Cara’s POV
The sound of laughter, chatter, and distant music grew louder as I approached the bonfire venue. I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubble up in my stomach. This was my first pack event since birth, i have had to attend not as a slave or cleaner but as part of the event. I couldn’t help but feel out of place. As I stepped into the clearing, my eyes widened in surprise.
The entire area looked transformed. Fairy lights were strung between the tall trees, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The bonfire stood proudly in the center, flames dancing high into the night sky, crackling and hissing like they were alive. Wolves of all ages were gathered around, some dancing, others chatting, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration. I could barely recognize the place. It felt like a scene out of a dream, nothing like the training grounds I had grown accustomed to.
I glanced down at my dress, the silky material flowing around me in the gentle breeze. Emma and Emily had insisted I wear it, reminding me that it was traditional for such occasions. The fabric was light, a soft pastel blue that matched the moon’s glow, but I felt… exposed. It was unlike anything I’d worn before, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone’s eyes were on me.
I took a deep breath, willing myself to be brave. After all, this was supposed to be a fun night, and I didn’t want to spend it hiding. But still, I stuck to the shadows, sneaking into the surrounding area and hoping to stay unnoticed.
Finding a spot close to the edge of the gathering, I took a seat on a wooden bench, my heart still pounding in my chest. “I’ll just sit here until the bonfire is over,” I muttered to myself, trying to convince myself that this was the best plan.
Just then, I noticed Siden and his brother Aiden approaching. They were both laughing about something with booze already in their hands. when they spotted me, their faces lighting up in recognition.
“Cara! You made it,” Siden called out, waving enthusiastically.
“Hi, Siden. Aiden,” I greeted, offering a small smile.
“I’m surprised you came,” Aiden added with a teasing grin. “Heard you weren’t much of a party person.” me and him are now in a talking mood after he apologized.
I chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah, well, I thought I’d give it a try.”
“You picked a good night for it. You will definitely be surprised,” Siden said, motioning to the fire. “This is one of the best bonfires we’ve had in a while. Enjoy it!”
“Thanks,” I replied, grateful for their warm welcome. They left while i took a seat not far from me, and I felt myself relax a bit. It was nice being in a happy environment even if you were not going to enjoy it.
I sighted Emma at a distance. She was looking beautiful on her light green dress also. She was dancing in the middle of the bonfire, causing her own destruction in her Emma way. While Emily, her sister, was nowhere to be found. I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t want to meet either of the sisters, or especially her brother Alexander, not after the embarrassing scene in the forest this night.
“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”. Emma appeared out of nowhere, making me jump in fear. A big smile plastered on
She was the least person I wanted to see. “I just got here,” I explained, trying to act nonchalant.
“Oohh, You look…beautiful Cara” she shouted in amazement, ” I really want to have white hair”, I am jealous.
You look beautiful too, I complimented her back, trying to get her to refrain from attracting attention. Truly She didn’t look like anything like the girl that could go toe to toe with seasoned warriors in a fight. She looked pretty in her dress this night. She looked more like a little girl.
How did you know I was here, “Did Siden tell you I was here?”
“Obviously,” she laughed, rolling her eyes. “He can’t keep a secret if his life depended on it.”
I glanced over at Siden, who was a distance away, who immediately noticed my stare. He turned, giving me a sheepish grin. mouthing something like “Sorry, couldn’t help myself.”
I rolled my eyes, I could have expected seeing him, and Emma was very close, almost too close.
” Cara, thank you for defending us in the forest. It was really my fault coming up with the plan and putting your life in danger. she said apologetically.
“No it’s fine, it me that agreed to the plan, you didn’t force me” I immediately told her, ” besides we get to kick some baddass rogue leader” I said winking at her.
We shared a little laugh, and for the first time, I felt myself starting to relax. Emma pulled me into the crowd, chatting away excitedly about the bonfire and all the fun things we could do. She showed me where the food was, introduced me to a few more pack members, and even dragged me to a game they were playing.
And to my surprise, I found myself enjoying it all. The music was lively, and everyone was so welcoming. I had expected to feel out of place, but Emma’s energy was infectious, and soon, I was laughing and joking along with the others. I felt a warmth spreading through me, and I couldn’t help but smile as I looked around at the happy faces. This was what it meant to be part of a pack, something I hadn’t felt in so long.
But, even as I tried to let myself enjoy the bonfire, I couldn’t help but notice Alexander standing a little way off. Whether it was just in my head but i can feel that he was not his bubble self, i felt a pang of guilt. I knew I had probably hurt him earlier by rejecting him, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d ruined his night felt a little guilty for that.
He was talking to some of the other pack members, looking every bit the Alpha he was. Dressed in his bonfire attire, a simple but elegant shirt that hugged his broad shoulders and dark pants that fit him perfectly, he looked… handsome and hot. With his tattoos adding a hint of mysterious aura to him.
I sighed, shaking my head, I tried to focus on the conversation Emma was having with another girl, and I could not help but notice that I was being started. But every time I turned my head, I won’t see anybody.
my eyes kept drifting back to Alexander. He was still talking to the pack members, and my heart skipped a beat. As if sensing my gaze, he suddenly turned his head, my eyes widened in horror,
Alexander had caught me staring at him.