Chapter 156 The Grand Entrance
882words
Sophia sniffed the air and knitted her eyebrows together in confusion. "What's that smell? You smell... different."
I let out a laugh. "A good different, I hope. I mean, I did shower," I joked. "Now, what are we waiting for? There's a party for a certain Gamma waiting downstairs," I said, feeling relieved when a smile tugged at the corner of Sophia's mouth.
"You look beautiful, Soph. I'm so proud of the woman you've become. I hope you find your fated mate, I really do," Jaxon told Sophia, and now I was the one wiping tears from the corners of my eyes. The love the two of them shared was so pure, so genuine. It reminded me of my relationship with my sister. I missed her. I missed having her around and stealing her clothes without her noticing.
Sophia gave Jaxon a smile. "Thank you, big bro. That means a lot coming from you. You and me against the world—always, okay?"
He smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm so she could loop hers through it.
"Eeek!" Sophia squealed. "I can't believe it's actually today!"
We began to descend from her bedroom toward the staircase. I wasn't sure who was more nervous of the three of us.
"Okay, seriously. You guys smell SO good," she exclaimed.
Jaxon laughed. "I'll be sure to send you a bottle of my shampoo before you leave Midnight Moon."
Sophia nudged Jaxon in the side. "That's only IF I find my mate. You can't get rid of me that easily."
I smiled at their banter as we neared the top of the winding staircase. "Good luck," I whispered to Sophia and gave her a hug before descending and making my way to the dining hall that had been turned into the ballroom for today's event. Two warriors stood guard at the massive double doors. Both lowered their gazes before acknowledging me and opening the doors for me to enter.
A rumble of applause erupted through the room, and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. I should be used to the attention by now, but it still got to me sometimes. I might be Luna of this pack, but I was still the same average girl I once was.
I glanced around the room and noticed there was still no sign of Alpha Christian and his men. He wasn't going to miss her presentation, was he? You've got to be a special kind of jackass to do that.
I moved toward my table, knowing the presentation was about to begin, when a large hand cupped my stomach. My wolf growled inside, ready to pounce on whoever had violated our space. I spun around to lock eyes with a set of familiar icy baby blues.
"Alpha Blake," I said, offering him a small smile despite still being pissed that he had the nerve to grab me in such an inappropriate manner.
"Don't you look radiant, Luna?" he asked, and I cringed as I watched the corner of his mouth tug in a smirk.
"Well, thank you, Alpha. I hope you and the Luna have been well," I replied without missing a beat.
"We have indeed, Luna Adeline. My men tell me that Alpha Jaxon has requested a favor from Broken Ridge... a pack doctor? Is that what he seems to be in need of?" he questioned.
I couldn't help but shiver at the coldness tinged in his voice. Truthfully, I wasn't sure I wanted anything from him.
I gave him a smile but couldn't help my eyes scanning the room for any hint of Alpha Christian and his men. Still nothing.
"Hmm, are you looking for something, Luna? Or rather someone?" Alpha Blake asked like he knew exactly what I was searching for.
"Nothing particular, Alpha," I responded. "The presentation is sure to begin shortly. We better take our seats."
I saw the urgency in his eyes. He wasn't ready to end this conversation, but he reluctantly agreed, nodding and making his way back to his table.
I took a deep breath and thanked the Moon Goddess for helping me dodge the bullet named Alpha Blake. As I sank into my chair, a small voice called to me inside my head.
"Protect... him," whispered far into the distance.
It was barely audible, and I had to really focus to make sure I heard it correctly. I began to feel uneasy, as if trouble was looming nearby. I reached for my necklace, playing with the pendant between my fingers as I looked for any ounce of reassurance that I had imagined the voice.
The trumpets began to sound from the corners of the room, and everyone stood up. The double doors opened, and there they were: Jaxon and Sophia, Alpha and Gamma. She had her arm linked in with his, and the biggest smile played on her face as she scanned the room.
Hoots and hollers echoed against the walls, and I could hear the whispers around me thanks to shifter hearing—how breathtaking the Gamma looked. I was thrilled that, for once, the attention wasn't on me and joined in with the excitement, cheering as the two of them made their way to the middle of the dance floor.
