The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 15

The space was expansive and was surrounded by the natural beauty of the towering trees that stood like silent guardians around the perimeter. There were twinkling string lights that crisscrossed above and hung from tree to tree that bathed the area in a romantic ambiance. The lights were interspersed with glowing orbs that floated gently through the area.

The centerpiece of the ball area was a raised wooden platform that served as the dance floor and surrounding this, were dozens of tables and refreshment centers. I felt a slight moment of guilt when I thought about how I should have been here earlier to help, but I only let that guilt consume me for a second because I couldn’t regret the time I got to spend with Luke.

I looked up at Luke and then at the beautiful scene before us and stood there to enjoy the magic moment and the lively atmosphere. More and more people started to fill in the area and the sounds of chatter and laughter started to fill the air. I looked around and saw familiar faces from my own pack as well as new ones from surrounding packs. The Blood Moon pack members were donned in red and black attire, all of them looking breathtaking. The Silver Comet pack looked astonishing in their gold and green finery. The Pink Moon pack was wearing, of course, pink and gold. As I continued to look around, I noticed dozens more color combinations and felt the energy in the area fill with excitement and anticipation as individuals greeted old friends and met with new faces.

The cover to the food platters were removed and the intoxicating aroma of the delicacies spread through the air. Luke followed the scent with his eyes and located his target. I saw his eyes narrow with longing.

“Shall we get some food?” He asked me.

“Why do I feel that you are always hungry?” I teased him.

He laughed at me and patted his stomach. “That’s because I am always hungry.”

I laughed as well and he put out his elbow for me to grab it. I took his elbow with my hand and we started walking towards the buffet table. Before we could reach the table, Alpha James and Luna Mora approached us with welcoming smiles. Alpha James was a tall man who had a commanding presence with a neatly trimmed beard. He extended a hand to Luke and Luke dropped his elbow to take Alpha’s hand in return. His wife, Luna Mora, stood beside him, her soft smile as serene as ever.

“Good evening, Evelette.” Alpha James said. “And who is this fine young gentleman accompanying you tonight?” He asked as he shook Luke’s hand.

“This is Luke, “I replied, “he’s part of the group of visiting Lycans.”

“Good evening Alpha,” Luke said, and then looked toward Luna Mora and said, “Good evening Luna.”

Luna Mora smiled coily, “I’m glad to see that you seem to be enjoying yourself, Evelette. I was afraid you’d be hanging around on the outskirts of this ball…you know…considering…” She trailed off.

I stiffened at her words. What was she playing at? “Yes, thank you, Luna Mora, Luke has been very gracious.”

“And Evelette has been very welcoming to me and the other Lycans. She’s been an exemplary host.” Luke cut in. “The ball is beautiful. You’ve done a fantastic job getting everything ready. I don’t know if I’ve ever been to a ball so beautiful.”

Luna Mora beamed at the compliment. “We’re so glad you could join us this year, Luke. It’s not often anyone gets to host members of the Lycan Kingdom. I hope everything will continue to be to your liking.”

“Of course, Luna.” Luke began, “As I said, Evelette has been an amazing host. Her hospitality is unmatched.” He said as he looked at me, smiling.

I felt Luna's eyes on me, a knowing look within their depths. “Evelette, dear, you look lovely tonight. I hope you are enjoying yourself.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Luna. And yes, I am enjoying myself. It’s been wonderful so far. The food smells amazing.”

Luna eyed me once more and opened her mouth to speak. But before she could, Alpha James cut in and said, “Well, it seems we have stopped you on your way to some refreshments. Please enjoy the night. And Evelette,” he met my eyes, “let me know if you have any news for me as the night moves on.”

In other words, what he meant was I needed to tell him if I felt I could shift tonight or not. I’m sure he had already drawn up the exile paperwork with the pack’s lawyer and was just waiting for after midnight to present it to me. I looked up at him and nodded with a smile on my face, in any case.

With my nod, Alpha James and Luna Mora left to go mingle with other guests. I looked to Luke and he instantly hugged me. I took the opportunity to take a deep breath and prohibit my eyes from letting out any tears.

“They’re a nice bunch, aren’t they?” Luke said when I ended the hug.

I took another deep breath and huffed it out. “You have no idea. But it’s strange to say, that interaction really worked up my appetite. Let’s just get some food and find someplace to sit for a moment or two.”

Luke nodded and extended his elbow out to me again, which I took as we continued walking towards the food. We quickly grabbed some food and sat down to eat. I looked around and was pleasantly surprised to see most of the Lycans were seamlessly lingering amongst the shifters. Atlas looked extremely cozy with a woman from the Blood Moon pack. Did he find his mate? I hope so, he deserves it.

“Did you see Clay earlier when you went to get ready?” I asked as I suddenly remembered what happened.

“Yea, I saw him for a bit. He was outside with Rina and they were having a very heated discussion.” He replied. “I’m not sure it went well. I feel bad for the guy.”

I nodded my head in agreement, “Me too. Do you think he will show up tonight?”

Luke tapped his chin thoughtfully, “I’m honestly not sure if he will or not.”

“Uh, actually, I guess we have our answer.” I said as I gestured towards Clay.

Clay looked completely disheveled and his usually neat hair was mussed. His eyes were shadowed, as though he hadn’t slept in days, and his expression was distant. I caught Luke’s eye and he gave me a slight nod in acknowledgement as we both understood the complete turmoil Clay was clearly in.

“Clay!” Luke called out and Clay’s gaze snapped to us. He walked slowly over to us, his movements were heavy with an invisible burden.

“Hey,” he said, “Sorry I’m late.”

“No, don’t worry about it, Clay,” I began, “I’m sure you’ve had a rough afternoon. Did you want to talk about it?”

Clay looked over at me and said, “Not now. I just want to sit and eat for a while.”

I smiled reassuringly at him. “The food is over there.” I pointed. “Did you want us to come with you?”

“Nope, I’m sure I can find my way to the buffet table.” He snapped.

“Woah there, Clay. She was just trying to help. No need to give her attitude.” Luke said sternly as he eyed Clay.

The two Lycans were locked in eye contact for an extended moment. Clearly there was an unseen battle happening between them. Ultimately, Clay let out an exasperated sigh and turned on his heels to walk towards the buffet table.

“Sorry about that.” Luke said. “He’s usually able to keep his cool.”

“No, it’s fine.” I said with a reassuring hand on his arm. “We don’t know what happened between them today. From the look of it, it wasn’t anything good.”

After a few minutes, Clay returned to the table with a plate piled high with food and sat down heavily. He didn’t greet either of us or even look at us. Luke and I shared a glance and decided it was best to keep quiet for the meantime. After a few moments of silence, there was a commotion at the entrance. Heads turned and a hush fell over the crowd as Rina stormed in. Her face was a mask of desperation and anger. She was messily dressed in a ball gown and her hair was in disarray. It looked like she attempted to do her make-up but her obvious tears had streaked it down her face.

“Clay!” she shouted, her voice cracking and I felt Clay stiffen beside me.