Page 19 of Mine to Claim

Traitor.

“I am not looking for a mate, Dani.” But my mind was stuck on Grayson finding someone at this gathering. My stomach twisted into knots.

“I know that, but you can go and mingle with those who don’t find their mate.” She wriggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“I don’t know why I even try to have a conversation with you,” I grumbled.

“Um, because I’m the bestest, maybe? No, definitely.” She blew me a kiss and we spent the next six hours trying on every outfit. Then she ordered two of each because ‘while everything that is hers is mine, she doesn’t share.’Which is a total lie, but I love her for this. After that we hit up an upscale place overlooking the water and ate the best food I’ve ever had. Then we went to two more boutiques before grabbing snacks for later. That night we had a sleepover, watched movies in her room, and stuffed our faces until ungodly hours.

Life is better with great friends.

Chapter 12

Grayson

If the upcoming Blood Moon hadn’t had my urges running high and my wolf almost feral, I would have followed her. I would have been at her door, consequences be damned. But I knew I couldn’t be trusted. So I was dependent on the live reports I received via link and the emails that updated me of her whereabouts. Without them, I would have been driven to madness.

Chapter 13

Lila

The pack house underwent a transformation overnight. Soft blush roses and baby’s breath were now placed on every surface and fairy lights woven into the greenery that hung from the ceiling. People piled in and butterflies flew through the living area and flowed into the backyard I hadn’t had the chance to explore. The ceremony would soon be taking place out there, but I stared at the rest of the room as I waited for Dani. Singles eyed each other as I smoothed out the imaginary wrinkles in the night sky dress we got from our shopping spree. I marveled at the dark blue with stars that sparkled. The soft material hugged my curves and it was so light I felt naked.

“Boo!” Someone shoved my shoulder and I almost jumped out of my skin.

“You’re evil,” I hissed and grabbed my chest as Dani cackled.

“I couldn’t help it! Everyone else can hear me coming, and you looked so serious. Tonight is supposed to be fun.” She stepped off the stairs and grabbed my arm. Jace shadowed her, nodding at me before staring at her with so much adoration it made my heart melt.

May that love find me one day.

“You ready to find a mate?” she teased.

“Ha. Ha,” I deadpanned. She shrugged.

“You never know. Who are we to question the Goddess? You’re here, aren’t you?”

“I’m the only thing you’ll be finding tonight,” Jace’s growl made her blush.

“On a serious note, um, there’s something I should tell you about tonight,” she started.

“Oh, no. Why do I have a feeling it’s going to be bad?” I groaned as she patted my hand.

“It isn’t. It’s just…. different. During the Blood Moon, we’re driven by our instincts.” Jace hid his laugh behind a cough.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked cautiously.

“Well… we’re a pack and… oh, fuck it. Tonight, every shifter will be driven by instincts,” she answered.

“Still not getting it.”

“Logical thinking will take a back seat as our wolves come forward. Every man and woman here will be stripped down to their base instincts—their desires. We’ll be ruled by them. Since this is a mating ceremony, there will be lots of fucking.”

“So I’m going to be witnessing an orgy?” I joked.

“Pretty much. It isn’t often, but people sometimes die because someone will try to claim a woman that isn’t their mate. Just stay away from the couples, okay?” her tone was serious.

“Okay. And those who don’t find their mate?” I wasn’t really looking forward to watching everyone get into it, but mostly, I didn’t want to watch Grayson with her again. I didn’t like the thought of that. Not one bit. Dani started leading me toward the doors that led outside and I grimaced, preparing myself for what awaited us out of those double doors.

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