Sighing, I grab it out of her hands and rush to my dresser. “I don't know what I'd do without you…” I lament with a sincere smile that Gwen returns.
“I could say the same, D. Now, let's go to this party, and for Heaven's sake, please enjoy yourself. It'syourparty, after all.”
Since Gwen and I have become close, I know she means well, and she's right, anyway. Shrugging off my inhibitions and weird annoyance, we make our way to the local hall where the party is taking place.
Though I'm reluctant to attend, I know my parents are throwing this party as a way to make amends after I snapped at them, and I have to show up, even if it's just to prove to myself that I'm fine.
I have no idea what's going on with me, but I've never experienced such intense mood swings before, and I'm nowhere near my menstruation for the month. Whatever is going on is beyond my understanding, and I want nothing more than to feel normal again.
It seems my silent prayer is answered the moment I step into the hall with Gwen by my side, only to see my parents speaking to Hunter near the stage.
To my surprise, Mother grabs a flute of champagne from a passing waiter's tray, then holds it out for Hunter. Father pats his shoulder as he laughs at something Hunter just said—he probably cracked a joke, and he's doing a great job at charming them.
They seem mesmerized by his charms, and they're clearly putting in the effort to interact with my husband and get to know him. While I stand and watch their exchange at the end of the carpet that's been rolled out from the entrance of the hall tothe stage, Gwen excuses herself to get something from the bar, leaving me to stare in amazement at the scene in front of me.
As I tilt my head to the side, Hunter's eyes find mine, and they're lit up like twinkling stars as he smiles knowingly at me. I don't want to interrupt their exchange, so I wait where I am until my parents are pulled away by one of the elders.
Hunter turns to me then, smirking slyly as he lifts his flute and tips it toward me with a wink before strolling down the carpet. Again, he has no right to be looking as delicious as he does in a tailored suit, but Hunter cleans up so well, only to leave me a mess between my thighs.
He doesn't take his eyes off mine, even as he swiftly runs a hand over his head, patting the immaculately slicked hair. He wears a ravishing smirk as he approaches me, then stops and bows his head.
“Well, hello there, m'lady,” he greets sweetly as he lifts his head. My heart skips a beat when our eyes meet, and soon, I forget all about the nervousness I was feeling earlier.
“You know…it should be me walking down the aisle, not the other way around,” I giggle as Hunter holds out his arm.
“Well, I think we can make a few exceptions,” Hunter muses with another wink as I slip my arm into his. “Let's head to the front. Your father is about to give a speech.”
Smiling bemusedly, I nudge Hunter's arm. “You're getting along with them really well, aren't you?”
“Of course I am. You think they can resist this charming smile?” Hunter turns to me with a broad grin that earns him a playful slap on his arm, to which he chuckles.
The lighthearted jest between us continues until we near the stage, and my father calls for the pack members to stepcloser, and he begins to announce my marriage to the pack members.
But while applause and cheers echo around the hall in celebration, my mind slips into a void where every sound, every breath, every heartbeat of those around me fades as if I'm alone.
I feel myself slipping into the void, fear trickling down my spine the way I felt in that nightmare, until Hunter's voice pulls me back to reality.
“Huh?” I look up with a shiver as I meet his lively eyes.
A frown flits over his face as he stares at me expectantly.
He straightens his expression and leans in, then whispers, “They're waiting for us to dance, D.”
“Oh,” I nod and quickly plaster a smile on my face.
“You're looking nervous, so keep your eyes on me, okay?” Hunter suggests as he takes my hand and leads me to the center of the hall that has since been cleared for our dance.
The Shadow Fang Pack eagerly awaits the dance of the newlyweds, even if we're not throwing an official ceremony for our mate bond and marriage. I become highly aware of the crowd staring at us, but Hunter's soft gaze soon allows my anxieties to slip away as I focus on him.
It's like he senses my nervousness, even if he doesn't understand it, pressing a hand on the small of my back and securing me flush against him. A song I recognize begins playing on the speakers, and Hunter's knowing smirk tells me that he's behind the song choice.
Allowing myself to get lost in the moment and the sweet gesture, I giggle. “Let me guess…” I nod toward the speaker in the front corner. “You're behind this.”
Hunter chuckles nervously as he lifts my hand and gently sways with me to the beat of the music. “I remembered how much you liked this song.” Hunter lifts his head, searching my eyes. “Is everything alright, Delilah? With you, I mean.”
“Yeah,” I lie, not wanting to get into it now that I'm enjoying our dance, but it's hard to keep anything from Hunter when he knows me so well, his eyes narrowing as if he's not convinced.
“Why—why would you think there's anything wrong?” I ask nervously, and Hunter sighs as he spins me to the beat of the bridge, then pulls me back.
