - showing his distaste for him and his choice of female.

I gulp, before quickly turning my attention back to our group, focusing on the shared laughter between Sawyer, Hunt and Lydia - all unaware of the current stare off we had going on...

Now, after all this time, he knows about us…

Derrick was currently listed as a war criminal, and was seen as dangerous - and that was all without the added torment of what we were doing to him tonight!

I was also surprised that the leather man had even remembered and noticed me tonight since it was fair to say that I had changed an awful lot since our last encounter... I was a different person!

But I would imagine that regardless of who you are or what your title is, you will remember your first mate (rejected or not) right?

“I dare him to start any shit tonight!” I hear Ashton growl out, gaining my attention as I turn to see his hard glare still hadn’t shifted from the man in question.

By now, the others had taken notice of what was going on, turning to see the stare off continuing between the pair…

“He wouldn’t. He might be cocky, but he knows your strength Ash.” Sawyer states with a wave of his wrist - unbothered by Derrick altogether.

“Well we’ve gotten the reaction we wanted anyhow… he seems fucking pissed!” Hunt laughs loudly, before raising his glass to toast around the table.

I shakily lift my glass, avoiding the heated stare of my ex-mate, as we clink them - probably pissing him off more with our little celebration.

Ashton soon rips his eyes away from him - causing me to look over to notice that Jacob had stepped in - seeming to distract Derrick in his greeting.

“I know that the ball is supposed to be for all packs to come together each year and to put differences aside… but after everything he’s done this past year… how can Jacob fucking tolerate that shit?!” Ashton complains loudly to his two friends, before swinging his drink back aggressively.

“He’s old and scared. Doesn’t want any trouble for his own pack probably?” Hunt throws the idea out, as Ashton shakes his head furiously.

“Fuck that! Jacob, like the others, are under my protection. Jacob knows if Derrick were to invade him here, that I’d have my men sent up to defend him in a heartbeat - so there’s no excuse for tolerating that bastard!” Ashton continues, as I look to Lydia momentarily who pulls a ‘what the hell is going on’ sort of face.

I don’t blame her… after everything she had especially gone through herself… she was now forced to endure my own past hardships.

“Bathroom break?” Lydia leans towards me and mumbles, as I nod at the idea - knowing that if I didn’t go now, I would no doubt be pissing in my dress soon after the number of cocktails we had been ordering…

I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol affects, but I slowly began to feel a little more at ease with my surroundings…

Derrick was far enough away, and Ashton and his men had us well protected!

Nothing could go wrong!

“Excuse us! We are going to nip to the bathroom.” Lydia announces to the three - interrupting their rants.

“The fuck you are!” Ashton snaps back, causing my eyes to widen and my mouth to drop open in shock.

I am left speechless by the aggressive outburst, watching him huff out loudly - closing his eyes over as though trying to collect himself.

“Fuck! Sorry! My wolf is on edge with him being here and doesn’t want you going far! Where is the closest one?” Ashton seems to force the apology past his gritted teeth, as I nod once - somewhat understanding where he was coming from.

“Uhh… I think it’s over at the entrance - there!” Hunt turns in his seat, pointing to a door in the far corner featuring the outline of a stick figure in a dress to symbolise a female restroom.

“Do you need me to take you?” Ashton leans forward, his voice low, as his eyes study mine intensely.

I think on it, wondering if maybe he should walk me over, before realising just how childish I would look being escorted only metres away to a bathroom…

I am amongst the strongest male and females from around the country - as Ashtons new mate at that - and therefore, it probably wasn’t best to look like a helpless runt as of just yet!

“I’ll be ok… you can see the door from here.” I conclude, causing him to sigh as though he were disappointed in my response.

“Fine. But don’t be long.” Ashton nods once, as I copy the action, before standing to my wobbly legs.

Lydia and I navigate through the crowd, the lively chatter and music growing muffled as we approach the bathroom.

"So, how are you holding up?" Lydia asks, her voice hushed.

"I'm okay, I guess. It's just a lot to take in," I admit, fixing my hair absentmindedly and avoiding the staring as we pass by each table on our way.

Lydia nods in understanding, offering a reassuring smile. "You're doing great though, Rose. This whole place is so overwhelming, especially with him around. But you've got Alpha Ashton by your side, and he's got your back." She smiles, as I smile too - finally reaching the bathroom and pushing open the door.

The bathroom itself was grand, the largest I had ever seen to say the least. The decor was mostly white marble - and each large mirror held beauty lights glimmering around the outside giving it a more glamorous feel.

We headed for two of the free cubicles, doing our business quickly, before shuffling to fix our dresses as best we could…

As we washed and dried our hands, exchanging a few more encouraging words, two other women, elegantly dressed, entered the bathroom too.

They send friendly smiles our way, breaking into conversation about the event and the various packs present as we instinctively smile back to acknowledge them both…

"It's always interesting to see the dynamics at these gatherings," one of them remarks, adjusting her necklace in the mirror beside us.

The other one nods. "Oh, absolutely. I heard there's a bit of drama between the Alphas this year too..."

Lydia and I exchange a knowing look but choose to remain silent, reapplying our lipstick and not wanting to reveal too much about our connection to the brewing tensions…

The conversation turns lighthearted, and we soon find ourselves laughing with the pair as they look to us and include us in what they are saying.

It's a welcome break from the intensity outside.

However, the tranquility is short-lived…

The door swings open, and a striking young woman with caramel coloured hair enters. Her sharp gaze immediately landing on me, and a sinister smile curving on to her lips.

I recognize her instantly, from past encounters - Elza, a member of my old pack…

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Elza's tone drips with condescension as she glances between Lydia and me. "A little gathering of the new and improved, I see."

The friendly atmosphere dissipates, replaced by a tense silence. I exchange an uneasy look with Lydia as Elza approaches, her eyes fixed on me.

"And who might you be?" She asks, poking her manicured finger on to my shoulder with an amused laugh - her tone a deliberate challenge.

"Rose," I reply quietly, keeping my composure despite the unsettling energy Elza exudes.

Maybe she doesn’t remember me…

"Rose?" She repeats with a scoff, as if the name itself is a joke. “From what I remember, you went by Tragedy, no?” She announces loudly, outing my past to the ladies of the bathroom…

My chest tightens from the name, as Lydia instinctively moves closer to my side - offering her silent comfort.

"So, the big bad Alpha finally decided to downgrade did he? Must be a slow year for him." Elza continues, suddenly irritating me by insulting Ashton…

If only he had heard her himself… she would be done for!

Lydia shoots her a disapproving look, but Elza seems determined to provoke a reaction from us both.

"I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting," Elza continues on to Lydia next, suddenly moving to circle us like a predator assessing its prey. "I'm Elza. I've been around this sort of lifestyle longer than you can imagine."

I take a steadying breath, reminding myself that Ashton's protection extends beyond the physical…

"That's quite the mark you've got there, Tragedy." Elza comments, eyeing the mating mark on my neck next.

"Didn't think the Alpha would stoop so low since his last mate was drop dead gorgeous - pardon the pun." Elza cackles, however earning a few gasps of disapproval from the others hearing her words.

My mouth falls in disgust, as my patience suddenly wanes, but I attempt to keep my response measured. "I'm here with Ashton, and he is a great man. That's all that matters." I defend, as she rolls her eyes at my response.

Elza smirks, her words laced with venom. "Oh, I've been here as a guest of Ashtons before too, don’t think you’re so special. He likes variety, you know. Don't get too comfortable, sweetheart." Elza’s words stab through me, as my mouth opens and closes momentarily.

He wouldn’t dare to go near someone as toxic as her… would he?!

A surge of anger courses through me, as I don’t seem to be able to control my temper for the first time in my life…

Just as she begins to walk away, my hand shoots out - grasping her wrist tightly - as I yank her back towards me.

“You are nothing more than a fucking desperate bitch!” I grit out in her face, ensuring to dig my finger nails in to her skin as harshly as I could…

But before Elza can respond, the bathroom door suddenly slams open - as Ashton himself

storms in, his eyes ablaze with a sudden fury.

"What the fuck is going on in here?!" He demands, his gaze shifting between Elza and me as I instantly release her from my grasp.

Elza seizes the moment, holding her red wrist to her chest as she whines and pouts up at my mate… the other females in the bathroom choosing this as their cue to exit…

“Your she-wolf just assaulted me!” Elza complains, as I am brought crashing back to reality…

What did I just do?! I shouldn’t have grabbed her…

“Probably for good fucking reason too! Get out!” Ashton bellows at her, surprising me, as he causes Elza to race for the door - leaving us alone.

“Let’s go!” Ashton all but mutters, looking pissed, gesturing for us to leave the room, as we shuffle behind him back in to the bustling event…

I went too far…