Zozona nodded with a giggle.”So, what I’ve heard is true. You are a massive flirt, I must say I’m not surprised.” She said, twirling around, feeling light on her feet. It’s been decades since she had a decent amount of fun, and without her family and pack breathing down her neck, she can finally enjoy herself. Zozona let her eyes meet a few that let their eyes linger for far too long, the usual deep green hue changing to a deep gold. Her eyes returned to normal when her gaze fell back on him.

At his mention of missing her brother’s presence, she stumbled, placing her hand atop his chest.”You, of all people, miss Asra?” Zozona tilted her head, letting her canines gleam when she laughed.”I was not expecting that. If Asra saw our position at this very moment, he would have your head on a stake, alongside my own.” She explained, reaching up for a brief moment to tug at a loose strand of hair. At the mention of the Lady, however, her head tilted with a furrowed brow.”Lady Azure? Your clan leader, I assume?” Zozona asked with a pause before a smirk graced her features.”What? Is she jealous I’ve captured your attention?” She teased, tapping a few fingers against his chest.

She let her mind wonder. Why was she drawn to this vampire? She still had yet to figure that out, and to be honest, it was annoying her. Zozona was always one for knowing everything there was to know, and this was a matter she could not grasp.

No matter the amount of research and dedication she put in, this was not something she could fully comprehend. Zozona knew she was going against everything she was taught since she was a small pup, it was almost pack law not to interact with the opposite species, but of course, some rebelled. And those who did, ended up being hunted by the pack till their dying days.

But, Zozona wanted to push the boundaries.”Why are you so drawn to me?” She asked, chewing on her lower lip, tasting a faint bitter, metallic taste from biting too hard on her lip.

Zozona simply shrugged, a smile present on her lips.”What can I say, I’m curious by nature.” This was true of not just her, but all of the werewolf species. Werewolves strived for knowledge, understanding of anything unknown to them.

Zozona was no exception. She nodded as he spoke. She giggled.”I do not socialize with anyone. Consider yourself special.” She stated, the smile never faltering. Zozona paused for a moment to think and gather her thoughts.”I suppose I don’t fear for myself. Of course, if one of your own chooses to harass a human, I won’t hesitate to step in,” She paused with a scoff.”I guess you could say I’m quite selfless, or so I’ve been told.” She said, muttering her last few words.

She shook her head, licking over her lips.”I go with what’s thrown at me, I barely plan anything out. Plans can backfire, plans can change, plans can be sabotaged.” Zozona explained, letting her eyes wander to everything around her. She sighed, letting her mind wander to her own thoughts. Her mind seemed cluttered, filled to the brim with everything she could possibly think of. Maybe she was wrong with the way she thought about this creature in front of her, but she didn’t seem to mind.

Of course, she would have to suffer the consequences, but that was for a later date. Zozona wanted to enjoy this moment while she had the chance to. Her sudden disappearance from her pack territory would raise red flags for everyone, and her pack would be determined to find her. The thought made her growl animalistically, her eyes becoming a bright golden color.

She stumbled, closing her eyes to try and calm herself. The sound of the Duke speaking and the tone of his voice made Zozona come back to her senses, calming her. She nodded at his words, turning her attention to the floor, lowering her head.”My apologies..” She whispered, licking at her dry lips once more.

Zozona shook her head with a grin, her left canine catching on her lip. She tilted her head with a thoughtful look.”I think our species is set on making everyone look horrendous just based on history.. The lifelong rivalry..” She said, nose twitching from the different scents that assaulted her nose.

.~.

Zozona nodded. She understood the safety of working alone, but she could never do such a thing. Her genetics always proved her wrong. The lupin species strived to be together, strived for companionship; without a group they were nothing. Granted, loners did exist, but were rare. Loners were kicked from their packs for offenses that deserved a harsher punishment than death; to loners that had lost the connections with their packs, death was a blessing. Whilst Zozona has never heard of such a thing happening, it’s been said that loner wolves are driven to the brink of insanity. “I’d love to work alone, I’d consider it. But, unfortunately, evolution prevents me from working alone.”

.~.

Zozona was no better at dancing. She didn’t do it frequently, and when she did, she was too worried about making a mistake. Maybe a werewolf’s natural flexibility came into play on the dancefloor. “Hmm, that depends who catches me first really. Be it my father, his beta, younger siblings, or whom else.. Nothing will harm me.. However, Asra will catch on quickly, but don’t worry, I’ll protect from my scary brother.” She teased with a subtle wink. Zozona’s head perked at how tense the Duke seemed. A quiet animalistic whine escaped her lips as she reached her hands up and gently rubbed some circles over the junction between his shoulder and neck.”Relax, please.” She cooed in a gentle voice, running her hands down his arms and back up to his shoulders.

.~.

Werewolves were nurturing, or at least to their own. Zozona felt obliged to care for the Duke, like he was hers to care for.

.~.

She nodded with a small smile. “Yes, it is.. And, as much as I gloat,” The prodigy took in a deep breath before continuing,”I’m afraid to lead my pack..” She admitted with a low voice with the knowledge of how well the opposing species can hear. At the feeling of the small tap against her nose, she reached out to playfully nip at his finger. “For some odd reason, I can’t seem to believe you, dearest.” She teased out the pet name. Zozona raised her head to watch around herself, noting the other partners that continued to dance, taking note of now standing off to the side. She huffed, turning to the Duke with a smirk.”Please, if you wish to know me outside the ballroom, come visit the Wright estate. Just beware of the females, they bite.” Zozona commented with a hand tapping against said male’s chest. A quick, side-eyed glance towards the outside doors gave her the perfect opportunity to complete her plan.”Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need some air.” She said as-a-matter-of-fact, turning on her heel and spinning to begin in the direction of the door.

Orion had tensed at her touch, but he quickly remastered himself and let her speak. The little tyke reminded him of his lost Aurora. And it was catching him off-guard. This was not something he was used to and set him unnaturally on edge for the moment. As she excused herself, he debated on following her but then he would be chasing. Not only that, but Azure was staring at him in all of her finery, sipping on wine and every nasty word was passing through her mind directed at him. He didn't need the telepathic gifts to know that. However, she had called it. She knew his type after all.
.
His cousin had noticed the shift and found him, wandering over like a wraith. Silently, but with enough of a presence that people moved to get out of her way as if to avoid their deaths. Aphrodite was notorious in the Vampire community. Even though she had joined three hundred years after hed had. She kept her meals as lovers for extended periods of time. Her manor houses at least ten men at a time, and a few times, even women had found themselves wandering into her chambers. She was also known for being to brutal. That's how she often lost one of her playthings. She looked around, scanning a few of the people as she walked towards him.
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“Oh, follow her you lousy lump of bones!” Aphrodite grinned, eyes flashing. Orion rolled his eyes, sighing as he caught sight of Azure, swirling her so called wine as she watched him. Huh. So that's why Dite wanted him to go after the wolf. He grinned at the lithe female, saluting her as he did indeed follow her out into the gardens.
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“You know, our lillies are the best in the country? My assistant is the one who cares for them,” he said from a few yards behind her.