The Cursed Luna and Her Fated Mate

Chapter 11: NYE

Celeste waved to her pack and headed toward the small town earlier than usual. It was New Year’s Eve; Celeste knew that this was likely the biggest night for her at this job; she had to make it count. She stopped off to buy up a stockpile of canned vegetables and soup broth from Michelle. The weather had officially turned, the lake was frozen over, and much of the game was hibernating. The pack had done an excellent job of stockpiling jerky and foraged items, so the pack was still being fed well. So much so that Celeste and her pack were beginning to put on a little weight. It brought Celeste so much joy to see the pack looking healthier, especially a few of the pups who were looking emaciated when they first fled Earthfire.

Pack morale was better than Celeste had ever seen. With everyone eating and everyone helping, it seemed as though the pack had developed a new purpose and mission. Everyone seemed much more optimistic, happier than they’d ever been. Now that it was too cold for hunting and foraging, the pups spent their days playing in the snow, gathering and heating it over the fire for baths and cooking, and singing songs in the cave. Rhiannon truly was the best caretaker Celeste could have asked for, constantly protecting the pups and teaching them everything she could think to. With the other older wolves now unable to hunt, the pups had even more care and were thriving as they never had previously. Celeste hoped that someday the pups would be able to go to school again, but for now it was the best that anyone could hope for.

Celeste approached the door to the club and pulled, finding it to be locked. Jim had entrusted Celeste with a key to the club after a month or so of working there. The two had developed a friendly relationship, enough so that she confided in Jim about her pack. He offered the keys to her in case the pack had an emergency, or if she wanted to use the hot shower in the back before work started. Noticing that the club was dark and empty, she pulled out her key and opened the door before quickly locking it behind her.

Celeste flipped on the light switches as she quickly headed to the pack and hopped into the shower, allowing the hot water to warm her skin, cold from the late December temperatures. Her muscles relaxed; she cleaned her body thoroughly before stepping out and drying off. Next she went to work on her platinum blonde hair, drying and straightening it until it was smooth and shiny, but still voluminous. She painted her makeup into an extra bold look: thick black winged liner and smoky black eyeshadow, dramatic fake lashes, black lipstick, and glitter all over her face and body. Celeste slipped into a lacy bra and matching th*ng, fishnet stockings, and a matching sequined top and mini skirt. She checked the clock; only 8PM. She sighed; she left too early, could have spent another hour with the pups. Oh well, nothing she could do about it now. She curled up onto the dressing room couch and took a quick nap.