Lunas Wildfire

Back to the Party

The clearing was still alive with music, laughter, and the hum of pack energy as Emmaline and Carter finally stepped out of the small house and back into the night. The cool air wrapped around them, but the bond blazing between them made it feel insignificant.

Emmaline adjusted her dress, smoothing the fabric as she cast a playful glance at Carter. His eyes hadn’t left her, the possessiveness still simmering there, though now tempered by the satisfaction of their bond being fully sealed.

“Go on, Alpha,” she teased, brushing past him as she started toward the crowd. “You’ve got pack business to attend to.”

Carter’s lips curved into a smirk, his eyes dropping to the sway of her hips as she walked away. “You’re trouble, Emmy,” he called after her, his voice thick with amusement.

She turned back briefly, giving him a wink. “And you love it.”

With a newfound bounce in her step and a knowing smile playing on her lips, Emmaline made her way through the crowd. She spotted Lily near the bonfire, laughing at something Jackson had said. The second Lily saw Emmaline approaching, her expression shifted to one of intrigue, her brow quirking as her gaze swept over her friend.

“Oh, no,” Lily said, placing her hands on her hips as Emmaline stopped in front of her. “You’ve got that look.”

“What look?” Emmaline asked, feigning innocence as she reached for one of the drinks on the nearby table.

Lily narrowed her eyes. “The I-just-marked-my-mate look. Don’t even try to deny it.”

Jackson burst out laughing, wrapping an arm around Lily’s shoulders. “Called it,” he said, nudging her. “I told you she’d have him on his knees before the night was over.”

Emmaline took a sip of her drink, letting the cool liquid ease her throat. “It wasn’t on his knees, but…” She trailed off, her grin widening as Lily gasped and smacked her arm.

“Details. Now,” Lily demanded, dragging Emmaline a few steps away from the group for privacy.

Emmaline leaned in, her voice low. “Let’s just say Carter won’t be looking at anyone else ever again.”

Lily’s eyes widened, her mouth opening in shock before she burst out laughing. “I knew it! You’re impossible. And here I thought he’d hold out longer.”

“Not a chance,” Emmaline said smugly.

Meanwhile, across the clearing, Carter made his way to the edge of the crowd where Aaron stood, his arms crossed as he surveyed the gathering. When Aaron spotted Carter, a knowing smirk spread across his face.

“Took you long enough,” Aaron said, his tone light but teasing.

Carter raised a brow, coming to stand beside him. “Not in the mood, Aaron.”

Aaron chuckled, shaking his head. “Sure you’re not. But let me guess—she won that battle?”

Carter sighed, his lips twitching upward despite himself. “If by ‘won,’ you mean she completely dismantled every ounce of self-control I had? Then yes. She won.”

Aaron laughed, clapping Carter on the shoulder. “You didn’t stand a chance, man. That girl’s been running circles around all of us since she could walk. You’re just the latest victim.”

Carter let out a low growl, though there was no heat behind it. “Victim isn’t the word I’d use.”

Aaron leaned in, his smirk widening. “No, I’m sure you’re more than fine with how things turned out.”

Carter didn’t respond, his gaze drifting toward Emmaline, who was laughing with Lily near the fire. Her smile was radiant, her presence commanding the attention of everyone around her. His wolf stirred, pride and satisfaction mingling with his desire to keep her by his side forever.

“Yeah,” he muttered under his breath, his lips curving into a small smile. “More than fine.”

Aaron followed his gaze, shaking his head with a laugh. “You’re screwed, Alpha.”

Carter didn’t argue. He simply watched Emmaline, his mate, his equal, and the one person who had the power to drive him mad—and make him love every second of it.