Chapter 229 AURORA

“What kind of ritual?”

Her smile was unclear.

“Something we will have to prepare for. I will tell you in due course.”

By the time the sun had begun to set and was casting a golden glow over the site of the ceremony, everyone was present to rehearse the wedding. It was energetic, the air was thick with it, but a great deal of order wasn’t going around. Puppies ran between rows of chairs; their giggles sliced through sounds of conversation.

One brave little wolf launched into a pile of flower petals, sending them sailing across the clearing.

Piper groaned above the noise. “In the name of the Moon Goddess, would someone handle these puppies?” she called out, looking at Warrick, who was leaning against the flower arrangements, doing absolutely nothing.

“They’re kids, Piper. Let them have some fun,” Warrick returned with a sluggish smile as he fixed a flower that had slipped from its hook.

“They’re ruining everything!” she snapped, hips cocked.

“They’re making it unforgettable,” Warrick returned, his smile expanding. Dane stepped forward then, playing peacemaker.

“How about I take care of the pups?” he suggested, but just as he took one step forward, his boot caught on a misplaced log. He was falling, arms turning like a windmill, and then he fell unceremoniously into a stack of chairs.

A wave of laughter spread through the group, and even Piper cracked a smile.

“If this is the real wedding, no one’s ever going to let anyone hear the end of it,” I said, shaking my head as I helped Dane to his feet. He dusted himself off, decidedly more amused than embarrassed. “I’m just testing the strength of our setup. You know, quality control?”

Piper snickered. “Uh-huh, Alpha.”

Finally, we concluded with a rehearsal full of mess and added moments of weirdness and minor arguing. The space slowly cleared, and there was Piper, moving close to the flowers. Warrick came up towards her, slow, cautious; the weight was on him.

“Hey,” he said, the word uncommonly low.

“Hey,” Piper responded, not looking his way. I sat in a corner as I watched them keenly. So far, all the battles we have fought have made me so attentive.

An uneasy silence fell amongst them, disturbed by nothing but a faint rustle of leaves somewhere far off.

Piper let out a sudden breath, squaring her shoulders. “I overheard you talking to Trajan.”

Warrick froze, his brow furrowed. “You… did?”

She nodded, finally looking up at him. “Why do you think you’re not good enough for me?”

For a moment, Warrick didn’t answer. His hand reached up to rub the back of his neck, a nervous gesture that made him look almost boyish. “It’s not that I don’t care about you,” he said finally, his voice low but steady. “I do. More than I probably should.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Piper asked, frustration slipping into vulnerability.

“I don’t want this to feel… forced,” Warrick admitted. “What if it’s just a relic? What if we’re not really us?”

The lines around Piper’s face gentled as her anger gave way to comprehension. “You think I haven’t wondered the same thing? But the relic didn’t make me feel this way, it just magnified what was already there.”

Warrick’s eyes searched hers for something. “You really believe that?”

“I do,” she said, sure of her voice. “And I believe that you do too, in your heart.”

A slow smile widened on Warrick’s face, and for the very first time, Piper smiled back at him.

“Let’s get this done with,” Warrick said, and she nodded at him as they went back to work.

I smiled to myself. It felt nice seeing this spark between them. I walked into the packhouse, and just when I was about to cross a passage, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I retraced my steps a bit, and there he was, Trajan, standing in front of Joclyn’s quarters, a small carving in his hand.

TRAJAN

I took a deep breath before I knocked on Joclyn’s door. I tightened my grip on the wolf carving in my hand, my knuckles nearly turned white. I stepped back a bit as my heart raced. Why am I feeling this way? This feeling is strange.

I don’t feel too comfortable around her, and when I’m away from her, I feel even worse… what the fuck do I want?

I licked my bottom lip as I mustered the courage and knocked once again. I heard the door unlocking, and I knew she was coming. I felt like I should disappear, but at the same time, I was dying to see her face.

The door flung open, Joclyn stepped out with one of her brows raised upon seeing me. “You?”

I gulped as I noticed her perfectly cut dentition, her perfectly arched brow crowning her large hazel eyes. I lowered my gaze as I watched her pinkish, full lips moving, but I could barely hear what she was saying. How would anyone call her an Elder… I know she is a bit older than me… she was probably a teenager of ten when I was born.

But, age is just a number, right? My heart longs for this woman.

I stepped up to her, as if being close to her would satisfy the urge building inside of me. She arched her brows as she blinked at me.

“Trajan?” she called as she placed her hands on my chest, as if to stop me from entering her room.

I froze as I came to my senses. I felt my skin burning under her touch. I stepped away.

“Elder… I mean, Joclyn…” I said and completely went mute as I gawked at her. I am a fool.

“What happened… you are here at this hour, is Aurora fine?” Joclyn asked, worry etched in her tone.

I shook my head as I raised the carving to her. “She… Everything is fine… I came, erm… to give you this,” I stuttered. I cursed under my breath as I realized how silly I was.

She took it from me as she looked at the carving of a wolf, howling, her expression serious. I gulped.

Doesn’t she like it? Oh my…

“I love it,” she breathed as she raised her gaze and smiled at me, “Thank you, Trajan.”

I smiled as the knot in my chest loosened. “I’m glad you do, Joclyn.”

“But, why…” she asked, as she squinted at me, her eyes not breaking from mine.

I cleared my throat as I shook my head. “Nothing… I mean, you are a beautiful lady, you deserve all the good things in the…” My voice trailed off as she raised a brow at me.

What am I saying?

“I meant to say… you are good… you do so much for the pack, and that’s why I thought to give this to you.”

She blinked at me and nodded. “That’s much better… but I really am tired now… good night Trajan.”

“Good…” I said, but she entered inside and shut the door before I said, “Night.”

I took a deep breath. “That went well… a bit.” I brushed my hand over my hair as I turned to leave.

AURORA

I quickly ducked behind a door, as he turned and started to come my way. I don’t want him to know that I was watching them. He would feel so embarrassed.

I came out as he passed and slipped away towards my room.

I reached my room and took a deep breath before I entered. The room was dark, but it felt like I had some company.

I walked in and sniffed, but I couldn’t seem to know who was here. I reached for the light switch, and I turned it on.

I looked around but couldn’t see anyone inside with me. I sighed and closed the door.

I think I am just too paranoid these days. All is well, now… I should at least let my guard down and enjoy these moments a little bit more… with Dane.

I smiled as I recalled what happened by the lake earlier. “Naughty boy,” I shook my head as I unzipped my dress and let it fall down my body.

I stepped out of my dress with just my red panties on as I walked into the bathroom. I slipped my panties down my leg, and I turned on the shower. The cold water seemed to sizzle on my hot skin, but I knew that was my imagination. I am not that hot, only that I felt kinda horny.

Dane had lit a fire in me by the lake. It took everything in me to stop him then. I grabbed my boobs and squeezed as I blew out some water from my mouth.

I reached down and touched my pussy as I rubbed at it and pinched my clit.

“Ahh… Dane…” I moaned as I rolled my head back.

“I can help you feel better.”

I froze as I heard the deep voice behind me. I was not paranoid. Someone was really in here.

I opened my eyes as I jumped back in shock.