Between Two Worlds

Chapter 13 Graduation Day

Neve 

 “Move a little closer,” Uncle Jonty waves with his hand as he studies his phone screen, indicating for Jake and me to close the gap between us. I visibly stiffen as Jake puts his arm around my waist pulling me closer to him. I see a slight grimace on his face in response. “That’s better. Now, smile everyone and say ‘Happy Graduation!’” 

“Happy Graduation,” we all mumble, trying to hold our smiles. 

“Neve…” Jake starts, but I spin on my heel and walk towards my Aunt Angie. 

Eleven. That is the number of days I have successfully avoided talking to Jake. And I was not about to break that streak. 

“Oh, I am so proud of you, sweetie,” Aunt Angie gushes, straightening my graduation gown as she releases me from a tight hug. “You have worked so hard, and deserve the Acadamey Dux award. Your mum and dad would be so proud of you.” 

“Thanks, Aunt Angie,” I smile at her warmly. 

 Aunt Angie is looking over my shoulder. “If I’m not mistaken, there is a certain future Alpha staring longingly in your direction.” 

I roll my eyes and sigh. “Oh, believe me, Aunt Angie, there is no longingness in that stare.” 

She arches one eyebrow, not believing me. 

“Seriously, Aunt Angie!” I say insistently. “This has nothing to do with longing and more to do with being threatened by my weird ability to command Duke.” 

“Oh, sweetie,” Aunt Angie says dismissively. “I think that that was just a fluke. Duke is set to become Jake’s Beta… I think it has more to do with you two being fated mates.” Her eyes twinkle. 

“Don’t start this again!” I groan. 

“Don’t start what?” asks Duke, sideling up next to me. 

“Your mum is being delusional daydreaming about our non-existent love story,” I inform him, shaking my head at Aunt Angie who is beaming at both of us.

Duke starts making gagging noises declaring, “I am out of here!” and walks away quickly towards Jake. 

I search around the crowded auditorium full of our classmates to see if I can spot Fleur and Anita. I want to get one more selfie with them before heading home. I spot them over at the balloon arch, waving to get my attention. They too must have had the same idea. After several attempts at getting the perfect shot, we sit down on some vacant chairs to chat. 

“Please come to the graduation party,” Anita whines at me. 

“It won't be the same without you,” pouts Fleur. I shake my head in refusal. “I just can’t guys, you know that.” 

“No, we don’t!” Anita crosses her arms, sulking. 

“Who cares if it is at the packhouse?” exclaims Fleur. “Stuff Jake! It is our graduation too, you need to be there!” 

“It is not just about the location of the party,” I remind them. “It is also the fact it is a farewell party for the three boys… and with the way things are between Jake and me, I just can't go.” 

“Come oooooooon, Neve!” now it is Fleur’s turn to whine. “Please come, even if it is just for an hour or two… like you just said, it is also a farewell party for ALL THREE of the boys, and Samuel and Duke are still your friends.” 

I bite my lip. Fleur has a point. She folds her arms across her chest, a smug look on her face like she had just won. 

“Fine!” I sigh, throwing my arms in the air dramatically. “I will come!” 

Both girls squeal in excitement. 

“But only for a little while. Happy?” 

“Yes, very happy!” Anita smiles, both girls wrapping their arms around me in a gleeful hug. 

*** 

Neve 

The graduation/farewell party at the packhouse is bananas. I think the entire pack is here to see off Jake, Duke and Samuel. I spend two hours wandering around the party, talking to various pack members congratulating me on my award. There is a temporary stage set up in the middle of the yard for the live band. I make sure to dance with Fleur and Anita, even thought I'm not in the mood, just to satisfy their request to spend time with them. Alpha Randy and Luna Jules have gone all out to make this night special. But no matter how hard I try, I cannot relax and enjoy the festivities as I am constantly keeping an eye out to avoid Jake. He has tried to grab my attention multiple times already and I am just not ready or willing to hear what he has to say. 

Alpha Randy jumps up onto the stage and the band stops playing. He raises his glass, indicating it is time for a speech. 

I take this as my opportunity to sneak out and head home. 

*** 

Jake 

“Jake, would you please join us?” My father calls over the microphone. I smile, trying to hide my annoyance at being disturbed from trying to find Neve and hop up on the stage. Duke and Samuel are already standing beside my father. “Would everyone please raise their glass to Jake, Duke and Samuel, the future leaders of the Sangue Luna Pack? We wish you well for the next 12 weeks at the Alpha Institute. May it place you in great stead to lead our pack to be stronger and more successful than any leaders before!” 

The entire pack howls in unison, affirming Alpha Randy’s wish. As the toast comes to an end, I use this higher vantage point to see if I can spot Neve… I finally see her, but it does not please me, she is walking down the beach, headed for her house. 

Dammit, Neve! Why is she being so stubborn? I just want 5 minutes to talk to her before I leave. I cannot go away for three months with so much left unsaid.