The Last Crescent

Chapter 30

Neoma

Leaving the room, I found the female pack member corridor bustling with packmates in various costumes, taking pictures and waiting for others. Some were pre-gaming with drinks they'd swiped from the alcohol pantry in the kitchen. Ava guided me to the stairs, making short greetings and complimenting other girls' costumes.

"Hey, Sarah! Love your Wonder Woman outfit!" Ava called out. "Nice vampire look, Lily!"

I saw Greyson and Curtis chatting at the bottom as we reached the main staircase. Greyson looked up and did a double take, and his eyes were glued to me as I descended with a big smile.

"You look beautiful," he said, making me blush.

"Thank you," I replied playfully, tugging at his shirt. "Peter Pan, huh?"

"Yeah, Ava told me to think fairy," he said, gesturing to his outfit. "So I pulled together an old pair of tight brown jeans, and a green pirate top, and borrowed this hat."

I couldn't help but notice the deep V cut of his costume, revealing his chiseled chest and a small strip of chest hair. Before my mind could wander further, Greyson's voice interrupted. Do you like what you see?

I looked up at him, blushing as he grinned wolfishly. Before I could respond, Xander and Matt arrived, dressed as cowboys and complimenting everyone's outfits.

As the others chatted, Matt's voice interrupted my thoughts, I told Xander about my gift.

I nodded. "I didn't mention yours," he continued, "but you should tell Greyson before you have another blackout moment."

"I will," I promised.

Ava enthusiastically exclaimed, "It's time to go!"

With that, Matt, Xander, Greyson, and I got into Greyson's car, while Curtis and Ava got into Curtis's truck.

I got into the passenger seat while Xander and Matt settled into the back seats. I watched the driveway as a crowd of pack members loaded into various cars. Some people even hopped into the backs of cars with no seats, everyone eager to head to the party.

The night was dark, with only the moon and stars providing some illumination. The pebbled driveway crunched under the weight of tires and feet. The pack house stood tall and imposing against the night sky its windows glowing warmly.

Greyson's car led the convoy, almost instinctively acknowledging his place as the next Alpha. The other vehicles fell in line behind us, creating a small parade of headlights cutting through the darkness.

Greyson finally got into the front seat, his presence calming and confident. He started the engine, and we began our journey.

As we drove, I kept my eyes on the scenery, taking in the familiar woods and winding roads. The trees stood like silent guardians, their leaves rustling softly in the night breeze. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth.

Greyson glanced over at me, a small smile playing on his lips. "You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"Yeah, just taking it all in," I replied, returning his smile.

In the back seat, Xander and Matt were chatting quietly, their voices blending with the engine's hum. I felt a sense of unity and belonging, knowing we were all together.

The drive to the party was filled with anticipation. We knew tonight was a chance to let loose and enjoy ourselves, even with the underlying tensions and responsibilities.

Finally, Greyson turned onto a long, winding driveway leading to a large, festively decorated barn. Strings of lights twinkled in the trees, and music and laughter drifted through the air.