CHAPTER 150 The Summer Solstice Celebration

Kasia's head hit the desk with a soft thud, her dark hair splayed around her like a halo of frustration. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the image of Ethan hovering over her, holding her hips. Kasia shouldn't feel this way about Ethan, she scolded herself.

"Take a break, Kasia," Deva, her wolf, urged softly. "We've done all we can for now. The scouts are out there, searching for any clues about the rogue wolves."

"Deva, I can't," she muttered under her breath. "I have to stay focused and get through this paperwork."

"Look," Deva replied, her presence calming and steady. "We've already sent out scouts to investigate the situation. There's nothing more we can do for now. You should focus on the upcoming Summer Solstice celebration."

Kasia groaned at the thought of a celebration. It was a reminder of the progress she had made in her training and the expectations that weighed heavily on her shoulders. She had been trying to avoid the event as much as she could, but there was no escaping it. The summer solstice would be her chance to show everyone how far she had come.

"Fine," she relented, giving in to Deva's insistence. "But I still don't like it. I still think all of this is stupid."

"Nobody said you had to," Deva agreed, her tone gentle yet firm. "But it's important for you to succeed, and that means letting go of your feelings for Ethan, even if just for a while."

"Ugh, I know," Kasia groaned, rubbing her temples. "But how am I supposed to relax when all I can think about is the Summer Solstice celebration? It's just another opportunity for me to screw up in front of everyone."

"Firstly, you need to calm down. If you keep getting amped up, I am not sure if I am going to be able to restrain myself from forcing a shift. If you think you're frustrated, think about how I feel," Deva fussed.

"Sorry," Kasia muttered.

"Secondly, you won't screw up," Deva reassured her. "You've made significant progress in your training, and you're fully equipped to manage any challenges that may arise. Third, it's important for us to be at the celebration. Even though you won't accept that you will be Luna, we still need to show everyone- including Ethan- that we're a vital part of this community."

Kasia sighed, knowing Deva was right but still feeling the weight of expectation bearing down on her. She couldn't shake the nagging fear that she would falter in front of everyone, revealing herself to be undeserving of her place among them. And worse, she worried that Ethan would see her as weak and unworthy of his affection.

A knock on her door interrupted Kasia as she was trying to concentrate on the papers strewn across her desk. Annoyed by the interruption, she chose to ignore it. However, the door to her office creaked open, revealing Lily standing in the doorway with two mugs of tea in her hands.

"Kasia," Lily said gently, announcing her presence. "How are you holding up?"

Kasia looked up and smiled at her friend, attempting to hide the frustration etched on her face. "How did you know I needed that?" Kasia asked, gesturing to the tea.

"I could tell from how Ethan came stomping down the halls," Lily replied, stepping inside the office and placing one of the mugs on Kasia's desk. "Want to talk about it?"

Kasia sighed and shook her head. "No, it's not a big deal. It'll be fine," she replied, trying to dismiss the topic. But Lily wasn't so easily deterred. She pushed for more information, her eyes brimming with concern.

"Is it about the new woman visiting Ethan?" Lily inquired, her voice soft yet probing.

"Twenty-five now," Kasia muttered under her breath, bitterness creeping into her tone.

"I didn't know you were keeping count," Lily remarked, raising an eyebrow. "You shouldn't be bothered by it."

"Eventually, he will have to make a decision," Kasia said, her jaw clenching as she tried to suppress the emotions welling up within her.

"Are you worried he won't pick you?" Lily inquired, her gaze never leaving Kasia's face.

Kasia didn't say anything for a moment, struggling to come to terms with her own feelings. She had gotten used to this uncertainty, but she couldn't deny that the mate bond was pulling at her, demanding her attention. "No, not at all," she finally responded, earning a frown from Lily.

"The Summer Solstice celebration is coming up. There will be more potential mates there," Lily added, trying to reassure her friend. "And I know you'll be ready."

Kasia attempted to change the subject, but Lily stopped her. Taking on a nurturing tone, she leaned forward and placed a comforting hand on Kasia's arm. "Listen to me, Kasia," she said softly. "I know Ethan, and I know the mate bond. He won't choose anyone else. If you can't trust him, trust me."

Kasia hesitated for a moment, studying Lily's earnest expression. She wanted to believe her friend; she wanted to trust that everything would work out in the end. With a slow nod, she finally acquiesced, hoping that Lily's faith in the bond was well-founded.

"I have an idea," Lily announced, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "How about we get out of here for a bit? I can take you into the city for some pampering and shopping. It'll be a nice distraction."

Kasia raised an eyebrow, surprised by Lily's sudden suggestion. The thought of leaving the confines of the pack house and immersing herself in the city was tempting.

"And no carnivals this time," Lily joked as she knew about the near-death situation when Kasia first went to the city.

With a hesitant smile, Kasia nodded. "Alright, let's do it," she agreed, feeling a flicker of excitement. This was a chance to get her mind off Ethan and just do normal things.

"Great! We'll make a day of it," Lily declared, already envisioning their adventure ahead. "Get ready for some serious pampering and retail therapy."