Chapter 38: Chapter 38

~ ROWAN

I heard the music playing at the bonfire all the way from the palace.

I could picture the hanging lanterns and the children dancing around the fire like they always did each year; the races and the street food vendors lined up on the corner of every street.

I’d finished work hours ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to step out of the house. It’d been years since the last time I attended, and although the guilt of getting my sister hurt had faded, my body hadn’t forgotten.

I knew if I thought hard enough, I’d remember the panic and confusion I felt when the chaos began, but that wasn’t what bothered me today.

There was something else lingering underneath my unease, something I couldn’t—or wouldn’t—put a name to.

“Your Majesty, the car is ready for you.”

I blinked back my thoughts and turned to the guard who stood in the doorway to my office, hands clasped behind his back as he concentrated on the floor.

“Are you sure you don’t want security for today?” he asked quietly. “There are many guards who would be willing to-”

“Are you implying that I cannot defend myself?”

He fell silent, the tips of his ears turning pink. “I didn’t mean any disrespect-”

“I know you didn’t. I will be fine for one night.”

I’d stopped taking security once I became King. Not only was I capable of defending myself, I also trusted my pack.

I made a promise to myself the day I became King. I wanted a hands on experience with my pack. I needed them to trust me and to do that, I had to trust them.

My father was a good king, but he didn’t trust anyone, and that was what ultimately led to his demise.

“You can all take the day off,” I said to the guard. “The bonfire is for everyone. You’re relieved of your duties for tonight.”

I didn’t wait to see his response before walking out of the office.

The closer I got to the bonfire, the more packed the streets got and the louder the music.

People wore extravagant outfits with full faces of makeup and face paint. Kids ran half naked, some dripping wet presumably from jumping into the town fountain

It was usually discouraged, but I doubted anyone cared tonight.

I parked a bit of a distance from the bonfire and chose to walk the rest of the way, my hands shoved into my pockets.

A lot of people didn’t notice me at first, most of them were too engrossed in their activities. However, the moment one person noticed, they all did.

Soon enough, I was being approached by a multitude of people; some who wanted me to try their snacks and some who merely placed garlands around my neck.

I managed to detangle myself from them after what felt like hours and retreated into a corner. I had a great view of the massive bonfire and the games being played around. I also had a good view of everyone as they interacted.

I scanned through the crowd, not knowing what I was looking for until my eyes landed on Aria.

She stood in the midst of people, knocking back shot glasses like a pro. The corner of my lips quirked as I took in the disappointed faces of the young men who probably thought they could win against her.

“Go easy on them,” I told her via the mind link.

She looked around, eyes scanning the crowd until she locked eyes with me.

“Where’s the fun in that?” she mused. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I didn’t either.”

She hummed in amusement. “I find it ironic that the first year you attend the bonfire is also the year she is around.”

A scowl formed on my lips at her words. “I didn’t come because of her.”

“Oh really? Then why are you looking around? Is there someone in particular you’re hoping to find?”

I cut off the mind link instantly and I could’ve sworn I heard her laugh carry over the loud music.

I hadn’t even realized I was looking around until she pointed it out. I’d been scanning faces and hair, searching for the curly brown haired werewolf that was currently taking up space in my palace.

It took me a minute, but I found her.

She stood a bit of a distance away from Aria and hidden behind some trees. Although her back was to me, I could tell that it was her.

My mouth went dry when I took in her outfit. Smooth long legs seemed to taunt me and I could see every curve of her skin through her top.

She was speaking to someone… a boy with blond hair. He looked like a juvenile barely out of his mother’s pouch.

A dark feeling bubbled up low in my gut, threatening to burn my insides.

Before I knew what I was doing, I was walking over to her, ignoring the people who tried to speak to me.

As I got closer, the boy smiled and walked away. I heard him say thank you, but I didn’t make out the rest of his sentence.

“Good,” something inside of me said. “Leave.”

She hadn’t noticed me yet so I stood there, a few feet behind her, watching her take in the sights in front of her. She seemed perfectly at ease despite having so many lycans around her.

I was so busy watching her that I didn’t notice her turning until it was too late.

Her eyes locked with mine and she cursed, jumping in surprise.

The drink in her hands spilled all over the concrete floor. It smelled like strawberries.

“What are you doing here?” she hissed.

“It’s my pack,” I answered dryly, crossing my arms over my chest as I shot her a bored look.

“Were you watching me?” she asked, brows narrowed in annoyance. “That’s so fucking weird.”

“What’s weird is you talking to a child,” I shot back.

She opened her mouth to defend herself but closed it at the last minute, her lips curling into a sly smile.

“So you were watching me,” she mused.

She crossed her arms over her chest and my eyes were drawn to her full tits as she unintentionally pushed them higher.

“My eyes are up here, jackass,” she snapped when I didn’t look away.

Through her shirt, I saw her nipples pebble.

It was my turn to smirk. “I think you like it when I look at you.”

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