Chapter 7 FEAST

Elena's POV

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Crescent Moon pack's territory, the anticipation in the air was palpable. We have not had a feast in a long time, and I planned to make every moment memorable.

The pack members were full of joy and had gathered in the courtyard. The scent of grilled meat and roasted vegetables filled the air, and torches were lit, casting flickering light on the festivities to come.

I stood at the head of a long, wooden table, which had been adorned with the finest dishes the pack could muster. My attire was regal, a dark suit emphasizing my authority and power. Despite my commanding presence, my mind could not help but drift to the source of our celebration.

Elena, the mistress that I bought, had brought both hope and trepidation to the pack. I have heard of powers like hers only in stories. It was rumored to be extraordinary, something nobody could afford to ignore. I wonder if her stepfather had known of this before he sold her to me. However, I can not just shake the feeling that she was a wildcard, a force that could tip the balance of this pack. She is more than what I bargained for.

The feast began, and the pack members feasted heartily. Laughter and chatter filled the air; everyone was happy again, and their sickness had been healed. I watched as my mother, the ever-graceful Luna, mingled with the pack. Her radiant smile brightened up wherever she went. She was the glue that held them together, and I can not bear the thought of losing her.

She moved from table to table, making everyone smile. I am so happy she is healed. I can not imagine if the sickness had taken her life. Certainly, I cannot do most of my duties without her by my side.

I released a breath I did not even realize I was holding and noticed Elena's presence on the balcony. She stood alone in an awkward position. Her eyes scanned the gathering. It was clear she didn't quite fit in yet, which was understandable.

I debated within myself whether to approach her. If we are being honest, she is the reason we can celebrate, and I should probably thank her for saving my pack. But most importantly, I had questions: when did she get that power? And for how long has she had it? I held back my questions, and tonight was a night of celebration, a reprieve from the worries that had plagued the pack for so long. We can do that some other time.

I focused on my pack, on the faces of those he had been trained to protect and keep. He spoke with the elders and listened to their stories. He tried to push all thoughts to the back of his mind to savor this moment with his family.

As the feast continued, the moon rose high in the sky, its silvery light casting a serene glow over the courtyard. I could not help but steal glances at Elena from across the courtyard. She remained a puzzle I am determined to solve. Still, for now, I allowed myself to be carried away by the festivities, praying that the hope of Elena's arrival would outweigh the dangers she might bring.

As the night progressed and the feast reached its peak, the atmosphere became increasingly jubilant. The pack members clinked their glasses, raising toasts to the newfound hope that Elena's presence had brought. Alpha Herrick watched as his mother, Luna, stood at his side, her glass held high.

"Tonight," Luna's voice resonated through the courtyard, "we gather not just to celebrate the blessings of the moon goddess but to welcome a new member into our pack, Elena." She raised her glass, and the pack followed suit, a sea of glasses reflecting the moon's glow.

"To Elena," Luna continued, her voice filled with warmth, "may her arrival be the dawn of a new era for the Crescent Moon pack, where healing and unity prevail."

The pack members cheered in unison, their voices echoing through the night. My eyes found Elena again, and this time, I saw a flicker of surprise in her gaze. It seemed she hadn't expected such a warm reception.

Then, from the midst of the crowd, Beta Alex stepped forward. He was a loyal and steadfast member of the pack, known for his wisdom, loyalty, and strength. He raised his glass high, and as his eyes met Elena's, a subtle nod of acknowledgment passed between them.

"To Elena," Beta Alex's voice rang out, his tone filled with respect and also drunk with wine, "may her unique gifts bring us healing and prosperity. Welcome to Crescent Moon pack."

With those words, the courtyard erupted in applause once more. Beta Alex's toast had an air of genuine acceptance, and his glance towards Elena was not insignificant. It was as if Beta Alex had subtly declared his support for Elena's presence, and I couldn't help but wonder what the people would see her as.

As the night continued, the feast carried on, the vibrant celebration of unity and newfound hope lifting the spirits of the pack. Music filled the air, and pack members danced under the moon's gentle gaze. The aroma of delicious food wafted around, and the atmosphere seemed to have di

A whole new emotion entirely.

Amidst the celebration, I couldn't help but notice Elena slowly making her way through the crowd towards me. Her movements were graceful, and her emerald eyes were filled with curiosity and uncertainty. It was as if she was testing the waters, unsure how she would be received.

I watched her approach, my gaze unwavering. As she drew nearer, I realized how different she was from anyone I had ever encountered. Her presence exuded an aura of power, and it was evident that she was not to be underestimated.

Elena finally stood before me, and the music faded into the background as we locked eyes. There was a brief silence between us, the weight of our unspoken questions hanging in the air.

"Alpha Herrick," Elena began, her voice carrying a hint of formality, "If I did not know any better, I would have thought you had been avoiding me all night."

"Why would you say that? I have just been a little occupied."

"I see," she said, looking away.

"Thank you for everything, though."

"I am happy to help," she said

And I nodded, acknowledging her words. "Our pack has been in dire need of healing, Elena. You brought that to us, thank you."

A faint smile touched her lips, and for a moment, the enigmatic mask she wore seemed to soften. "I intend to keep it that way."

Our conversation was interrupted as a group of pack members approached us, eager to greet Elena and welcome her into their midst. I stepped back, allowing her to engage with them, and watched as she conversed with genuine interest.

Rachael, one of the elders in the pack, took Elena's hands in hers and smiled. She thanked her immensely, and they all cheered. I was happy that she was finally feeling among herself.

As the night wore on, Elena became more integrated into the celebration, dancing with pack members and sharing stories. It was as if a newfound camaraderie was beginning to blossom. I have never seen my pack this cheerful in a long while.

Alpha Herrick's pov

I couldn't deny the complexity of the situation and the uncertainty surrounding Elena's presence and what I was supposed to do now. One thing for sure was that the neighboring packs would ask me about the sudden recovery of my sick pack members, especially my mother, since her case was very severe and hopeless. I wonder what they would do to her if they found out. She was meant to serve my desires and give me a son. It was never anything long-term, but with this newfound gift, and as I observed her interacting with my pack, I couldn't help but think she was going to do more than that, and having her would mean power and superiority over other packs for most Alphas, and they would stop at nothing to get her. The future of the werewolf pack all overhung in the balance, and Elena's role in it remained a mystery waiting to be unraveled.