“Maybe I’m just good at faking it,” I reply, a grin spreading across my face.
“I think you’re doing just fine,” she says, her gaze holding mine with an intensity that makes my heart race.
But just as I’m about to lean in, to explore this strange and wonderful chemistry between us, a commotion erupts across the room. A group of rowdy wolves bursts through the doors, laughter and shouts accompanying them. They’re loud, raucous, and clearly overindulged in the drinks, their joy disruptive against the backdrop of the wedding celebration.
Wren glances over, her expression shifting slightly. “Looks like the party is getting a little wild,” she comments lightly.
“Yeah, I should probably—” I begin, but before I can finish, one of the wolves trips, sending a table of decorations crashing to the ground.
Instinct kicks in, and I turn toward the chaos, my Gamma instincts flaring. “Stay here,” I tell Wren, my voice firm. The moment she nods, I push through the crowd, ready to restore order.
I navigate the throng of guests, pulling myself toward the source of the disturbance. A few familiar faces are tangled in the mess, their laughter echoing even as I approach. I can feel my wolf stirring restlessly, the need to protect and ensure safety coursing through me.
“Guys, come on! This is a wedding, not a wrestling match!” I call out, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising tension.
The wolves look up, and the laughter dies down a notch. “Lighten up, Harrison! We’re just having some fun!” one of them slurs, a lopsided grin plastered across his face.
“Fun is good, but not at the expense of the party!” I retort, moving closer to help pick up the fallen decorations. “Let’s keep it together, alright?”
They groan but start to help. As we work to restore order, I can’t shake the feeling of Wren’s gaze on me, the warmth of her presence still lingering.
Once the chaos settles, I return to the refreshment station, but my heart sinks as I scan the crowd. Wren is gone. I search frantically, weaving through the guests, my pulse racing. Where did she go?
Just as panic begins to set in, I catch sight of her across the room, speaking with Octavia, their heads close together. Relief floods through me, but it’s swiftly followed by uncertainty.
I don’t know how to navigate this new reality — the reality where my mate is a witch. And how do I tell her? A world where our lives could intertwine, yet also be fraught with danger, misunderstanding, and prejudice.
But as I watch her laugh with my Luna, her smile lighting up her face, I realize one undeniable truth: I can’t let this chance slip away. Not when she feels like everything I never knew I needed.
With renewed determination, I make my way toward them, ready to embrace whatever comes next. The dance of fate has begun, and I’m not prepared to step away just yet.
“Hey, Wren,” I say, my voice steady as I approach. “Mind if I steal you for a moment?”
She turns, her expression brightening as she meets my gaze. “Of course, Harrison. What’s up?”
“Can we talk? Just you and me?”
Octavia glances between us, a knowing smile on her face. “I’ll let you two be.”
As she walks away, I feel a knot in my stomach. This is it. Time to confront the unknown and take a step into the uncertain future.
“Where do you want to go?” Wren asks, and I take a deep breath, trying to quell the anxiety bubbling beneath the surface.
“Outside? I think I need some fresh air,” I suggest, and she nods, falling into step beside me as we weave through the crowd.
Once we step outside into the cool evening air, I pause, gathering my thoughts. The stars twinkle above us, a brilliant tapestry against the dark sky, and I can hear the soft music still playing from inside.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” Wren asks, her eyes glimmering with curiosity.
I take a deep breath, my heart pounding. “I know this might sound strange, but… you are my mate. My wolf and I are sure of it.”
Her eyes widen, surprise flickering across her features, and for a moment, I worry I’ve gone too far. “Harrison…”
“No, let me finish,” I say quickly, my words tumbling out. “I know you’re a witch and I’m a wolf, and there’s a lot to unpack there. But the moment I saw you, everything changed. I can’t explain it. It’s like you were meant to be in my life, and I can’t just let that go without trying.”
Silence stretches between us, the moon casting a soft glow on her face. I search her expression, desperate for a sign, any sign that she feels the same pull I do.
Finally, she takes a step closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “I felt it too, Harrison. The moment you walked up to me, I could sense this… connection. But a wolf and a witch? It’s not exactly common.”