CHAPTER 35

MIA POV.
We follow Dominic until we step into a clearing. I'm struck by the whimsical transformation. The moonlit hunt party has taken over the forest clearing, morphing it into a vintage country club.
Real fire lanterns were hung from surrounding trees, casting a warm, golden glow around the gathering. Elegant wooden structures, draped with lush greenery, provide shelter from the elements. Plush velvet armchairs and vintage looking table, to match the chairs, are scattered around the clearing, whilst leaving the centre of the clearing empty for the dancing couples as the music flowed through the crowd.
To my left, there was a polished wooden bar, tended by a few bartenders who readily take in their customers’ orders and serving their drinks with smiles. Crystal glasses clink as the scent of fine wine and cigar smoke wafts through the air. To my right, a live band played a lively waltz as couples sway to the rhythm, their faces joyous. In my centre line of sight and though the dancing people, I made managed to make out a very large, round table on the other side of the room.
I was so mesmerised by the sight of everything that it was only when Vivienne put her hand on my arm did, I realise that we were spotted by my awaiting guests. I looked at Vivienne, who was smiling at me in encouragement, and I returned it before taking a deep breath to scratch together my courage. My eyes briefly landed on Dominic’s, but he quickly looked away before I could read what he was thinking.
As I step further into the vibrant party, I am surrounded by smiling faces, all eager to greet me. I suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed and exposed as unfamiliar face after unfamiliar face swam in front of me and just when I was starting to feel claustrophobic, I felt a familiar warmth at the small at my back and I knew it was Dominic's hand. I didn’t know how I knew, but I just did as a calm fell over me, his presence a solid rock amidst the chaos of the greeting guests.
As I progressed into the party, I have lost count of how many hands I have shaken, and my face was starting to hurt from all the smiling. More introductions follow: cousins, uncles, and aunts, all eager to connect. I'm astonished by their acceptance, their genuine warmth but I couldn’t help to notice that they all seemed to be werewolves. I guessed it made sense not to invite humans to a wolf hunt, but I was somewhat disappointed to not meet any of my mother’s family tonight. That is if there were any. I briefly thought to myself.
As I continue to navigate through the crowd, I spot my half-brother and sister across the room. Ace, my half-brother, beams at me with excitement, coming towards me through the guests. "Mia!" Ace exclaims and I was momentarily stunned to find myself locked in a hug with him. I couldn’t help the smile that pulled at my lips as I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him back. "I'm so glad to see you again!" Ace exclaimed. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I laugh until my eyes land onto my half-sister, Alice. She stood observing from the other side of the room with an unreadable expression whilst her mother, Sofia, stood beside her, looking disapprovingly at Ace. I sense a chill emanating from them, a stark contrast to the warmth that Ace was giving me.
Ace let’s go of me and starts talking enthusiastically about the party before he quickly looked behind him towards his mother and sister. He looked sad when he looked back at me. He excused himself with a promise to catch up to me later. I nodded in understanding and watched as my half-brother disappeared through the crowd. I had a suspicion that he was mind linked to stop talking to me. I was sad about this but had no time to think about too much as new faces appeared in front of me to meet and greet.
As we mingle through the crowd, Dominic remains steadfast by my side, his presence a comforting anchor in the sea of unfamiliar faces, but quickly I found myself actually enjoying meeting the different groups of people. They all looked genuinely happy to meet me, and they were all welcoming me with open arms.
One silver-haired she-wolf steps forwards, extending her hand in greeting. As soon as I take her hand, she holds on to it, not letting go. "Ah, Mia." she says, her voice low. "We've heard so much about you. Tell me, how are you adjusting in being back?" She asks but before I could answer, Dominic intervenes, his voice smooth. "She’s still adjusting but I have no doubt that she will succeed in taking her place within the pack." Dominic said with such confidence that I wanted to believe him. The last few days was a rollercoaster ride for me, and I hardly feel as though I have accomplished anything, but it felt nice to hear Dominic say that he had confidence in me.
As the night went on, I found myself exhausted in answering questions. Luckily Dominic stuck to my side and answered some of the questions for me and sometimes guided the conversation away from me for which I was grateful. But I also noticed that Tony was back to his old self and Dominic noticed too.
I watch as Dominic clenches his jaw in frustration as Tony effortlessly charms a circle of girls. The brief interest in me forgotten and although I was relieved about this, I knew this was not going to reflect good on me or on Dominic and the future of the Dark Moon pack. I swallowed nervously as I saw Dominic excuse himself marches over to his son. I look at Vivienne in concern. Just like Dominic, she has stayed by my side since we stepped into the party but instead of frustrated or concerned, she had a look of indifference on her face.
“That boy is never going to learn.” She said and her lips pulled in a thin line of irritation. I looked from her to where Dominic had dispersed his little flirting crowd and was now having a heated conversation with Tony. We were just close enough to hear what was being said.
His deep voice thundered lowly, and I was sure that many others could hear as well. "Your ignorance of pack politics is staggering, when will you take your responsibilities seriously?" Dominic demanded and I could see Tony’s face go white, but he tried to play it off as nothing. "Come on, Dad. I was just having some fun and welcoming them to our pack." Tony said and tried to give a confident smile towards his father but it infuriated Dominic further because his expression darkened. "Fun? You call this shallow behaviour fun? You're a future pack leader, Tony and it is time for you to start acting in that roll!” He chastised. “Your behaviour is not only disrespecting to our pack but to your future Luna who is standing right here!” Dominic sneered towards Tony whose eyes briefly met mine and I could feel the anger that was directed at me in his gaze.
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling trapped in the midst of their heated argument. The tension between them was high and there were many others listening in. I looked around and it was as if Vivienne understood and indicated for me to follow her. "Excuse me," I murmured, as I followed her to the restroom, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I shut the door behind me. the noise in the other room dimmed and for a moment I relished the silence. “Are you okay?” Vivienne asked and I nodded. “Yeah, I just need a moment.” I said and she nodded.
I took a few minutes to gather myself before we left the rest room together. As we returned to where we left the men, I saw that Tony was nowhere to be found, seemingly vanished into thin air whilst Dominic, stood tall, his expression showing indifference like the heated argument never occurred.
A soon as I reached his side, he spoke lowly and calmly. "Your father's about to speak," he says without looking at me.
I follow his gaze to the circular round table at the back of the clearing that I have glimpsed before. A clinking of a glass and the clearing goes silent and suddenly, the group of guest’s steps away, leaving a clear path to where my father sat tall and proud at the head of the table with my half brother and sister and stepmother scattered around the table.
Some of the omega servants usher Dominic and I to our seats and to my dismay I directed to sit next to Sofia with Dominic on my other side. Sofia's icy gaze greets mine. I hesitate for a moment and feel unease running down my back and I quickly look to Dominic. He had already taken his seat at the table with Vivienne sitting on his other side and it looked like he was in conversation with her. Seeing that I was going to get no help from him, I was left to face Sofia alone.
Taking a deep breath, I lower myself into the chair beside her, trying to appear calm as I mentally prepare to myself to face her.