Hiraeth

Chapter 3: The Smell of Roses

Hiraeth's POV

The smooth, hard floor amplifies the sound of my red heels as I make my way towards the doors.

Like every party, me and my father like to greet the people coming into our home. That's one thing we both agree on.

The maids had originally chosen a white dress for me. The head maid said that it would make me look more innocent. She also wanted to put my red hair up so it won't be as "obnoxious".

After they dressed me and left the room, I let me hair fall over my shoulders and changed into a red long dress with sequence and a slit in the skirt so my leg can peek out. I guess you can say it's "obnoxious".

Now I am walking down the hall, ignoring the stares I'm getting from the maids and a glare from the head maid.

The people in my house either hate me or trust me. Those who hate me, would like to see my father continue running the business the way he is. But the ones who trust me, want me to replace my father soon.

I enter the foyer and most people look my way. My father rolls his eyes but pretends that he is proud of his daughter.

In walks the Orpal family. Mr. Jon Orpal smiles at me and walks past my father.

"Ms. Hannum. It's lovely to see you." His wife joins him and smiles at me. They are a lovely couple who seem to adore me and refuse to speak to my father.

"It's a pleasure to see you again. The center of the party is in the back yard."

They nod and move past us with the flow of the crowd.

Next in walks the Loren family. They own several businesses involving development. Their son Kyle has been doing a lot for the business and I hope to work with him to benefit both the businesses. We are both young and want to do more with our family business.

Kyle shakes my father's hand but doesn't look him in the eyes. He gives me a hug and we exchange some pleasantries. Him and his family soon move on.

I notice a few people having a pleasant conversation with my father.

"Hiraeth." I turn to see Mr. Harper calling me out of the room. I leave the foyer and follow him down the hall where there are not many people.

"What is it?" I ask.

"I want to warn you. Your father invited a few groups of werewolves. Most of them seem like good people but there are a few that are very suspicious."

I chuckle a bit. Of course he would. I don't hate all werewolves, just the ones who could be very dangerous. Which is most of them since they are stronger than humans and also seem to think they are better.

"What do you mean by suspicious?"

"I think some of them have to do with what your father has been up to. I'll keep an eye on them but be careful."

He looks like he wants to say more but looks behind me. I go to turn around but he tries to say something.

"Also, one of them is your..."

"Hiraeth!"

I turn fully to see my father walking to us.

"Your fiancé is here. It's time to meet him."

My face hardens and I nod. My father leads me away from Mr. Harper.

"Couldn't you have worn the white dress?" My father grumbles to me.

"Nope" I say curtly. No way.

My father sighs as he walks with me to the back yard. The crowd of people are mingling and enjoying themselves. I spot a few werewolves and my heart clenches. I can tell what they are by their eyes. Human have generic colored eyes but Werewolves have very unique eyes that are unmistakable. They are either piecing blue or sea foam green. Only those two colors.