Profound Devotion

Chapter 20

July 29th
Monaia

  Cassius and I were able to spend three more comforting nights together before things began to change. We grew closer with the more time we spent together, and the members of our village even seemed to warm up to his presence—enough so to invite him and his brother to our monthly bonfire.

  I made my mother promise to refrain from telling her story again, and after relentless pleading, she managed to give in and allow some of the other pack members to take the reins. The three of us now passed through the village, my body securely between both brothers and their towering figures making me feel incredulously short.

Other than sharing a bed at night, nothing else has come from my time with Cass, and I couldn't help but find it strange that I wanted something more.

Sure, I was drawn to him like a wolf in heat, the longing in my chest ever growing the more I breathed in his scent or felt his strong body pressed against my own. However, my stupid mate bond still lingered in the back of my mind like an irritating voice to remind me we weren't meant to be together even though there was no chance in hell I was going to end up with the wolf that the moon goddess had me paired with.

Nevertheless, that didn't change the fact that I wanted to close the gaping distance between us and feel his touch on me in more ways than one. I've even found myself wondering what his lips tasted like while listening to him speak about such methodical things, and I have to force myself to switch my train of thought before someone could catch on to what it was I was thinking.

"So, what exactly do you do at these sort of things?" Raian smiled politely at a passing family, offering waves of greetings while trying to tickle their small pups.

"It depends." I hummed. "You've sort-of seen one of our bonfires before..." My eyes flickered to Cass, and I was able to make out his familiar scowl. "But this time it will be others sharing stories or conversing. There will be music played by our members, and it's all just a chance for us to reconnect and spend time together."

Bonfire nights used to be my favorite. Now, as an adult, I was often roped into something tiresome by a member of my family. Last month, I was used as a prop in a very elaborate story telling of a pup's dream he had the night before.

Hopefully this time would be different, and I would be graciously allowed space to relax without having an elaborate task assigned to me, like snacks or child wrangling.

"That sounds like fun." He draped an arm over my shoulders and jostled me around as the pathway narrowed.

A warning growl rumbled within Cass' chest as he flicked his hold from me and made him stumble away, his brows furrowed with a clear annoyance with his younger brother. "Do not manhandle her." He scolded and shook his head as Raian regained his balance and shot him a mockery face.

I couldn't help the deep blush across my exposed skin as I brushed my hair out of my face.

The path eventually opened to the make-shift bonfire area, Atticus already greeting his pack members and lining up more seating around the fire.

"Finally." He smirked, tossing me a log that I barely managed to catch and wiping his hands on his casual shorts. "You're on fire duty. Make sure it doesn't die down."

My mouth gaped as I shot him a bewildered expression. "Are you crazy? I've never made a fire in my life."

"Well, it's a good thing it's already lit. Just keep throwing wood on it until I tell you to stop." He winked and sauntered away to greet Syrene and her friends as they arrived shortly after us.

I was a fool for thinking I wouldn't have a job tonight.

My father appeared behind me and ruffled my hair, slipping the log from beneath my arm. "Hey, kiddo." He nodded his head in greeting to the brothers at my side and tossed the wood onto the ground near a short pile behind the seating area. "Don't worry about this. You go sit and enjoy yourself. Your mother told me about the birthday party the other day." He leaned closer with a smirk plastered over his lips. "That was supposed to be me, but I told her I was needed in the doctor's wing."

A laugh bubbled in my throat as I shook my head. "Are you kidding?" His smile only widened, telling me everything I needed to know. We haven't had a need for extra help there lately, and my mother should have known better than anyone that her mate would be the last person they would come to if needed.

  "Hey, I know where I'm useful, and a four-year-old's party is not it." Raian snickered behind me, only to laugh harder when my father shot him a wink over my shoulder. "Go on. Relax. The celebration will begin soon."

  I thanked him and followed Raian to one of the full bench seats that had been dragged over from near the dining hall. The cushions were a faded green color with spots from the sun, though still comfortable nonetheless.

  Raian excitedly lowered onto one of the spaces and began conversing with Taylor who was on a shaved log nearby. Cassius, though, seemed hesitant to join us within the circle. His eyes examined the trees around us, searching for any form of danger that could appear.

  "Everything okay?" I asked, frowning when he remained tense and planted where he stood.

  He gradually lowered his gaze to mine and clenched the muscles in his jaw. "This is not a good idea. I am going back."

  I lunged forward and gripped his wrist before he had the chance to turn around. This seemed to surprise him as he opened his mouth to speak, but I beat him to it.

  "Don't go. You'll enjoy yourself, I promise."

  He was hesitant, but after moments of an internal debate on whether or not it was a good idea, he gave in and let me tug him over to the bench. Raian remained oblivious to us as we sat, unaware when I leaned closer to Cass and hoped my presence alone would bring him enough comfort throughout the night.

  He rested his back into the cushions and draped his arm across the headrest of the bench, enveloping me in his warmth and woodsy scent. My stomach fluttered as I subconsciously breathed in, and I willed it down to avoid blushing for the nth time that afternoon.

  One by one, the families and friends within the pack filed into the area. Once all the seats had been filled, others stood in the available spaces and chattered to break the silence in the air.

  "Welcome!" Atticus called out, ushering a hush over the crowd. "The festivities will begin soon, so make yourselves comfortable. We will start with Seera who will be playing her guitar, and those who would like to volunteer may jump in once she's finished."

  There were hushed whispers of excitement, all eyes watched as a young female around the age of sixteen settled into one of the single seats and began strumming along to a self-written song on her instrument.

  We listened to her soft-spoken voice, the only light coming from the flickering fire and the stars that twinkled across the sky above. Once finished, there was a round of applause followed by three other performers.

  "Will we be hearing from you tonight?" Raian elbowed me in the side and motioned toward the male that was currently sharing a story of his older brother's adventures in his mate's pack days away.

  I violently shook my head and dismissed the thought of standing in front of all these people for any reason. Sure, I knew them well, but having them watch me do an act for their amusement seemed like something straight out of a nightmare.

  "You go ahead. I'll pass." I smirked, expecting him to drop the subject and return to his previous conversation. Instead, he smacked his hands against his thighs and stood with determination once the young man was finished, rounding the fire pit to take his place in the chair.

  Cass leaned closer to my ear with his eyes glued to his brother. "What did you just do?"

  I watched in horror as he fully prepared to speak in front of the entire village. "I have no idea."

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—Merry Christmas; happy Hanukkah; happy holidays!