Page 60 of Pack Nightmare

Milo shrugs. “Whenever we want, really. Technically, the dance starts in half an hour, but people just show up whenever. There’s no rush. The party goes all night.”

A brief pang of guilt squeezes my heart; I don’t want to be out too late, since I’m planning to sneak out early tomorrow to visit Shuya. My plan is to feign exhaustion and leave early… but I still want to enjoy the dance first.

But they don’t need to know that.

Instead, I say, “Since it’s my first proper dance, I’m kind of excited to get down there and check it out. Do you guys mind heading out after we eat? I don’t care if we’re unfashionably early.”

Milo smirks. “Lily, you’re the alpha. Whatever you do is never unfashionable. As soon as people know you’re leaving, they will rush to follow you.”

“Okay, good. But let’s get another plate,” I grin, polishing off my last canape.

I was expecting to have to stop and talk to people constantly until we can make our escape, but it seems as if the pack is content to allow me space for one night. Aside from proud or indulgent smiles as we pass, people leave us alone.

When I catch Roxanne’s eye and let her know we’re ready to leave, she produces a dark plum velvet cape to wear over my dress. The crowd surges gently around us, walking with us to the door to see us off, and I note several other young couples gathering their things in preparation to leave.

It appears Milo was right yet again.

We exit through the front doors, where Maxwell waits with a stretch limo that can accommodate all four of us, and excitement flutters in my chest as we drive toward town.

This must be how Cinderella felt, finally in the pumpkin carriage, on her way to the ball.

I wish I could say that I’m cool, calm, and collected, but the truth is, the little girl inside of me is thrilled to be going to a dance in a fancy dress, just like a princess. All I want is to dance with my fated, surrounded by other members of my pack, and enjoy a night of carefree fun before it’s back to reality early the next morning. I imagine us sweeping around a crowded ballroom; the guys taking turns spinning me expertly while my skirt flares out and the crowd watches with admiration.

I know the reality is there will probably be a DJ playing top 40 dance hits and it’ll be a far less romantic and dignified style of dancing, but I’m happy to indulge the dream for a few moments longer.

Finally, we pull into the parking lot of the community center. It’s not a squat, dingy building like the ones I knew in LA. This building is tall and elegant and looks more like a fancy hotel. It’s backed by lush landscaping, and warm light emits from the glass doors.

The guys and I climb out of the limo, Jared providing a hand so I don’t stumble, and we thank Maxwell before he drives off.

I stare up at the elegant sign welcoming us to the Smoky Falls Homecoming Ball, my heart fluttering like a hummingbird in my chest. The promise, the anticipation of this moment, is rich and glittering and I just want to breathe it in for a moment longer. Everything today has been perfect, and I can’t wait to have yet another new experience with my fated.

We stand in a row, all facing the building, and I glance along the line to each of my fated, holding their gazes and soaking in the adoring smiles they wear just for me. “Are you guys ready?’

A horrifyingly familiar snide voice calls out from the trees, and my blood instantly runs cold. “Sorry, princess, but I don’t think you’ll be attending the ball this evening.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Layla

Peter Jean-Yves steps out of the shadows, along with nearly a dozen other adults from my pack that I don’t know personally.

I’m not sure what exactly he thinks he’s up to—his aim is to stop me from attending the homecoming dance? It seems very cartoon villain to me.

“Peter, so nice to see you,” I reply smoothly. “Did you take care of that little problem with your neighbors?”

He barks a harsh laugh, then affects an exaggerated bow. “As you commanded, oh high alpha.” The others chortle, and my mates shift uncomfortably around me.

I keep my chin high and focus on making sure my voice remains steady. “I’m glad to hear it. So if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere to be.”

“Oh, I think you didn’t hear me before. You won’t be attending tonight.”

A snort pushes from my nose. “And you think you’re going to stop me? I thought you were smarter than that, Peter. What do you have against dances?”

His face contorts into a snarl. “I’m smarter than you realize, girl, but it’s far too late. I have nothing against dances, just against spoiled, selfish Harridans that care nothing for the lives they ruin.” The group of his supporters mutter their agreement.

My heart squeezes, and I try again in a gentler tone. “Peter, I’m sorry my mother rejected you. I wish I could change it. I know it was a cruel thing to do, and that she hurt you. But I can’t take responsibility for her actions—I can only try to do better with the opportunity I have to lead the pack.”

To my surprise, he bursts into a fit of laughter, and after a few seconds, the rest of his group does as well. “That’s what you think this is about?” He sputters. “Your stupid whore of a mom? I thought you were smarter than that.”

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