Page 30 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

“I will,” he assures me, but his gaze lingers on Poppy, a mix of hope and uncertainty. I can’t help but feel a pang of envy; it’s a simple thing, wanting to pursue love without the weight of the rogue threat hanging over your head. I’m lucky I found Wren, but others aren’t as fortunate.

As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, the pack gathers around, and Wyatt stands to give a speech. I lean closer to Wren, feeling her warmth beside me as Wyatt’s words fill the air.

“Tonight, we celebrate our unity,” he begins, his voice strong and steady. “Our strength comes from one another, from the bonds we share as a pack. We’ve faced challenges, but together, we will overcome whatever lies ahead.”

The crowd cheers, and I can feel the energy surging through us all. It’s moments like these that remind me why we fight, why we protect one another. Wren squeezes my hand, and I turn to her, seeing the determination in her eyes.

“And now,” Wyatt continues, “let’s eat and enjoy the evening together! Let’s show the world what it means to be a part of the Waterton Pack!”

As the festivities begin, I can’t help but feel a sense of hope blossoming in my chest. For a moment, it feels like maybe we can put aside our fears and simply enjoy each other’s company.

As the night rolls on, the atmosphere remains vibrant and filled with laughter. Wren and I find ourselves at a table with Dalton and Poppy, who seem to be warming up to each other. Poppy’s laughter rings out like music, and I can see the way Dalton’s eyes light up when she speaks.

“Did you really think you could take me on in a race?” Poppy teases, her playful challenge directed at Dalton, who smirks back at her.

“Careful, I’m faster than I look,” he retorts, his confidence growing as the conversation flows effortlessly. I exchange a glance with Wren, a silent agreement passing between us that we’ll let them figure this out on their own.

As the night continues, I find myself lost in the moment, the warmth of my pack surrounding me. Wren leans against me, her head resting on my shoulder, and I can’t help but smile. In these fleeting moments, I feel invincible, like nothing can touch us.

But as the bonfire crackles and the stars twinkle above, a nagging feeling pricks at my instincts. I look around, scanning the edges of the clearing, but everything seems normal. Still, I can’t shake the sense that something is off, that this peace might be a facade.

“Hey,” Wren whispers, breaking through my thoughts. “You okay?”

I turn to her, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just… thinking.”

“About the rogues?” she asks, her voice laced with concern.

I nod slowly. “It’s hard to let it go, you know? I want us to enjoy this, but I can’t ignore the danger still out there. It’s in my DNA.”

Wren lifts her head, meeting my gaze. “I understand. But we can’t let fear dictate our lives either. We need to enjoy moments like this, together.”

Her words resonate with me, and I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. “You’re right. I just wish I could shake this feeling.”

“Maybe we should do something to celebrate?” she suggests, her eyes brightening with mischief. “A little dance with your mate, perhaps?”

“Are you suggesting I slow dance?” I ask, feigning horror. “I’m a wolf, Little Bird, not a dancer!”

She laughs, the sound light and carefree. “Come on! Just a little twirl. For me?”

With a mock sigh, I stand, extending my hand to her. “Alright, for you. But don’t expect me to be graceful.”

Wren beams, taking my hand and leading me to the makeshift dance floor set up near the bonfire. The music plays softly in the background, and I can see our pack members swaying, laughter and joy filling the air.

As we start to move, I can’t help but feel a sense of freedom wash over me. Wren twirls, her hair spinning around her like the flames she wields so easily, and I can’t help but laugh at how effortlessly she moves. I follow her lead, attempting to keep up as we sway together, lost in our own world.

In this moment, the weight of the rogue threat fades, and it’s just us — the firelight illuminating our laughter, our love, and the bond we share. I pull her closer, my heart pounding in rhythm with the music, and I realize that even in the midst of chaos, moments like this remind me why I fight.

The night stretches on, filled with dancing, laughter, and the warmth of our pack. As I hold Wren in my arms, I feel a sense of peace settling deep within me. No matter what challenges lie ahead, I know we’ll face them together.

But as the final notes of the music fade, a chill sweeps through the air, and my instincts kick into high gear once more. I scan the perimeter again, feeling the tension creeping back into my veins. Something isn’t right, and I can’t ignore it any longer.

“Wren,” I say, my voice low and serious. “Stay close to me.”

She looks up, concern etched across her features. “What’s wrong, honey?”

“I don’t know, but I can feel something… lurking,” I reply, my senses heightened. “We need to stay vigilant.”

As I scan the crowd, I can see the laughter begin to wane, the joy of the evening slowly dissipating. My heart races, and I can sense Wren’s unease through our bond as well. I know we can’t let our guard down, not now.

“Let’s gather everyone together,” I say, my voice steady despite the rising tension. “We need to keep an eye out. I’ll talk to Wyatt and Octavia.”

Wren nods, determination shining in her eyes. “I’m with you. We’ll keep everyone safe.”

As we make our way through the crowd, I can feel the energy shifting, the laughter fading into an undercurrent of apprehension. I know that whatever is lurking in the shadows, we’ll face it together. We’re stronger united, and I won’t let fear dictate our lives.

“Stay alert,” I remind Wren as we approach Wyatt and Octavia. “Something feels off.”

Wyatt meets my gaze, his expression serious. “I’ve felt it too. We need to stay prepared.”

As we gather our pack, I’m determined to protect what’s mine. Wren, my pack, our future — it all hangs in the balance, and I won’t let anything come between us.

In the depths of the night, the shadows loom, and I know the fight is far from over. But I also know that with Wren by my side, we have the strength to face whatever comes our way. Together, we’ll rise against the darkness. Together, we’ll become the fire that drives it away.