Her Revenge Contract
Chapter 24

Katherine's POV

"The jewel around your neck is beautiful," Xavier commented as we entered the ballroom.

"I know," I said, trying to lighten the mood, "a special admirer gifted it to me..." and my hand instinctively moved to the simple gold chain with a diamond moon pendant.

"You had better tell your admirer that you are mated with me," he teased, "I am not willing to share..."

I rolled my eyes at him, and Xavier lifted an eyebrow.

"Little Wolf," he said in a husky voice as he dropped his head closer to my ear, "if I were you," he whispered, seductively, "I would not provoke the beast in me..." I shivered as his breath brushed over my naked nape.

"Xavier..." my breath hitched and Xavier took a step away from me. A sly smile colored his lips and the same little devils were back in Xavier's blue eyes... He knew very well what kind of hold he had on me, and that with just simple words...

I took a deep breath and took control of my physical needs and turned my attention back to the reason we were here.

The ballroom was packed with so many people that I felt anxious and a bit claustrophobic. Everywhere I looked, people smiled and waved at me.

Hypocrites! I wanted to scream out loud. The only reason they came was because Xavier accepted the invitation.

No one here really knew me... no one here really wanted me to take over the company... and no one here really believed that I would be able to manage and take on such a big responsibility... but my parents believed in me... and that was enough for me! The DJ brought the volume of the music down, and John climbed a few steps toward the stage.

I suddenly felt sick to my stomach, and Xavier pulled me closer, noticing my sudden change in mood.

"Welcome to the business world," Xavier whispered, teasingly, "it is all about the survival of the fittest," he said, and lifted my gaze, "If you still want your revenge, this is where you will start your journey..."

I grinned my teeth and struggled to keep my emotions and temper in check.

Xavier was right. Kill or be killed, and I chose the latter.

My emotions suddenly played up as I saw curious and lustful eyes staring our way. For a mere second, I felt jealous and uncomfortable with all the beautiful women looking our way, their eyes locked upon Xavier, standing next to me. Shameless, I thought...

"Don't mind them..." Xavier said, calmly, "I only have eyes for you..."

I lifted my gaze and found the promise in Xavier's eyes.

"Good evening everyone," John's voice boomed over the microphone, "We are all gathered here tonight to welcome my niece, Kate King, to the King Group family, as new CEO and shareholder..."

My mind wandered off toward the people around me. Some looked bored, others excited... Some looked a bit irritated... and annoyed...

"Kate!" Xavier pumped me in the ribs to get my attention, "It's your turn to say some words..."

"Oh, okay," I said, and slowly left Xavier's side and walked toward the stage, feeling as if my stomach had been turned over.

I have practiced my speech over the last couple of days, memorizing every word, and I knew what I wanted to say.

I took a deep breath as I climbed the last steps onto the stage.

John handed me the microphone, and I thanked him. Then I turned to the crowd of people, said my words, and thanked everyone for coming.

When the applause quieted down, the DJ started a slow-moving dance, and I made my way toward Xavier's side.

Greyson had already taken Kelly to the dance floor and they were swaying to the music.

"Xavier, may I ask you to dance?" Erika asked and her voice sounded like dry chalk on a blackboard. Every hair on my back stood horizontal. Will this girl ever give up?

I crossed my arms and waited for Xavier to respond. It was one dance after all.

"No, thank you," Xavier said and grabbed my hand, and dragged me to the dance floor.

He set his hand on the small of my back and pulled me against him. His eyes turned darker as my breast brushed against his chest.

"You..." I blushed at the man in front of me, "Are creating unnecessary drama..."

A smile played on the corners of Xavier's lips, yet, he didn't say anything as he twirled me around, bringing me back onto his hard chest. Xavier's scent sent me on an intoxicated trip, my body swayed and moved to his every demand, I felt free in his presence, happy to be loved and cherished...

"Kate, you are such a b*tch!" Erika shouted and pointed at me, and all eyes suddenly focused on us on the dance floor.

When the music changed, John's voice could be heard as he scolded Erika at the table.

"Erika, what are you doing?" Rose asked, grabbing hold of her daughter's arm and pulling her aside.

"There are too many guests here," John added furiously, "do not mess around and make a fool out of us!" That angered Erika and she stormed toward me, grabbed me around my neck, and rubbed a tissue on my nape, revealing the hickey Xavier left there. "Do you see that!" Erika yelled at Xavier, and gestured to my nape, "Kate has gone around sleeping with some wild men. She can't keep her legs close and has been f*cking around nonstop behind your back!"

I felt so embarrassed, I didn't know where to look.

Xavier pulled me closer into his arms and tenderly kissed the top of my head as he rubbed my back.

"Sorry folks," Xavier said, taking the attention from me, "I got carried away with my girlfriend..." he said and everyone around us burst out of laughter and cheered.

"... I didn't mean to leave any evidence of our love on her nape..." Xavier turned his gaze toward Erika where she stood in shock. She certainly didn't expect Xavier to take the blame.

Xavier squeezed my hand and nodded his head, indicating to me that I needed to regain my honor and self-respect.

I took a step out of Xavier's arms, and before I knew what I did, my hand connected with Erika's face, sending her to the floor...

I stormed toward Erika, with Xavier right behind me.

"Don't you dare hit me again..." Erika cried out in shock.

Anger radiated around me, and something inside me snapped, breaking down the wall that kept my temper at bay and my aura expanded around me. Erika's eyes grew big and whimpered out of fear. "What are you going to do about me hitting you?" I hissed furiously, "You have openly slandered my name before all these people and to top it off you tried to seduce my mate!"

As soon as I recognized Xavier as my mate, a warm feeling of power ran through my veins...