Twizzlers (MxMxM)

Chapter 30 - Things Go to Hell

The day of the ceremony came way too quickly, in my opinion. I woke up that morning with Aubrey wrapped inside my arms. He was still fast asleep, but Evander was wide awake. He must've sensed that I was awake because he looked over and smiled. "Good morning, Aaron."

"Morning," I mumbled sleepily. "Goddess, today's the day right?"

"Yes, it is."

I groaned, closing my eyes again. He chuckled, shutting one of the new books he'd recently gotten. "You sound upset," he pointed out.

"I'm not really upset," I answered, slowly sitting up.

Aubrey whimpered and turned around to face me. I gently shifted him around so his head was in my lap. He went back to sleep after that, thankfully; I didn't want to wake him up seeing as they'd spent most of the night doing other things.

Goddess, who knew my mates were so horny?

Pushing that thought away, I looked at Evander. "I've been avoiding seeing my father ever since I confronted him last week. I'll have to see him today. I don't know, even if I've decided not to let him hold me back, he's still someone I want to make proud."

"That's understandable. But, we will be there with you. He won't be able to say a thing in front of the entire pack. So, accept your title and do your best."

"Thank you," I mumbled.

"Of course," he answered and leaned over to peck me on the cheek.

"No kiss on the lips?" I asked teasingly.

"You just woke up, so no," he chuckled. "Wash up first and then I'll consider it."

I shoved him playfully but he barely budged. Stupid vampire. "Whatever."

The rest of the morning, Evander and I spent the time in comfortable silence. Once Aubrey woke up, we all got ready for the day. It would be a long one. After the ceremony, there was going to be a huge party to celebrate. Other packs were invited, too. These kinds of things often involved other packs celebrating the passing down of power. It was all to build alliances or something. I didn't really care that much, so long as I could do my job.

When we got outside, the pack was abuzz. I noticed that other leaders from the neighboring packs were here, including Alpha Kristen and her son. Wren told me that Joshua and Mark would be given their titles later next month. Good for them, I guess.

I also noticed Alpha Lorence, which surprised me. I didn't take him as a party person, but maybe it was just for the free food. I tended to forget that he was an alpha and was expected at things like these.

Plenty of other people were recognizable to me, but I didn't really care all that much. I was much more concerned with ignoring my father for as long as possible. Maybe it was cowardly, but I didn't want to face him.

I would have to eventually, though.

That time came quicker than I wanted it to. After a bit of mingling, I was pulled away from my mates to get on the makeshift stage setup. There were hundreds of plastic chairs lined up in the large clearing as well, with the front rows reserved for our mates and family. As I made my way onto the stage, I searched the rows for my mates. I found them in the first row, looking right at me. I offered a small smile and Aubrey blew me a kiss.

Next to Evander was Rin, but I noticed that the dragon looked slightly ill. I looked away, but the image stayed in the back of my head until I walked up to Ryder and Erin. "Erin, your mate looks like they're about to puke," I pointed out.

Erin looked over at Rin and frowned. "They did mention that they don't really like loud crowds like this. I'll talk to them after the ceremony, maybe pull them aside."