Chapter 71 PITIFUL PREGNANT WOMAN
Edeline
"It’s a locket Percival gave me. His feelings get hurt if I don’t wear it," I murmured quietly.
Mirabelle scoffed in disbelief. "And how do you feel when you see that pitiful pregnant woman with magical powers?" Her angry green eyes locked with mine in the mirror’s reflection.
"It’s a topic best avoided. It’s… complicated." My lips pressed together in a tight line. "Let’s just move on, shall we?"
As we stepped out into the evening air, I paused to admire the sunset. The sky was a breathtaking canvas, with shades of pink and orange blending seamlessly into the deepening blue, tinged with hints of purple where the colors merged. The breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and savory barbecue, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
"Mirabelle, I need to ask you something about oracles," I said, my eyes fixed on the dirt road ahead, captivated by the particles of dust dancing in the beams of sunlight.
She slipped her hands into her back pockets, her gaze remaining ahead.
I hesitated, searching for the right words to broach the subject without raising too many questions. "Is there a way to request a specific vision? I’m not really sure how seers work." I needed to know if she could help me without causing her any distress.
"Indeed. At times, the moon grants me visions, but I can also seek answers through my runes and the intricate bowls I craft."
I took a deep breath, summoning my courage. "I need to inquire about my family, specifically my mother. Lately, her behavior has been troubling, and it's causing me a great deal of concern."
Mirabelle remained composed as I stole a sideways glance to gauge her reaction. She tossed her hair back with a confident flick, her expression determined as she walked briskly, the sound of her wedge heels crisp on the dusty ground. "I'll complete the reading first thing tomorrow morning."
"Thank you." I exhaled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.
She met my eyes with a serious look. "An oracle's revelations are meant solely for the petitioner and are kept strictly confidential. I am bound by my vows." Her words were both reassuring and sincere, easing my worries.
As we neared the backyard of the pack house, the scent of roasting meat filled the air, and the lively chatter of the pack grew louder. Wolves gathered around the barbecue, where picnic tables were laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes. The smell of a succulent pig roasting over hot coals stirred something primal within me, mingling with the aromas of ribs, steaks, and Cornish hens. Pack barbecues were always a big deal.
Despite the festive atmosphere, I had no desire to mingle. I found solace in the company of my close ones, never being one for socializing. It puzzled me why anyone thought I was suited to be Luna. I didn’t fit the mold. As I scanned the area, my senses heightened, searching for any unfamiliar presence or scent among the pack members.
Mirabelle chuckled softly. "Well, it looks like Nixx is in quite a good mood."
I followed her gaze and saw Nixx surrounded by a group of women, his confidence evident as they hung on his every word, likely enthralled by his tales of victory.
"Oh no, that witch didn’t..." Mirabelle's voice dropped to a low, harsh whisper, her intensity unmistakable. I furrowed my brow, my pulse quickening as I scanned the crowd, trying to decipher what had set her off.
Then I saw her. Tatiana, wearing a white, figure-hugging maxi dress, proudly cradling her growing belly—the belly that carried an alpha pup. A surge of envy hit me like a wave, tightening my chest as I watched her tenderly touch a future I had once envisioned for myself. Despite the heaviness in my heart, I pressed on beside Mirabelle, determined to maintain a calm facade despite the storm brewing inside me. My wolf stirred, restless and alert.
Tatiana wasn’t alone. Standing beside her was a striking woman, likely in her late thirties, with a fair complexion and long, glossy black hair. Her dark eyes were intense, almost void-like, until they locked onto mine. In an instant, her head snapped towards me, her gaze piercing as she leaned in to whisper something into Tatiana’s ear. Tatiana turned her muddy brown eyes towards me, nodding solemnly.
A deep, resonant growl rumbled from my chest, vibrating through my entire being as I met her gaze. The tension was palpable, a silent challenge hanging in the air between us.
"Okay, Edeline, let's not get too worked up just yet." Mirabelle’s grip on my arm was firm, her smile exaggerated and almost painfully forced as she steered us toward a large table laden with punch and a variety of beverages—beer, champagne, and more. My mind was too consumed with the urge to either bolt or tear into Tatiana’s throat to even think about choosing a drink.
"Here," Mirabelle handed me a plastic flute of champagne. "This will help take the edge off." She poured herself another glass and looked down at me with a sympathetic smile, her eyes flicking upward as her grin widened. I didn’t understand why until I felt a sudden tap on my shoulder.
I spun around to face a group of six mature women, their warm smiles serene and composed. Their leader, a striking woman with ruby-red hair and captivating dark blue eyes, quickly pressed her cheek against mine in a gesture of affection. "We wanted to let you know how much we admire you. We understand that this is a challenging time, but please remember, we support you as our future alpha. We’re sorry for the hardships you’ve faced, but know that if you ever need anything, we’re here for you." Her smile was gentle as the woman beside her embraced me, followed by the other four women, each pressing their cheek against mine in a show of solidarity.
I felt a lump rise in my throat, tears threatening to spill—not from sadness, but from the overwhelming sense of being cared for. It was astonishing how these wolves, with whom I’d had little prior connection, made me feel so significant. Their support, especially as Percival’s closest friends, was a comforting presence amid the turmoil.