‘Softer,’I told her, wincing.
Shebreathed deeply and the music quieted to a manageable sound.
‘That’sawesome,’Anna commented.
Igave a wolfish grin.‘Well, I’m not gonna lie, that’s a pretty damn coolpower. I’m jealous.’
Alexalooked shocked.‘This will take some getting used to.’
Emmapoked her head out the front door. “What’s all this noise? Aurora, we’re waitingfor you! Come on, girls, quit messing around. It’s wedding day!” She shrieked.Then she looked at Alexa. “Oh, Alexa, welcome to the pack. Your wolf isbeautiful. Now come on!” I wasn’t sure how I felt about pregnant Emma. She waskind of all over the place and intense.
Emmaleft the door open and I looked at Anna and Alexa indicating they shouldfollow.
Allof the pack females from India, Seattle, and our pack, were in the house. Therewas a henna artist and she was doing designs on the women’s hands. I had toldKai’s mother I wanted to be married in a red sari. I was excited to be honoringhis culture. I was getting a traditional henna party!
Iweaved in and out of the crowd to my room and quickly changed. After I came outI spotted Tara. She waved. I waved back. She seemed okay, she was chatting withanother one of the Indian pack girls. I was glad to see she had been found. Ialso spotted Sadie, Kai’s ex-girlfriend, who was now in the Seattle pack. Awkward.
“Welcometo your Mehndi party.” Maya gestured opening her arms. She was dressed in fullIndian garb. She stuck a bindi on my forehead and gave me a hug.
Ismiled. “Thank you so much.” She sat me down on the couch and had two artistswork on me at the same time. One was at my feet and the other, my arms. Theywere drawing intricate designs, elephants, and peacock feathers.
Aftera while, Tara came to sit with me.
“Hey,”she said, looking at her henna design.
Iwasn’t sure what to talk about. Pretend yesterday didn’t happen or ask if shewas okay.
“I’msorry for what happened. I feel like it’s all my fault.” I told her genuinely.
Sheshook her head. “I’m so glad you told me. I would be living my life in Indiafor God knows how long if you hadn’t.”
Inodded. “So … You’re okay?”
Shesmiled and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Max asked me out to coffeeafter the henna party. Then he asked if we wanted to go to the weddingreception tonight … together. Like a … date.”
Hereyes lit up and I smiled. Starting slow, that was good. “That’s great!”
Taranodded. “So, we’re going to get to know each other. I will stay in Seattle fora while and just see what happens.” She looked a little sad at the thought.
Iknew all about taking it slow. When Kai first told me we were mates anddestined to be married and have kids, I was terrified. I wanted to progressslowly: boyfriend, fiancé, THEN marriage. After what Max had been through, it seemedlike a good move for them.
“Havefun on your date.” I winked at her and squeezed her hand.
Themoment our skin touched, I was pulled into a vision. Tara was dressed in abeautiful, long white satin wedding gown, grinning ear to ear. Max stood proudat the end of the aisle, Kai right next to him. I scanned her bridesmaids andthe crowd. Where was I? Why wasn’t I there? The vision dissolved.
“Aurora?”She shook me.
Icleared my throat. “Oh, I’m sorry, what did you say?” Mist hovered around me.
Shewas looking at me with concern. “I said, I will let you know how the dategoes.”
Inodded. “I’m sure it will be fine.” I had learned to trust my visions. Tara andMax were well on their way to getting married, but why wasn’t I there?
Anhour later, the henna artists were done with me and moved on to the others. Thehenna was starting to dry a burnt maroon color. The designs were intricate andbeautiful. Emma waddled over holding her belly. Her face looked alarmed, butshe was trying to hide it. I stood up quickly, careful not to mess up thedesigns on my arms that were still drying.
“What’swrong?” I whispered.
Sheflicked her head outside and began walking away. I followed her, my hearthammering in my chest. I tuned into Kai’s energy. He seemed mad and confused. Icould smell him, he was close. I walked outside and Emma stopped me on theporch.
