The Wolf's Claim

“Do you think this dress fits me right?” I asked my best friend Amelia who was reclining on my bed, pursing my lips, turning this way and that to inspect the light pink gown draped on my slim body. Amelia doesn't respond, making me turn around to see what kept her so preoccupied. “Amelia!” I shouted. She is startled, finally seeing me in the outfit, and shakes her head. “Nah, I think you should change.” She says, immediately going back to the screen. I sighed, taking the dress off. “What are you looking at?” I bent so I could peer over her screen. “Guess what? They just released the official list of men that will be showing up at the Gathering.” Her body vibrates with excitement. “Is that why you're so excited?” I reply drolly, not surprised she's so amped up over a party. Amelia's the light to my dark. Whole I would prefer to stay indoors and bury my head in a book, she refers to leap first and ask questions later. Um, no. I'm excited because Lukas Blackburn is going to be present!!” She ends her statement with a squeal and I rolled my eyes. “I'm so happy for you,” I say dryly. Not that Amelia noticed the sarcasm. Her mind was too busy fantasizing about her latest victim. I settled for my usual. A black top fitted with black jeans and my boots. I at least made an effort to apply makeup. “I'm ready,” I announced, grabbing my purse, phone, and keys. Amelia's eyes widened when she took in my outfit. “You can't seriously be thinking of wearing that-” Amelia's phone rang shrilly, cutting her off. She didn't answer it, looking exasperated. “Whatever it'll have to make do, we're late already.” I let her drag me out the door, although I activated the alarm system before leaving. The Gathering was an annual event created for the sole purpose of bringing the pack members and the community together. It was everyone to attend with drinks, food, and many exciting games. It was one event that everyone looked up to, not just for the fun attached to it but because this event produced the highest amount of mated pairs. Since everyone had the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other during this event, the mating bond was activated. This was my first time attending, and I was s bit nervous. I didn't like people so talking to someone for some time gave me the hicks. This was Amelia's second time since she went last year, so it only felt right to ask for pointers. I swerved to the left to avoid a drunk guy on the road, looking at Amelia. “Hey, so about tonight…” I licked my lips, tightening my hands on the wheel. “Any tips?” Amelia paused what she was doing long enough to look at me, seeing the anxiety etched on my face. Her eyes softened, and she reached out to touch me, silently offering comfort. “It's going to be fine. Just act cool and be yourself, I'll be by your side anyways.” She typed something on her phone before reaching into the backseat. I was surprised when she pulled out a wine bottle and glasses, a mischievous grin on her face. “Besides, we're gonna party!” She yelled, sticking her head out the window. I had to laugh, her energy catching on. We were two hours late due to my slow driving and wardrobe problem but it was worth it. The Gathering was outdoors this time, in the middle of the Square. Lights had been strung up across the trees and poles to illuminate the area. There was a large bonfire to the right, with a table adjacent to it filled with papers. It was a familiar ritual, I gleaned from Amelia. Members of the pack (that were of age) would right down their regrets, wishes, or heart desires and when the time comes, throw them into the bonfire as a way of igniting either the release of their past or the unveiling of their future. It sounded like a pack of bullshit to me though. I had no idea where I would hope on a bonfire to heal me. Aside from that, there were trucks of food set up. Hotdogs stand, cotton candies, burgers, hot chocolate, coffees and loads more. There was the Mid Bar and the normal bar. The Mid was for mocktails, cocktails, and light fruity drinks for people like me while the normal bar served those stronger alcohol. We walked around for a while, testing various stands but Amelia, being the social butterfly she was, got swallowed up by her friends and activities, breaking her promise to stay by my side. The music was good but I couldn't dance, so I just bopped my head to the rhythm. I wasn't hungry, so I just snagged up a red, plastic cup with a pink-looking drink swirling in the container. It was surprisingly sweet Standing in a dark corner, staring at people screamed Loner, so I pushed off the wall crossing the distance to the other side so I could grab another cup. I decided to take two instead to save myself the trip. It was crazy how in the time it took me to get to the bar, it seemed like the number of people had doubled, making it difficult to squeeze through. “Excuse me,” I mumbled, looking down so I didn't step on anyone. Finally getting out of the crush, I was so relieved that I didn't look at where I was going. The next thing I knew, I collided with a warm, hard chest and I watched in horror as my drinks flew away from my hands to the floor, which was coincidentally the same direction my body was heading. I flailed around, hoping to avoid the impending crash with the hard ground. Thankfully, my descent stopped and I opened my eyes to see why… Only to stare into the sharpest grey eyes I've ever seen.