56 Chapter 56 Blood and Belonging
56 Chapter 56 Blood and Belonging
Elena’s POV
The dress felt like silk against my skin as I smoothed it down one final time. Simple yet stunning, it hugged my curves in all the right places without being too revealing. The fabric caught the light beautifully, shimmering with each movement I made.
Next came the jewelry. The gold and diamond bracelet felt cool against my wrist as I fastened the clasp. I added the matching necklace, its weight settling perfectly against my collarbone. The earrings were the final touch, their sparkle catching my reflection
in the mirror.
My silver heels waited patiently by the bed. Three inches of pure torture, but they made my legs look incredible. I slipped them on and took a tentative step. Walking in these things was going to be an adventure. I practiced moving around my room, trying to find my balance and grace.
Just as I was getting the hang of it, a knock interrupted my concentration.
“Come in,” I called out, hoping my voice sounded more confident than I felt.
Chloe appeared in the doorway, already dressed to perfection for the evening ahead. Her eyes widened as she took in my appearance.
“Holy hell, you look absolutely stunning” she breathed.
Heat crept up my neck. “You really think so? I’m not overdoing it?”
“Are you kidding me? It’s absolutely perfect. Everyone will be dressed to the nines tonight, and you’re the star of the show. You’re about to meet the entire pack.”
My stomach dropped. “What if they hate me?”
Chloe tilted her head, studying me with amusement. “That doesn’t sound like the confident woman I’ve gotten to know. Since when do you worry about other people’s opinions?”
“I usually don’t. But this feels different. I want to make the right impression here.”
“Stop overthinking it. They’re going to adore you. And if you catch some girls shooting daggers your way, just remember they’re jealous. Most of them will be following the lead of one particular witch anyway. Damien’s ex–girlfriend and her little fan club.”
17.05
56 Chapter 56 Blood and Belonging
Great. Just what I needed. “Fantastic. Another jealous ex to deal with?”
“You’ll run into them everywhere, especially looking the way you do.”
Before I could respond, Gage’s voice came through the door. “Everyone decent in
there?”
“We’re good,” I replied.
He lowered his hand from his eyes and froze when he saw me. His jaw actually dropped
a little.
“Damn. You clean up nice.”
“Such a charmer,” I said dryly.
His expression softened. “Seriously though, you look beautiful.“”
“Is it time?” My nerves were starting to get the better of me.
“Six o’clock sharp,” he confirmed.
“Then let’s get this over with.”
Getting down the stairs proved to be a challenge I hadn’t anticipated. Between the form–fitting dress and these death trap shoes, I needed both Chloe and Gage’s help to make it to the bottom without taking a tumble. My pride took a small hit, but at least I made it down in one piece.
When we reached the back door, my breath caught in my throat. The entire pack had gathered, and there were far more people than I had imagined. My heart hammered against my ribs as I took in the sea of faces.
Chloe squeezed my arm before joining the crowd outside. An aisle had been formed leading to an archway where Damien stood waiting. The whole setup looked disturbingly like a wedding ceremony, complete with the formal arrangement and expectant audience. That realization sent another wave of anxiety through me.
Gage guided me to the front while every pair of eyes in the pack watched my every step. When I reached Damien, he took my hand, his touch steadying my nerves slightly.
“Take a breath. This will be over in a few minutes, then we can enjoy the party,” he murmured.
“Too bad I can’t drown my nerves in alcohol,” I whispered back.
17:09
56 Chapter 56 Blood and Belonging
“Right, I forgot about that limitation.”
“I’m sure you did.”
Damien stepped forward, his voice carrying across the gathered pack. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Elena Fairfax. She came seeking sanctuary with us, and I believe she will honor and protect the reputation of our pack.”
He turned to face me, his expression becoming formal and ceremonial.
“Elena Fairfax, do you accept this pack and our customs above all others, renouncing any previous pack allegiance? Do you accept me, Alpha Damien Vance, as your Alpha? Will you obey my leadership and follow my guidance without hesitation?”
The words felt heavy on my tongue as I responded loud enough for everyone to hear. “I, Elena Fairfax, renounce all previous pack ties and accept the Obsidian Pack as my new family. I accept Alpha Damien Vance as my leader and Alpha.”
Damien’s canines extended, sharp and gleaming in the evening light. He bit into his wrist without flinching, then brought the bleeding wound to my lips. The metallic taste of his blood filled my mouth as I drank.
The pain hit me like lightning. Sharp, stabbing agony shot through my skull in waves. I doubled over, clutching my head as the world spun around me. Just when I thought I might collapse, a strong arm wrapped around me, keeping me upright. Damien’s scent surrounded me as he held me steady while the worst of the pain subsided.
“See? Not so terrible after all,” he said once I could stand on my own again.
“Easy for you to say,” I muttered, still feeling shaky.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our newest pack member, Elena Fairfax.”
The applause was thunderous. Looking out at the crowd, I saw hundreds of faces showing genuine acceptance rather than hostility or suspicion. For the first time in longer than I could remember, I felt like I might actually belong somewhere.
Maybe I could get used to this after all.
37.09
