Destined

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

It doesn't take long for Lexie to get ready. Within minutes her hair is perfectly done in a slicked back pony and she's dressed in tight black jeans and a corset top. She is all darkness and beauty, the complete opposite of me. She insisted I wear a lilac dress that hits just above my knees. It really is beautiful with the faintest hint of floral throughout the sheer lining that covers the shift underneath. The thin straps showcase the birthmark on my collarbone when my hair isn't covering it.

It's hard to be anxious when Lexie exudes so much confidence with each step. She leads me outside with a flick of her hair, beaming as eyes turn on us the second we leave the door. A beautiful orange sunset illuminates the scene before me. There are tables strewn around the yard with string lights hanging across poles lining the perimeter. Off to the side there are kids playing soccer while others are dancing off on the other side closer to where the fire is burning. The scene is beautiful, almost familiar. It's reminiscent of the family barbecues I'd go to in the summers with my best friend growing up.

Within seconds, Manny appears next to us. I can practically see the hearts in his eyes as he takes Lexie in. "Lex, you are stunning" he places a swift kiss on her cheek and turns to me with a smile, "I see my destined got her paws on you. You look great." Lexie beams with pride at his compliment.

"Thank you. Have you seen Enzo? He should be back from the campsite by now." I scan the crowd but can't find my brother anywhere. I expected him to find me before the feast started but haven't heard from him since this morning. A quick glance at my phone confirms I have no missed calls or messages from him.

"No I haven't actually. Do you want me to help you find him?" Lexie is clearly eyeing the dance floor and after all of her help today, the last thing I want to do is take Manny from her.

"Oh no, you two go have fun. I'll look around for him."

Lexie's eyes turn back to me with a hint of concern, "Are you sure? We can come with you."

"No, it's okay. I'm sure." I give her a smile of assurance, "You two go have fun. I'll catch up with you later!"

Before she can reply, I turn and walk away. There are more people here than there were at breakfast this morning and I can feel my nerves starting to creep up on me. I let my feet wander around the perimeter and find myself moving away from the crowd and towards a familiar path to the garden. I take a seat on the bench Matteo and I sat on last night and begin going through the breathing sequence I use when I can feel my anxiety getting the better of me. I keep my eyes focused on the statue of Selene while I slowly inhale for 8 counts, hold for 6, and let my eyes flutter close as I exhale. The statue is a stunning work of art with the last bit of sunlight perfectly surrounding it from behind.

I'm finishing my 5th round of breaths when a voice breaks my concentration, startling my gaze from the statue of Selene, "Enjoying the night?" Matteo silently takes the seat next to me on the bench. I can feel the warmth radiating from his body. He dressed simply in jeans and a black shirt which he fills out perfectly.

"Matteo! You scared me." My heart rate quickens and I can't tell if it's because he scared me or something else.

"Do you always scare so easily?" There's a hint of tease in his voice and a blush creeps to my cheeks.

"Not usually. No." The smell of his cologne engulfs me. Maybe a mix of bergamot and cedarwood. It reminds me of one of my favorite candles. I return my gaze to the statue, not sure what to say. While I'm taking note of the way the dress is perfectly sculpted around the curves of Selene's hips, I can feel Matteo's eyes grazing over me.