Chapter 172

Celena’s POV Today’s training was light because tonight was Miranda’s birthday party. I changed into a light blue dress, which was a gift from Lily. I also put on my makeup for the first time with Lily’s help. I was stunned. The woman in the mirror had lovely brown hair, big eyes, a high nose bridge and a seductive red on her lips. Jacob was also stunned beside me. I saw him swallowing saliva, his eyes brimming with passionate love and desire. The blond big boy let out a low growl from his throat, “You are mine, Celena.” “Calm down, Jacob. Don’t let your wolf out.” Lily finally stopped him from going further. When I arrived at the party arm-in-arm with Jacob, everyone greeted me warmly. It was my first birthday party, and I felt shy and awkward. But everyone embraced me warmly, and my heart melted in their kindness. For the first time, I felt like I belonged. “Celena.” Miranda approached me with a glass of wine. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” I lowered my head shyly, then glanced at Jacob. He handed Miranda the birthday gift we’d prepared: “Happy birthday.” “Thank you.” Miranda gave me a gentle hug, then suddenly winked at me: “Look at Jacob—he can’t see anyone else tonight.” Jacob’s POV Miranda was absolutely right. My eyes were fixed only on Celena. Her flustered expression was utterly adorable, like a startled fawn. I stepped forward and held out my hand: “Celena, may I have this dance?” She seemed flustered: “O-of course, but I don’t know how to dance.” I touched her fingers, then slowly wrapped my fingers around hers. Her scent was so intoxicating, I felt my wolf howling with delight. But in reality, my throat felt constricted, words stuck in my throat. Damn it, my face must be flushed all the way to my neck, I could feel the heat rising: I… I can. I’ll teach you.” “Okay.” Celena gazed at me tenderly. I gently wrapped my arm around her waist. A breeze carried the floral scent from her hair, plunging me back into reverie. Only the sharp pain in my toes snapped me back to hear her whisper, “Sorry.” I looked into her clear, sapphire-blue eyes: Don’t apologize. I’m the one who should be sorry for finding you so late.” She smiled faintly. She was so beautiful, utterly captivating. Celena’s POV This party was the first time in my life I’d laughed so freely and without restraint. I was absolutely certain I was no longer the monster locked away in the basement. “You are Celena. You can do anything you want.” Jacob’s gentle words still echoed in my ears. Just thinking about Jacob made my heart race inexplicably. Last night, we danced for hours. He patiently taught me, not minding at all when I stepped on his feet countless times. I wonder how his feet are doing. I glanced at the clock. Oh no, I was going to be late. I hurried through my routine and rushed downstairs. Jacob was brewing coffee as usual, but today he seemed different somehow. Why was he glowing? “Good morning, Celena,” Lily greeted me with a smile. “Are you okay? Can you handle today’s training?” I nodded vigorously, eager to prove myself like a child, and deliberately stood up to spin around. “Today’s training is at the back mountain.” “The back mountain? Jungle training?” I felt a surge of excitement. I couldn’t wait for my wolf to run free. Before, Lily had only described and sketched diagrams of how to transform into a wolf in the jungle and handle unexpected situations. We arrived at the back mountain. I hid behind a tree, leaped out as a brown wolf, and only then realized how vast the gap between theory and reality could be. Before long, I felt exhausted. My wolf panted heavily and seemed uncomfortable. I quickly shifted back, nearly stumbling. Jacob leapt over, shielding me with his broad body before slowly lowering himself to the ground. Lily, transformed into an elegant white wolf, slid down a tree trunk and tossed me my clothes. “Your first jungle run was good. Take it slow.” But immediately Lily’s expression became serious, and Jacob frowned, his face showing some worry, which was the response of the wolves. But they built a wall against me, so I couldn’t hear them. After that, they said nothing, just held my hand and slowly walked down the mountain. “What’s wrong?” I asked anxiously. I’d never seen Jacob look like that before. “Nothing. Jacob, take Celena back. I have things to do.” Lily transformed into a pure white wolf and vanished quickly. Compared to our Luna, my body still wasn’t strong enough. I had no energy left to shift now, and my wolf yawned wearily. “No rush. I’ll walk you back slowly.” Jacob was always so considerate and protective of me. Back at the wolf den, Lily was nowhere to be found. Jacob escorted me to my room, reminded me to eat on time, then left. He said nothing. Unlike before when he would clearly tell me what he was going to do and when he would be back. I was very worried about them, but I still had dinner on time as Jacob said and went down early. I’d learned to take care of myself when they weren’t around. Yet tonight, restlessness gripped me. I lay awake until the wee hours. I tossed and turned in bed when suddenly several clusters of extremely bright light flashed by the window. I jumped up in a flash, drew the curtain aside and looked downstairs. Five cars were parked in the courtyard. I saw Ethan, Xaver, Keith, Adrian and the twins talking about something. I couldn’t make out their expressions, only that they quickly parted ways, each howling like wolves, and then directed them to climb into the cars. Where could they be going so late? Should I follow them quietly?