Chapter Sixty-six
Hunter’s POV
I stood in front of the huge mirror by my closet, giving myself one last look before leaving for the dinner.
The reflection staring back at me was a complete difference to my usual rugged demeanor.
My hair was neatly combed, my shirt crisp, the dark fabric complementing my tall frame. A sense of discomfort suddenly ran through me as I adjusted the collar.
It was an unfamiliar feeling settling in my chest. I’d never felt the need to present myself this way for anyone before.
Yet here I was, preparing for a dinner where Faelen would be the guest of honor, and somehow, it felt awkward.
What the hell is wrong with me? I thought, running a hand over my face.
I usually appeared anywhere with authority and confidence. But this was different… this felt personal.
I shook my head, pushing the nerves aside, and stepped out of my chambers. I sighed as I closed the door behind me and walked.
The dark corridor and stairs led me toward the dining hall, where I could already hear the bustle of people preparing for the evening.
Caleb was overseeing everything, just as I had asked. I didn’t want to be too involved in the preparations, not when I was trying to keep my feelings for Faelen under wraps.
As I entered the dining hall, the scent of cooked meal floated through the air, mixing with the fragrance of the guests that crowded the hall.
I spotted Caleb, moving with purpose as he oversaw the last few touches. I walked over to him, catching his eye.
“I trust everything is set?” I said when I stood by his side, scanning the room.
“Just the way you asked,” Caleb replied, a smirk I couldn’t quite get forming on his lips.
There was an understanding between us, one that made me uncomfortable now. He had always been perceptive, and I had a feeling he knew about the confliction in my heart regarding Faelen.
But I brushed the thought off, focusing on the dinner. “Thanks for Handling this, man,” I added, hoping to shift the conversation away from my feelings.
“Anything for you, Hunter,” he said, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
I shot him a warning glare, but he only chuckled in response. Before I could say anything else, the doors to the dining hall swung open, and everything seemed to stop.
Faelen stepped inside, dressed in the blue dress I had chosen for her. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight of her.
The color blended completely with her figure perfectly, hugging her curves in all the right places while the fabric flowed elegantly around her legs.
She looked like an angel, and that moment, the rest of the world faded away. The servants and guests present there in the hall all froze, their eyes drawn to her.
I could see the nervousness in her posture, the way she hesitated at the entrance, but the confidence in her appearance was undeniable.
She was stunning, and I felt a rush of pride knowing that I had chosen this dress out for her. I quickly made my way over to her, my heart racing.
As I approached, her eyes met mine, a hint of surprise crossing her features.
“Faelen. You look beautiful,” I said, offering her my hand.
She smiled shyly, her cheeks painting a bright pink, and it made my heart race even faster.
“Thank you,” Faelen replied softly, her voice barely a whisper.
I could sense her nervousness and felt a strong urge to ease it.
“Come, let me show you to the table,” I said, leading her toward the beautifully set table.
The warm candles shone their light across the surface of the grand table. As we walked, I couldn’t help but steal glances at her, marveling at how the dress accepted her every feature.
When we reached the table, I pulled out a chair for her, gesturing for her to sit. She looked at me with a mix of surprise and gratitude, settling into the chair gracefully.
I took a seat across from her, the table now separating us, but only by a few inches that felt like a thin barrier that could be easily broken.
As the dinner commenced, I watched Faelen interact with everyone around her. She radiated a warmth that drew people in, her smiles and laughs pretty and genuine.
I found myself lost in her presence, completely captivated. The atmosphere in the room soon shifted.
It was as if her beauty had cast a spell on everyone, making them more at ease and forward.
I could see the admiration in the eyes of the pack members, and even though I longed selfishly for her company, it filled me with pride.
But beneath my pride, there was rising conflict. I wanted to draw closer to her, to express everything I felt for her, but there was a fear that remained at the back of my mind.
Would she understand the depth of my feelings? Would she accept me for all that I was, including the burdens I carried as Alpha?
I wondered on as the dinner progressed.
When the last of the guests settled into their seats, the noise tuned down to soft murmurs of conversations that filled the hall.
The aroma of the evening’s feast floated nicely in the air. My heart kept racing, showing a mix of excitement and anxiety.
I could feel Faelen’s presence across from me, her eyes shifting around the room, taking in the people gathered to celebrate her.
Slowly, I rose from my chair, the room gradually quieting as the guests turned their attention toward me.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” I began, my voice steady despite the weight of the moment I felt. “We are gathered not just to enjoy a fine meal but to honor someone among us… Faelen.”
I paused, allowing the room to take in my words, watching as Faelen’s cheeks blushed with a deep shade of pink.
“She was sent to us a spy, under the guise of servant, tasked with infiltrating our pack. Yet, when it mattered most, she risked everything to protect us.”
A ripple of murmurs ran through the crowd, and I could see the pack members exchanging murmurs.
“Her bravery and loyalty have shown a true meaning of what it means to be a member of this pack.” I added sharply.
With a nod, I raised my glass. “Let us toast to Faelen, a true friend of the pack. May her courage remain with us and inspire us all.”
As the clinking of glasses resonated around the room, Faelen looked up at me, her eyes wide with emotions.
The guests raised their glasses in unison. I took a sip of the drink, my gaze fixed on her, wanting her to know just how much I appreciated her.
“Now, Faelen,” I then said, lowering my glass and gesturing for her to stand. “Would you like to say a few words?”
A nervous laugh escaped her lips as she looked from me to the gathered crowd, her hands fidgeting in her lap.
She took a deep breath, rising slowly from her chair. The room fell silent once more, all eyes on her as she stood before them, radiating both grace and beauty.
“Um…thank you,” she began, her voice soft but clear. I could see her resolve building as she spoke. “Thank you all for your kindness and for accepting me here, especially after everything.” She paused, looking down at her hands before continuing. “I didn’t think I would find a place where I belong, but you’ve all made me feel truly grateful.”
A small roar of encouragement rippled across the grand table, urging her on. I could see the tears in her eyes, a vulnerability that made her even more beautiful in this moment.
“I…I know I don’t deserve this,” she stammered, a hint of emotion revealing through her words. “I’ve made mistakes, and I’m sorry for what I was sent to do. But I promise to do everything I can to prove my loyalty to all of you.”
Her voice trembled slightly, but there was a strength beneath that I admired. The guests exchanged nods and murmurs of approval, clearly moved by her words.
“I hope to earn your trust and to be a part of you,” she finished, her gaze meeting mine as if seeking reassurance.
The applause erupted, echoing off the walls, and I couldn’t help but join in. Faelen smiled shyly, clearly overwhelmed but pleased.
I felt a swell of pride and affection for her that moment, recognizing the courage it took for her to stand before everyone and share her heart.
As she sat back down, I reached across the table, giving her a gentle squeeze on the hand. “You did great,” I whispered, and she smiled back at me, gratitude shining in her eyes.
The rest of the dinner went on with loud laughter, and joyful murmurs, warmth spreading through the room, but centered around Faelen.