Page 1 of Night with a Gamma
PROLOGUE
Harrison
The celebration isalive around me, laughter and music weaving through the air like a vibrant tapestry. I sit at a round table, my friends swirling in and out of view, their joy infectious. Today is a day of union, of love — a day when my Alpha, Wyatt, and his fated mate, Octavia Bellmont, now Octavia Saltman, pledged their lives to one another. I should be feeling elated, but a gnawing sensation lingers in my chest, an emptiness that whispers of something missing.
“Come on, Harrison,”my wolf nudges, his voice a low growl in my mind.“We still need to find her. Our mate.”
I know, I think back, but it feels like I’ve been searching for ages. The world spins around me, a blur of dancing couples and shimmering decorations, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in it. My gaze drifts across the room, taking in the joyous scene: the way Wyatt lifts Octavia in a playful twirl, the sparkle in her laughter, the warmth radiating between them. It’s beautiful, intoxicating… and it only deepens that familiar ache.
Just as I’m about to wallow in my thoughts, a scent wafts through the air, drawing me from my melancholy. It’s sweet, syrupy — like pancakes fresh off the griddle, dusted with powdered sugar. My stomach growls in response, but it’s more than just hunger that pulls me in. I stand, propelled by an instinct stronger than mere appetite, and follow the delicious aroma.
As I weave through the crowd, the scent intensifies, guiding me toward the refreshment station. There, standing like a beacon amid the chaos, is a woman. Her golden blonde hair catches the light, cascading down her back to her waist like sunlight on water. She’s waiting for the bartender, her patience evident as she taps her fingers lightly against the counter.
I tap her shoulder, heart pounding in my chest as if I’ve just sprinted a mile. When she turns around, her cobalt blue eyes meet mine, and time seems to freeze. She’s stunning, and I’m struck dumb, my breath hitching at the beauty in front of me.
“Hi,” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking louder might shatter this moment.
“Hey!” she replies, her smile brightening the room. It’s infectious, and I can’t help but smile back, even as my wolf howls in excitement.
But that’s when it hits me — the unmistakable, overwhelming truth. This woman isn’t just captivating; she’s my mate. The realization sends a jolt through my body, electrifying every nerve, every instinct. Yet, as my wolf growls with unrestrained joy, a cloud of confusion descends upon us both.
She’s not a wolf. The scent of magic lingers around her, a fragrance of earth and whispering winds. This woman is a witch.
“Are you enjoying the wedding?” she asks, tilting her head slightly, her expression curious.
“Yeah, it’s… amazing,” I stammer, still grappling with the whirlwind of emotions surging within me. “Wyatt and Octavia are perfect for each other.”
Her smile widens, a genuine warmth in her eyes. “They really are. I’ve known Octavia since she was a teen and on her own. I stumbled into the diner one day, and kinda never left.”
“So you know Octavia well?” I ask, desperate to keep the conversation going, to hold onto this moment just a little longer.
“Pretty well. I used to hang out with Octavia during her shifts then visit to my mother’s coven some weekends. I’m Wren, by the way, like the bird,” she introduces herself, extending a hand.
“Harrison,” I reply, shaking her hand, the contact sending a spark of electricity through my skin. “So, you’re a witch?”
She laughs, a light, melodic sound that sends a thrill through me. “Yes, I am. Is that a problem?”
“No, not at all,” I assure her, though my wolf is pacing anxiously in my mind. “I just… I didn’t expect to meet someone like you here.”
“Someone like me?” she raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes.
I swallow hard, my heart racing. “A witch. I didn’t know we were inviting witches to the pack celebrations.”
“Well, it’s a mixed world we live in, isn’t it? Besides, I’m here for Octavia, not the pack.”
“I get that,” I nod, trying to keep my composure. “But, uh… what do you think of the whole wolf-witch dynamic?”
Wren’s expression shifts, a hint of seriousness entering her gaze. “It’s complicated. But I believe we all have a place in this world, regardless of our backgrounds.”
I can’t help but admire her conviction. There’s a strength in her that draws me in further. “That’s a good way to look at it,” I say, nodding, feeling the weight of her words settle in my heart.
As we talk, the party swirls around us, laughter and music fading into the background. All that matters is this moment, this connection. My wolf settles slightly, though the yearning for our mate remains, a constant, pulsing reminder of what it means to find someone who feels like home.
“So, Harrison,” she says, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “What does a Gamma do at a wedding? Are you supposed to keep order or something?”
I chuckle, the tension easing. “Honestly? I’m more of a spectator today. My job is to look intimidating and make sure no one starts any trouble.”
She laughs again, and the sound sends warmth flooding through me. “You don’t seem very intimidating.”
