Chapter 3: Skye, You Finally Made It

Skye's POV

Seven o'clock Saturday evening. I'm standing outside the Hartwell estate, palms sweating so badly I have to wipe them on my dress.

This silver-gray cocktail dress is my roommate's. Again. The heels are killing me already and I haven't even walked inside yet. I spent an hour pinning my hair up and doing makeup that's way more elaborate than anything I'd normally wear.

For three years, Caden's been telling me not to come to these gatherings. "You'll embarrass me." "You don't fit in." "Maybe next time."

But then Alpha Garrett and Luna Sienna called me directly. Luna's voice was so warm on the phone. "Skye, we'd really love to see you at the gathering. You're part of this pack. We want you here."

When the Alpha and Luna themselves invite you, you don't say no.

Even if Caden doesn't want me here.

I take a deep breath and ring the doorbell.

Luna Sienna answers. The moment she sees me, her whole face lights up. "Skye!" She grabs my hands. "You finally made it! We've been hoping to see you at one of these for ages."

Her hands are warm and strong. The genuine welcome in her eyes almost makes me tear up.

"Come in, come in." She pulls me inside. "Let me look at you. God, that dress is beautiful on you. Though I have to say, I'm more used to seeing you in training gear." She winks. "That's the real you."

The main hall is already full of guests. This is a semi-formal thing, lots of pack families plus representatives from neighboring territories.

Alpha Garrett spots me immediately and heads straight over. He's an imposing man but his eyes are kind.

"Skye Brennan!" His voice booms across the room, drawing attention. "Come here, I want to introduce you to everyone."

He guides me toward the center of the hall and raises his voice slightly. "Everyone, this is Delta Skye Brennan. Daughter of Delta Marcus and Elara Brennan."

The conversations around us quiet down.

"Marcus and Elara were two of the bravest warriors Crescentmoon has ever had," Alpha continues. His voice carries respect and sadness. "They gave their lives for this pack ten years ago in the border conflict. Skye has inherited their strength and spirit. Having her in our pack, especially so close to our family, is an honor."

Luna comes over and puts her arm around my shoulders. "Caden is lucky to have someone so strong and loyal."

The guests applaud. People nod, smile at me.

My throat tightens. This is the first time since my parents died that anyone has talked about them so publicly, said their names with such pride.

I turn to find Caden, expecting him to come over, to finally stand beside me in front of everyone and acknowledge what we are.

But he's across the room holding a glass of champagne, face blank.

Not even a smile.

The next two hours drag by like torture.

Where's Caden? With Autumn.

He gets her drinks. Introduces her to important people. Leans down to whisper in her ear while she laughs at whatever he's saying. His hand rests on her lower back sometimes, protective and intimate.

I'm left standing in the corner.

Luna does her best to keep me company, introducing me to friendly pack members. Cole stops by every so often with appetizers and light jokes, trying to make me relax.

But I can't focus on anything except watching Caden with Autumn.

He treats her completely differently than he treats me. Gentle. Attentive. Patient. He listens when she talks, actually laughs at her jokes.

Why has he never been like that with me?

The guests start whispering. I catch pieces of their conversations.

"Caden and Autumn look perfect together."

"The Crescentmoon Alpha's son and the Shadowpine Alpha's daughter. Talk about a power match. Plus she's so elegant."

"Who's that fighter girl? Does she actually think she could be Luna?"

"The Alpha and Luna seem to like her, but Caden's obviously not interested."

Every comment is a knife.

I start drinking wine. Glass after glass, trying to numb the humiliation.

Around nine, I realize both Caden and Autumn have disappeared.

The hall is still full of people socializing, but those two are gone.

My stomach drops.

No.

They wouldn't.

But I'm already standing up, wobbling in these stupid heels. I've had too much wine. I need to find them.

The second floor is quiet. Most guests are still downstairs. I make my way down the hallway, heart pounding harder with each step.

There's light coming from under the study door. It's half open.

I should turn around.

I should pretend I didn't see anything.

Instead, I push the door wider.

Caden has Autumn pressed against the mahogany desk.

His hands are on her bare shoulders.

They're kissing. Deep. Desperate.

Her dress strap has fallen down. Her fingers are tangled in his hair.

The image burns itself into my brain.

My wine glass slips from my hand and shatters on the floor.

The sound cuts through everything.

They break apart. Turn toward me.

Autumn's face shows pure satisfaction.

Caden's eyes go wide with panic.

"Skye," he starts.

But I'm already running.

Stumbling, nearly falling. These heels are loud on the hardwood, so I kick them off.

Barefoot down the stairs.

My mascara is running. Tears blur everything.

I just need to get out of here.

Now.