ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️

Chapter 86

"It's that time of year already?" I grumble.

"Unfortunately, yes." Hardin grabs my ankles, pulling me further towards the end of the bed.

"I don't want to go!" I complain, like a child throwing a tantrum.

"Duties, Kali. Plus, it's time you faced them." He muses, purposely yanking the covers off of me and tossing them on the floor.

"Hardin!" I shriek, bolting up as the cold air hits me.

He just laughs. "It's almost nine, packs will be arriving soon." He states.

"It's freezing outside, why does the graduation ceremony have to be held here? And in the middle of bloody winter?" I scowl, stomping across to the bathroom, flinging off my pyjamas as I walk.

Sue me, okay. Summer is gone and winter has arrived with a goddamn snowstorm that threatens to end me. Even the tiles covering the bathroom floor makes me shiver as the soft carpet vanishes.

"You know the law, Kat." Hardin sighs.

I just grumble under my breath, knowing he's right but hating that it's not an option. We don't get to pick and choose who hosts the ceremony's, the Elders simply inform the Alpha a month in advance.

I get ready as quickly as possible. For the next seven days I'll be expected to be present as much as Hardin will be. Most activities are outdoor, and despite Hardin telling me to wear multiple layers of clothing, we're both aware that this is the first time anyone has seen us on pack land together in years.

Which means appearances are everything. We're going to be judged, and talked about, and scrutinised by other Alphas, betas, warriors and graduates.

"You'll freeze in that, Kat, fuck what they say about us. I'd rather you be warm and healthy than get sick to please them." Hardin complains the moment I exit the closet, his eyes skimming the training clothes.

Gym leggings and a matching black sport bra with a white loose sports top, a layer that does nothing for warmth.

"It's not about pleasing them, you know as well as I do that if I stand there in a jumper we'll be the laughing stock of the wolf community. I can take the cold, I know my limits but I won't allow some asshole Alpha to look down at you because of me." I say, sliding my trainers on.

At least my feet will be warm. Hopefully.

"If you get sick I'm never letting you outside again." Hardin warns with a look of absolute promise.

Biting back my chuckle, I nod my head as I begin braiding my hair. If I'm going to be put on a pedestal for the next week, they're going to see that even though I'm human, I do not intend to impress them.

"Here." Hardin ties off the bottom of both my braids with an elastic band, the ends touching my ass despite a lot of length taken by the style of the braid.

I should probably get a haircut soon, I could use a touch up.

"Hardin..." I trail off, turning to face him. The idea of the Elders coming has unsettled me the past few weeks, and I need to come clean to Hardin.

"I haven't told you everything...the Elders might bring it up and I need you to be aware of what's to come." I admit softly, lifting my eyes to his.

"Go on." He says, crossing his arms and leaning back against the sink counter top. A relaxed yet slightly stiff stance, preparing himself for my words.

"I've told you things, but it wasn't everything. Between being locked up in a padded cell, learning, training, therapy...I had...I had episodes." I swallow harshly, lowering my eyes with shame.