Chapter 53: The Party
My stomach twisted into knots as Lucas’s sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb outside Sophia’s house. I’d never been to a real party before—not as a guest, anyway. Usually, I was the one cleaning up after the Sullivans’ lavish gatherings.
“You look beautiful,” Lucas said from the driver’s seat, his green eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror.
I smoothed down the front of my new emerald dress—one of many outfits from our shopping spree. “I’m not sure I belong here.”
Liam squeezed my hand. “Of course you do. You’re our mate.”
“That’s exactly what makes me nervous,” I admitted. “Everyone will be watching me.”
Levi leaned forward from the backseat. “Let them watch. They’ll just be jealous that we got the prettiest girl in the pack.”
His compliment made me smile despite my anxiety. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that this was my new reality. Being with Lucas, Liam, and Levi meant I would someday be Luna of the Emberfang Pack. I needed to start getting comfortable in the spotlight.
“Remember,” Lucas said, his voice taking on that authoritative tone that sent shivers down my spine, “you’re not just anyone, Hazel. You’re our mate—the future Luna of this pack. Hold your head high.”
I nodded, squaring my shoulders. “Okay. I’m ready.”
But as we stepped out of the car, I realized I wasn’t ready at all.
Sophia’s “house” was actually a sprawling mansion on the edge of pack territory, and it was packed with people. Music pulsed from inside, and the front lawn was dotted with groups chatting and laughing. This wasn’t just a small get-together—it was a full-blown event.