Chapter 57 — Birthday Celebration
Luna's POV:
I am almost back to the familiar clearing when I hear Malcolm howling in the distance signaling the end of their run. All the others howl in unison to confirm they are done and on the way back to the house as well. I waited a few moments then let out a low howl to let the others know I was close by but not quite done. A confirmation howl echoed back and I sat down in the middle of the forest looking through the tree line at the clearing ahead. Tatum's familiar scent drifts through the air and I'm suddenly brought to my feet.
I look around in every direction wildly as my ears flick back and forth trying to detect the faintest sound. I wait for what seems like forever but there's no sign of him anywhere. I huff loudly and begin heading towards the house with confusion in my heart. Once I'm back and redressed everyone but Angel and Malcolm are in the pool. I quickly run in and change into my swimsuit and join the others.
"Where did your parents go?" I ask Kali as she snuggles into Seth.
"They went home." Kali replies.
The pool goes silent as I laze about relaxing and trying to clear my mind. I catch Tatum's scent again but brush it off as my imagination. I feel a deep throb in my chest and sigh quietly as I float on my back. After a while we all head inside to eat and enjoy the cake despite it already being late. Once I am finished eating I say goodnight to everyone and head to my bedroom. I sink into the big bed and loneliness seeps in once more as my wolf lets out a low whine.
Suddenly someone pounces on top of me as a few more thuds hit the bed. I open my eyes and look up to see Kali beaming at me. She lies down next to me as everyone entangles themselves behind her and at our feet laying any which way they can to get comfortable on the large bed.
"Good night everyone." I say as a smile comes to my lips.
I'm answered back with various mumbles as we all begin to drift off to sleep. I feel the warmth of someone's hand on my face but my eyes refuse to open and for the first time in a long time I feel a slight sense of peace within my heart. Then just as quickly as I felt the warmth it's gone and I succumbed to sleep once more. We all wake up late the next afternoon and prepare for the day. Kali and I make our way to town to the local salon as the guys head back over to Greyson's to get dressed up. We spend the day getting ourselves pampered and massaged, letting this past week's stress melt away.
That evening we all meet back at the house and decide what we want to wear to go out. I decided to use the dress Greyson designed again and Kali asked if I could magic up her one in red. I snapped my fingers and Kali was instantly in a dress like mine but in red. Seth's eyes lingered on Kali as she twirled to show herself off and after everyone was ready we all piled into the familiar black limo. We stopped to have dinner before heading to Greyson's club and just before going inside we stepped off to the side of the building.
"Are you sure you all want to do this?" I ask as I raise my hand.
Everyone nods at me in agreement. I begin to chant a few words and snap my fingers. In an instant we're all transformed into people we don't even recognize.
"Oh my! This is so cool!" Kali shrieks as she looks in her makeup mirror.
"Come on, let's get inside and have some fun!" She continues as she grabs my wrist dragging me inside behind her.
We order several rounds of drinks then head out onto the floor. Men and women alike surround us as we dance and let loose. I'm sure to keep everyone at arm's length and I try to stay as close to my friends as possible. I suddenly catch Tatum's scent again and I look around the club trying to pinpoint where he is. I'm fixing to leave the dance floor when I'm suddenly grabbed from behind. I feel a hot breath on my ear as I'm pulled to a secluded corner. I'm just about to scream when a hand is placed over my mouth.
"Did you really think I wouldn't recognize you or where you trying to hide from me?" I hear Tatum's husky voice in my ear.
My tense body relaxes when I realize I'm not in danger.
"Your scent gives you away my dear and I must say I preferred your previous looks over this one." Tatum says as he turns me to face him.
"I wasn't trying to hide from you." I replied as I snapped my fingers making my disguise disappear.
"What are you doing here?" Tatum asks me as he crosses his arms with a look of disapproval on his face "I could ask you the same thing. Aren't you supposed to be on a business trip until next weekend?" I reply as I place my hands on my hips.
Tatum uncrosses his arms and begins to rub his temples as he lets out a long sign. I look out onto the floor and see all our friends looking at me with worried expressions. I force a fake smile at them and wave to let them know everything is alright.
"Let's go home." I say to Tatum as I begin walking towards the door.
"I didn't drive here. I had a chauffeur bring me." Tatum replies once we're outside.
I ignore him and slowly make my way around the building.
"Now what princess?" Tatum says as he looks around for a vehicle that isn't there.