His Possession

19: There for you

"When you are in love, and you get hurt, it’s like a cut — it will heal, but there will always be a scar."

       - Soo Jie 

***

The past few days had been a whirlwind of activity, the pack buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Blake's 22nd birthday was approaching, and the entire pack was focused on making the celebration grand. Despite the underlying tension between Blake and me, things had been relatively calm. Our interactions were civil, even if still strained.

The banquet hall was the centerpiece of the preparations. The room was vast, with high ceilings and ornate pillars that gave it a regal air. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their facets catching the light and casting rainbows across the room. The walls were adorned with rich, deep colours —burgundy, gold, and emerald—evoking a sense of elegance and opulence. Despite its grandeur, the hall had a modern touch, seamlessly blending classical beauty with contemporary flair.

The pack members worked tirelessly, transforming the hall into a breathtaking venue. Long, rectangular tables were arranged in a U-shape, leaving the center open for dancing. Each table was covered with crisp white linens and adorned with centerpieces of fresh flowers and candles. The chairs, elegant and cushioned, were placed with precision, ensuring every guest would have a perfect view of the festivities.

In one corner, a bar was being set up, the polished wood gleaming under the chandelier's light. Bottles of various spirits were lined up, ready for the celebration. The opposite corner was reserved for the DJ, where a state-of-the-art sound system was being installed.

I watched the preparations with a mix of awe and apprehension. It was hard to believe I was part of this pack now, even if I still felt like an outsider at times. The pack members were kind and welcoming, but the shadow of my hybrid nature and the tension with Blake loomed over every interaction.

Nova found me in the middle of the hall, directing some younger pack members as they hung fairy lights along the walls. Her presence was a welcome distraction from my swirling thoughts.

"Hey, Skylar," she greeted with a warm smile. "Ready to pick out a dress?"

I nodded, grateful for the break. "Absolutely. I could use some time away from all this chaos.”

We made our way to the pack's boutique, a cozy shop filled with racks of elegant dresses and accessories. Nova immediately started rifling through the dresses, her enthusiasm infectious.

"How about this one?" she held up a stunning emerald gown, the colour matching the accents in the banquet hall.

"It's beautiful," I admitted, running my fingers over the silky fabric. "But I'm not sure green is my colour."

Nova rolled her eyes playfully. "You can pull off anything, Skye. Trust me."

I smiled, letting her encouragement bolster my confidence. As we continued to search, Nova picked out a deep red dress, the bodice adorned with intricate beadwork that shimmered in the light. It was perfect.

"This is the one," I said, holding it up for Nova's approval.

She nodded, a grin spreading across her face. "That’s the one. You'll look stunning."

We took the dress to a fitting room, and I slipped into it, the fabric hugging my curves perfectly. The deep red hue complimented my warm olive skin, and the beadwork added a touch of elegance that made me feel like a princess. The dress flowed down to the floor, with a subtle train that trailed behind me. I paired it with silver heels that had delicate straps and a hint of sparkle.