Awakening Fate

Chapter 16: The Summer Festival Pt. 1

Clark’s POV

              Pack members filled the courtyard outside of the packhouse. Each one enjoying their time to socialize without worrying about work. My mother insisted on everyone being able to enjoy the picnic so she hired an outside catering company for the event. It was strange having so many gathered in one place, but it was also nice to see everyone coming together as the big family we are.

              I moved through the crowd of people mingling with a few here and there. Mostly I’m waiting for my father to make his speech to the rest of the pack and the visiting Alpha’s from allied packs. I wish I could be as carefree as the rest of the pack, but I have a responsibility and a reputation to maintain. While I’m not head Alpha yet, I have engaged in enough battles to let others in our nation know that I am a threat and not to be messed with. My father expressed that it is good to be feared, respected, but also known as fair when it comes to my role. Due to an increase in rogue attacks across the nation I earned the fear and respect from others. I also earned respect from within our pack by taking on more responsibilities and easing my father’s burdens. All of this has made me quite popular both in and outside of my pack. She-wolves are thrown in my direction all the time in hopes of me finding my mate. It’s exhausting and frustrating. There is never a moment of peace.

              I work my way towards the platform at the back of the large tent where my father will be addressing everyone. As I reach the platform at the front of the tent I see that most of my family has yet to arrive. Matt is there though like the diligent Beta he is. He has looks annoyed as he watches out over the crowd waiting to take their seats at their designated tables.

              “Not in the mood to party?” I ask standing next to him.

              “Sorry man, but not really. Just have too much on my mind.” He says glancing at his watch. “My mate on the other hand is excited.” He nods at the direction of the crowd where I see Elena talking amongst some of her friends. Matt got lucky in finding Elena as his mate. Her transition to our pack was seamless and she has such an easy spirit that it didn’t take long for her to find some friends.

              “She does look like she is excited and having fun. I think you and your family deserve that Matt.” I state giving him a small smile.

              “I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right to celebrate or have fun knowing she is up in a room hiding.” He mumbles taking a sip of beer. “Elena says we just need to give her time.” He chuckles slightly while looking at his mate, “she is more understanding, and she hasn’t even met Emmy yet.”

              “She will come out Matt, in all good time.” I assure him grabbing myself a beer as well.

              As we stand there waiting for my father, I notice Hayden and Kenzie staring in our direction. I quickly look away hoping that they will not approach us or cause a scene. They are both sitting with some of their friends and appear to be whispering about something while occasionally glancing towards Matt and I. For some reason both Kenzie and Hayden look angry while they are talking to their friends. Matt seems to notice them and makes some grumbling noises while glaring in their direction.

              “What do you think those two are up to?” He asks without hiding his disdain for our former girlfriends.

              “Not sure, but Hayden has been coming around trying to talk to me about our relationship.” I mutter while sitting down on the edge of the platform.

              “You two better not be back together. I couldn’t handle it.” Matt looks at me with his face scrunched up in disgust making me laugh.

              “No. I heard she found her mate, but she keeps telling me that she wants to reject him. Honestly, I haven’t had feelings for her in quite some time.”

              “Good. She is way beneath you, and I’m not saying that because you’re an Alpha. I’m saying that because she is vile and self-centered.” Matt says giving a curt nod.

              “What has you in such a sour mood?” Elena asks walking up and wrapping her arms around Matt’s waist.

              Matt smiles softly pulling his mate towards him and placing his head into the crook of her neck. “I’m in a much better mood now.” He chuckles as he continues to hide his face. Elena rolls her eyes and looks towards me. She follows my eyeline towards the group of girls who continue to whisper. When Kenzie notices Elena’s gaze she glares at her and nudges Hayden who also turns and glares slightly.

              “There are only two things they could be talking about. It’s either about you two good looking males or it’s about your sister.” She says as Matt pulls away from her giving her a concerned look. “I have heard some of the rumors swirling around the packhouse.” She explains giving a little shrug.

              “You don’t think this will put her in harms way?” Matt turns to ask me. I can see that he is fighting to keep his emotions in control as worry creeps in.

              “We will do everything in our power to keep her safe.” I state with no concerns. This seems to ease Matt for now. It also helps that his mate is running her hands up and down his arms soothingly calming his inner wolf.

              After some time, Lily and Lewis have joined us as we continue to chat as we await the start of the picnic celebration. Lewis seems to be in good spirits as he engages in conversation. He even seems to be lightly teasing Lily in hopes of getting her to ease up.

              “Did you two work things out? I ask Lewis while glancing towards Lily who is talking with Elena about some of the decorations.

              “Yeah, I apologized.” Lewis says while giving a small shrug. “I realized I was being too harsh and it’s not fair to blame her.”

              “Good. I don’t know if I could have handled babysitting you two anymore.” I smile at my little brother while he scowls at me. We both know that Lily has had a hard time losing her best friend for a year.

              “Any news on how Emmy is doing?” Lewis almost whispers while glancing towards Matt who is too infatuated with staring at his mate to notice much now.

              “Not much has changed.” Matt says. “She still hasn’t left her room and that they are trying to be patient and move at her pace.”

              Lewis nods but doesn’t say anything more. He seems lost in thought as our parents along with Matt’s parents approach the platform. We each take a moment to greet each other before stepping up onto the platform. Everyone becomes silent as we take our places, and my father approaches the microphone.

              “It is an honor to be standing here before you all. Over the last 100 years the Granite Pack has flourished and has represented our nation with pride. Tonight, we are blessed to come together and celebrate another season together. The summer season is a time to enjoy ourselves before we start to prepare for fall and winter.  So tonight, let us all enjoy the festivities together. To another season” My father says raising a glass to cheers with the rest of the pack. The pack responds to the cheers in unison.

              As I also respond to the cheers, I feel a soft breeze hit my body. The air around me is filled with the sweetest smell making my mouth water. My body tenses as I realize my mate must be nearby. It hits me so hard that I almost drop my drink. Every muscle in my body wants to take off and try to find her. I take a deep breath trying to calm my inner wolf who is dying to come out and claim what is ours.

              “I’ll be back.” I mutter as I move past Matt. I can sense Matt wanting to ask me what is wrong, but I can’t stay to provide an explanation as it feels like my feet has taken flight.

I move through the crowd trying to find the source of the scent. I move towards the back of the packhouse finding a myself locked onto the scent trail. My heart beats rapidly as I realize that tonight I will be finding my mate. My destined love.