Chapter 358

AURORA

I was about to call out to Miles, but he turned, and they walked in opposite directions. I prayed things weren't ruined. I turned, and Evelyn noticed my expression. "What happened, Aurora?"

I rubbed my temple. "I don't know… I just feel so tired since morning."

Evelyn squinted, her lips curling into a smile. "Would you mind going to see the pack doctor for a checkup?" she asked, rubbing her stomach.

I rolled my eyes and sat on the chair. "I already did… nothing was found."

Evelyn groaned. "Well… I feel it's coming soon."

I raised an eyebrow. "What are you now? Some fortune teller?"

"I'm your friend, and I know you're looking quite…" She paused, glancing at her dress. "I better go get ready for the mall; I want to look my best. Who knows if I'll bump into my prince charming there."

I chuckled, and she rushed out the door. I dropped my gaze and saw Tristan looking at me with intensity. "What happened, baby?" I asked him.

"Are you feeling well, Mum?" he asked. "You look tired."

I sighed, rubbing my eyes. "I feel tired too."

Tristan got up and took my hand. "Enough work for the day; come and rest in the room."

I smiled, following him. "You're just like your dad, very sensitive and caring."

Tristan grinned, shrugged, and we continued to the room. I got in, and Tristan helped tuck me into bed before leaving. I couldn't help but smile. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

It was time for the ball. Dane and I walked hand in hand into the ballroom. Lila stood by the entrance and ushered us to our seats at the center. I looked at the beautifully decorated ballroom, amazed at how quickly they'd put everything together on such short notice. The golden seats and tables were arranged in a circle around the dance floor. A beautiful chandelier and strategically placed lights brought the room to life.

Many people were already seated. Though I looked for Alina, I saw her sitting in the special seat I'd reserved for repentant pack members. She caught my eye and smiled. I nodded and smiled back.

Dane and I took our seats. He leaned close, whispering, "Even though I'm upset you set this up without telling me, I'm still impressed… this is good for the pack. It's been a while since we've had a celebration."

I turned to him, meeting his gaze. He seemed to be looking into my soul. I smiled as our noses lightly touched. "Thank you, Alpha."

He smiled, took my hand, and kissed it, his eyes dropping to my lips. "Can we forget everything and enjoy tonight?"

"I would love to," I replied.

I never wanted to hurt you, Dane… I love you so much. I will tell you everything as soon as I resolve things for Piper and Warrick.

Dane kissed the back of my hand before dropping it onto my dress. He put his arm around my waist, pulling me close, and I leaned my head on his shoulder. The melodious song increased in volume, and I slowly nodded my head to the beat.

Nothing would ever separate us, Dane.

Soon, the ballroom was nearly full. Evander and the children sat in a corner. Joclyn, in a shimmering royal blue ball gown, took the dance floor and began the event. A round of applause erupted for Dane and me, followed by celebrations for other important pack members, and then everyone else.

Trajan approached, and my eyes lit up seeing his suit matched Joclyn's dress. He sat alone at the table beside me. I gestured and asked why he wore the same color as Joclyn. He shrugged and sighed, saying it was a coincidence. It's destiny, Trajan, I thought, listening to Joclyn. Soon she finished and called the dancers to the stage. They danced beautifully.

"Care if I share a table with you, since it's closest to the stage?"

I turned to see Joclyn ask Trajan. He nodded, stood, took her hand, and offered her a seat.

"What's up with those two?" Dane whispered. "Do you notice a chemistry between them?"

I giggled, turning to Dane. "I do."

Dane smirked, turning to the dancers. I looked around and saw Piper and Warrick in a corner; they didn't seem to be enjoying the ball.

I turned to Alina, who was looking at Warrick with a soft smile. She didn't know I was about to wipe that smile off her face, and I think it's time.

The dancers left the stage, and Joclyn returned, calling up Rowan, Lila, Miles, Alina, and the other repentant pack members. She handed them gifts, as I'd requested. Everyone cheered, seeing that, like a loving mother, I hadn't rejected or punished them, but instead accepted their repentance and welcomed them with a celebration. I knew this would bring unity to the pack. Joclyn asked them to leave the stage, but stopped Alina.

"Alina… you wait; I have a special gift prepared for you," Joclyn said.

Alina stepped back, eyebrows raised, but her smile remained. Joclyn turned to me, and I winked.

I turned to see Kyle walking down the aisle, masked, having arrived earlier and seated at the back. He reached the stage, standing face to face with a still-confused Alina. Kyle reached for his mask, removing it slowly, revealing his face. Alina staggered back in shock.

"Kyle?"