MARKED | COMPLETED

Chapter 13

Out of Aisling's arms and into Reece's, my night sort of melted into endless dancing. Practically prancing, we followed the line of people that circled around the bonfire, dancing and laughing as if this were the only night we were allowed any sort of happiness. As if tomorrow, we had to return to the dreary, hardworking pack life that we lived.

I was okay with that. For a long while, no one gawked at me. To them, I was just another member or Oirthir, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the energy of the song. I laughed into Reece's arm as he twirled me around; each time I nearly stepped on his toes he responded with some wild snort of laughter that had my cheeks burning from all the smiling.

When that song ended, he pulled me away and led me to one of the many tables pulled out of the mess hall and handed me a plate.

"You're enjoying yourself," Reece finally spoke. "I actually like it."

"Ever since my Shifting, I've felt this heavy weight on my shoulders—like everyone was watching and counting every single second, waiting for me to fix this place," I answered. "I hate that feeling, what happens if I fail? Tonight... tonight, I feel like I'm just having a belated birthday party."

"And here I was thinking that stealing a birthday cake was enough for you..." He tsked at me, shaking his head before letting out a low bellow of a laugh.

"I mean it, Reece."

I smiled at him; his stolen cake was perfect for me, ideal for the Shifting. But this celebration was different—Oirthir was more than excited to celebrate. After so long, we weren't cursed. As broken as we were, I could see how we celebrated, hoping that we wouldn't be broken for much longer. If we had the time, we could be great.

We could possibly be better than we were before.

Tonight wasn't about me, it was about us, and finally I could see that.

"You even danced with Aisling," Reece mentioned.

"It's just a façade. We want the other packs to think that we're friendly with each other."

"I think the packs noticed, alright." He scoffed. "Hell, ours did, too. You two do need to bond. It's the whole appeal of the kinship, you know."

"Working on it." I held back my grunt, setting down the plate of fruit I intended to eat but found my hunger dwindling. "He's not the easiest to get along with."

"Neither are you, retriever."

With a pat on my head, Reece moved farther down the table, and he left me alone with my thoughts. So many people enjoyed doing that to me lately—they seemed to think that I found comfort in isolation. The worst part of it is with Reece was that he was right in that context. How long did it take before I warmed up to Reece?

Now that I was announced, it would only be a matter of time before the other packs realized Aisling and I weren't so keen about each other—they'd catch that bitterness and resentment... maybe even use it.

I would do just that if I were another pack.

Looking around and seeing that happiness, that sense of unity for my pack—I wanted that for them; As much as I feared taking on this role, it was in their best interest that I accept it.

"Have I been selfish, Reece?" I asked, suddenly. "Have I been pushing my birthright away for selfish reasons?"

His eyebrows furrowed down at me.

I was so wrought with fear and hesitance—a week ago I was so readily prepared to die for Alpha Aisling, and now I seemed to turn away that unbridled loyalty I harbored for so long. Everyone expected me to welcome this new responsibility with open arms and I've let them all down.