âYour worst battle is between what you know and what you feel.â
***
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window, the sunlight streaming in and promising a beautiful day. Today was the day of Blake's party, and the pack was already bustling with final preparations.
Nova barged into my room without knocking, holding a tray with breakfast. "Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty! We've got a lot to do today."
I sat up, rubbing my eyes. "Thanks for the breakfast delivery. I could get used to this."
She grinned. "Don't get too used to it. I only play maid on special occasions."
As we ate, Nova filled me in on the latest gossip from the pack. "Did you hear about Sam and Claire? Apparently, they've been sneaking off together after training."
"No way!" I exclaimed, nearly choking on my toast. "I thought Claire was into Jake."
"Well, apparently Sam made a better offer," Nova said, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
I laughed, shaking my head. "This pack is like a soap opera sometimes."
We finished breakfast and spent the morning helping with the last-minute decorations. The banquet hall looked even more stunning in the daylight, the chandelier casting rainbows around the room. The tables were set with fine china and crystal glasses, the floral arrangements adding a touch of elegance to the overall ambiance.
By midday, we were finally done with the preparations. The hall was ready, and the excitement was palpable. Nova and I headed back to our rooms to get ready for the evening.
Back in my room, I took a moment to appreciate the dress hanging in my closet. The deep red fabric shimmered in the light, the beadwork catching my eye. I hoped it would give me the confidence I needed to face Blake and the rest of the pack tonight.
Nova helped me with my hair, brushing it until it gleamed and then styling it into loose waves that cascaded down my back. "You look amazing, Skye," she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
"Thanks, Nova. I couldn't have done it without you."
She winked. "That's what best friends are for."
As we finished getting ready, we talked about the party and what to expect. "Do you think Blake will actually dance?" I asked, half-jokingly.
Nova laughed. "If he does, we better have cameras ready. It'll be a historic moment."
Despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited. The party was a chance to show that I was part of this pack, that I belonged here despite everything.
As we made our way to the banquet hall, dressed to the nines, I took a deep breath. Tonight was a celebration, and I was determined to enjoy it, no matter what.
The hall was transformed, the fairy lights twinkling like stars and the chandelier casting a warm glow over the room. Pack members mingled, laughter and chatter filling the air. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of anticipation and joy.
The scent of food wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble. Tables were laden with an array of dishes, from succulent roast meats to fresh salads and an impressive dessert spread. Drinks flowed freely, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, catering to every taste.
Music played softly in the background, the DJ ready to ramp things up as the night progressed. I glanced around, taking in the vibrant decorations and the joyful expressions of my packmates. The hall had been beautiful in the morning, but now it was alive, buzzing with energy and excitement.
Nova and I entered the hall, and I couldnât help but feel a bit self-conscious in my red dress. But as soon as we stepped in, several pack members complimented our outfits, making me feel more at ease.
Just five minutes after our arrival, the doors at the far end of the hall swung open, and Blake made his entrance. The room erupted in applause and cheers as everyone turned to wish him a happy birthday. He looked incredibly handsome, wearing a tailored black suit that highlighted his muscular frame. His black hair was neatly styled, and his grey eyes scanned the crowd, finally settling on me.
Despite the distance between us, I could feel the intensity of his gaze. He kept glancing at me as he made his way to the center of the room, where he began his speech.
"Thank you all for being here tonight," Blake said, his voice strong and commanding. "Iâm grateful for each and every one of you. This pack is my family, and I wouldnât be where I am without your support. Letâs enjoy tonight, have fun, and make some great memories."
His eyes flicked to me again, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. He was looking at me as if I were the only person in the room, and for a moment, the tension between us melted away, replaced by something more profound and undeniable.
As soon as Blake finished his speech, the music started up again, and people returned to dancing, drinking, and chatting. Blake was immediately surrounded by well-wishers, but he kept glancing my way, even as he engaged in conversations with pack members and his family.
Nova and I found a table near the edge of the dance floor. We were joined by a few other pack members, and soon we were deep in conversation, laughing and sharing stories. Despite my best efforts to focus on the people around me, I couldnât shake the feeling of Blakeâs eyes on me.
I watched as he made his way to the bar, accepting a drink from one of the bartenders. He looked effortlessly handsome, the suit emphasising his broad shoulders and the tattoos peeking out from beneath his shirt sleeves. His grey eyes were sharp, but every time he glanced my way, they softened, filled with an intensity that made my heart race.
As I chatted with the pack members at our table, I found myself stealing glances at Blake. He seemed to be doing the same, and each time our eyes met, a jolt of electricity passed between us. It was as if the entire room faded away, leaving just the two of us in a silent, charged moment.
"Skye, are you even listening?" Nova's voice broke through my reverie, and I snapped back to the present, realising I'd been staring at Blake for far too long.
"Sorry, what?" I asked, trying to cover my embarrassment.
"I was asking if you wanted to hit the dance floor," Nova said, smirking. "But it looks like you were busy having a staring contest with Blake."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "Very funny, Nova. Let's go dance."
We made our way to the dance floor, and for a while, I managed to lose myself in the music, enjoying the carefree atmosphere. But no matter how hard I tried, my eyes kept drifting back to Blake. He was still at the bar, chatting with some pack members, but his gaze kept returning to me.
Eventually, I needed a break. Nova and I returned to our table, and I helped myself to some of the delicious food. The roasted meat was perfectly seasoned, the salads fresh and crisp. I savoured every bite, feeling a bit more relaxed with each taste.
Just as I was finishing my plate, a loud crash echoed through the hall. One of the pack members had accidentally dropped a glass, and it shattered on the marble floor. The noise drew everyoneâs attention, and I saw a young boy, his face flushed with embarrassment, holding his hand as blood trickled from a small cut.
The scent of blood hit me like a freight train. Instantly, my vampire instincts flared to life, a burning hunger rising from the depths of my being. The metallic tang of blood filled my nostrils, making my mouth water. I clenched my fists, trying to focus on the pain rather than the intoxicating scent.
No, no, no. Not now.
Since the day I almost harmed the nurse at the hospital, I had managed to keep my bloodlust under control, even when pack members bled during training or cooks in the kitchen nicked themselves. The scent had always been bearable, a dull ache I could manage. But tonight, with the alcohol coursing through my veins, my control was slipping.
I need to get out of here. Now!
***
Arghhh another cliffhanger...I know my bad.
But just know, things are about to get interesting.
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