four
The Party
*GWENDOLYN*
My heart beats faster as I think about the party with all those people I don’t know. Dad always encouraged me to go out, but I was always too scared of my high school peers from the pack. Now, however, I am an adult and am dating. I should be fine.
When I reach my destination – a private house of one of Brandon’s college friends, a human who has no idea what we are – I lock the bike up and decide to wait for Brandon. A glance at my phone tells me that I am a bit early, and Brandon left me a message saying he will be here on time.
“Hey. Are you coming to the party?”
I turn around to look at a guy who just came out of the house. “Yes.”
“I don’t know you,” he says with a bright smile. “I am Noah.”
“Oh, you are hosting the party, aren’t you?” I smile at him. “Sorry, I am waiting for my boyfriend. Brandon.”
“You are Brandon’s girl?” he sighs. “Such a pity.”
“Why?”
He grins. “Might have made a move myself.” He doesn’t sound creepy when he says it, just a tad teasing. I am amused at his flirty behavior, not sure if I truly buy it.
“You haven’t told me your name.”
“I’m Gwen.” When he stretches out his hand, and I shake it.
“Why don’t you wait inside?” he offers. “There are already plenty of other guests here.”
He is right. There are a number of girls currently sitting in his garden, and a whole group of guys and girls inside. It’s getting colder outside, so he has a point; it is better to wait inside. “Is it okay with you? I know I am not on your guest list.”
He laughs. “You are now, Gwen.”
I swiftly send a message to Brandon, telling him I am early and waiting inside, before I let Noah lead me inside. “This is Gwen, everyone,” he yells into the room.
I gaze at the group, to my relief, not spotting any pack members yet, though I am sure they will come; it’s all for pretense. A lot of them are friendly with the humans, and even hang out with them on occasions like these, to not appear too secluded or weird.
“Not even half an hour and you already got yourself a girlfriend?!” one of the guys remarks.
“She is Brandon’s girlfriend,” he clarifies, and I kind of like that he does.
“What a waste,” one of the girls mutters.
Another one elbows her. “Don’t be nasty.”
“It’s just… she looks so cool. How did Brandon get someone like her?”
Her words surprise me. Do they not like Brandon?
“Whatever.” The other girl makes a dismissive gesture with her hand. “Why don’t you join us, Gwen? Do you drink?”
“No,” I say. “I have a friend and her child staying with me currently.“
“Oh, I get it,” the girls both nod. “Noah has great non-alcoholic drinks.”
“True,” Noah says. “My sister is pregnant, but I want her to have something to drink as well. And one of our friends doesn’t drink either. You are not alone.”
I feel relief filling me. “I am so glad you don’t mind.”
