Denying Fate ( Moonlight Trials Series #1)

Chapter 3 – Strange Encounters

Karmas POV

I was ready for the party. I knew by Chase’s hint that he was going to wear his matching outfit to my dress. We always did, causing everyone who knew us to roll their eyes. Why would this year be any different? I had wondered if Chase would change things up for his 18th birthday especially if he hadn’t realised who his mate was. My mind was still whirling. I loved Chase with all my heart, but I still wondered if we were actually mates, why did the moon goddess curse us to wait until our 18th birthday! The next year was going to be horrible to deal with.

I curled my hair but left it down, knowing Case liked it that way then slipped on my black flat shoes. I knew heels wouldn’t be a good idea in the garden. I headed to the back garden, knowing that’s where he would more than likely be. I squeezed past people who were already littering the halls of the house, saying hellos to everyone. I kept trying to pass people, but no one would move, and I was beginning to get frustrated. As I was squeezing my way through the kitchen, I bent down to duck under someone’s arm and when I came back up, I bumped into someone and headbutted their chin causing me to cry out in pain. I was ready to shout at someone when I heard a deep, raspy voice ask me:

“Are you ok?” I proceeded to rub my forehead as I looked up to see who I had headbutted. The guy was rubbing his chin which was covered in a long dark beard. My heart fluttered, but I didn’t know why.

“Erm yeah…” I said staring at him. He had long dark hair, deep brown eyes and his long shaggy beard was braided in a few places. He looked around the middle to late 20’s in age. “I’m… sorry” I stuttered. As I was apologising, I heard Chase shout me and looked towards the back door. He must have heard me shout out when I headbutted the guy and the mate bond drew him to me. I turned around to apologise again to the guy and ask his name, but he had disappeared. I shrugged and walked to where Chase was calling from.

I was so happy when I saw he was wearing his usual suit and shirt and he grabbed me and twirled me around him. I giggled immensely and he kissed me lightly on the lips.

“I knew you’d get my hint.” He laughed. “Are you ok? I heard you yell out in pain!” He put me down now looking concerned.

“Yeah, I’m fine! I was walking to the back yard but because it was so crowded, I bumped into someone, headbutting their chin. He asked me if I was ok but after I answered he disappeared.” I said, looking around to see if I could see him again, I sniffed though, smelling charcoal coming from the kitchen. “I just wanted to make sure he was ok. But…” I shrugged, the smell must be for the BBQ’s.

“He’ll be fine, it was only a headbutt, us male werewolves are made of strong stuff kid” Chase laughed again, pulling me into the back garden. People were eating, laughing, dancing and generally talking. We headed over to the Alpha and Luna who were sat with the Beta and a few other people, some I knew, some I didn’t. As I said before, when we arrived at the table, we were greeting with eye rolls.

“As always Kar, you look beautiful, but when I said best dress, I meant something else, maybe something new!” Aunt Leah said, exasperated.

“I know, but how could I let Chase down when he gave me the hint of what he was wearing!” I smiled, looking at Chase lovingly. I saw Alpha George pretend to gag and the table laughed. Dan, Chase’s best friend, besides me obviously, and future beta, ran towards us stating it was drinking game time. Aunt Leah shot me a look that told me I wasn’t to touch any… Stupid not being 18 yet!

The night went on with games of truth and dare, spin the bottle, pushing people in the pool and so on. Most of the elder pack members left the “youngsters” to carry on partying and retired early. At around 12pm nearly everyone was drunk and out of it. Most of the sober youngsters had retired too and I think I was the only sober person left outside. Chase was out of it drunk. We were sat with our feet dangling into the pool. Dan swimming around the pool in his jeans, complaining that the alcohol was making him not swim great when it was more than likely the jeans weighing him down. I was laughing whilst Chase leant on my shoulder, fighting sleep.

“I really love you Kar!” He slurred. “I can’t wait to mark you and make you mine.” He smiled to himself on my shoulder. I started stroking his hair.

“Me too!” I said smiling at his head before planting a small kiss on his head. I could sense his breathing becoming calm and assumed he had fell asleep on me, finally. I looked around to see who was still awake or sober to help me move him. When I didn’t see anyone, I proceeded to try and drag Chase to a comfy seat to nap on. I might scrape him around a bit but I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt him. I was pulling him by his shoulders looking behind me to find the best seat when I suddenly felt Chase’s weight become very light. I sniffed up, smelling the faint smell of burning wood. Again? I glanced round to see the guy from earlier smiling at me as he held Chase’s legs helping me carry him to one of the outdoor sofas.

“Thank you!” I said, shyly.

“No problem, I owed you one for hurting you earlier” He smiled. My heart skipped a beat again. What was this? I didn’t even know the guy or find him attractive, but my heart seemed to recognise him and felt something for him. And the smell he gave off, charcoal. I definitely recognised it, but from where?

“Who are you?” I whispered. He looked at me hard.

“You don’t remember me?” He asked, sadly.

“I don’t… Should I?” I asked, confused.

He smiled but a sad smile and looked at Chase who was now sleeping on his back, mouth open. His face changed and he looked at me sternly. My heart skipped a beat again. Something wasn’t quite right about this person. But I couldn’t put my finger on why I was worried about him. He shrugged and sat down on the edge of the wicker sofa wed just laid Chase on. He patted the space at the side of him. I didn’t want to, but something was telling me to sit next to him.

“You should know me, but it was a long time ago. I’m sure we can get to know each other properly again soon.” At that, Kismet yipped happily in my head.

“What’s your name?” I asked, yawning a little louder than I wanted to. He shook his head.

“Not yet!” I shrugged. If he wanted to be secretive then that was his problem. I doubted I’d see him again after today, having never crossed his path before. I yawned again and rested my head on the arm of the sofa.

“You will know it soon.” He whispered. He got up and kissed me lightly on the forehead. My eyes widened a little, but I was extremely drowsy. My last drowsy sight was of the guy walking away before shifting and running into the woods that surrounded the house.