Aine's Point of View
"Oooh, you look so gorgeous! I need pictures, all the pictures! Moon Goddess you look like the luna queen," Lindsay crooned as the side of her eyes crinkled. She patted the side of my arms excitedly.
"Oh Lindy, stop! No way," I flushed and shook my head furiously, feeling my cheeks heat up from embarrassment. "Just Aine please and nothing else."
We were both looking at my reflection in the mirror. Lindsay only laughed at my loud refusal and waved me off to quickly go get her camera in the living room. She took Eion with her and promised him apple slices.
We were in her bedroom adding the final touches to my hair for the celebratory dinner.
The day had finally come, the morning had been hectic to say the least moving in the Lunar pack. It was filled with lots of bustling back and forth. I made sure everyone had their respective living spaces based on the family size given and there were no mix ups. I also had to rectify any complaints. Resources were distributed evenly and everyone seemed to be getting along.
They did not hold back in the slightest when it came to gawking at our elaborate pack area and the lodgings. I could understand because I've been there myself.
Most of the pack members were standoffish. I tried my best to be warm and approachable. However, when they thought I wasn't looking I would catch them staring, whispering and even laughing. It was a bit uncomfortable. I started to wonder if I had something on my face. But I attributed it to probably being in a new place under new supervision.
I had even caught an older woman looking at my wedding ring sadly. It was a very simple gold band. We were young and it really didn't matter at the time. It was just a human formality, whereas my mark was more special to me. I guess some might expect something fancier for being married to Oishin and into his pack and maybe that was her thought. He had once insisted he would replace it but he never did. I guess he just let it be.
Oishin wasn't present but Cian was with me every step of the way to get everything settled. I was grateful he and Lindsay were with me because I was a bit nervous and I couldn't be everywhere all at once doing everything.
Both packs had lunch together before everyone dispersed to look around or just settle into their homes. Our pack members readily served as tour guides to the new members and overall, the hard part was finished.
Alpha Caitlin and her brother Kirk hadn't tagged along. I was looking forward to finally meeting them. I had expected them to arrive with the pack but they had stayed behind. I tried not to ask Cian any questions, seeing as Oishin was so upset the last time.
Oishin was overseeing everything from their end. He was supposed to be back in time to get ready for dinner. Though I thought he would have been back already.
I stared at my appearance, unsure if I looked alright. My cheeks look puffy. My brown hair was curled and done up in an elegant updo, styled by none other than Lindsay herself. Some of the curls at the top were standing a bit awkwardly but it would have to do.
I had put on some light makeup to the best of my ability. I wore a white dress that I had picked out weeks ago for this occasion.
It was a formal, knee length dress with flutter sleeves, that was loose fitting that I could hide behind because I was self-conscious about my weight and how I looked.
Lesly's words that I was a fat pig and I was getting bigger everyday echoed loudly in my mind and I pushed it away. I paired the dress with white pumps and overall I think I looked alright. I hoped I looked alright.
Lindsay insisted she didn't want to come despite my coaxing. She was excited for everything but she wasn't much of a party even when we were at our old pack. She said her reward was staying home and kicking her feet up.
She wasn't exactly needed for the kitchen because all that would be done is the serving of the food that was already prepared. Plus, she deserved the break. She had also volunteered to keep Eion for the night.
Though it would be perfect for him to be there for the introductions and family support, it would be cutting into his bedtime. He would be extremely fussy at the party and asleep through most of it anyway. It made sense he stayed with my best friend.
There was a knock at the front door and I heard Lindsay heading for the door. I already knew who it was and I could hear their voices. I could feel my heartbeat pick up just from hearing his voice. I was curious as to how he looked in his suit. It was more than likely time for everything to start and he came to get me.
"Daddy!" screamed Eion excitedly.
I could hear him running, probably even did his little jump and I knew Bode picked him up.
"Whoa! You're getting big! Where's your mother?"
I could hear him giggling and trying to give directions. It was my favorite sound to hear. I loved that he was always happy. I was trying to hurry, cleaning up the area and putting my stuff to the side. They were outside the door as I zipped up my makeup bag.
"I'm gonna talk to Mommy for a second. Stay with aunty Lindsay, bud."
I could hear Lindsay cajoling him back to the kitchen to finish his apple slices. There was a knock on the open bedroom door and I was momentarily taken aback by how good he looked. His rich deep scent filled my nostrils as he walked in. He was in an impeccable dark suit that was fitted perfectly against his bulky frame. His dark hair was slicked back and he looked extremely handsome.
His eyes warmed and I couldn't help the flutter in my chest as his green eyes took me in.
"I've been looking for you. You look beautiful."
He leaned in to give me a quick kiss and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach.
"Thank you," I whispered against his lips before he pulled back to survey me again. His expression turned serious and he was staring at me hard.
My eyes drifted to a slight reddish bruise on his neck barely visible from beneath his collar.
"What happened to your neck?!" I asked in panic, reaching out to move the collar so I could get a better look. He moved backwards out of my reach and I was surprised by his reaction.
He took my hand which was left awkwardly hanging midway in the air into his large hand and kissed it back on it.
"It's nothing, just a casualty of moving things over by the packhouse," he clipped, his expression carrying a hint of annoyance. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah, I was just packing my things to one side so I don't leave Lindy's space looking a mess. I'll pick them up when I come for Eion. Is it time already?"
"Yes but I need to discuss something important with you first."
"Sure." I responded eagerly. I couldn't help but be a bit excited that it might be a present to signify the special night.
However his green eyes were so intensely focused on me I shifted on my feet. He was hesitant and I waited for him expectantly. His lips parted but he didn't say anything. It was clear he had something to say. I started to get worried. This was unlike Oishin. Even his wolf was tentative.
"Is everything okay?" I asked softly, unable to hide the worry in my voice.
He reached out a hand to slowly caress my cheek, running the pad of his thumb across my skin. I could feel the warmth of his hands, his touch sending tingles along my skin like tremors along a fault line. I placed my hand on his torso feeling the heat of his body through the shirt, leaning closer to him.
"Oishin, what did you want to tell me?" I prodded, feeling my anxiety surge. This was strange. There was silence as he stared at me. He blew out a harsh breath. His face was blank but his eyes were telling a different story.
"Gimme a sec."
That's when I realised there was someone at the front door. We both looked towards the doorway as the footsteps drew closer in the hall. Cian arrived and pulled up short. He looked back and forth between us as if he knew something before he focused on Oishin.
"We have a problem, the bastards Kirk and Erik arrived and won't leave their ancient feud outside our pack lines. They're ready to rip each other's throats out despite this being declared neutral grounds and having agreed to keep it so."
Oishin heaved a heavy irritated sigh before turning to me.
"I need to go and quell this before they get others picking sides and dredging up old disagreements between other alphas. Next thing you know we'll have everyone fighting," he growled with a tick in his jaw.
"I'll be back. Just wait here."
"Okay. Go."
This was serious and I could imagine it getting ugly. I could see the slight tick in Oishin's jaw and I knew nobody would want to be Kirk and Erikthis evening. What were they thinking to start bickering here?
Oishin left quickly with Cian. I could feel the chill and anger radiating off of his wolf and I shuddered. I was left standing in the middle of the room trying to think of what it was that he could have possibly wanted to talk about.