Chapter 31
SHANE
Anxiety mixes with excitement as the car glides down the road. The murmur of laughter and music in the background contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. However, my mind is filled with unsettling questions. “What if they don’t accept me as part of this world? How will the pack react to seeing me with Liam?”
Liam seems to sense my thoughts. His hand rests on my knee, and his touch is an anchor amidst the storm of emotions churning within me.
“Hey, it’ll be fine,” he says, his voice soft and reassuring. “My pack is open and welcoming, I promise. You’re more than welcome.”
I nod, but a small voice of insecurity still whispers in my mind. The idea of being the only human connected to an alpha, in an environment of alphas and wolves, can be intimidating. Although I trust Liam, there’s something terrifying about being judged by those who share his essence.
As we reach the destination, the elegant mansion that houses the gathering begins to appear on the horizon. It’s majestic, with bright lights and a festive air that contrasts with my inner anxieties. The scene seems plucked from a fairytale, and I feel like I’m about to step through the doorway of a world I’m not sure I belong to.
When we park, Gigit turns to me with a huge smile.
“Get ready to make history,” she says, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Finally, we step out of the car, and the cool night air envelops us. The mansion buzzes with life; there’s no way I can tell who are the wolves and if humans are mingling in a celebration anticipating the arrival of the alphas. I look around: an air of camaraderie and strength permeates the atmosphere.
Liam steps beside me, and when he takes my hand, I feel all the energy I needed surge from his embrace. I can’t help but smile at him.
“Nothing can frighten my little wolf, can it?” he murmurs, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Inside the mansion, the space is decorated with elegant style, with soft lights creating a welcoming ambiance. I look at the attendees, and I can’t tell who the alphas are; I see just men, with a majestic bearing that radiates power and confidence.
“Everyone I introduce you to is a wolf, that way you’ll know who they are,” Liam whispers in my ear.
Liam introduces me to several members of his pack, and although some look at me with curiosity, most seem welcoming. I can feel their acceptance solidifying with each passing moment I spend with them.
As we’re greeting others, we see a group of women walking towards us. Liam squeezes my hand twice, and I have to assume they are wolves. I try to stop myself from laughing as the wolf women approach, their faces illuminated by genuine smiles.
“It’s great to meet you!” one of them says, her long, silken hair cascading down her shoulders. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
A sigh of relief escapes my lips. Perhaps this world isn’t so frightening after all. As conversations flow, I realize I have more in common with them than I thought. They all have ordinary, mundane jobs, just like me.
At one point in the evening, Liam stops to speak with another man, and I overhear them saying that the King hasn’t arrived yet.
“Not surprising he’s not here. He always takes his time.”
“Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you both.” they say before departing, but not three seconds have passed when Liam says:
“Odin!” I look at Liam when he utters that name, and it isn’t because of the name itself, but because of the irritated tone in which he said it.
“Hey, your girl will think I hate you.” I lower my gaze to the ground, trying to hide my blush.
“But it wouldn’t be a lie.” I tense up.
“Come here, you lucky bastard.” Liam releases my hand to shake the newcomer’s hand, Odin, who seems like a Norse god.
“What he meant is that I’m his best friend.”
“You’re not.” Liam grumbles, but I can see warmth in his eyes. Odin shakes my hand and kisses my cheek. “Congratulations, Luna Shane.” I look at Liam, frowning. But he gestures a “later” with his lips.
“Thank you.” What else could I say? They start talking about work.
Taking advantage of the conversation, knowing it’s going to last, I turn my head looking for Marc, where have he and Gigit disappeared to?
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to go to the restroom.”
“Wait, I’ll go with you.”
“No. I can go alone, I’ll be back quickly.” I smile sweetly at him before leaving to reassure him.
Walking through the mansion’s hallways, the festive atmosphere surrounds me. I greet a couple of people I recognize from the group that was right next to Liam with a slight nod, but I can’t help but feel a slight unease. I look for Marc in the crowd, but I can’t find him anywhere.
Reaching the bathroom door, I push the entrance and step into a small threshold. The place is surprisingly cozy. The walls are painted a soft light blue, giving a feeling of calm. A gentle lavender soap scent fills the air, and warm light comes from beautiful leaf-shaped sconces adorning the space. Three large mirrors with gold edges hang on the wall, reflecting the image of a pair of polished marble sinks. In the back, there’s a small cubicle that seems to invite a brief refuge from the hustle and bustle.
Taking advantage of the almost empty bathroom, I enter one of the cubicles and close the door behind me. While I wait, some murmurs and laughter echo from outside. Just as I begin to mentally review the evening, a group of women enters the bathroom, laughing and chattering.
“Have you seen Liam? He’s a real doll.” one of them says, her voice filled with admiration.
“And what I like most is that he’s not only handsome, but also powerful. I love his intense stare!” another responds, excited.
“And Ana, his wolf, is the perfect complement. They form a beautiful couple. It’s impossible not to admire them.” the third woman adds.
As I listen to their words, my mind drifts into memories. I can’t help but remember the rude woman who insulted me at the restaurant a while ago, and a sense of discomfort washes over me, associating those moments with what I’m hearing. That same woman had made disparaging comments about me and my relationship with Liam. The idea that those same women think that way hurts me too, though I try not to pay them any mind.
In the blink of an eye, the laughter fades, and the women leave, leaving the echo of their words in my mind. After a moment of reflection, I step out of the cubicle, feeling a bad premonition hanging over me. After washing my hands, I look at my reflection in the mirror, trying to compose myself before facing the party bustle again.
Emerging from the restroom, my eyes scan the crowd in search of Liam. Finally, I locate him among the people, but a knot forms in my stomach. Ana is draped over his arm, and their bodies are so close that I feel my heart tremble. They are whispering, and suddenly, they kiss.
The world around me seems to fade. My breath catches, and a dizzying sensation invades me. Taking a step back, I bump into someone, and an apology slips from my lips automatically.
When I look up, I’m met with the face of an incredibly beautiful young woman who looks vaguely familiar. But I don’t stay long enough to recognize where I’ve seen her before. Confusion mixes with distress as I realize I have no time to find out.
“I’m so sorry,” I say, my voice trembling, and the next moment, I’m running out of the mansion. Rain pours down from the sky, soaking my dress, but that doesn’t stop me. With my heels in hand, I run down the steps into the darkness of the night, with no clear destination in mind, except to get as far away as possible from Liam, the damn traitor who just shattered my heart in a single kiss.