Page 77 of The Dark War

Charlotte began with my foundation and then eyes. She pulled stray hairs from the braid to frame my face. She smiled giddily as she held up a mirror. “I think he’s going to pounce on you.” I threw my head back and laughed because I knew she was right.

Kane was always in the mood for a good pouncing or tea.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Wesley stood there smiling. It was strange seeing an alpha smile as often as Wesley does. This giant man with the neatly trimmed face and man bun radiated nothing but love and affection for Charlotte when his eyes sought hers.

Charlotte jumped up from the vanity bench and ran toward him. “Hi, puppy!” Wesley groaned, rolling his eyes. I started laughing until he whispered something private in her ear.

Ha-ha! Puppy!

“Did you hear that, kitten?” She blushed, turning around, covering her face. It was a good thing I didn’t hear what was said because it was obviously scandalous. “What did you two young ladies talk about while we were gone?” Wesley smirked, pulling Charlotte on his lap in the decorative chair.

“Just girl stuff.” I smiled. “Got a great makeover too. What’d you think?” I stood up and gave a twirl in the pale blue dress, and Wesley let out a whistle in agreement.

“Looks stunning on you, Luna.” Kane growled outside the door, strutting in with his hand over his crotch. “But you always look stunning.” Kane’s soft eyes looked me up and down. Skipping over toward him, I put my arms around his waist.

“Easy,” Kane mumbled. “I’m still healing.”

Huh?

“What do you mean still healing? Did you go out and fight some warriors? They can’t take your aggressiveness right now,” I chided. Kane gave a fanged smile, kissing my lips.

“No, I did something else,” he murmured. “I’ll show you later.” I raised an eyebrow and glanced at Wesley, who was snickering in the corner.

“What did you do?” I asked both of them.

“Oh, Wesley, you got a new tattoo!” Charlotte squealed. “Aw, it’s my name!” The dark tattoo on his arm had swirls of roses around it with claw marks on the side. “It’s so rugged and feminine simultaneously.” She looked it over.

It already looked healed. It was dark black with hints of deep reds and greens. Kane stood there smirking like he did something naughty. Did he get another tattoo? He was running out of room unless he started doing his face, which was a big no-no. That was my big rule.

Unless…

Cheeses.

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head.” Kane kissed my forehead. His big smile had me relaxing in his arms. “We are going to get our mind off some things. I hope Charlotte has kept you away from the windows like I have asked.”

“Uh…” I tapped my finger to my lips.

What were they up to?

Charlotte sheepishly hid her face into Wesley.

“Good, let’s go then.” Kane put his hand behind my back and led me down the lighted stairs, Wesley and Charlotte following close behind.

The last light source touched the trees, and the forest surrounding us would be in darkness by the hour. We would all take turns sleeping, waiting, and watching for any signs of evil to come, but this night we would not fight the darkness at least.

Mason jar lamps, fairy lights, and patio bulbs hung in the trees. Pixies that had sought refuge on the territory lit up the sky as they flew from tree to tree. Soft music played in the far corner of the courtyard. Small fiddles and harps from traveling elves seeped through the air, and dare I say, I thought I saw a smirk raise on Kane’s lips.

Food was presented in a buffet style on the far side of the house, the warriors already taking heaps of food on their plates and bowls. They even had the chocolate fountain going, and without the typical hordes of children that usually sat near it, the adults enjoyed it much more.

“What is this?” I whispered. “Everyone looks so happy.” I rubbed my chest, feeling the warmth in my heart. Everyone looked optimistic, no longer weary of the impending battles that may come in the next few days.

“It was agreed we needed a break.” Kane sighed. “Wesley mentioned the numerous parties they like to have, and I thought, why not? We should have our wolves remember what we are fighting for during this dark time.”

Goddess, Kane is getting all sentimental on me.

“What about the lights? Won’t it lead people here?” Kane pulled me to his chest, placing a finger on my lips. “Taliyah’s ward causes a darkness in the night so no one will see.”

Magic could be so incredible if it wasn’t used for evil.

---