Hybrid Aria by Jessica Hall novel Chapter 25

Aria’s POV

Wendy and Christine didn’t waste any time; they excitedly did my hair and make-up. I just let them do what they wanted. There wasn’t any point in trying to argue with them, I had more pressing issues consuming me. How were Reid and I going to get along when he had so much anger and hatred towards things that were out of my control? I can’t change what I am, but I won’t stand for him, making me fear him. I have always been submissive to how mine and Lily’s life turned out, taking it as it comes. I’m not willing to sit and take it anymore. I know who I am now. More importantly, I know who I want to become, and that’s not a person who gets pushed aside and walked all over. Only I can control who I am supposed to be, and standing there and taking blow after blow didn’t work in the past. So, learning from those mistakes, I refuse to devalue myself for the sake of pleasing others or fearing the reactions of those who won’t agree. Lily needs to know it’s not normal hiding from everyone, not normal to fear everyone, and the only way I can get her to see her own strength is to display it myself.

I was brought out of all-consuming thoughts after about an hour of Wendy fiddling with my hair and makeup when they asked me to get changed into the dress. The dress fit like a glove, though I must admit I wasn’t comfortable with the length, but they insisted it wasn’t too short. Slipping the black heels on, I stood in front of the mirror. Wendy had curled my long hair and put it half up half down, the curls raining down to the middle of my back. I had to admit they did a really good job. I looked nice. I looked how a Luna should look. Standing there, staring at myself in the mirror, I had a newfound confidence. I was starting to become excited about the celebrations. Today may not have been the greatest in terms of Reid and I getting along, but I pushed those thoughts aside. Even if he chooses to ignore me or not even show up, I will manage on my own. I won’t let the Pack see what a nervous wreck I am on the inside. Just smile, fake it until you make it, I guess.

Walking out into the foyer, Lily comes bounding up to me. She had a pink frilly dress on that went to her feet. Her blonde curls shaping her angelic little face to the middle of her back and white sandals on. She looked like a little princess.

“You look pretty Ari,” she said excitedly, pulling on my curls gently. I smiled down at her.

“So, do you, Lily, just like a princess.” Lily laughed excitedly, spinning in a circle to show me her dress, the bottom flaring out as she spun around. Holding my hand out, Lily took it, and we walked towards the back yard. Beta Zane walked out with Christine and Wendy. The girls, noticing some Pack members, ran to go chat and mingle, leaving me there holding Lily’s hand. Zane stepped over in his black suit putting his arm out for me to take.

“Luna.” He nodded. “You look great, Ari.”

“Thanks, you scrub up nice yourself,” I replied, smiling. Lily, Zane, and I walked over to the end of the patio. The entire yard had been transformed. Fairy lights shone brightly from the trees, making the whole yard glow. There were small fire pits scattered around, the tables were all set up and decorated. Music was playing loudly. There were tables of food. Lily looked excitedly at a group of kids around her age that were dancing on the dance floor that had been set up in the middle of the yard. Noticing her excitement, I nudged her. “Go play, Lily, it’s alright.”

“But what about you?”

“I’ll be fine. I have Zane, and I’m sure Alpha Reid will be down soon,” I answered, not so sure on the last part. I watched Lily run off towards the crowds of people. Every Pack member was here. Everyone standing around talking, dancing, drinking, and eating. The atmosphere was very relaxed and happy, carefree. Everyone was enjoying themselves.

“Ready?” asked Zane.

“Yep, as ready as I'll ever be.”

Zane led me down the stairs. He introduced me to a lot of people. I could tell some thought it was weird that Zane was showing me around and introducing me to everyone instead of Alpha Reid. But no one said anything. They all seemed excited to meet me, and I was just as excited to meet the other Pack members. After a few hours, I did start to worry that Reid wasn’t going to make an appearance. Pack members whispered amongst themselves. I even heard someone call me an unwanted mate. I didn’t let it bother me, choosing to ignore the whispers. Their opinion of me didn’t matter, and I didn’t care to hear it either.

Letting go of Zane’s arm, I walked over to the bar area and grabbed another drink. The gentlemen behind the bar passed me a flute of champagne. He had red hair that jutted out everywhere, making him appear younger than he was. He had a strong build but wasn’t as tall as most male werewolves. He wore black slacks and a t-shirt that had a picture of a tie on it.

“So, you’re the Luna. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Damien.” He bowed his head slightly.

“Nice to meet you, Damien. I’m Aria.”

“Where is that Alpha of mine? Haven’t seen him all night.”

“He is somewhere, I’m not quite sure either.” He nodded in understanding. I could tell by the look on his face that he had heard the whispers. Does everyone think I’m the unwanted mate? As the night went on, I started noticing the women kept glancing or smiling sadly at me. Like they felt sorry for me. I didn’t want their sadness or pity. I wanted to feel like one of them. Everyone was polite but didn’t go out of their way to talk to me. Wendy and Christine came over, finally finding me sitting on a stool at the bar. This time I was drinking red wine. Wendy took the glass from me, taking a sip before she passed it back to me.

“I’ll have that one please, Damien,” she told him. He quickly handed her a glass as well, and she motioned for me to follow her. We sat at one of the tables. Watching everyone, I saw Lily dancing with a group of kids on the dancefloor. Laughing amongst themselves. Zane came over with a huge tray of food. There were various types of meats and cheeses, and we tucked in eating, watching everyone. After we were done, Zane put his hand out for Christine. She happily took it, and they made their way to the dance floor. Wendy’s mate also came and grabbed her. I watched them excitedly. But after a while, I found I was the only one still sitting at the table. I didn’t mind, I was happy just watching. I knew it wasn’t normal for the Alpha not to be at a ceremony he had organised. I tried to reach him through the bond, but he pushed me out.

When Wendy and Christine came back over, they both put their hands out. Gripping their hands, they pulled me up before dragging me to the dancefloor with them. Feeling a bit giddy from the wine, I joined them, dancing with them and laughing at Zane, who was trying to impersonate Mick Jagger’s strut. The whole night seemed to be passing by, but I didn’t care. I was having fun dancing with everyone, dancing with Lily whose face was red with exertion.

After a few hours of dancing, everyone was clearly intoxicated and there was still no sign of Reid. There was a commotion at the end of the dance floor. Zane walked off to go deal with it. When the voices got louder, though, I decided to walk over to see what was going on. Three Pack members were arguing, throwing punches. Zane was trying to separate them. They were too intoxicated and weren’t listening to his commands, caught up in fighting each other. A crowd had started to grow around the idiots that were fighting. I saw Zane mind-link the Alpha presumably, but just as his eyes regained focus, he was punched making him stumble. There was a collective gasp from the crowd. Walking over, I put my hand out to help him up.

“You okay?”