Page 47 of Night with a Gamma
Wren seems to sense the shift in the atmosphere too. “What’s up with you and Poppy?” she asks, her tone teasing yet curious.
Dalton shifts uncomfortably, his cheeks flushing. “Nothing, really. Just… I don’t know. She’s cool, that’s all. Nothing.”
I raise an eyebrow, not buying his casual dismissal. “You sure about that?” I press, my wolf pushing and eager to dig deeper.
“Guys!” he exclaims, and I can see him struggling to maintain his composure. “It’s just…nothing serious.”
Wren nudges me playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, like a crush, huh? Sounds like you need to ask her out then.”
“Maybe, but probably not,” Dalton mumbles, his gaze drifting back to Poppy. I watch as his expression softens, a fondness creeping into his eyes. There’s definitely something there, and I can’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness over my friend.
“Just be careful, okay?” I advise, my tone serious. “You know how things can get complicated in our world.”
“I will,” he assures me, but his gaze lingers on Poppy, a mix of hope and uncertainty. I can’t help but feel a pang of envy; it’s a simple thing, wanting to pursue love without the weight of therogue threat hanging over your head. I’m lucky I found Wren, but others aren’t as fortunate.
As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, the pack gathers around, and Wyatt stands to give a speech. I lean closer to Wren, feeling her warmth beside me as Wyatt’s words fill the air.
“Tonight, we celebrate our unity,” he begins, his voice strong and steady. “Our strength comes from one another, from the bonds we share as a pack. We’ve faced challenges, but together, we will overcome whatever lies ahead.”
The crowd cheers, and I can feel the energy surging through us all. It’s moments like these that remind me why we fight, why we protect one another. Wren squeezes my hand, and I turn to her, seeing the determination in her eyes.
“And now,” Wyatt continues, “let’s eat and enjoy the evening together! Let’s show the world what it means to be a part of the Waterton Pack!”
As the festivities begin, I can’t help but feel a sense of hope blossoming in my chest. For a moment, it feels like maybe we can put aside our fears and simply enjoy each other’s company.
As the night rolls on,the atmosphere remains vibrant and filled with laughter. Wren and I find ourselves at a table with Dalton and Poppy, who seem to be warming up to each other. Poppy’s laughter rings out like music, and I can see the way Dalton’s eyes light up when she speaks.
“Did you really think you could take me on in a race?” Poppy teases, her playful challenge directed at Dalton, who smirks back at her.
“Careful, I’m faster than I look,” he retorts, his confidence growing as the conversation flows effortlessly. I exchange a glance with Wren, a silent agreement passing between us that we’ll let them figure this out on their own.
As the night continues, I find myself lost in the moment, the warmth of my pack surrounding me. Wren leans against me, her head resting on my shoulder, and I can’t help but smile. In these fleeting moments, I feel invincible, like nothing can touch us.
But as the bonfire crackles and the stars twinkle above, a nagging feeling pricks at my instincts. I look around, scanning the edges of the clearing, but everything seems normal. Still, I can’t shake the sense that something is off, that this peace might be a facade.
“Hey,” Wren whispers, breaking through my thoughts. “You okay?”
I turn to her, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just… thinking.”
“About the rogues?” she asks, her voice laced with concern.
I nod slowly. “It’s hard to let it go, you know? I want us to enjoy this, but I can’t ignore the danger still out there. It’s in my DNA.”
Wren lifts her head, meeting my gaze. “I understand. But we can’t let fear dictate our lives either. We need to enjoy moments like this, together.”
Her words resonate with me, and I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. “You’re right. I just wish I could shake this feeling.”
“Maybe we should do something to celebrate?” she suggests, her eyes brightening with mischief. “A little dance with your mate, perhaps?”
“Are you suggesting I slow dance?” I ask, feigning horror. “I’m a wolf, Little Bird, not a dancer!”
She laughs, the sound light and carefree. “Come on! Just a little twirl. For me?”
With a mock sigh, I stand, extending my hand to her. “Alright, for you. But don’t expect me to be graceful.”
Wren beams, taking my hand and leading me to the makeshift dance floor set up near the bonfire. The music plays softly in the background, and I can see our pack members swaying, laughter and joy filling the air.
As we start to move, I can’t help but feel a sense of freedom wash over me. Wren twirls, her hair spinning around her like the flames she wields so easily, and I can’t help but laugh at how effortlessly she moves. I follow her lead, attempting to keep up as we sway together, lost in our own world.
