The Wolf in Sheep's Skin

Chapter 56

My heart pounded in my chest as I pushed through the crowd. People’s eyes burned into my skin. Their voices swirled around me as I searched for someone, anyone in my family.

People got out of my way as I rushed past, no longer invisible. My face burned, and I gasped for breath, stopping in a little room far from where I’d been with Jay. My parents were standing together, their arms brushing, talking to a man I didn’t know.

It didn’t matter.

I raced across the room, stopping next to them. The man paused, looked me up and down, and my face burned like it’d caught on fire.

He blushed and tensed, putting all his attention back on my dad. He turned his body, as if he was making sure he wouldn’t look at me again.

I frowned and stared at the ground, clenching my fists. He knew we were in the pack house! He knew everyone would hear; how could he do that? I ground my teeth together and waited for the rage to burn in my chest.

But it didn’t come. My feet wanted to betray me, to run back to him, to his embrace. My skin still burned where he’d touched, I could still taste his lips. I licked mine, and huffed, stopping myself for going for a second taste.

I craved to feel the pressure of him against me again. Against my lips, my back, my chest, my everything. I stifled a growl that wanted to escape my throat.

Why did he come here? What could he possibly want to talk about? My gut dropped and my heart fluttered.

No. Stop that, stop thinking about that! No more thinking about him. I groaned, squeezing my eyes shut. I let out a deep sigh, and opened them, standing up straight. I’m fine. Just get through tonight.

The man had left, no where to be seen. I swiveled my head, blinking. I didn’t even hear him leave.

My dad caught my eye, watching me. He raised a brow at me, and my mom had pursed lips and a curious expression.

They heard. Great.

I frowned at them, and crossed my arms, looking away. They’ll probably have tons of questions, and everyone will be super nosey. They don’t ever get nosey about Maeve’s relations.

I pressed my lips together and huffed, pulling my arms tighter around me. Thankfully, they didn’t ask me anything right now. Instead, they continued to talk to people who approached them. They congratulated my parents on their child’s ceremony.

People hoovered around us, and I could feel their eyes on my skin, like they were trying to get a peek at me. He’ll have a h*ll of a reconning when I see him again. My heart fluttered at the thought of being alone with him, and I could almost feel his silky hair in my hands. A tiny growl left my throat and the couple who were talking to my parents shot me a nervous glance.

I dropped my arms, and hunched my shoulders, trying to regain my submissive composure. I pushed them out of my thoughts, along with everyone else circling the room, watching us like gossiping vultures.

Eventually, the sky outside turned inky black, and the room quieted, and energy crackled in the air.

Alpha Ansel and Luna Geneieve stopped in front of the three of us. My parents bristled beside me, practically shaking with excitement. I stood up a little straighter, feeling the excitement in the air.

Alpha Ansel grinned at me, his eyes twinkling. I squirmed under his gaze, trying not to frown. Geneieve looked me up and down, a curious look in her eyes. Their arms were locked together, and Ansel dropped the grin, taking on a professional, business like stance before addressing my parents.

“It’s time. We shall gather in the main room.” He put his hand on his chest, giving a little bow to them, and the two of them walked off.

The three of us exchanged excited glances. It’s really time for the ceremony. I couldn’t decide if I was more excited to see Quinn’s ceremony or for the night to end.

The room quickly scattered, and everyone gathered into the main room, where Quinn had entered the gathering before.

Our family arranged themselves as the focal point in the room. Alpha Ansel and Quinn stood in the center of the room. The rest of our family was against the wall, directly in front of the fireplace, with tall black, ornate candle holders on each side of us. White pillar candles were lit on each stand, their little flames flickering.

I stood in the middle, between Bridet and Maeve. There was apparently some kind of rule about having the family stand in age order, and Bridget had to stand next to her mate.

We exchanged an awkward look as we were arranged, and my skin crawled standing next to her. She stared down and away from me, with Erik giving me concerned looks over her lowered head.

Whatever. It’s only for a little bit, and it’s not like we have to do some st*pid group bonding experience. I kept my head straight, watching Quinn and Alpha Ansel. Bridget fidgeted next to me, rubbing her hands together in front of her.

The room was packed with people, with them formed around us. Quinn’s face was red as she glanced at the people watching. Her carefree demeanor was lost as she glanced at us, fear and uncertainty in her eyes.

“I don’t know how you’ve been told this works, but we’ve changed things recently.” Alpha Ansel gave her a reassuring smile. “Our new shaman has found a ritual that helps aid a wolf in their first shift. I’ve done it a few times; it helps with the pain and fear.” He smiled and nodded to her.

I’d never heard our new Alpha speak in front of the pack before. All our old Alpha’s gave flourishing speeches, using eloquent words, speaking to the crowd as if they were putting on a show.

Alpha Ansel talked to Quinn like she was a friend. He kept his eyes on her, not paying attention to the crowd surrounding them. She nodded, her racing heart calming.

“After the ritual, we’ll go outside. It’s hard to walk on marble as a wolf.” He flashed a grin, and Quinn let out a little laugh.

Ansel began speaking in some odd language. His back was straight, and he never hesitated or seemed to fumble the words. Quinn’s eyes fluttered as if she was fighting closing them, but she finally gave in. She looked peaceful, her eyes closed, a sleepy look crossing her face. She wobbled back and forth, like a pendulum, her heart beating so slow she sounded asleep.

Maeve and I exchanged a glance, and she raised a brow at me. I stopped myself from shrugging, and focused on the crowd so I wouldn’t make any weird faces. Whatever. He doesn’t seem to be hurting her, if anything it might keep her be calm through the first shift.

Olivia was in the crowd, standing at the very edge of the circle with Geneieve, watching. My chest swelled, puffing out with pride. I stopped myself from grinning at her or shooting her a nasty glare. Did she try to tell her? Her look of despair crossed through my mind when she must’ve realized I really had commanded her.

Geneieve looked annoyed to be near Olivia, standing as far from her as she could without bumping into people around them. Her hands were clasped in front of her, with her lips pressed together. I have to start her gown tomorrow. We’d agreed I’d start it after Quinn’s ceremony, her gown taking precedent.

My hands were together in front of me, and I tapped a finger on one hand as Alpha Ansel’s chanting continued. My eyes went in and out of focus as I looked out at the crowd. Most of the faces were unfamiliar.

I froze as I scanned to the right. Jay was at the edge of the group with his hands shoved in his pockets. He shot me a sly grin, and I scowled, quickly looking away. My cheeks warmed and my brows furrowed. Just get this over with so I can get home.

But another glance at Quinn settled my frayed nerves. She was peaceful, shining in the center of the room in the gown she’d taken so long to pick.

The chanting stopped and Alpha Ansel gave Quinn a soft smile as she opened her eyes, blinking a few times like the light was too bright inside.

His smile spread to a grin, making his mustache curl, and he motioned towards the open doors on the other side of the room. Her heartbeat quickened, and she stepped forward. Alpha Ansel followed her, allowing her to set the pace. Her eyes were wide as she walked closer to us, towards the door.

Bridget fidgeted next to me, her heart racing. Her breath was too fast, irregular, and I shot her a questioning look. But her eyes were focused on Quinn.

Quinn got closer, passing us, and Bridget stepped forward.

She reached out and stomped on the hem of Quinn’s gown and yanked on the skirt. A scream tore through the silent room. Quinn flew to the ground, her dress tearing. She thudded against the marble floor, shaking.

Her gown was torn where the skirt and bodice attached. Quinn lay exposed in front of the pack.

Bridget stood above her, champagne fabric in her clenched fist.

Chaos erupted in the room. Fire burned inside my core, spreading through my veins.

“What’s wrong with you?” I growled, grabbing Bridget by the arms, digging my fingers into her skin.

She flinched, pulling away from me, her mouth flailing, sound unable to come out. She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. She shook with terror and glanced over her shoulder.

Olivia was grinning, wide and toothy and ecstatic.