Entwined

Chapter 10: Eastern Formal

       “As do you, Beta.” I turned away from the mirror and walked over to Hunter; he stood, lightly shaking a glass of auburn scotch in my direction. I didn’t drink often, but because this was a special occasion, Hunter and I traditionally chose to toast before events. I took the glass lightly from Hunter and grinned, as he raised his own.

        

       “To mates.” He knocked his glass against mine and I smiled knowingly.

       “Ah, I had a feeling you had figured it out.” I swooshed around the liquid in my glass before taking a swing myself. The delightful burn of alcohol slid down my throat as I dosed down the last few drops and placed the crystal cup on my desk.

       “Everett, I knew from the moment you walked through the forest carrying her; it was written all over your face.” He clasped his hand on my arm and grinned. “Welcome to the world Bud, just promise me you’ll invite me to the wedding.” I rolled my eyes and smiled goofily. Even if I played it off as if that thought was absurd, I couldn’t help but feel excitement boil within my veins with the thought of Juliet walking down an isle towards me. I’d spoken to my mother earlier today, as she brushed up a few final details with the party planners. She adored Juliet, and I was overjoyed that she openly approved of my mate.

       Tonight, I would ask her to join my pack and accept me as her mate. I wanted her now and forever, and tonight seemed to be the perfect opportunity to welcome her into my world. After yesterday’s kiss in the dining hall, I now also knew that my pack accepted Juliet.

       I ran my hands through my hair as Hunter brushed off my shoulder and nudged my arm.

       “C’mon Everett, don’t go spacing out on me now. It’s game time!” He swung his arm around my shoulders and together, like brothers, we walked out of the room and into the noisy hall.

Juliet Rose

 

       I slipped my feet into the silver pumps I’d bought along with the gown and sighed. Thankfully I had a moment to collect myself as the rest of the girls decided to head downstairs and mingle with the early guests.

        

       In the back of my mind, I distantly felt thankful that Reid had only chosen to attack small, unimportant packs over the years, instead of powerful territories. If we had attacked powerful territories, then this party would be my absolute deathbed.

       Everett had explained to me that tonight I’d be meeting the leading alphas of every major pack. I felt slightly panicky at the thought, but quickly pushed those anxieties away. Other than the east, I had never entered a major pack – nonetheless, attacked them. Even though Reid had been a rash man, he was not suicidal; our teams only took on the small packs, which we could overpower head-on.

       I closed my eyes and breathed out, attempting to settle my sizzling nerves. I could do this; I would do my best to make Everett proud.

       I rubbed my arms in an attempt to warm up my icy body. Whenever I grew really nervous or scared, my body temperature dropped unnervingly.