Chapter 9
1187 Words
ELAINE
“So…Elaine,” Claudine began, for the umpteenth time that night. “Tell us why you haven't found your mate yet?” The brown haired asked.
I sighed, lifting a glass of wine to my lips and taking a sip. Since the party began, all I had been doing was answering questions from these two.
“I don't know…I guess the Moon goddess hasn't brought him to me yet.” I said in a bored tone. Claudine hummed but didn't say anything.
“Or maybe it's because I've spent too much time with humans that I've lost the ability to sense a mate bond.” I said humorously. Claudine and I burst into short laughter.
“Mindy, what are you doing?” Claudine suddenly asked our third friend who has been silent for a while now.
She had her jaw resting on her palm, gazing, dreamily, at Mitch.
“Seriously what is it you see in him, girl? He’s just a hunk of muscles!” Claudine asked, visibly irked.
Pushing herself to stand upright, Mindy said, “I didn't say I see anything in him, I was actually…watching the…light. Ugh, be right back!” Mindy said and abruptly walked away.
I raised my eyebrows and turned to Claudine with a quizzical look. “What is it with her?” I asked.
“She likes him.” Claudine whispered before leaving me and calling after Mindy.
I released a sigh of relief now that I was finally left alone. I poured myself more drink and continued to sip it silently.
This party was thrown for me yet here I was, as though I wasn't even there at all. Anyway, I wouldn't even like the attention so…
“Elaine,” a voice beside startled me. I turned to see someone I hadn't expected to see for a while smiling down at me.
“B…Ben?” My heart skipped.
“That didn't sound like you're pleased to see me.” He noted and took a seat next to me. I instinctively took a shift back.
“No…wha…what are you doing here?” I asked, still reeling from shock. After what had happened on my first night in Night Walker, I hadn't expected him to be anywhere around me for a while. I couldn't help but wonder if he had negative motives for being here tonight.
“Look, Elaine. I just wanted to apologize for what happened the last time we met. I acted a little…out of line and I'm sorry.” He said. In truth, he had an apologetic look on his face.
Slowly, I nodded but still felt a lot skeptical about him.
“So…I'm here tonight to know if we could start all over again. Give me a second chance to make things right, Elaine.” He moved closer to me, dangerously close and I was beginning to feel the heat between us.
I didn't like that but I still didn't know what to do. Remembering Jeremy's words the last time I was with Ben. He was so cautious and aggressive that it made me believe that the man standing right in front of me was…untrustworthy.
“So…a second chance?” He asked, bringing his hand to me.
“Elaine,” before I could utter a word, I heard my name again. I pivoted and met Jeremy's glare. But it wasn't me that it was directed at.
“I told you to stay away from her.” Jeremy's tone was grave and I could feel the tension palpitating around me.
Oh s**t, he’s going to cause a scene!
“Jeremy, calm down. He's not here for trouble…”
“You do not know this guy, Elaine. Get away from him!” Jeremy snarled. He began to march forward and I knew things were about to take an ill turn.
“Elaine,”
What is it with people calling my name tonight? Goddess…
“Claudine, what's up?” I couldn't say I wasn't happy to see her, especially at that moment.
I saw her glance between Ben and me and Jeremy before facing me again.
“We’re about to play some games, you should join us. You too, Jeremy.” She said and I nodded.
“Come on Jeremy,” I said while pulling Jeremy's rigid arm. He still had his eyes fixated on Ben but luckily, he gave in and followed me.
Most of the teenagers were gathered together to form a large circle. I sat down next to Claudine and Mindy while Jeremy took a seat next to Iria.
“Okay. In honour of the newest member of our pack, we will all play a game of ‘Never have I ever’.” Iria announced and immediately, everyone groaned disapprovingly.
“Guys! Don't do that, it’ll be fun. It's all for Elaine.” Iria said, gesturing at me.
Everyone soon agreed to play the game and we got ready. But before we got to start, Ben walked in and took a seat among us. I could literally feel the tension that rose as he sat down.
Was it just me, or did it feel like everyone here had beef's with Ben?
“What is he doing here, Jeremy?” Iria asked, anger laced in her tone. It was more than anger, I could see rage and hatred in her eyes. What's going on?
“He's a member of this pack, Iria, he can stay if he wants to.’ Jeremy said and leaned on his knees. “I’ll go first. Never have I ever…run away from rogues in my entire life.” He said, turning a smirk to Duncan and Mitch.
“Oh come on, dude. We were seven!” Duncan said defensively.
“Take the drink.” Jeremy said, while laughing. Everyone around laughed and I was glad the tension had been lifted.
The game continued for several minutes. Everyone took turns and said a bunch of embarrassing and hilarious things about themselves. Soon, it was Iria’s turn.
“Never have I ever…” she paused and shot Jeremy a glare. Then she turned to Ben and my mind went, ‘s**t’. “...killed another pack member's younger one.” She finished.
Wait, what?
Again, silence descended in the gathering and the tension returned heavily.
I wanted to ask what in the name of the Moon goddess was going on but it seemed that wasn't the time for questions. I just had to see how this would unfold.
No one took a drink. Of course no one did. But why was Iria still glaring intently at Ben?
“Take. The. Drink.” Iria said in a menacing tone. One that I hadn't heard from her since I met her an hour and a half ago.
Ben didn't say a word in response, he just stared blankly at Iria.
I had to admit, this isn't turning out to be the great welcome party I had imagined. Not that I expected much but I certainly didn't expect…
Sudde
nly, right before our eyes, Iria jumped from her seat at Ben, while yelling, “TAKE THE DRINK!”
Uh-oh!
- Writer
