Chapter 46

Chapter 46
Chapter 46

"You, take a shower, I'll get Claire ready, and then I'll help you," Gigi orders when we arrive back at the packhouse much later than planned. I hadn't expected finding the right dress for tonight to take so long. At first, I was easily distracted, afraid Alex would suddenly show up, and I kept looking around instead of at the dresses Gigi was showing me.
I'm glad the men focused on Claire. Otherwise, she never would have lasted so long.
I chuckle when I think back to the looks on their faces when we finally found a dress. The relief was palpable. I think I even heard Reece mumble something along the lines of, "Praise the goddess."
I'm curious what Dex will think of the dress. I showed him the first few dresses I tried on. But it quickly became clear that the men had something to say about every dress. So, when I'd had enough, Gigi and I stayed out of sight, much to Dex's dismay. Gigi managed to convince him that she wouldn't let me wear anything inappropriate, thankfully. I went for a nice dark red color, as a reference to the pack. Actually, a blood moon is a different color, more reddish-orange, but that color didn't look so good. We managed to find the right color for Claire, and she looks adorable. Just like a little princess. Even though Dex doesn't know what kind of dress I have, he does have a rough idea of ​​the color because Gigi insisted he buy a new blouse. One that matched my dress. Luckily, we found it quickly and went home.

"Do you think Lucy will be there?" I ask, somewhat nervously, as Gigi braids my hair. She's silent for a moment, but then shakes her head. "No, I don't think so," she says sadly. "Have you talked to her?" She shakes her head again. "No, but I heard a rumor this morning that she's planning on leaving." My heart aches, and I try to blink back the welling tears. Gigi gently squeezes my shoulder. "It's not your fault, you know that, right?" she tries to reassure me. I swallow. I know she's right, but it doesn't feel that way. I avoid her gaze in the mirror and look at the hands in my lap. "I'm sure that when she calms down and lets it all sink in, she'll come back. She'll understand. She knows how it works." I nod, hoping she's right.

Gigi goes downstairs with Claire while I try to control my nerves. Now that the moment has arrived, I'm suddenly not so sure anymore. I stand in front of the mirror and look at myself. What if the pack doesn't react the way Dex thinks? What if they don't want a human as their Luna? So far, everyone I've met has been positive. Especially happy for Dex that he's finally found his fated mate. But the pack is so much bigger. If it turns out the majority of the pack doesn't agree, what will Dex do? I shake my head, as if that will clear the negative thoughts from my mind. "Don't overthink it," I mutter to myself.
I take a deep breath, tell myself this is no big deal, and go downstairs. Where Dex is waiting for me, with Claire in his arms. My heart melts when I see the look in his eyes as he looks at her. So warm, caring, he'll be a wonderful father figure to her. That look changes when his eyes fall on me. His eyes travel down my body, and he swallows slowly. I blush when our eyes meet, and I see that familiar hint of lust. He hands Claire to Ronan, who's standing right behind him, with Reece. "You look beautiful," he whispers before kissing me gently.
I smile. "You too," I say, my gaze slowly sliding over his body. His muscles clearly visible through the fabric of his shirt. I suppress the urge to run my hands over them. We stare at each other for a few seconds.
Someone clears their throat. "Shall we? The first members are already here," Ronan says, and Dex nods, and I look away, my cheeks probably red from the dirty thoughts that crossed my mind.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Dex smirking. I think it's a good thing we can't reach each other with mind link. I'm sure he'd made some comment by now that would make me wish the evening would end quickly. The twinkle in his eye also tells me those comments would come all evening, probably embarrassing myself. Considering everyone around us could smell my arousal.
Next to me, Bruce clears his throat and comes closer. "Maybe you want to focus your mind on something else," he says softly. My eyes widen in shock, and Dex laughs.
Slightly embarrassed, I quickly take Claire from Ronan. As if I can hide my embarrassment with her. Dex, still chuckling, puts an arm around my waist to lead me outside.
The sound of chatter grows louder as we approach. The nerves I've managed to suppress so far threaten to resurface. Dex squeezes me gently and pulls me closer. I give him a grateful smile. "They'll love you," he says before hugging me again. When we arrive in the garden, it's busier than I expected. A large group of people stands in front of the makeshift stage, chatting as they wait. Silence falls when they see us standing next to the dais. The group grows larger and larger, seemingly endless. Ronan steps forward and slowly surveys the crowd. He gives Dex a curt nod, and as Dex steps onto the stage, he steps back. Where there had been a slight murmur of conversation a moment ago, it's now deathly quiet. As if everyone is waiting with bated breath for what their Alpha is going to tell them.

"Thank you all for clearing your schedules to be here tonight," he says with a smile. I can't help but think they didn't exactly have a choice; they can't ignore an Alpha order.
"You're probably wondering why I've called you together. Although I'm aware the rumor mill is probably running at full speed." 
No one says anything, but as I look around, I see a few guilty faces. "Some of you already know Lilly and Claire." He extends an inviting arm, signaling me to join him. As agreed, I hand Claire to Bruce and step onto the dais with a nervous smile.
People start whispering softly, my uncertainty threatening to seep out, but Dex takes my hand. In his eyes, I see nothing but pride, and that's all that matters, I tell myself. 
Dex clears his throat. "As you may already know, Lilly is human, her daughter, Claire, is not," he continues. "You know I searched for my fated mate for a long time, and I couldn't find her." He glances at me briefly, and I can't help but smile nervously. "And that's because..." He's silent for a few seconds. "Because Lilly is my fated mate." I hear a few people gasp. Dex takes his eyes off me and looks sternly into the crowd. 
I don't know where to look. The silence makes me more nervous than I already was. I have to force myself to look at the crowd in front of us. Out of nowhere, someone starts clapping, Gigi. I smile nervously, and as more and more people begin to clap and cheer, I breathe a sigh of relief. Out of the corner of my eye, I glance at Dex, who's still looking at his pack members with a serious expression. He seems to be lingering. I follow his gaze and swallow. Lucy.
She stands with her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed in the back of her head. I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. I don't know if it's the loss of my friend, the guilt I can't seem to shake, or the feeling she's not going to let this go. She looks straight at me, and her gaze sends a shiver down my spine.
"I know it's rather unusual," Dex says, putting his arm around me. "I want to ask you to keep an open mind. Tonight will be all about Lilly and her daughter." He hugs me. "There will be plenty of time for you to get to know them. But remember, I expect nothing but respect for her. Anyone who behaves disrespectfully will have to deal with me."
"Yes, Alpha," the crowd says as one. Dex's gaze settles on Lucy.
Dex signals for the meat to go on the BBQ, the bar is manned, and the music starts. The pack members spread out across the many tables, and the tense atmosphere of a moment ago seems to have vanished, though I still feel embarrassed by Dex's words. There's one thing I hate, and that's being the center of attention. I prefer to stay in the background. I guess that's a thing of the past now, especially once I'm Luna. I sigh and then, with a smile, take Claire from Bruce. Better get used to it now.
Bruce gives me a nod, excuses himself, and hurriedly leaves. I wonder what he's going to do; everyone's here. While Dex gets us drinks, I walk with Ronan and Reece to a standing table near the improvised children's play area.
Gigi soon joins us and assures me that everyone will love me. Although some might need time to warm up. Familiar faces come to say hello and ask if I'm quitting daycare. With a heavy heart, I have to say yes. I don't think Lucy wants me there anymore. "Assuming she stays there," one of the mothers, whose name I haven't remembered, remarks. The women around her nod. "Rumor has it she's going to ask permission to leave the pack," says another. They all look at me. "Time will tell, but I'd hate that," I confess. Gigi takes my arm. "She'll recover, her family is here, she won't just leave them behind." She tries to cheer me up. Dex appears next to me. "If she wants to leave, she can. If she wants to stay, that's fine too, as long as she can behave appropriately," he says, and everyone nods.
Meanwhile, more pack members are coming to meet me. After a while, I notice that the younger members, in particular, are more open to the idea of ​​a human Luna. It's mainly the older ones who are a bit more reserved. Which isn't surprising; they've been through more. Some may have lived through the Great War, or have close family members who have. It's only natural that they're more cautious.
While I'm in the middle of a conversation with some older pack members, telling them about my time with Brent, Bruce rushes in. He seems irritated.
"Sorry, give me a minute," I say quickly, turning to Bruce. "Are you okay? You seem a bit... irritated," I ask cautiously. Dex also stops talking to join us. 
"It's Lucy. I tried to talk to her… But I’m afraid she won’t let this go.”