FIFTEEN

FIFTEEN
“Aria! What a lovely surprise. Are you joining the boys for their bonfire tonight?” Speak of the devil.

“Hi, Luna Sage. I’m doing well, thank you. The guys invited us—if that’s alright?” I asked, suddenly unsure of the etiquette. I’ve never been invited to a party before, and definitely didn’t expect to find the Luna relaxing on the back patio when we arrived.

“This is my friend Selene. She’s staying with Warriors Robert and Stephanie for the year. She’s in the same grade as Milo and the twins.”

And now I can’t seem to shut up. Why am I so nervous? Luna Sage has been the closest thing to a mother figure I’ve ever known.

“Hello, Selene. It’s lovely to meet you. You must be the one who sparred with our Aria this morning. You two were the highlight of the warriors’ gossip today, isn’t that right, dear?” She glanced over her shoulder with a knowing smile that hinted at something unspoken.

Only then did I notice the Alpha sitting there too. Great. Where did my observation skills go all of a sudden?

“You got that right,” he chuckled, sitting up a little straighter. His deep, gravelly laugh contrasted with the sharp arch of his brow and his usual serious expression. “None of my warriors have managed to beat your takedown time—not even Delta Nolan or Gamma Brett.”

He laughed again, clearly enjoying the memory.

“They spent three solid hours trying. Rotated partners, switched tactics—you name it. There are a few bruised egos being nursed tonight.” He grinned and leaned back in his chair, clearly savoring the amusement.

Selene laughed beside me. “That’s incredible! And thank you again, Alpha and Luna, for welcoming me this year. I truly appreciate the opportunity.”

“Not a problem at all, sweetheart. Clearly, you were the perfect fit,” Luna Sage said with a wink. “Now go on or all the good seats by the fire will be taken.”

She wiggled her eyebrows at us. I had no idea what that gesture meant, but Selene clearly did—because she grabbed my arm and tugged me along before I could ask.

We followed the path lined with twinkling fairy lights through the woods. After about ten minutes, the crackle of flames and the murmur of voices filtered through the trees. Soon, the warm orange glow of the bonfire came into view.

There was a small gathering around it. Maybe thirty people in total—not a huge crowd, so it could’ve been invite-only or maybe just upperclassmen. Or maybe we were just early.

I had no clue what to expect, so I stuck close to Selene, who clearly had a destination in mind.

When we looped around the large fire, I realized where she was headed.

My brother and his friends were on the far side of the clearing, lounging near a group of coolers like some kind of beverage-guarding squad. The second we stepped into view, Leo lit up.

“You made it! Finally! We’ve been waiting forever,” he called out, loud enough for everyone to hear. Heads turned in our direction. Great—just what I needed. The crowd’s curiosity washed over us, and I suddenly felt wildly out of place.

Selene, of course, either didn’t notice or didn’t give a damn.

My money was on the latter.

“Hello, boys. We’re perfectly on time. Don’t be so dramatic, Leo.” She beamed as we approached.

“You both look amazing! Want something to drink? We’ve got water, soda, beer—take your pick.” His eagerness was almost endearing.

“I’ll start with water. Aria?” Selene glanced at me, clearly offering me the safer choice so I wouldn’t feel awkward. I appreciated it more than I could say. She must’ve sensed it, too, because she threw me a quick wink.

“Water for me too, please.” I glance at Leo just as he jogs off, booting some poor kid off the farthest cooler—one he’d clearly claimed as a makeshift throne—to grab two bottles of water for us. We keep walking toward my brother and his group, reaching them right as Leo returns with the drinks.

“Seriously, what took you guys so long?” he asks, handing over the bottles. “Your car was parked when we got back with the supplies. You don’t even live that far.” His voice dips into an exaggerated pout. Was he seriously doing the kicked-puppy routine again? He must get decent results if he keeps trying it.

We both burst out laughing, but Selene’s the one who fires back flawlessly. She cups his face in both hands and traces her thumb slowly along his bottom lip.

If he were a cartoon character, hearts would’ve popped out of his eyes, and his tongue would’ve unspooled down the path and into the trees.

“Tuck that lip back in, sweetheart,” she says sweetly. “Save that look for girls who actually fall for it. Perfection like this?” She gestures at herself. “Doesn’t come easy. And it certainly isn’t free. You can’t rush greatness.”

Then she tosses a wink over her shoulder at me, and I swear she’s enjoying this whole thing way too much. Honestly, I feel like I should be taking notes.