The Mark

Show Must Go On

While swirling on the dance floor Kiara noticed that Dan is in fact looking at Miles. Alpha moved his eyes onto her. She froze for a second, but then tried to look normal. She excused herself and went to the table for a drink.

“You’re not paranoid, he was watching us” she thought to Miles. She didn’t know what’s going on, but that was just another weird thing that happened today. So not really surprising. But now Dan was coming towards her, reaching his hand forward. “May I have this dance?” She wasn’t expecting that, she caught him staring, but instead of being embarrassed, he was so confident. She took his hand, and they came back to the dance floor.

Miles was still dancing with Luna, but kept an eye on what’s happening between Kie and Alpha. He couldn’t decide if he’s more relieved that she’s no longer with Tim, or more worried that Alpha is acting that way.

Suddenly Celeste grabbed his hand firmly, and led him to her table, but not her chair. She put her hand inside Dan’s suit jacket and took out a small flask with translucent liquid. She gave it quickly to Miles. “Drink that. You’ll feel better.” He looked at a small bottle. It wasn’t labelled, no name on it.

“What is that?” he asked. He was sure she meant no harm, but he wasn’t really the drinking type.

“It’s not alcohol. Trust me.” She just said, and he believed her. Miles opened the flask and smelled it; the smell wasn’t good or bad, it was vague. He pressed it to his lips and drank everything at once. He was so confused with this little gift that he didn’t even ask what this was about.

“Wait, what do you mean? Why do you think I need to feel better?” he asked even though he was terrified to hear the answer.

Celeste just looked at him. It was fascinating, 5 minutes ago they were dancing like crazy, she was acting like a teenager, but now she was like a different person. Caring, loving and responsible. “It’s not your fault. And nothing is wrong with you.”

She knew. How? Suddenly the air became so heavy, he couldn’t breathe. All sounds were muted now and his head was spinning. He needs to go, he can’t stay there. She grabbed his hand again and went to the stairs leading to the terrace.

Kiara, still dancing with Alpha, trying to understand his behaviour, noticed distressed Miles led by Celeste. Dan saw that too and sighed. His sister was great, but sometimes she was so hot-headed. Kie didn’t say anything to Alpha, and was already halfway to the terrace. Alpha rushed behind her.

“Kiara wait!” she heard, but she didn’t stop. “Kie!” he used his alpha voice on her, afraid that she wouldn't listen any other way. Kiara stopped and turned to him. “I’m sorry, I know it might’ve been rude to leave you there, but I saw Miles…”

“I know, I saw them too. It’s fine, he’s with my sister” Dan replied.

“But he should be with his sister. Not yours.” She said getting angry.

“It’s not that simple Kie” he said, and now Kiara lost it. How come? What’s not simple?

“What’s going on here?” Suddenly Sofia was standing next to them. She respected Alpha, but Kiara always felt like she didn't like him.

“I was just saying to Kie, that it’s not that simple for Miles to be with his sister right now” said Dan to Sofia, and it sounded suspicious, like there’s more to the story. Her mother’s face confirmed that they were keeping something from her, as she went completely pale, her eyes round.

“I don’t care what games you’re playing, I need to see Miles.” Kiara said and just left them.

Dan looked at her back when she went away, and nodded towards her for Sofia to look. She did so, and turned her eyes to Alpha.

“It doesn’t mean anything!” She almost screamed and ran after her daughter.

“Oh you know it does. You saw me and Celeste. Stop pretending.” He said and went right after.

Miles was bending over the terrace barrier. Celeste was standing right next to him. He was hyperventilating so she grabbed his hand and started talking to him to make him calmer. She wasn’t surprised by this reaction. She was wondering if she’s done the right thing. Maybe Dan was right, maybe she should’ve waited for a better moment with that. He’s just found out.

“Look at me Miles” she cupped his face and made him look at her. “Breathe with me.” He grabbed her hands which were on his cheeks right now and tried to do what she says.

“Good, good.”

Her voice was soothing and after a minute he could finally breathe. He wanted to say something, but his head was still spinning, and he couldn’t thing of anything smart. Celeste probably noticed that and decided to speak first.

“I really mean that. Nothing’s wrong with you.” she was now holding his hand, just like Kiara used to. It was quite funny, she could’ve been his sister, just couple years older. Kie and Celeste were almost identical. When he, his sister, Alpha and Luna were together, they looked like siblings, or parents with their children. The only thing that made them different were Miles’ eyes. All of them had deep blue eyes, his were brown.

“You look like her.” He just said. He didn’t say the name, but they both knew who he is talking about.

She was silent, looking like she was fighting with herself.

“Well, that doesn’t surprise me.” She said finally.

“What do you mean?” he asked, but Celeste wasn’t able to answer as Kiara rushed into the terrace, Sofia and Alpha right behind her.

“Miles, are you all right?” she asked and proceeded towards him. Why was Celeste here with him? Why didn’t he ask her to come? It was stupid of her to be jealous in a moment like that, but she couldn’t help, especially after Miles being so weird lately. They were best friends, and she felt left out.

Miles was standing with fright in his eyes. It wasn’t helping that Kie was getting closer while everyone was watching him, watching them. He couldn’t say a word. She was next to him now, looking concerned, but there was something wrong, and when Miles understood what was that, he finally said, almost shouted to Celeste “What have you done?”. He couldn’t smell Kie. His best friend, his mate. What was going on? Since he found out, he could smell her from a big distance, now they were a few inches apart, and nothing. There was anger and sadness in his voice.

Seeing that, Dan rushed to them in case Miles loses self – control and does something he's going to regret later. It turned fout to be a great idea, as a young werewolf grabbed Celeste and started shaking her. Alpha jumped on Miles trying to incapacitate him. They started fighting.

Kiara looked at her mother, but she saw her standing completely frozen. She understood that Sofia probably won’t do anything. She didn’t know what to do, and the best idea she could think of was to jump in between them.

“Stop it! Stop it both, now!” Kiara’s voice was incredibly strong; it wasn’t just the volume, but also something else to it, like a power from inside. She was now standing back to Miles, and holding hands to stop Dan from further fighting. “Don’t f*****g touch him again!” it came out of her mouth faster than she could process it, and when she thought about it after, it was quite bold to say that to the pack leader. It didn’t matter at that moment, because it was Miles. She couldn’t let anybody hurt him. To her surprise, Dan didn’t look mad. He had understanding and compassion in his eyes. Kie turned towards her brother. “What happened, why the f**k have you attacked Celeste?” she asked. She was worried about him, but it didn’t mean she agreed with everything he did.

Now Celeste who was stunned before finally spoke. “Miles I can explain, but you don’t have to worry, I promise.” She was talking only to him and it sounded like she’s explaining herself, which confused Kiara even more.

“What have you done Celeste?” Miles asked the same question as before with a cracking voice. He started crying. His mate was right in front of him and he couldn’t feel anything. He didn’t know what’s worse; to smell and feel her so intensely while he cannot be with her, or not being able to feel anything.

Sofia walked towards them, and hugged her son. Dan looked at his sister with anger.

“Can anyone please tell me what is going on? Everyone seems to know, but me.” Kiara was crying too. All the emotions had to come out of her somehow. Miles pulled her into his arms as soon as he noticed tears in her eyes, he didn’t care they had company. Besides, Dan and Celeste knew, and he was almost completely sure, his mom knew too.

Miles was right. Sofia had her suspicions before, but now was sure. When he hugged her sister, she almost started screaming “Stop it, it’s wrong! You’re his sister!”. Kie heard what her mother was saying, but didn’t care anymore. Miles stiffened hearing those words, and she felt that, so she strengthened the embrace.

Dan and Celeste weren’t interrupting until now. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that!” said Alpha pointing again to Kiara’s back. “Shut up!” shouted Sofia. “No, you shut up! And leave them be! Let’s go.” Celeste joined the conversation, or rather argument, grabbed Sofia by her arm, and all three of them left the terrace.

They were alone, standing in the moonlight, crying. That’s not what Miles had in mind while imagining the first night with his mate.

“What’s going on Miles? What happened between you and Celeste?” tears were still running through her cheeks.

“She gave me something to drink, it made me feel dizzy. I’m sorry for the way I acted.” It wasn’t a complete lie. It just wasn’t the whole truth.

“Is that it? That made you fight our f*****g Alpha? Because she gave you something to drink?” all of them were keeping something from her, she was tired of that.

“That’s not it. But I can’t tell you more now. I promise I’ll tell you soon.” Miles couldn’t think of any better response. He planned to do so, so technically he wasn’t lying. He just needed to figure it all out himself.

Kiara wasn’t happy about this, but what else could she do?

They were standing in silence. It didn’t add up to Kiara. Her brother was always so composed, and now, out of nowhere attacks the much stronger Alpha. Why? She wasn’t as patient as Miles, she wanted answers now. Not soon. She sighed.

The night was chilly with the wind becoming stronger with every minute. Miles was glancing at Kie. He knew she was angry, and he knew that she had every right to be so, but he couldn’t help it and smiled, as he finally was able to smell her scent again. It wasn’t as intense as before yet, but after that break caused by this weird drink, it felt amazing.

“Why are you smiling?” asked Kiara. She didn’t like the situation, but that was still Miles’ birthday, so she tried to sound nice. The truth was she couldn’t stay mad at him for too long. He was the closest person to her.

Miles blushed. Her scent was so intoxicating, for a second the thought of telling her everything ran through his mind. He shook his head. “I’m happy we’re here together. I feel safe and comfortable” he said. Immediately after that, he got scared that she might take it in an inappropriate way, even though they often tell things like that to each other. Now everything was different and he was overthinking everything.

“Aww Miles, you’re so cute sometimes.” She hugged him. Miles caressed Kie’s back and when his hand was on her lower back he felt a little bump on her skin. Although he didn’t want to stop, he freed himself from the embrace and looked at her back. She was confused, but let him do that. Right above the dress edge there was a light brown mark. That was surprising, they were growing up together, but he’s never noticed that.

“What? What’s there?” Kiara tried to turn her head and look. Miles touched the slightly darker part of her skin, and she shivered. “Miles, what are you doing?” she blushed. “I’ve never noticed you have a mark like this.” replied her brother. “What mark? I don’t have any…” Kie was heading to the window to see her reflection, Miles right behind her. She was standing back to the mirror and turned her head. There was in fact a mark on her lower back.

“It looks like croissant” she laughed and wasn’t eager to continue the topic. Miles on the other hand was curious. For him it didn’t look like a pastry, but like a crescent moon. Exactly the same as Alpha and Luna had.