Fated

Chapter 26: It's A Wolf Thing

Addie's POV:

It was annoying how much my body was on edge since my encounter with Xander. I couldn't believe myself. For a second time, I was basically humping him right out in the open.

God, Addie at least take it to a fucking room.

I tried to focus my attention on cooking with Ginny. Katie had warmed up to me quite a bit after we had a talk and planned the dinner. They were all very forthcoming with information after that. That's how I learned of Mateo's pack and how he helped Xander get me and Kaden. I was surprised to learn Xander was in some basement doing God knows what to get someone to talk but their nonchalance about it made it seem like it was normal and necessary.

And it just got weirder. Tess advised me to call Lynn by her title, it was weird for the phone to be answered and me to address someone "Luna Lynn" but it seemed to work, she sounded happy to talk to me and accepted the invitation, saying she would be bringing ten pack members with her.

What was ten more? I'd found out this pack was much bigger than I realized. There were hundreds of them. Katie managed to convince me to limit tonight to Deltas, scouts and above since it was mostly to thank them for protecting me. So instead of being in the hundreds, tonight would be just over a hundred. Which was why Ginny was also cooking at her house after I showed her the recipe for my spaghetti.

The idea of meeting that many people at once made me sick but it was the right thing to do. Tess warned me they would be addressing me as Luna all night and given the circumstances it would be better if I accepted it for now. I didn't see Xander much after our encounter which was really for the best because I was busy up until a few minutes before six.

I had no idea how I should dress so I asked Katie to come to my room with me and help me pick something out. She looked through my clothes and chewed on the inside of her cheek, moving the hangers back and forth.

"What do you think?" I asked, wringing my hands together.

"Honestly? With two pack leaders coming over I don't know that you have anything quite... Nice enough," she said timidly.

"You're not offending me," I giggled. "I didn't anticipate needing nice clothes so I didn't bring any."

"I think..." Katie surveyed me a moment. "I think Gina is closest to your size. I bet she would lend you something if you want."

"That's a great idea," I nodded. Gina helped a lot today and I really liked her. She had a good sense of humor.

Katie smiled and went quiet. I recognized that look, the look they all had when they communicated or, mind-linked, Katie told me they call it.

"She'll be here soon," Katie nodded. "I'm going to help Anna move Felipe. Unless you need something?"

"No," I shrugged. "I'm good. Thank you for everything. Couldn't have done tonight without you."

Katie smiled and nodded before walking over to my door. She opened it but paused in the doorway, turning towards me once more. "I know you're just doing the Luna thing for now because you don't have another choice but... I just wanted to say I think you're handling it really well. I was a little upset yesterday but it wasn't fair to you. I appreciate how sweet you were to Felipe and how you've stepped up. We'd be lucky if you stuck around."

Her expression was genuine and I didn't know why but her words warmed my heart. I smiled at her and nodded. "Thanks, Katie. I needed to hear that before I meet a bunch of strangers tonight," I said, laughing nervously.

"Don't worry. Just be yourself. They'll love you. If for nothing else than for the way you stand up to Alpha," she said with a wink, giving me a small smile before going out the door.