Chapter 19

I 'm standing by the front gates of the compound, my foot tapping excitedly, as I hear the sound of a car coming along the driveway towards me. The black limo turns around the corner, and I press the buzzer to make the electric gates open, allowing the car entrance. Normally, the limo would take guests to the main house, but I'm so excited to see the limo's passenger that I took the short walk down to the gate. The backdoor flings open, and the car screeches to a halt. I laugh at the disgruntled expression of the driver as Tori leaps out of the back and throws herself at me.

It's been a week since that disastrous training session with Killian, and it was decided that it was best for me to stay on the compound. Not for any ‘mating' reasons, but because mysterious attacks on shifters have started happening. They've not been linked to the Shadow Pack, but it was decided it would be best overall. And with Sarah about to give birth at any moment, I wanted to be available for when that happened.

Tori understood and even agreed with the reasoning behind me staying here, but I've missed my best friend. I offered to try to get her a room here, but she declined, saying the attacks were only on shifters so she'd be safe. Besides, her magic would protect her. I managed to convince her to come to the compound for the weekend though. She's been bugging me to introduce her to my ‘hot shifter boy toys,' and there's a pack social tonight, so this is the perfect opportunity.

Getting her officially invited was easier than I expected. There's a lot of animosity between wolves and witches from a feud that spans back generations. The two species used to work together in harmony. Each wolf pack had a witch who would work to protect and heal them. One witch was not able to save an alpha's mate and was killed as a result. The witch councils then recalled their members from all packs. Even if they didn't want to leave, they had no choice. This resulted in the death of many sick or injured wolves who were no longer protected. The wolves have never forgiven the witches for this, and the witches never forgot the slight against their fallen sister. I saw this myself when I asked Alex whether they had a witch working for the pack. Some packs have moved past this and have covenless witches working for them, but this isn't common.

Which was why I was surprised when I requested that Alpha Mortlock allow Tori to come and stay, and he agreed. I was even more surprised when he suggested she come to the pack social. This was a time for family and togetherness. To invite a witch to this makes a statement. It's raised my opinion of him even more. Alex wasn't too happy, but he trusts my judgement of people and knows I wouldn't invite Tori if I thought she would harm anyone here.

I focus on a squealing Tori and hug her back tightly. We wave the limo on. It'll take Tori's bags to my room, where she will be staying while she is here, but we'll walk from here.

"Come on, I'll show you around," I tell her with a grin on my face.

We leisurely walk up to the main house in the centre of the compound, arms linked as Tori talks excitedly about everything she's been doing this week. She's told me all this in our nightly phone calls, but I'm enjoying spending time in her company so much that I don't mind.

"Girl, I can see why you're staying here—this place is huge!" We've reached the main house by now, and I'm showing her over to the medical centre. A couple of people have already stopped to greet us with warm smiles. "And there is plenty of eye candy to keep you entertained. Not that you need any more men to add to your harem!" she jokes, and I nudge her, hissing at her to keep her voice down. But I can't help but laugh. I haven't realised how much I've missed having her around.

I keep the tour of the medical building brief before taking Tori up to my room. There are a couple of guest rooms up here, but she'll be staying with me.

"It's a slumber party like you see in the movies!" She laughs and jokingly throws a pillow at me.

I throw it back at her, laughing. Neither of us have ever had a slumber party, our childhoods not allowing for it. After a bit more messing around, I help Tori settle in and we decide to start getting changed for the social, which starts in an hour. I watch Tori as she pulls on a white playsuit with a little black belt. The colour shows off her beautiful dark skin, and the belt accentuates her generous curves. Her mixed heritage has blessed her with gorgeous curly dark hair that I've always been secretly jealous of.

"So," she begins, looking at me through the mirror as she adjusts the belt on her outfit, "any updates on Killian?"

I sigh and walk towards the wardrobe where I'm storing my clothes. I pull out a simple red blouse with a plunging neckline and hold it against myself, looking in the mirror.

"I don't really know, Tor. He takes every opportunity to touch me, especially when the others are around, but as soon as we're alone, he bolts. He's so on and off, it's giving me whiplash," I say, before shaking my head and pulling off my top.

I pull the shirt on and do up the buttons, smoothing down the fabric as I look in the mirror. It shows off my figure nicely, with more cleavage than I would normally show. Flicking my eyes down, I take in my tight jeans, which I know make my legs and butt look good.

"What do you think? Too much?" I ask, biting my lower lip as I wait for her response.

"Girl, you look hot! You're going to have those guys fighting over you by the end of the evening," she says approvingly.

Snorting, I shake my head. "That's the problem, I don't want them fighting over me!" I protest.

"Whatever you say, Ari," she replies, her tone clearly saying she doesn't believe me as she rolls her eyes.

I sit in front of the vanity mirror and start putting on my makeup, paying more attention to it than I usually would. Pausing as I look at my reflection in the mirror, I wonder why I'm making more of an effort tonight. I tell myself it's because Tori's here and it's nice to dress up.

We joke and gossip for a bit before there is a knock on the door.

"Come in!" we both chorus, throwing a grin at each other as we do so.

Seb walks in and leans against the doorframe as he takes us in, whistling appreciatively. A sultry grin spreads across his face.

"Be still my beating heart. You both look beautiful this evening," he greets us smoothly.

Tori grins and pretends to fan herself, loving the attention.

"Now who is this piece of hot stuff? I wouldn't mind a roll in the sheets with you," she comments with a cheeky grin. Typical Tori.

I feel a rush of jealousy run through me at the comment, but I can't really blame her, Seb is looking fine this evening. His dark blue shirt is tight against his muscular torso, the colour showing off his tanned skin.

"I would be only too happy to oblige your wish," Seb replies, a teasing glint in his eyes as he stalks towards Tori.

I know they're only joking, and that Seb can't resist flirting with everyone and anyone, but jealousy fills me again and a wave of possessiveness makes me walk forward and place my hand on his shoulder.

"Tori, this is Seb. Seb, Tori," I introduce them, my voice tighter than I intended.

Tori raises her eyebrows at me, and Seb takes my hand, grinning as he squeezes it gently. Damn, guess I didn't hide it very well. I have no right to be possessive of him. We're nothing but friends, but seeing the two of them flirting like that stirred something inside me. Pushing it aside, I give them an apologetic smile.

"Ready to go meet the pack?"

As we walk into the hub, I can't help but remember the last pack social I attended. It started out great, and I found that I actually enjoyed myself. Until Marcus, the dickhead, spoiled the whole thing by challenging me. Thankfully, nothing has been heard from him since he was banished. There was a little backlash from it—a few of his friends had chosen to leave the pack—but apart from that, things settled down quickly.

I take Tori to the front of the room where Alpha Mortlock is waiting with Lena, Alex, and Isa. I smile at them and pull Tori to my side.

"Alpha, Lena. This is Victoria Smith, Tori, my best friend," I introduce formally.

Alpha Mortlock smiles at me before nodding towards Tori. Lena is beaming and practically oozing happiness.

"Tori, welcome to Moon River Pack. You are a guest here, and I hope you will be made to feel welcome by me and my own," he replies back formally. "Which coven do you belong to?"

"None. I'm a bit of a misfit and don't really fit with any coven," Tori replies happily. She's proud of her differences and always describes the covens as nosy bitches .

Mortlock and Lena laugh and nod. "I think you will fit in well here then," Lena offers with a smile towards me. I roll my eyes but give her a small smile so she knows I'm not offended by her joke.

Alpha Mortlock stands up on the stage and begins welcoming everyone to the social. Alex pulls me aside and whispers to me.

"I've hardly seen you all week, Killian always seems to be with you. How are you?" he asks quietly. I can tell there's more he wants to say, but he doesn't have time. "I've got to go on stage, but save me a dance later, all right?" he requests with a wink before walking off.

"What was that about?" Tori whispers to me, and I shush her since people are looking our way. I'll fill her in later.

"You've probably already heard, but we have a guest on the compound. Before the gossip starts spreading, she is a witch, but she's been approved by me to be here," the alpha announces. There are several mutters in the crowd to which he now speaks.

"She's like family to our honorary packmate, Ari, so I expect you to show her the same respect. Know I would not allow anyone here who wishes us harm. Ari vouches for her, and I trust that." His alpha power settles over us as he speaks, making it clear how serious he is. Then, like a switch has been flipped, he smiles, his whole face lightening. "Enjoy your evening," he announces before stepping off the stage with Alex and Isa in tow.

I remain where I am in shock. Since when did I become an honorary member of the pack? For him to announce that he trusts my judgement in front of the whole pack is a big deal. Not to mention I notice many in the crowd nodding in agreement when he mentions my name. I'm blown away by this show of support. Many of the pack had become friendly with me during my time here and my daily visits, but I hadn't noticed they were slowly accepting me as one of their own.

I snap out of my stupor when Tori pulls on my arm. I smile at her and start guiding her through the crowd.

"Come on, I want to introduce you to some people," I tell her with a wide smile .

An hour or so passes with lots of laughter and food. Gloria immediately takes to Tori and welcomes her with a large hug. Tori is just as shocked at the instant acceptance as I was when I first met Gloria, having never had a mother figure growing up. Seb introduces her to all his friends, and even Alex comes over for a chat. I can't see Killian, but I know he's around here—something tight in my chest tells me he is close. This new development started yesterday, like some sort of freaky homing beacon.

"Miss Tori, may I trouble you for a dance?" one of the young shifters asks Tori. Mark, I think his name is.

Tori smiles widely at him and takes his hand, walking out onto the dance floor. I struggle to hide my smile. Mark doesn't know what he's in for. Tori's dance style is…eccentric.

I'm sitting with Gloria and Jessica, watching Seb chatting with his friends. Jessica's sitting in my lap, making me braid her hair when Alex comes over.

"Ari, I've come to claim my dance," he says with a smirk, holding his hand out.

Jessica jumps out of my lap, and I stand, taking his proffered hand. Butterflies dance in my stomach, and I wonder why I'm so nervous about dancing with Alex. At least it's a lively song and we won't have to slow dance. As if he can hear my thoughts, the DJ changes the song, a slow tempo filling the air. I glare over in his direction. Typical. Alex pulls me closer, a smug smile on his lips as he holds me close to him. Suspicions rise.

"Did you have anything to do with the song change?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he says with mock innocence.

Yeah right. I snort, shaking my head as he starts leading me in a slow dance. After a while, I lose myself in the rhythm of the movement and rest my cheek against his chest. He hums happily, pulling me a little closer.

"Ari," he begins, and I look up to see he's anxious. "I've got something that I need to tell—" He is cut off when a looming shadow appears over my shoulder.

"Can I cut in?" a voice asks, the tone more a demand than a question.

I know before I turn around that it's Killian from the little spark in me that has lit up. Alex is stiff in my arms, and I know he's agitated.

"We are in the middle of something," Alex tells him, his tone firm as his arms tighten around me.

"I'm sure that can wait," Killian replies, his voice deep, and I feel his power start to rise. I'm worried that the two of them are going to start a fight in the middle of the social. Time to defuse the situation.

I turn around and look at Killian, crossing my arms as I stare at him expectantly.

"Do we have a problem here?" I ask in a tone to match his.

"It's fine, Ari, I'll catch you later," Alex mutters, and I know he must be swallowing his pride to back down to Killian.

Alex stalks off, and I turn to glare at Killian. He puts his arms around me, and I ignore the feeling of wholeness as he starts moving to the music.

"What was that all about?" I question, my tone demanding answers.

"Alex and I had words. We have come to an agreement," he states, not even having the decency to look embarrassed at his behaviour.

"What type of agreement?" I ask through gritted teeth. Wait. "Do I even want to know?"

"Probably not." He shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips.

We spend the rest of the dance in silence, but it's a comfortable silence, even though I'm still annoyed at him. I know shouting at Killian isn't going to get him to change or apologise, so there is no point. Unless he really pisses me off, that is. Once the dance has finished, he walks with me back to where I was sitting.

The rest of the evening passes quickly with laughter and happiness. I don't see much of Tori, who spends most of the evening on the dance floor in Mark's arms. When I finally retire to my bed, Tori doesn't join me. Instead, she decides to warm someone else's bed.