Caught in the crossfire

13

After a forty minute drive of everyone trying to divert the teasing and embarrassment onto each other the trio finally made it to the mall. Laughing at a rather flushed Cylas, who like a true sport had taken the brunt of the abuse, they all piled out of the car and made their way inside. Nema insisted on Kay trying on everything that caught her eye which meant a wide array of pieces in just about every style imaginable! Kay drew the line at the overly revealing gothic mini skirt and crop top though. She was pretty sure Nema had no real intention of making her buy it. She just got a kick out of trying to get her to try it on. After spending the entire morning thus, they decided to stop in the food court for lunch.

"Alright. We haven't got all day and this aught to be more than enough for a start," Cylas indicated to the mountain of bags he'd been made to carry now piled next to their table "so I think we should focus on finding something for Kay to wear tonight so that we can make it back in time to get ready."

"If we must" sighed Nema dramatically.

"107" called the server behind the fast food counter.

"Thats us." Announced Cy as he got up to go get their food.

"I'm gonna go wash real quick," said Kay, "be right back."

Weaving her way through the crowd and back towards the tables in the food court a few minutes later Kay bumped shoulders with a middle aged man.

"Oh. I'm sorry!" She apologized.

"No. No. It was my bad. I-" he began but faltered as he looked down at her face, eyes widening slightly as if he'd seen a ghost. 

"No. I should have watched were I was going." She offered a small smile. "...um, anyway, I should be going." She continued awkwardly as he finally shook himself from his stare. "Have a nice day" she said politely and started back on her way.

"Everything alright Kay?" Cylas asked, meeting her half way.

"Yeah, fine" She smiled.

So her name is Kay, thought the man as he watched her go, his eyes narrowing as Cylas draped an arm around her shoulder to escort her.

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That evening Kay sat patiently as Nema helped her dress for the party.

"There" announced Nema "beautiful!"

Walking over to the floor length mirror Kay hardly recognized the young woman staring back. Her typically bare face had been expertly made up. And her long brown hair that normally flowed freely down her back was now in a half-up do with curls draped gently over her left shoulder. She wore a purple, knee length, off the shoulder dress. It was high waisted and was fitted around the bodice but flowed gently from the waist. A pair of high heeled sandals and silver colored accessories completed the look.

"Wow" She breathed, reaching up to touch her face, "I don't even look like me."

"You like it?" Nema giggled.

"Yeah, it's great. You've really outdone yourself!" Kay replied, giving her a hug.

"Tonight you're a princes." Stated Nema, "But when you have your mating ceremony and become the official Luna to this pack, then. Then. You'll be a queen!"

"I don't know," Kay blushed, "let's just try and make it through tonight first. Ok?"

With smiles on their faces the two girls left the room. "Wow. You look... amazing." Floundered Alaric as they descended the stairs. "My I escort you to the party." He said offering Kay his arm. Nema went on the meet Cylas who was waiting to the side while Kay hesitantly took Alaric's arm and followed stiffly to the door.

"Kay." He began softly. Stopping before the door he looked sincerely into her eyes, "I know I've made some big mistakes and I can't seem to do anything right where you're concerned. But... well what I'm trying to say is... do you think you could give me one more chance? Start this whole thing over?"

A lump caught in her throat and she found it extremely difficult not to get lost in those soulful eyes. Truth was, she realized, she actually wanted to. With a slow nod she finally began to relax and just revel in the feel of the sparks erupting on her skin where they touched.

A wave of hope and relief washed over Alaric and he bent down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. He then opened the door and escorted her out to the party in the garden.

The crowd hushed as he led her up onto a small podium. "As you may have heard," announced Alaric, his voice resounding in the stillness, "I have found my true mate." Cheers erupted and raising a hand to quiet the crowd he continued. "Tonight, I introduce to you your future Luna." He looked at Kay with a smile "Kay Marie Lowe. Honor her with the same respect you give to me and cherish her has the matron of the pack!"

As more cheers erupted Kay hissed where only Alaric could hear "Matron?? I'm too young to be called that!"

"I could have said 'mother'" he chuckled "in olden-days that's what I would have said since the Luna was to be seen as mother to the pack"

"Yeah, well, these aren't olden-days. You could have just left that part out."

Leading her down off the podium they began mingling so that Kay could get acquainted with the pack. It wasn't as populous as Rock Creek, but then most packs weren't since Crock Creek was know for it's kindness and willingness to take people in. Silver Fang was much more selective and was know for the skill of it's warriors. Kay was relieved to find as she mingled that despite their tough reputation they were all very friendly and accepting towards her. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

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Hey! So what do you think of the man at the mall? Who is he?? Hope you're still enjoying this story and thanks for sticking with me :)