Chapter 43

**CALEB**

I spent the last few hours checking that the surveillance cameras were all working and making sure that the men in the control room were the best they could be. I reviewed in detail the delta teams placed for event and border security. Do I come across as an obsessive tyrant? Clearly, but I'm used to it. I brought my suit and shoes to the office because I knew that if I wanted everything to be perfect, I wouldn't have time to go home and change. I wear my shoes out when there's a knock on the door.

After I shout come in, the door opens and Finn enters my office, wearing black suit pants, a white shirt and a black bow tie. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up to the elbow. Even under such circumstances, he wasn't capable of being clean-cut.

"Don't worry I'll put on a jacket later." He said to me as he closed the door behind him as if he'd read my mind. "But I don't guarantee to keep it on all evening."

"Have you seen Elena or not yet?" I ask, ignoring his remark.

"Not yet, but she and Theo should be here any minute. That is if he can keep his hands to himself because we know our dear companion in an evening gown is something." He whistles.

I snort, but he's right. Elena in jeans is beautiful enough, but when she's dressed up it's another level. I stand up and look at my watch to check the time.

"Has everyone arrived? Is the evening off to a good start?"

"Chef yes Chef!" He shouts, mimicking a military salute.

"Fuck you," I mumble and he dares to laugh... the bastard.

"Yes, everything's going well. The community members have responded and they seem to be enjoying themselves. It's been a long time since they've had an opportunity to do so." He curls his lips. "I've got some bad news."

I take a breath. "Come on, let it go."

"Your father's here. He was talking with Gemma and Silas when I saw him."

I gasp. "I thought so...it was too beautiful."

When he told us he was going away for ten days or so, I was hoping he wouldn't be here tonight but I think it was too much for him, he would never have missed it. Not for me, but for the people and what they would think of his absence.

"I took the liberty of warning Theo and Elena, so they wouldn't be surprised."

I nod. "You did the right thing. We're not leaving her side. When she goes to the bathroom, one of us stays outside the door. I don't want him to have the slightest opportunity to be alone with her."

"The three of us agree on that." He confirms.

I grab my jacket from my chair and we both head for the door.

With the nice weather, we decided to hold the festivities outdoors. That way, everyone could attend, which is exactly what Elena wanted. And what Elena wants, Elena gets.

The corridors of the pack's house are deserted, so they must all be at the party already. As soon as we walk through the doors, we come face to face with my father. He's pulled out the suit but without the tie, he's clean-shaven and his hair is styled to perfection.

"Finnegan, Caleb, good evening. I was hoping to see you, son."

Finn nods and continues on his way, leaving me alone with my father.

"I didn't think you'd be here tonight," I tell him, shoving my hands in my pockets.

"And missed this party? No way. You're my only son and the alpha of this pack." He says in disbelief.

I hold back a sniffle so he doesn't know I know about the deception.

"One of the alphas."

He rolls his eyes. "Let me think of you first. I know for a fact there are three of you, so there's no need to tell me every time."

"You always seem to forget it though." I remind him, cutting him off. This discussion has gone on long enough and my companion will be arriving soon and I want to be there to welcome her. "Have a nice evening.

**ELENA**

It took me a long time to get ready, and not because of my outfit, hair or make-up, but because of my nausea. I've never puked so much in my entire life as I did today. Poor Theo spent more time kneeling next to me, holding my hair, than he did standing on his own two feet.

As soon as we arrive, I make a detour to the toilets in the pack house. How am I supposed to get through the evening without arousing suspicion?

"We could have postponed the evening, you know. Everyone gets sick sometimes. People would have understood." Theo says to me from the other side of the door.

"I'll be all right. I just need to drink lots of water and snack." I reply before washing my hands.

When I open the door, he's leaning against the wall next to me. He comes over and kisses the top of my head. I'm so lucky to have him. To have them all. When we come out of the bathroom, Eric is in the hall.

"Elena. You look beautiful." He approaches and takes my hand in his and kisses it. "My son is one lucky bastard."

Theo clears his throat and Eric finally looks up at him. "Theodore." He tells him simply, then turns his attention back to me. "Have a good evening and enjoy it because it only happens once in a lifetime." He looks me up and down again before continuing on his way.

Theo and I exchange a glance, and when I look back one last time before heading outside, Eric is already watching me. His gaze gives me the shivers because there's something about him I can't quite put my finger on.