The sun blazed high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the city as the Summer Solstice festival commenced. Colorful banners and streamers adorned the buildings, while stalls lined the bustling streets, offering food, games, and trinkets to the celebrating crowd. Laughter and lively music filled the air, setting a jovial atmosphere that reached every corner of the city. At the heart of it all, Ethan scanned the festive scene before him.
"Relax, Ethan," Garrett encouraged with a knowing smile. "This isn't something you haven't hosted before."
Ethan let out a strained chuckle, doing his best to maintain a calm facade. "Easier said than done," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Kasia, who had been avoiding him for days. The uncertainty gnawed at him.
"You're still worrying about Kasia, aren't you? Lily says she has been super busy with Kasia to get her prepared for today. She's not avoiding you on purpose," Garrett stated.
"She has never not talked to me, though," Ethan responded.
"She's your mate. If she was through with you, she would've rejected you," Garrett confirmed. "After the festival, you get to claim her as your Luna, and you can be done with hiding."
As if summoned, Kasia and her sister Lana, accompanied by their friends Lily and Janet, stepped into view. They were a stunning sight, each clad in their own unique summer ensemble. Kasia wore a flowing skirt reminiscent of a sunlit meadow, while Lana exuded ethereal charm in a maxi skirt adorned with delicate floral patterns. Lily and Janet, in their breezy shorts and tank tops, embodied the playful spirit of the season.
"Wow, they look amazing," someone murmured nearby, echoing the sentiments of the gathered crowd. Heads turned as they strolled by, and whispers of admiration followed. "Did you see their outfits?" one person exclaimed softly. "So stylish," another agreed, their eyes following the quartet with admiration and awe.
Kasia, in particular, stood out among them, radiating a magnetic presence that pulled Ethan's gaze to her like a moth to a flame. If one didn't know better, they would have assumed she was Luna herself, commanding such admiration and awe with her mere presence.
"Isn't that Kasia?" someone whispered nearby, confirming Ethan's suspicions.
"Indeed," another voice responded, awe dripping from their words. "She looks stunning."
"Like the moon herself has graced us with her presence," a third voice chimed in, and Ethan couldn't help but silently agree.
He watched as Kasia mingled with the crowd, her hazel eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she quickly looked away. The subtle discomfort in her expression sent a pang of regret through him, knowing their unresolved feelings were the cause.
"Go to her, Ethan," Garrett urged gently, noticing his Alpha's longing gaze. "The festival will carry on without you for a while."
Ethan hesitated, torn between his duty as Alpha King and his desire to be near Kasia. But as he saw her laugh with her friends, a radiant smile lighting up her face, he knew he couldn't stay away any longer. Taking a deep breath, he strode towards her, determined to bridge the gap that had grown between them.
When he was close enough, he called out "Kasia," making her turn towards him. Her eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself.
"Alpha Blackwood," she greeted him politely, her voice betraying none of the turmoil he knew must be present within her.
"When did you become so formal?" Ethan inquired, trying to break down the walls she had built around herself.
"You are the Alpha King, aren't you? I am addressing you properly. I have no claim over you," Kasia responded, causing Ethan to frown.
"The mark on my neck proves otherwise," Ethan retorted.
"The mark that you hide," Kasia counters. Her eyes flicker, and he realizes that her wolf must've taken over for a split second.
"Dance with me," Ethan says.
A flicker of hesitation crossed her face, but she eventually acquiesced, placing her hand in his as they moved onto the dance floor. As they swayed to the music, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them locked in a delicate waltz of emotions.
"Kasia, I've missed you," Ethan admitted softly. "I've only been doing this to protect you. We won't have to do this anymore. After you go through the trials set forth by the Council, I will claim you as my Luna."
"What about the other women? Don't think I haven't noticed how many came to see you leading up to the festival," Kasia asked.
"They mean nothing to me. No one is going to replace me," Ethan answered. "Look, there is something that I need to tell you."
Just as Ethan was about to confess his feelings, a warrior approached them, urgency etched on his face. "Alpha Blackwood, I apologize for the disruption, but we urgently require your presence."
"Go," Kasia whispered, her eyes understanding. "Duty first. We can talk later."
Ethan nodded reluctantly, hating to leave her side but knowing he had no choice. He released her hand and followed the warrior through the throngs of people.
As they reached Garrett and Deanna, Ethan became annoyed. Why couldn't they reach out through the pack links? "What was so important that it couldn't be said through the pack link?" he asked. Ethan then noticed their serious expressions and felt a knot form in his stomach.
"We have a rat among our ranks," Deanna growled.
"Rogues," Garrett added. "A huge pack of rogues has arrived at the festival."
Ethan frowned, not fully grasping the problem. "What's wrong with that? Everyone is welcome here. In the past, this was how rogues found a pack to join."
"Normally, yes," Deanna agreed, shifting her weight uneasily. "But Kenneth is the leader of this particular pack."
Ethan's eyes darkened at the mention of the name. Memories of past confrontations flashed through his mind.
Kenneth, the traitor to their people. The very wolf that chose power over his own kind. He was dangerous and cunning. His presence at the festival could only imply that he was here for Lily.
"You need to leave and take Lily with you," Ethan ordered.
"No," Garrett stated. "We ran before. We won't make that mistake again. We will stand and fight if it comes to it." He missed the opportunity to snap Kenneth's neck for what he did to Lily. Garrett wouldn't make the same mistake twice.