Awakening Fate

Chapter 4: Bonfire Pt. 1

Emmeline’s POV

              Loud knocking pulls me out of my deep sleep. I groan and throw back the covers only to see that it is dark outside. I must have slept for about eight hours. The knocking continues and gets louder bringing my attention back to my door. I debate on whether or not I should open the door or not.

              “Emmy, open this door right now!” Lily’s voice calls out from the other side of the door. I jump out of my and quickly open the door.

              Lily barrels into my room with a sour look on her face. She turns about to yell at me but stops as she takes in my appearance. Her eyes are fixated on my arms. I follow her gaze and spot dark purple bruises from Kenzie grasp earlier.

              “Emmy, did she do that?” She whispers with wide eyes.

              “Lily, please don’t say anything.” I plead with her, but Lily just shakes her head.             

              “This isn’t okay Emmy. She has no right to put her hands on you. Also, Matt deserves to know. I heard about their relationship today. It was all over school.” She states crossing her arms over her chest.

              “Matt is happy.” I mutter looking down.

              “Would he really be happy knowing this is how she treats others?” Lily asks raising an eyebrow. I have no reply for her. She is right Matt would not be happy if he knew the truth.

              “I can’t promise not to say anything if this keeps happening, but for now I won’t address it.” Lily sighs and walks over to me pulling me into a hug. “You deserve better.”

              “Thanks Lilly. Is this why you came over here?” I chuckle slightly pulling away from her. She just gives me a mischievous grin.

              “Nope, we are going out! Now quickly go get ready.” She says pushing me towards the bathroom.

              I do as I am told and quickly shower. Before heading back out into the bedroom I look at the bruises on my arms. They were dark purple splotches that made perfect handprints on my upper arms. I sigh, knowing that I will have to wear long sleeves for the next couple of weeks until the bruises fade. I exit the bathroom to find Lily standing there with a pile of clothes. She gives them to me and instructs me to hurry up so that she can do my hair and make-up. After about an hour I’m left standing in a black mini sleeveless swing dress with a light blue jean jacket and black strappy sandals. My hair is left down in loose waves with the ends slightly curled. I place my pack sigil necklace under the front of my dress and put on some small crystal stud earrings.

              “You look amazing!” Lily sings jumping up and down. “Wait here I will be right back.” She walks into my bathroom with a change of clothes leaving me alone standing in front of a full-length mirror. I can barely recognize myself as I take in my appearance. I look older and more confident, rather then the small daughter of the Beta. I hear the door open, and my best-friend comes walking out with a tight black body-con dress on, paired with a leather jacket. She has her thick black hair pulled up into a high ponytail and her Kingston trademark blue eyes are lined with black giving a smokey eye effect.

              “Wow, Lily. Are we trying to impress someone tonight?” I ask giving her a small smirk. Lily just blushes and turns away from me.

              “Come! We are already running late.”

              “Where are we going?” I ask as I try to keep up with her as we descend the pack house stairway.

              “You will see!” She sings bouncing out the door.

              Twenty minutes later we pull up to the Alpha’s lakeside cabin. There are young pack members everywhere. Music is playing and a large bonfire sits in front of the lake. I’m left stunned as I realize Lily has brought me to a pack party.

              “What are we doing here?” I ask starting to panic.

              “My brother’s small birthday and end of the school year party.” She says giving me a knowing smile.

              “Small!” I shriek looking at the numerous pack members moving around the property. I don’t notice that Lily has exited the vehicle and is now on my side pulling me out of the car.

              “It will be fine.” She reassures me straightening out my clothes. “Plus, we deserve a little fun.”

              She pulls me towards the cabin. I notice people looking at us making me blush slightly with all the attention. Lily grabs to cups and hands me one. She starts to drink while I stand there feeling out of place. Lily notices my hesitation quickly.

              “Come on Emmy, loosen up a little.” She says pushing the cup towards my face. I take a quick drink and wince a little as the alcohol burns my throat. Lily laughs at my expression as she watches me drink vodka for the first time.

              “Lily, go easy on her.” Her twin older brother approaches us smiling. He briefly hugs his little sister before tuning and hugging me. Blush fills my cheeks again. Lewis is someone I consider a friend. He has always been kind to me and hangs out with our group. He is also attractive just like the rest of his family. He also has black hair and blue eyes just like Lily. They get their looks from their mother while Clark and his father have dark brown hair. Each member has blue eyes though which is why I call it the Blackwood trademark.

              “Hey dumb dumb.” Lily says grinning at her brother. “Where is the rest of our crew?”

              Lewis looks around but ends up only shrugging. “They are around here somewhere.”

              “Where were you today?” He asks looking at me concerned.

              “I just needed a day.” I replied taking another small sip of the alcohol. My second sip doesn’t taste any better, so I make a mental note to try and find some water.

              “Well, we all missed you.” A soft voice comes from behind me. We turn and spot Addie walking over. She stares at Lewis giving him lovey eyes. She has always had a crush on him. She moves to stand next to him.

              “Aw, thank you guys.” I state giving them all a small smile.

              We all move to a stone wall near the cabin sitting on it instead of the ground. We continue to converse and watch other pack members. A few more of our friends join us as we enjoy discussing summer plans.

              “This week we should all go to the pool!” Addie states excitedly. “What do you think Lewis?”

              “Yeah, that sounds like fun.” Lewis says giving her a small smile.  

              “I wouldn’t mind tagging along.” Theo says walking over to our group. Lily smiles from ear to ear and walks up to him giving him hug. Lewis glares at the new graduate who will be starting warrior training this summer.

              “Don’t you think you will be a little busy.” Lewis says flatly. He disapproves of his sister dating anyone, which makes me giggle. He looks at me raising an eyebrow, but I hold my hands up in surrender.

              “I’m sure I can find some time.” Theo says looking at Lily. I give her an all-knowing look. She has been wanting Theo’s attention for the last two years. Lily is on cloud nine.

              “What are we making time for?” Matt says coming up to the group. He is all smiles with Kenzie on his arm as he looks around the group. His smile instantly drops when he notices that I am present with a cup of alcohol still in my hand.

              In an instant he is right in front of me snatching the cup away. His eyes look me up and down and his face scrunches up in disgust.

              “What are you wearing?” He snarls glaring at me. “You come here but can’t have the decency of texting me back today.”

              “I didn’t plan on coming to this, but now that I’m here I’m going to enjoy it. Looks like you are also enjoying yourself.” I state glancing at Kenzie, who is glaring at me. I take a deep breath trying not to let my emotions get the best of me. “Matt, please just go have fun.” I state looking away from him and towards Lily who is staring at me concerned.

              “Not until we talk and you, I don’t know change.” Matt demands crossing his arms.

              “What! Matt, you can’t just tell me what to do.”

              “I think it’s best if you do what your told.” Kenzie says walking to stand next to my brother.

Luckily, Lily isn’t willing to let Kenzie gang up on me. “Actually, I believe she has every right to wear and do as she please in this case. She is not causing any harm to anyone.” She gives my brother a disproving look. “Just because you’re sleeping with someone of status doesn’t mean you get to call the shots.” She says to Kenzie who is now fuming.

“How dare you!” Kenzie seethes glaring at Lily. “You think I’m intimidated by someone who is playing dress up?” Matt looks at Kenzie shocked by her outburst but doesn’t say anything.

“What is going on?” Hayden walks up and tries to console her best friend who looks like she could kill both Lily and I. Clark stands behind Hayden, but he is staring at me. I put my face in my hands embarrassed by all of this.

“Well, these two think they don’t have to listen and do as they are told.” Kenzie says gesturing towards Lily and myself. Hayden turns and glares at the both of us, but before she can say anything Clark steps in.

“What were they told to do?” He asks moving his gaze from me towards Kenzie.

“That one needs to change and quit looking like she is looking for an easy lay.” Kenzie says tilting her had in my direction.

Clark’s eyes move back towards me and slowly he lets his eyes roam over my body. He is quiet for a while, but eventually turns his attention back to Kenzie. “I think she looks fine, she is dressed in more fabric than you.” He points out with a small smirk on his lips. Even Matt chuckles a bit. “My guess is this is more of sibling thing, which is something that you should not be involved in.”

Kenzie’s eyes start to tear up out of frustration. “Are you going to agree with this?” She asks turning and raising an eyebrow towards my brother.

“Well, it’s true that I don’t need help with my baby sister.” He says looking at her sympathetically. Kenzie huffs and storms off with Hayden hot on her heels.

“I’ll be at the bar.” Clark tells my brother before leaving. He gives me another strange look before turning and leaving us.

“Emmy, we need to talk.” Matt says moving closer towards me.

“Please Matt, not tonight. I just want to have fun.” I beg him hoping that by tomorrow he will forget about all of this.

“Fine, but seriously I want to know why you are being so distant lately.” He says still looking at me concerned. I nod and give him a brief hug before he leaves us.

“Maybe he will figure out it’s his vile new girlfriend.” Lily says rolling her eyes.

Everyone starts to relax and starts conversing again. I notice Lily has slinked away and I can only guess that she is spending some time with Theo. Lewis and Addie are talking with a few other friends, who I am not overly close with. I sigh noticing how I have ended up alone at a party full of people.

I slip away suddenly feeling a bit claustrophobic surrounded by pack members who have never given me a second glance in the past. I move through the crowd seeking any form of space only to find myself standing right in front of the lake. I notice a dock leading out from the beach and decide that will be where I can find some fresh air. At the end of the dock I slip off my shoes and sit on the end of the dock with my feet dipped into the water.

The sounds of party became a distant concern for me as I took in the sounds of the water moving. After a few minutes I hear footsteps approaching me. I tense up and turn slowly to see who is coming my way. I have to look up to see who it is as this person towers over me. Oh goddess, it’s Clark Blackwood.

“Why are you out here by yourself?” He asks while looking down on me. I turn away from him concerned that I am just going to make him mad.

“I’m just enjoying some peace and quiet.” I state looking out at the water. He doesn’t say anything but doesn’t leave. Instead, he comes and sits down next to me.

“You don’t seem to like parties.” He states looking at me.

I continue to stare out over the lake feeling tense. “Honestly, I don’t really.”

“How do you know my sister?” He asks in a low voice. I can still feel his gaze on me.

“We have been best friends since young pups. She is also my captor who brought me to this party.” I chuckle trying to lighten the mood slightly.

“That sounds like something my sister would do.” He chuckles out. The sound of his laugh makes my heart stop. “Why haven’t I noticed you around before?” He asks making my heart ache slightly.

I look down at my hands in my lap. “I’m good at blending in and not being noticed. I’m also not very memorable.” I say honestly trying not to let my voice quiver as my emotions start to rise.

Minute’s pass and I start debating on fleeing. “I don’t think that is true.” He says suddenly making me look up at him. His blue eyes capturing my gaze making every uncomfortable feeling disappear.

“That is very kind of you to say.” I break eye contact and look back out over the lake as blush creeps into my cheeks. Suddenly, I realize he is spending time with me rather than being at his party.

“Don’t you want to have fun with your friend?” I ask looking at him curiously.

“Is my presence bothering you?” He asks, making me feel guilty.

“Oh goddess, no. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression, I really didn’t mean to.” I stutter out hoping to repair the damage of my big mouth.

Laughter fills the air as Clark bends over holding his stomach. “You didn’t offend me. It’s okay.” He continues to laugh at me while blush again fills my cheeks.

“It wasn’t that funny.” I state smiling a bit.

After he composes himself, he turns towards me. “Yes it was. As for the party, I have made the rounds and now I am also enjoying some quiet.” He states giving me a small smirk. My face falls a bit as I consider what he just said. Am I just another round? Clark is looking at me and appears to want to say more, but before he has a chance the sound of heels on the dock make us turn around.

“Baby, what are you doing?” Hayden says smiling at Clark.

“Just talking to a friend.” He replies giving me a small wink. He stands and walks up to Hayden. I sigh and stand as well. I put my shoes on and shrug out of my jacket feeling a bit warm and flustered.

“Well, I think her other friends are looking for her. Emmeline, I think they are over by the fire.” Hayden says with some annoyance. I nod and start to move by them.

“What happened to your arms?” Clark growls out making me freeze.

“Oh, it’s nothing, just an accident.” I state throwing my jacket on again quickly. I pull my hair out of the collar of my jacket. “Bye Clark, it was nice getting to know you better.” I give him a small wave but notice that his eyes are staring at my arms and his nostrils are flared. I quickly nod at Hayden who is glaring at me and briskly walk away.

I don’t see my friends anywhere near the fire like Hayden said, so I decide to start walking back home. It will take me about an hour to make it home, and after today I feel exhausted. I sigh and slowly start to make my way home. The only thing I do to pre-occupy my time while walking is think about my time alone on the lake with Clark.