“Today is the celebration in the pack. We have to attend it, as the whole pack is required to attend this celebration once a year,” Elk announced.
“That’s a good idea,” Jackson nodded and whispered in Maya’s ear. “Seems like an opportunity has presented itself. It can be treated like a date, don’t you think?”
Maya smiled and whispered back. “Yes, I feel the same. I can ask Lima to be there, and Elk will already be there, so it’s a win-win situation.”
“What are you two talking about?” Elk asked with suspicion in his voice.
“Nothing much, just discussing that it would be good to have a change of environment,” Jackson quickly answered.
“Yes, that’s what we were talking about.”
“Where are we going?” Levi came in with Rish and sat on the chair in front of everyone.
“A celebration that every pack member attends yearly. It’s been a long time since Maya has attended, and for you two kids and Priya, Priyank, it will be your first time, so it’s a good thing,” Jackson explained with a small smile.
“Sounds fun,” Rish commented.
“It’s been 18 years since I last attended, but I have to say, it’s totally the most fun you can ever have,” Maya assured him.
“Then what are we going to wear, mom? We don’t have any party clothes and stuff,” Levi pointed out.
“I’ll arrange the clothes, don’t worry,” Elk said softly.
Maya smiled, seeing how he was behaving, even though he didn’t talk to her much or interact with her often. Still, she could see how he was trying hard to mingle with Levi and Rish.
It was a better situation than she could have expected. She did want Levi and Rish to be close with Elk. They didn’t get fatherly love, so she wanted them to have it all now. After years, they got to be close with their father, and she felt a bit relieved seeing how, little by little, Elk was bonding with Levi and Rish in a healthy way, even though slowly.
“It’s settled. We’ll all go to tonight’s celebration, but keep in mind, don’t let anything bad happen, and don’t involve yourself in something where you shouldn’t be involved. Alpha Lucas would be looking for any opportunity to create an issue, and we don’t want that.”
Hearing Jackson’s words, Levi and Rish nodded.
Priya and Priyank walked into the living room too.
“You came at the right time. We have a celebration at night that we need to attend, and you both will come too. Lima already had a spell on you, Priya, so just make sure not to bleed or get anyone to notice that you are a royal blood,” Maya said.
Priya didn’t reply. She looked exhausted, due to the conversation she had with Priyank last night. He was so insistent on taking her back to his house, but she didn’t know what had suddenly changed because before, he had been supporting and encouraging her.
All she did was deny and pretend to fall asleep because she didn’t want to continue the conversation. Still, the whole night, she could feel Priyank’s eyes on her, and her mind was in a daze too.
Lack of sleep and now this function it was just a headache she didn’t want to have.
“I don’t think we should go. Priya and I can stay at home,” Priyank interrupted, knowing how Priya hadn’t slept a wink the previous night, and that was the same for him too.
She could pretend all she wanted, but she was just too innocent for the lies she tried to pretend.
“But you both must attend,” Elk insisted. “It’s an important pack event, and as new members, your presence is expected.”
Priya hesitated, exchanging a weary look with Priyank. The thought of socialising and making an appearance drained what little energy she had left after the restless night.
Priyank could sense her reluctance. “But Priya hasn’t been feeling well. Perhaps it’s best if we skip this one.”
Maya’s brow furrowed with concern. “Are you ill, Priya? If you need a healer, I can arrange for one.”
Priya managed a faint smile. “Just fatigue. But thank you for the kind offer.”
An awkward silence fell over the room. Elk opened his mouth to protest further, but Jackson cut him off.
“If you’re just feeling fatigued, then it’s better if you attend. You’ll get to see more of the pack and understand things as well, since you’ll be the future queen. This opportunity won’t come again, so think carefully if you really want to miss it,” Jackson said sincerely.
Priya’s expression turned to confusion. A part of her did want to attend, but at the same time, she didn’t. Seeing Priyank’s behaviour the previous night, she didn’t feel like taking him anywhere was the right suggestion.
“Jackson is quite right, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Maya added.
Priyank met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “The decision is yours,” he said finally. “I’ll respect whatever you choose.”
His neutral stance did little to ease Priya’s inner conflict. On one hand, she couldn’t deny the significance of this event and what it could mean for her future. Yet, the rift that had opened between her and Priyank filled her with confusion.
The others waited with bated breath, allowing Priya to weigh her options. She drew a steadying breath. “Very well, I’ll attend. But Priyank, I’d appreciate it if you remained by my side through the evening.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Priyank’s face before he gave a solemn nod. “Of course. You have my word.”
Priya felt satisfied with Priyank words, he wanted him to stay with her all together, not wanting him to cause an issue. “Thank you for your patience. I look forward to this celebration and getting better acquainted with the things here.”
Maya beamed, while Jackson and Elk exchanged approving looks.
“Good, we will get dressed. Let’s rock this celebration. Of course, we will be conscious about not letting you get discovered, but we can still enjoy,” Levi grabbed Priya’s hand, his face shining with brightness, a smile showing how happy he was.
“True, you all can enjoy as much as you want, as long as you stay within limits. Anything is fine, just don’t let Priya’s royal blood identity get discovered. Other than that, fun is all fine.”
“Roger, Mom. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”