The Reason

Chapter Six

Ember walked up next to me as I looked at the crowd in front of me. There were so many wolves. I grabbed his hand as we began to walk toward the crowd. I've never seen so many gathered in one place. I saw our pack members and some members from neighboring packs that I've met but there were people I'd never seen before.

“You’ve got this” Em said, squeezing my hand. I smiled as we got to the end of the carpet. An announcement came on “welcome the birthday wolves, the alpha's son, Ember, and the Betas' daughter, Winter.” We both started waving before we split apart to socialize with people.

I started talking to one of the girls who looked to be around my age. “That dress is so pretty,” she said, she was wearing a simple red and black dress. “Thank you it is heavy and hot, your dress is pretty though.” I laughed awkwardly. She laughed along, “ I don't think I introduced myself in Phoenix, I’m the daughter of the alpha in the opal rose pack.” I looked at her, she did look like her dad who had met a few times. “I'm surprised we haven’t met sooner with you being so close,” I said as I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“ Care to dance, Miss Winter”, I turned around to face an extremely handsome boy, “ I- uh sure,” I said, unsure of who this mystery man was. He grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dancefloor as a slow song began to play. He pulled me close and put his hands on my hips. I wrapped my arms around his neck as I and Ember had practiced in dance class. “I'm Korri, the alpha, son of the phantom Woods pack” he smiled, spinning me. “ Nice to meet you Korri,” I said, looking at him. I don't get where I had seen him before. The song ended and we pulled apart. There was a crowd around us clapping. “I hope to see you around Miss Winter,” he said, bowing as he left.

Is everyone here an alpha? I sighed, looking to see if I could find Ember. I needed someone to talk to that wasn't going to introduce themselves to me. I continued to look when I finally spotted him with a group of girls. I gulped as I walked toward them and saw the girls get snarky. “ Hey Em,” I said to him as I walked up and grabbed his arm. “ There you are winter. I was looking for you earlier. I want to introduce you to members of the neighboring packs,” he said, wrapping his arm around me. I smiled and I got glares from them. “Hello, girls.” They started walking away and I laughed and lightly slapped him. I saved you where were you to save me. He looked at me confused. I told him about Korri and he started laughing.

It was time to start dinner, so we headed toward the dining room. Em held my hand as we sat at the head of the table, Em on the right, me on the left, and each of our parents on one side. Everyone else spilled across the room. Once we got situated there, Eric, Em’s dad, stood up and started giving a speech.

“My Son, I am so proud of you. You have grown so much and look at you. You remind me so much of myself when I was your age, so strong and intelligent. I can't believe next year you'll be getting your wolf and then taking over the pack. Here is a toast to my son.” He said, raising his glass. My father stood up and I looked at him with a smile.

“ My daughter, it feels like just yesterday we brought you home. Now, look at you almost all grown up. You make me so proud every day, and I've seen how much you have grown, and I've seen when you practice with Ember, even seen you beat him. Winter, my child, you are so amazing and I am so happy you have found a lifelong friend at such a young age. Happy birthday to both of you.” My father sat down and I squeezed Ember's hand under the table. Today was amazing. Nothing could ruin it not if I tried.