CHAPTER 34
Zeena’s POV
It had been two days since that kiss—two days of trying not to think about it and failing miserably. Today, though, I had bigger things to worry about. The visiting Alphas were expected before noon, which explained why the entire pack seemed alive already despite the early hour. Normally, wolves hated mornings, but the air buzzed with a restless energy that made it impossible to stay in bed.
Not that I minded. Old habits from my previous pack meant I’d always been an early riser. Dawn usually found me hauling water, scrubbing, or cooking back then. Compared to that, waking early in this pack felt like freedom.
I strode into the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, had a quick wash and tried to shake off the nervous edge sitting in my chest. By the time I came out, I was already thinking about what to wear. Important people were coming, so I couldn’t just throw on the first thing I touched.
I went straight for the closet. After rummaging through neatly folded garments, I settled on a soft, wine-colored gown—simple but not plain. The fabric brushed my ankles, fitted at the waist with a woven belt, modest neckline and sleeves that flowed just enough to look graceful. It wasn’t flashy like some noblewoman’s attire, but it suited me. I dragged a wooden comb through my hair, frowning at the usual wildness. Instead of leaving it loose, I braided part of it back, pinning it so the strands framed my face more neatly.
Just as I was sliding a pin into the braid, a knock tapped at the door.
I pulled it open and blinked at Andre.
For the smallest heartbeat, disappointment tugged at me. Before I could smooth it away, he caught it. The smirk on his face told me I’d been too slow.
“Disappointed it’s not your glorious mate?” he teased, leaning on the doorframe like he had all the time in the world.
I scoffed and pressed a hand to my chest, feigning innocence. “Me? Who’s that?”
His laugh was loud enough to draw a glare from me. He took his time looking me over, then chuckled again. “You look good. Careful –Ryder might not be able to take his eyes off you today.”
Heat crawled up my neck. To cover it, I teased back, “So I haven’t been looking good other days?”
Andre tilted his head with mock thoughtfulness. “Not with that hair flying about, no.”
I gasped in exaggerated offense. “You didn’t!” But the chuckle slipped out anyway. My eyes trailed over his dark green tunic belted at the waist, paired with fitted trousers tucked neatly into polished boots. His dagger hung at his side, gleaming, as if he’d gone out of his way to sharpen it this morning. “Well, you don’t look bad yourself.”
He gave a little bow. “Why, thank you.” Straightening, he added, “The Alphas will be here in an hour. Ryder may not be free to come for you, so he asked me to bring you along. We’ll have breakfast in the communal hall first.”
I grabbed my cloak and followed him out.
The communal hall was a sight I hadn’t yet grown used to. Its heavy owk doors wide open. It was cavernous, high-ceilinged, with stone walls warmed by torches and long rows of wooden tables. Today, every bench was filling up. Normally, wolves ate at different hours depending on their duties, but on special days like this–or nights close to the full moon–the pack gathered together. The noise of chatter and laughter bounced off the rafters, mingling with the rich smells of bread, roasted meat, fish, eggs and herbs.
Andre led me down the aisle, and I immediately felt eyes on me. Heat rose again, not helped when I looked up to find Ryder at the head table, his gaze, those vibrant blue eyes locked on mine.
Andre’s earlier words echoed in my head. My steps faltered, cheeks warming, but I forced myself to keep walking, chin up, composure intact. Still, I couldn’t help it–my eyes swept over Ryder quickly, taking in the black embroidered tunic worked with subtle silver stitching, his Alpha’s crest fastened at the shoulder, his hair tied back neatly like he hadn’t bothered too much but somehow looked regal anyway. Command rolled off him, Alpha in every breath, but it was the softness in his eyes when they lingered on me that made my stomach flutter.
He sat at the center, Laura to his right, as beta of the pack, where tradition placed her until Ryder officially claimed his Luna. Andre’s place clearly beside his left. And there, to the side, I knew Lucius would take his seat as Delta.
I sat down between Andre and Lucius, across from Laura, who gave me the faintest smirk, acutely aware of Ryder’s nearness, even with one person between us.
Ryder rose then, clearing his throat. The noise in the hall quieted immediately. He lifted his cup, voice steady and strong. “Today we gather to not just welcome allies, but a reminder of the strength we share as a pack, as a family. May our bonds hold, and our spirits rise. For the moon, for the pack!”
He lifted his cup higher and a chorus of voices answered in unison: “For the Moon, for the pack!”
The hall buzzed again as Ryder sat and the eating began.
I tried to focus on my plate, but every now and then, from the corner of my eye, I caught Ryder watching me instead of eating his food. I shifted in my seat, willing my face not to turn crimson. At one point, Laura muttered, “Your food is right in front of you.”
Ryder’s reply was casual, but I caught it anyway. “Oh? I thought there was another sitting two seats away.”
My stomach fluttered, heat crawling down my neck. I ducked my head quickly, pretending to busy myself with bread, not minding the reactions from Andre and Laura. Though my lips couldn’t help twitching at the corners.
The meal stretched on until most were finishing their plates. Just as the hall began to settle, a warrior strode quickly toward Ryder, He bent low, but I heard enough.
“Alpha, the visitors have been spotted at the border. But… you said to expect two. I saw three.”
I tensed immediately, already not liking how things were going. Don't tell me Riven was stubborn enough to still show up.