KEVIN’S POV
‘Why did Dad have to keep the party on the common land?” Risha complained as she walked towards the car.
She swayed slightly as she tried to balance herself on the six-inch heels. She held the edges of the long, peach gown in both her hands as she walked at the pace of a tortoise.
I stifled the urge to burst out laughing and said, “Hurry up, Risha. Do you want me to be late for my own party?”
She squinted her eyes at me as if she would devour me whole. This only made me want to laugh harder. I bit the inside of my cheek and turned away.
“Ahhh!!!” A scream drew my attention back to her. My eyes widened in horror when I saw her fall. I rushed towards her but Cami had already caught her by the time I reached.
She gave me a reassuring smile as she helped Risha stand properly. She bent down and helped her take off her heels.
“Whoah! Cami, you are awesome.” Risha chirped as she saw her pull out a pair of flats from the bag.
Cami was dressed in a blue gown with a slightly plunging neckline. Her blonde hair fell like soft waves over her shoulders accentuating her oval face. She looked gorgeous but something was different.
My heart didn’t flutter and my breath didn’t hitch on seeing her. My mind drifted to the girl I had met in the café. She was rude, arrogant, and self-centered. But when we were close, I saw something in her eyes.
I couldn’t place my finger on what it was but it tugged at the strings of my heart. It made me want to protect her, save her…
The shrill honking of the car pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Alpha! Isn’t my highness getting late now?” Risha teased from the back seat of my new BMW.
My grip on the keys tightened protectively. My heart filled with pride as I drank in the appearance of the car for the umpteenth time. I couldn’t still believe that this baby was mine.
“Hey, brother… why don’t you let me drive as a return gift?” Sandy said ogling at the car.
“If you give me the gift I asked for I will let you drive,” I said sitting in the driver's seat.
“This is unfair. How can I get a distinction in my exams?” He complained, sitting in the shotgun seat.
“I feel you bro!” Risha said leaning in through the space between the seats. “I don’t see why we have to go to the damned schools. We are stronger, cleverer, and more capable than human beings. Making us study with them is an insult to our species!”
“Well said, Rishu,” Sandy said, giving her a high five.
I shook my head and hit the gas. A wide smile spread on my lips as the car moved smooth as butter on the road. I had to thank dad for giving me such a generous gift.
Sandy and Kevin continued to banter about all the reasons they shouldn’t have to go to school. They tried to garner my support but gave up after a while.
My mind kept drifting to the girl I had seen at the café. I wondered if she had brothers and sisters like me. If she liked going for long drives.
Cami made several attempts to strike up a conversation with me but I was just not in the mood. I continued to drive lost in the thoughts…
***
The lawn of the common ground was decorated with the choicest flowers. The place was abuzz with excitement. People stood in groups laughing and chattering.
After dropping the others at the entrance, I went around to park the car. I inhaled deeply as I was assaulted by a strong scent of pine and cherries.
It was such a strange combination yet it made me feel drunk. By the time, I parked and came out to investigate the source of the scent it had faded drastically.
I didn’t get time to think about it again as Sandy pulled me to the lawn and dragged me around introducing me to all of his friends.
Shortly afterward, Dad introduced me to the Alphas of the neighboring packs: Alpha Orville of Bloodmoon Pack, Alpha Knossos of the Labyrinth Pack, Alpha Rodreo of Bloodhound Pack, and Alpha Alex of Bloodnight Pack.
Five packs dominated the city of Auroville. We lived together in harmony and respect each other’s territory except for the Common Ground.
It was enchanted by witches centuries ago when Werewolves and witches still lived in harmony.
No one could practice magic or shift in this region. It was a safe haven and most important ceremonies were held here.
“Kevin, come quickly. The moon is almost overhead.” Risha said as she dragged me along to the stage.
My eyes widened in wonder when I saw the huge cake. It had eleven layers and was dressed in different colors of icing.
“Did you like the cake?” Mom asked, placing her hand on my shoulders.
“This is beautiful… Thank you…” I said, hugging her.
“This was Cami’s idea. Every color in the cake represents something: Red is for love, white for peace, green for prosperity, yellow for wealth, and so on…” My mother’s eyes lit up with pride as she explained.
Risha lit the candle on the top of the cake and said, “Brother, quick make a wish…”
As I watched the flame of the candle dazzle on the cake, the face of the girl I met at the restaurant flashed through my mind. My lips stretched into a wide smile as I wished for her to be present at my party.
Thunderous applause resounded in the clearing as I cut the cake.
Once the waiters had wheeled the cake away my father held my hand and raised it in the air. His voice was laced with pride as he announced, “I, Andrew Gilkins, the alpha of Mystical Pack officially declare my son Kevin Gilkins as the acting Alpha of The Mystical Pack. Once he finds his mate he will take over the reins of this pack and I will step down.”
The men, women, and children went down on one knee and they bowed in compliance; except for the Alphas of the other four packs. They stood there with their right hand over their chest as a token of respect.
Collins, my father’s beta stepped forward and said, “I, Collins Saunders, promise to honor, guide, and support the new alpha until my son is ready to take over.”
The tapping of the foot in the background drew my attention. I almost laughed aloud when I saw Risha standing in a corner with a tortured expression. She was probably dying to eat the cake…
The celebrations continued after the announcement. Sandy and David dragged me to the bar despite my protests.
I sat there quietly holding the glass in my hand while Sandy and David continued to chatter. I had this weird feeling that something was missing…
KIARA’S POV
My eyes widened in wonder as I saw the elaborate preparations. They seemed fit for a king. The cake was massive and the decorations grand and meaningful.
Looking at the dresses worn by other women, I understood why Ariana had taken the pains of dressing me up.
A sharp tug on my arm drew my attention to Ariana. Her eyes were red and her expression deadly. “Don’t try to act smart, Kiara. I am well aware of your antics at the café.”
The color drained from my face and I lowered my head. I should have expected this. Hiding anything from Ariana was next to impossible.
She dragged me to the corner where a makeshift bar was set up. Grasping my chin roughly, she whispered, “Go and talk to him now. If you don’t make him believe that you are his mate in five minutes, you can say goodbye to your parents.”
My heart sank and the knot in my stomach tightened. This was the first time she had used my parents to threaten me. No matter how much I hated it, I would have to do exactly as Ariana said. I couldn’t risk the life of my parents.
Drawing in a deep breath, I trudged towards Kevin. His face glowed in the soft moonlight. I felt like I was hit by a bolt of lightning when I heard his musical laughter.
“No… no…no…no…” I kept chanting in my mind as if that would somehow reverse the incidents that were about to take place.
My legs turned into jelly when I was a couple of yards away from him. I tried to walk ahead but it was like my legs didn’t want to cooperate. They remained glued to the spot.
Kevin must have sensed my stare as he raised his head to look at me. His eyes lit up in recognition and his cherry red lips stretched in a small smile.
My heart skipped a beat when he started walking towards me. I willed him to turn back but he kept proceeding as if in a trance.
He stopped right in front of me and placed his hand on my shoulders. When I looked into his eyes the word ‘Mate’ popped in my head.
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Wasn’t this all a part of pretense? The word ‘mate’ shouldn’t have popped in my head unless… unless he was really my mate.
It was then I sensed the distinct scent of musk and lime. I drew in a deep breath, letting it wash over me.
Tears gleamed in my eyes and a lump formed in my throat. I felt like screaming and tearing my hair. Why did it have to get more complicated?
Kevin brushed my cheeks with the back of his hands and pulled me into a hug. The hug comforted me physically but it was shattering me on the inside.
My wolf stirred within me for the first time in two years. She craved his touch as much as I did. I knew that I had to reign in myself if I wanted Kevin to stay alive.
My jaws clenched and my hands balled into a tight fist as I tried my best to remain still. Each moment I spent in his embrace seemed like a millennium.
My heart was beating so wildly that I was afraid it would fail any moment. An audible sigh escaped my mouth when I saw Ariana walk away.
I had to use all my strength and willpower to push him away. I took a few more steps backward. He didn’t seem to mind rather he took a few steps towards me again.
He grasped my hand and lifted it to his lips with a smirk. Gosh! That smile tugged at my heart and made me want to kiss him.
Shaking my head, I forced myself to look away. I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw Risha and Cami rush towards us.
With them around, Kevin would be distracted and I could escape…