Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law novel Chapter 98

[Jasmine's POV]

The limo pulled up to one of the most luxurious hotels I'd ever seen. The outside was decorated with twinkling lights and a banner that indicated the masquerade ball was being held here. There was a red carpet that led to the open doors of the grand entrance.

Elliot took Isabella's hand as they exited. Axel helped me out of the limo, and as soon as I stepped out, I was blinded by the flashing lights. Shocked, I put up my hand to protect my eyes. A bunch of people started to shout Isabella's name, and when my eyes adjusted, I realized that we were surrounded by reporters and paparazzi. My pulse quickened as they closed in on us with their cameras and recording devices, trying to get to the Lycan King's daughter.

"Who designed your dress, Isabella?" a man shouted.

"Who's that hunky man on your arm, Miss Laken?" a woman in the front shouted while she took pictures with her giant camera. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"That's her fiancé, Elliot! When's the wedding, Isabella?" another woman shouted even though she was only five feet away from Isabella.

Immediately, I took a step back, feeling intimidated.

But Isabella was used to handling them. All she did was give her best smile, wave, and walk on with Elliot on her arm.

Since they didn't get anything out of her, the vultures turned their cameras on Axel and me. I forgot that my date was almost as famous as his cousin.

"Axel Laken, what new art projects are you working on?" a man asked.

"Who's this girl on your arm?" a woman asked rudely. "I hope she's just a friend." Then, she winked at Axel.

"What's your name?" someone else right in front of me asked. "Who designed your dress? What's your relationship status with Axel Laken?" She thrust a recording device in my face.

I blinked and stuttered, not sure what to do.

Thankfully, Isabella grabbed my arm, smiling at the people surrounding us. "Come along, Jasmine. We don't want to be late for the gala." She leaned in closer and lowered her voice so only I could hear her. "Don't say anything to the reporters. They will twist whatever you say to make an attention-grabbing headline."

I nodded and gave her a grateful look. "Thank you."

Isabella and Elliot resumed walking. Axel and I followed close behind. I just smiled as I walked past the reporters, still shouting questions at us. Inside, I was thankful for the quiet. We followed the signs to the largest ballroom in the hotel.

The venue was decorated beautifully. My eyes were instantly drawn to the high ceiling that had to be at least a hundred feet tall. A sparkling chandelier was the only source of lighting, creating a dim, secret atmosphere to go with the theme. There was a large dance floor in the middle and tables scattered around the room. Already, the band on the stage was playing elegant, classical music.

Isabella steered Elliot off to a group of important-looking women to say hello. I walked over to the corner, intimidated by the crowd. My stomach filled with nerves, and despite my early confidence in this dress, I felt awkward because I didn't know anyone. Heck, even if I did happen to know someone here, I wouldn't recognize them because we were all wearing masks.

Axel grabbed two champagne flutes from a passing server and stood beside me.

"This is my first masquerade party," he said conversationally as he handed me one of the glasses.

"Really?" I asked and took a small sip of the bubbly drink. "That surprises me since you're a member of the Laken family."

Axel shrugged. "Shifter gatherings in Germany are more…toned down. We have a big family dinner where each pack brings their signature dish. It isn't like this. We don't aim to…impress each other and show off who has the most money. It's more about community and discussing how to better our packs."

I shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably. It wasn't lost on me that I was wearing a three-million-dollar dress.

"I think I like Germany's idea of a get-together better," I mumbled around the rim of my champagne glass.

Axel shrugged again. "Honestly, that's more my dad's thing. I was always too busy painting to go to the dinners."

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