Lily swirled on the dance floor, the soft melodies filling her ears, momentarily transporting her away from the burdens that weighed upon her. She and Tiffany danced with a few men before dancing with each other. Sipping champagne, Lily relished the taste of freedom, a respite from the scars of her past.
"I am going to get some more to drink. They've got the real stuff at the bar. Do you want anything?" Tiffany asked, breaking through Lily's momentary escape.
"I'm underage," Lily responded, her voice laced with a hint of resignation. Champagne was okay, but hard liquor was out of the question. Her father had always been strict about that.
'Your father has no control over you anymore. You can do whatever you want,' Dina, her wolf, said. 'Let's try some whiskey!'
"For a human, yes, but for a werewolf, you are well within your rights. I'll surprise you," Tiffany said with a wink, leaving Lily to continue dancing on her own.
As the music played, a man approached Lily, drawn to her magnetic presence. He had an air of confidence and familiarity as he spoke.
"So, you're Lily," he said, causing Lily to turn around. He was attractive. His face was a captivating blend of rugged masculinity and boyish charm. Strong, chiseled features were softened by a hint of gentleness in his expressive eyes. They were a captivating shade, perhaps a captivating mix of deep azure and emerald green. Based on his stocky build, Lily assumed he was either a Delta or a Warrior.
"Whose asking?" Lily responded; her curiosity piqued.
"Delta Malcolm of the Greybane Pack. It's a pleasure to meet you," he introduced himself. "How are you liking the celebration so far?"
"I love it. I don't think I'll ever miss another one," Lily replied, a genuine smile brightening her face.
"You'll enjoy the run even more. The Lycan King himself will announce it," Malcolm explained, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"The Lycan King? He's coming?" Lily asked, surprise evident in her voice.
"Yes, he and a few lycans are making a special appearance this year. It's his last year before a werewolf is chosen to rule," Malcolm revealed, adding an air of excitement to the conversation. "You're not like anything I was expecting."
"And what were you expecting?" Lily questioned.
"Weak. That's how the rumors described you," Malcolm said honestly, "but you're nothing like that."
"Can't believe all the rumors," Lily said. "People always like to..."
"Lily!" A scream interrupted her and Lily turned to see who had screamed her name.
As they spoke, a familiar figure caught Lily's attention. Mira, her childhood friend, rushed towards her with a sense of urgency. Lily's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, and she opened her arms, welcoming Mira into a tight embrace.
"Mira! It's been so long. I've missed you," Lily exclaimed, genuine joy filling her voice.
Mira's red hair flowed through the air as she threw herself into Lily's arms, holding onto her as if afraid to let go. Lily's eyes widened as she noticed a scar over Mira's left eye, marring her beauty.
"What happened? Who did this to you?" Lily asked, concern etched across her face.
Mira's expression shifted, a mixture of nervousness and evasiveness clouding her eyes. "Lily, please don't worry about it. I'm just happy to see you. Let's focus on the celebration."
Determined to uncover the truth, Lily pressed on. "No, Mira. I want to know. Did Brandy do this to you? Was this because I ran? I am so sorry."
Before Mira could respond, a low growl rumbled from behind them, capturing their attention. Lily turned to see Malcolm staring intently at Mira, his eyes filled with possessiveness.
"Mate," he growled, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and desire. Lily instinctively released Mira from their embrace, giving them space.
Malcolm approached Mira, his eyes narrowing as he recognized her true nature. His nostrils flared, confirming his suspicions. "You're an Omega," he stated.
"You can reject me. I have been prepared for this," she said, her eyes filled with both fear and resignation.
"Why? Why would you think that?" Malcolm's expression softened, his instincts overpowering any doubts. "Never. I accept you as my mate," he declared, pulling Mira into a passionate kiss. The surrounding dance floor erupted with cheers and howls, celebrating the joyous union.
Lily stepped back, giving them space to revel in their newfound connection, and walked over to the buffer table to fix a plate. A bittersweet smile played on her lips as she witnessed Mira's father rushing forward, enveloping his daughter tightly. The warmth of their reunion was a stark contrast to Lily's own complicated relationship with her father, leaving a yearning ache in her heart.
Unbeknownst to her, Mandy lurked, her eyes filled with disdain. Seizing an opportunity, Mandy approached Lily, her smile carrying a subtle venom. 'Mandy is approaching,' Dina warned.
Lily turned to see Mandy approaching with that sickening sweet smile that never reached her eyes. The same smile she had whenever she dealt out punishment to her when she was growing up. 'She can not hurt you again, Lily. Treat her like any other Luna,' Dina reassured her. Resolute, Lily resisted the urge to cringe, knowing that the time had come to face Mandy with strength and composure.
"You've always been a disappointment, Lily," Mandy sneered, her words coated in twisted sweetness. Her voice was deliberately light, ensuring their conversation wouldn't draw unwanted attention. "No matter how hard I tried to guide you, how I tried to show you how to be through Brandy, you couldn't help but be a little whore. Such a shame."
Lily felt a familiar pain resurface, the wounds from Mandy's past manipulations and constant belittlement reopening. But this time, Lily was determined not to crumble under Mandy's toxic presence.
"One, Brandy is my little sister. There is nothing she could ever teach me, and two, speak plainly," Lily responded, her voice laced with quiet strength.
"You were trying to steal your friend's mate. I saw you. Don't you have any shame? Are you just bitter because neither of the Hunter boys wanted you?" Mandy accused.
Lily's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Are you out of your mind? You got what you wanted. Soon, I won't be a part of this pack. Don't you have better things to do than stalk and harass me?"
"You have caused pain to my precious daughter, and I plan to return the favor," Mandy stated.
"Whatever happens to Brandy is by her own hand not mine," Lily retorted. "Accept that you failed as a mother and raised a selfish spoiled brat that is going to ruin you and Dad."
"You think you're brave because you had Alpha cock in your mouth, huh? You aren't even marked. You're just a plaything. I warned you, didn't I? You just could never understand that your place is as a lowly maid and nothing else," Mandy retorted.
Lily's eyes flashed with anger as they shifted colors. "I think you have had too much to drink Mandy. I think you need to walk away."
Mandy's mask of false charm faltered; her eyes grew wild sensing Lily's distress. She was a more seasoned she-wolf and Luna. A fight between the two would ultimately end up with Lily humiliated, which was perfect. Stepping closer, she challenged Lily. "Or what? What are you going to do, you little whore? You're just like your mother."
Lily's anger faded into confusion. "Wait. How would you know anything about my mother?" Her father told Lily that he made Mandy his mate two years after her mother died and Mandy lived on the other side of the country. How would she have known anything