I can see the lights and hear the music coming from the back of the packhouse as we pull up. I look over at Amelia and smile, "Did you plan all this?
She shrugs. "I know what young people like."
I reach over the seat and hug her from behind, "Thank you, Amelia!"
"Oh, don't pretend that you didn't know, Ember. You are too smart for your own good!" The older woman chuckles as she squeezes my arms
"Well, I had an inkling that something was planned, but not all this!" I kiss her cheek before sitting back in my seat as Declan pulls up to the front of the packhouse.
Before I can open my door myself, it's opening for me and Declan stands there with his hand held out for me to take, smiling. I can't help but to smile back at him as I place my small hand in his larger one.
"Why thank you, Alpha."
"Quit with the Alpha ***, Ember," he chuckles, "You know you and my mother are the only two that needn't address me as such." He kisses the top of my hand before he lets it go.
"How am I supposed to show a good example if you don't allow me to call you by your rightful title?" I wink as I walk past him.
"Everybody knows-not to use you as an example for anything." He chuckles.
I scoff jokingly. "You've wounded me, Alpha Declan!"
He rolls his eyes, "Whatever, get that little ***into the party before people decide to start leaving."
"Pish, they won't leave until the free liquor is gone." I throw back over my shoulder but quicken my pace anyway.
Rounding the corner to the back of the packhouse, I stop dead in my tracks. In front of me, ***across the lawn are roves of people, most of them I don't even recognize. What I do notice, however, is that there is an abundance of male wolves in attendance. When I hear the others catch up to me, I glance over my shoulder and give Amelia a playful stink eye.
"Really? You could have been a bit more subtle." I raise my brow at her.
"Whatever are you talking about, dear?" Amelia plays ignorant as she observes the crowd.
Declan comes walking up. "Why aren't you going in yet…" He drops his sentences the moment his eyes sweep the crowd.
I ***my brow at him as well, "Are you going to tell me that you knew nothing?"
The Alpha holds his hands up in defense, "I swear to Goddess that I had no idea. Mom oversaw everything, all I did was foot the bill."
Mimi comes up and grabs my hand, pulling me away from the others, "OMG, Ember, have you seen all of the males that are here?" The she wolf squeals in excitement.
"It's not like I could miss it, Mimi," I respond dryly.
"Oh, come on! How are we even best friends when we have completely different attitudes when it comes to men?"
I shrug, "They always say that opposites attract…"
I get one of Mimi's famous eyerolls, before she scoffs, "Okay, seriously, though, you don't see anyone here that you find just a tad bit attractive?"
I glance around my surroundings, "I literally just arrived, Mimi, so I haven't had time to notice, but yes, most of them are attractive, happy now?"
"You're just saying that to appease me!" My friend crosses her arms in front of her chest and pouts.
I throw my hands up in defeat, "Oh good Lord, I can't win!" I chuckle, "I'll tell you what, I will give you fifteen minutes to walk me around the area just so I get a good look at everyone. Does that sound fair?"
Mimi's face lights up brighter than the sun, "Are you messing with me?"
"No, Ci, I'm not messing with you, and you are now down to fourteen minutes." I reply.
She wastes no lime grabbing my arm and dragging me toward the first group of males that she sees, I feel like I may fall fat on my face because of the heels that I am wearing keep sinking into the soft ground, I try to scurry along without putting weight on the heels of my feet, but Mimi doesn't allow me to slow down at all. When she finally comes to a stop. It's sudden and I run into her, causing me to stumble sideways
Large hands catch me before I can fall on my ***, and when I look up to give the person my gratitude, eyes the color of moss and a slight sparkle to them, gaze back at me. The guy is pretty cute and reminds me of someone else, but I can't quite think of who.
"Thank you…"
"Gavin Gavin Davis." He grins as he helps me to stand upright again,
"Thank you, Gavin Davis. It was kind of you to catch me." | glare over at my friend, who is standing beside me, smirking.
"You must be the beautiful Ember Woods, Woman of the Hour."
I feel my face flush as I nod, "Yes, that's me. All except the beautiful part, that is."
The guy named Gavin chuckles, "I sure do hope that someone gifts you a mirror, because it's obvious that you haven't looked in one for some time."
Now I know i'm really blushing. I don't do well with compliments from other people, I never know how to respond. I mean, I know that I'm pretty, but I don't want to sound conceited by saying, 'Gee, thanks, I know!,' I never think about just saying thank you and leaving it at that.
His next words take me by surprise, "I was really hoping to feel a few sparks when I caught you," he winks over at me, "I wouldn't mind having you as my mate and future Luna."
I choke on my own spit and Mimi pats me on the back, "My apologies, I didn't know that you were an Alpha heir!"
When he smiles, it lights up his whole face and I'm starting to wish that he ended up being my mate as well, "I try not to address myself as such if I can help it, but I'm surprised that my cousin hasn't introduced us yet."
"Excuse me, your cousin?" i'm a bit confused.
"Yes, Declan is my first cousin on my father's side. His mother is my father's younger sister." Now I know why he looks so familiar; I can see that he resembles Declan quite a bit.
"Oh, so you're from the Blue River pack. Now that I think about it, I have heard Declan speak of you a time or two. Please forgive me my forgetfulness." i giggle. I freaking giggle like a little schoolgirl!
"There is nothing to forgive, Ember. It's not like we have ever met in person. Although had I known you were a looker and could carry a decent conversation, then I would have insisted on meeting you sooner." He grins into his glass, just before he tips it up.