I enjoyed myself at dinner. I was able to eat with my grandparents and Psy and her parents. We all talked and laughed a bunch. Psy is hilarious. She definitely gets that from her momma. Her name is Tillia, and her father's name is Henry. Tillia is a spitfire who is unashamed and completely herself, as is Henry, but he's much more laid back and a subdued version of Tillia. He's a quiet observer, which is crazy considering he looms over everyone. Psyren is the perfect mix of her parents. She gets her blonde hair from her momma and her curls and piercing blue eyes from her daddy. They both are pretty tan. Tillia is a tall woman, around 5'11, while Henry is 6'7. Tillia has the most gorgeous, light, wavy hair and beautiful brown almond eyes. Henry has curly brownish red hair with icy blue eyes. He's nothing but muscle. They are supposedly a family of Omegas, but the aura and power that radiates from them just don't match with the rest of the omegas I've seen or been around.
I listened to all the stories and made some jokes myself. After we ate, we moved outside to the patio and dance floor. I couldn't wait, especially since the whole time I was seated, I kept feeling and seeing Lisa's sharp eyes on me. Walking outside felt like freedom. It was already pretty dark by this point, by I've always enjoyed the night time. I guess it makes sense that I'm a night owl... well, wolf. I always feel rejuvenated at night. The moon was hidden behind some clouds, but the night didn't overtake the fesitivies. There are so many lamppost surrounding the patio and dancefloor, and they lined the pathway trail that led into the woods. The path wasn't a straight line, but it went in a 'S' pattern all the way to the clearing. It was beautiful. It made the trees that weren't a part of the woods glow and seem so inviting. As we walked, we all ended up at one of the tables surrounding the floor. All the tables and chairs were black, with silver tablecloths and cute lamps in the center of the table. I think they were solar powered since I didn't see batteries, and there was no place to plug all of those little lamps. There were lights strung up everywhere, and soft music played in the background. More and more people began to exit the hall and joined us in the backyard. The music changed up. Most couples began to dance slowly. I sat and watched everyone. They all looked so happy. I know that most, if not all, of the couples here are fated mates. It was beautiful to see that invisible bond bring so much happiness to peoples lives. At the same time, it was that same bond that broke my family apart. I zoned out for a moment, thinking of the "What could've been?" I try not to think too heavily on the topic. It brings nothing but pain and disappointment.
"May I have this dance?"
I was pulled from my swirling thoughts by the large hand of my grandfather. I was dazed a bit. I wasn't expecting it, and he didn't seem like the type to want to do it. He has a gruff exterior, like my father, but he's a lot less stern in reality. But it's still a shock to the system when he pulls out stunts like this.
"Come on, now. Don't embarrass this old man."
He said sternly but had a half smile on his face. My face lit up as I smiled up at him. I laid my tiny hand in his.
"I'd love to, grandpa."
He returned a gentle smile, pulling me up and across the yard to the dance floor. My grandpa was just as tall as my dad, and his age didn't take away from his bulkness either. I felt like a leaf next to him, but he held me as if I was as fragile as one. We rocked back and forth to the rhythm of the music. I had to crane my neck to meet his loving eyes. Those soft, brown eyes held what his mouth would never say. It made me think of all the times my mommy would look at me and wish for a family outside of herself for me. Although she lost her parents' young, she remembered the love they had for her and knew her parents would've loved me too. My eyes watered at the thought as I looked up at the gentle giant. My grandpa frowned as he wiped away an escaped tear.
"What's the matter, little one?"
I sighed.
"My mommy always wanted me to have this. To have a family. Her mom and dad died years before I was born, and she was always sad that I wouldn't be able to know them... I'm just hoping she's happy and at peace looking down on me... on us now, seeing that she doesn't have to worry too much about me because I got you."
We stopped moving as he looked at me. He bent down and lifted me in his arm, bringing me to his face. I was so shocked, I squealed. He looked me in the eyes with such determination and love that it made me breathless.
"Thank you, Kwen."
I tilted my head.
"Thank you, for what?"
"For saying what you just said. For being who you are. All of who you are. For choosing to stay. Thank you for coming here. Thank you for being born. I truly hope that I, can make not only your mother proud, but you as well. I'm already proud of the person you've shown so far."
I was speechless. Grandpa held me in one arm as I rested my hands on his shoulder to hold myself up. My eyes mist, but I refused to cry. I wrapped my arms around his neck and laid my head on his shoulder.
"I love you too, Grandpa."
I whispered out. I knew that's what he meant but didn't say, so I said it for the both of us. I felt his body tense up at my words and release once it registered. He tightened his arm around me, bringing his other around me as well, and squeezed me to him. I began to giggle.
"I can't breathe. You're holding me too tight."
He chuckled lightly, pulling back from me. I looked at him and rested both my hands on his beard covered cheeks.
"My turn. Give me my grandbaby, you hogger."
My grandma said as she walked up on us. My grandpa and I both looked at her at the same time, then back at each other, and smiled.
"Ooooo, you betta let me go. Grandma doesn't mess around."
"You already figured that out. I knew you were quick."
He chuckled as I laughed, and he let me down. My grandma slapped his shoulder and pulled me into a big hug and danced with me until my grandpa pulled her away, and they danced. They looked so beautiful together. I looked over and saw Psy's parents dancing as well.
"What was all that about, K?"
Psy said, coming up to me in the middle of the dancefloor as we watched our people with happiness.
"Nothing. It just feels nice to have a family."
I smiled brightly. She smirked and gave me a side hug. The music changed to one that was upbeat, and she immediately looked at me with one of her famous looks. I gave her a wary look back, narrowing my eyes at her.
"Whatcha thinking about, Psy?"
Her smile turned wicked.
"Come on. LET'S DANCE!!"
I couldn't even say anything before she pulled me to her, holding my hands. She was jumping up and down and bouncing all around. After a while, I gave in and started doing what she was doing. We were laughing and squealing in delight. I noticed the adults left the floor and let's us kids have our time. We were spinning and dipping each other, just enjoying ourselves, when Steph appeared outta nowhere, spinning Psy towards Elias as he grabbed her and held me hostage. Psy and I laughed some more as we enjoyed ourselves with the guys. Everyone took turns dancing with her and I. They even danced with each other. It was hilarious seeing Danny and Logan dance together. Logan is so pretty that they actually looked good together. Elias and Steph did not help the situation, making kissy noises at them and saying how there's never been a more pretty beta in history. Danny and Logan both turned red and began chasing Steph and Elias. We were all having such a good time, that was until Mrs. Downer came over.
"Boys, you guys have to interact with everyone. You can't only focus and associate with..."
She veered her eyes towards both Psy and I, then back at them.
"With those lesser than you. There are plenty of other children you can play with. Don't leave them out. Now go."
I saw that they were about to protest our treatment, but I shook my head to not argue.
"Well, y'all coming with us on this outreach crusade."
Steph said, causing us to laugh. They tried keeping us with them, but we were forced out by the many people clamoring to get to them. Although I was the alpha's daughter and eldest child, I technically held no rank in the pack. I was considered lower than that of an omega. Some omegas took that as an opportunity to treat me like they're treated. Luckily for me, not all was like that, and I didn't care to get to know people who refused to get to know me. I will never be made to feel less than.
"Let's just head back over to the tables, P. We're not gonna be able to reach those guys, and I would hate to have to hurt someone's feelings if they think to try me."
Psy laughed.
"For a person with no wolf, you are probably stronger than them all, but they're all too blind to notice. You talk a lot of crap, but at least you definitely have the skill to back it up."
We laughed more.
"Heck yeah. My momma ain't raise no weakling."
Psy got silent out of nowhere. I looked and noticed her eyes fogged over. I knew she was being mindlinked. She finally focused back and gave me a sad smile.
"Sorry, friend. I gotta go help out with the clean-up. I'll catch you later or I'll see you in the morning."
"Ok. Have a good night, Psy."
We hugged each other.
"Save me some cake, please."
I gave her the biggest toothy smile I could conjure. I watched as she walked away. I looked over to where the guys were and decided I didn't want to be part of that mob of people. I looked over to where my grandparents were, but they were no longer there. I looked out into the woods and saw a beautiful weeping willow tree in the middle. It called out to me, and I answered its call. I followed the path down to it, enjoying the breeze of the early summer night. I finally got to it and sat down. I looked out on everyone from way off, feeling more and more on the outskirts of everything here. I was no real wolf, but the thought didn't sadden me. What upset me was the idea of people not accepting me due to something I could never change. And if I couldn't change it, why hold me responsible. I smelled Brody nearby and finally called him on his "stalking." I knew my dad had put him as a guard, but he was always near me. I figured I should let him believe I didn't know he was there, but that night, I wanted the company. He came over, and we talked. Since meeting him, I've felt this fog that has loomed over him had lifted. He seemed lighter and brighter, not just in his aura, but it seemed to have a physical manifesting. His features didn't seem so strict or one dimensional. We talked, and I teased him, causing him to walk away. I asked if he could bring me back something to drink. I sat alone, enjoying the peace for once when my whole body tensed up. I looked around and behind me and found no one.
"Hello, stranger. You must be the new daughter. Nice to meet you. My name is Ava."
I whipped my head around in shock, surprised anyone was there suddenly. But a realization sat in... no one can surprise me because I can smell everything and everyone. I looked at this mystery woman up and down.
She smelled of nothing.