Chapter 200
[ 1,188 words ]
Just One.
By the time the sun began to dip to the pack house had already been transformed. Candles flickered along the walls, fresh flowers filled every vase, and the entire place hummed with that strange mix of ceremony and comfort that only happened when we were welcoming someone new. If I was going to stand beside my fathers, I at least wanted to look like I belonged there. I rifled through my wardrobe until my fingers brushed over a soft yellow sundress, the one that fell just above my knees, it’s simple but pretty The kind of dress Mum said made me look “like summer incarnate.” I slipped it on, brushed out my hair until it fell smoothly down my back, and added the smalle touch of gloss to my lips. Nothing fancy, just… enough. I studied my reflection for a moment and forced a smile. You’re fine, Mace. It’s just an initiation. Nothing more. Right.
Downstairs, the air buzzed with anticipation. My fathers stood near the main hall’s entrance, Xavier poised and regal, Noah calm but commanding, Levi and Haiden shoulder to shoulder, and the rest of our family gathered nearby. The pack members lined the foyer in neat rows, waiting to witness the oath. I took my place beside Xavier, who gave me an approving nod.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” he murmured quietly. “Thank you for helping today p>
“Of course,” I replied, folding my hands in front of me.
The grand doors opened, and the new family stepped through. The parents, a man and woman dressed neatly but humbly, bowed their heads in respect. And trailing just behind them, grinning like the devil himself, was Dean Blackmore. Of course. His eyes found me instantly, that same sin-soaked smile spreading across his face like he knew exactly what kind of reaction he was getting. My pulse skipped, and I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on Xavier’s opening words. Formalities rolled on as they always did, with introductions, oaths, and the exchange of promises that bound one family to another. The energy in the air thickened as Noah stepped forward, reciting the words that would anchor them to the Red Moon Pack.
“Do you swear loyalty to the Alphas of Red Moon p>
“We do,” the parents said in unison.
“Do you swear to protect, to honour, and to stand with this pack as your own p>
“We do p>
The final words of the vow left Noah’s lips, and the magic answered.
A ripple of warmth spread through the room, it was soft at first, then powerful enough to raise the hairs on my arms. The bond settled over everyone like a shared breath, a low hum of unity threading through my chest.
And then, clear as day, another voice slid through the link, smooth, amused and undeniably familiar. “Well, this is fun, isn’t it p>
I nearly jumped. My head snapped up, eyes darting to Dean. He was stal standing beside his parents, hands clasped behind his back, looking every hit the picture of polite formality, except for the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. I bit the inside of my cheek and looked away quickly, willing the lush creeping up my neck to disappear.
The ceremony closed with polite applause and murmured congratulations. My fathers shook hands with Dean’s parents, welcuining them property before Levi suggested, “Let’s head to the office and discuss your housing options p>
As the adults moved through the hall, I took the chance to slip away, heels clicking softly against the polished floor as I headed upstairs. I shoved douch (u weird feeling in my gut, focused on the rhythmic sound of my footsteps and the familiar comfort of the upper hall, and stopped short. Someone was waiting outside my door. Elliot He stood there like he’d been carved out of shadow and moonlight, still in his Underworld gear, dark chuthon, hair a little tousled oves sufber than I’d seen them in weeks. In his hands was a bouquet of flowers so vivid they alsoat didn’t seem real, with shades of deep red, pake galt, anal 4 single black rose in the centre. For a hearttiat, I couldn’t breathe
10:07 am
PP
Just One.
Hey,” he said quietly, voice rough around the edges. “You look beautiful p>
My throat tightened. “You’re back p>
He nodded, stepping forward just enough to hold out the flowers. “Yeah. I thought maybe these could be a peace offering… for being an idiot p>
My fingers brushed his as I took them, and something warm and painful bloomed in my chest. Down the hall, laughter drifted faintly from below, the sound of my fathers, of Dean’s family settling into their new life her, But right now, all I could bear was the pounding of my own heart.
Elliot smiled faintly. “Can I come in p>
“Of course you can come in,” I say softly, opening the door and walking in as he follows. I set the flowers down on my dresser. I’d get a vase for them later. “You’ve been avoiding me,” I say just above a whisper, and when I turn around, he’s right there. His hand comes out to slide through the back of my hair, pulling my head back to look up at him. Although he’s physically aged slowly, nothing has stopped him from growing in height. He looks…beautifully young, like he could be my age, and in some other world, I imagine that he’s just another boy from my school, a friend…someone I could long for.
“I’m sorry Mace…” He says, his other hand cupping the side of my cheek and his thumb caressing my jaw line before he pulls me to his chest.
“I missed you,” I say, holding on to him.
“I missed you too,” He whispers back. He pulls back, dipping his head to look me in the eyes. It’s like the world slows to a beat as he leans down, and right before my eyes flutter shut, I turn my head and his lips land on my cheek.
“Elliot…” I say half in warning, half in a weak protest.
“Macey.” He grits out. His hand grips my jaw, and he turns me to face him again. His forehead resting on mine. “Just one, please…” He whimpers. “Just one kiss, and I swear I will back off. I will suffer in silence. I just…I need you, Mace. Just a small piece of you…Please p>
His pleas do something crazy to my insides, and before I can even think of a reasonable protest, I whisper, “Just one p>
Elliot’s breath shudders out, his whole body shivers as one hand comes to the small of my back and the other to the back of my head. He pulls me into him, his lips landing softly on mine with a kiss that could quite literally shatter my entire soul. Just one. I tell myself, knowing that I’ll never feel anything so full of love like this, ever again in my lifetime.
Comments
Kitten_81
just one huh…i love elliott so bad and i love him for macey
7 days ago
18
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