Bryn bounced back toward me, fishing in her handbag for lipstick, skin flushed, nearly glowing, and I wanted to hit her out of spite. I doubted I’d be glowing from happiness during the ceremony.
Ansel reappeared at the door, jangling the car keys. “Let’s get this party started.”
The three of us stood watching dancers twirl on the other side of French doors that separated the ballroom from the garden terrace. Blood Moon was hosted by Efron Bane and took place at one of his five-star hotels on the outskirts of Vail, a palatial Victorian resort that rested on the edge of a dense forest. At the far end of the ballroom a chamber orchestra sent waltzes soaring through the air. Dark satin draperies, floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows, and hundreds of candelabras made the atmosphere appropriately Halloweenish. A near-translucent paper sphere, dyed red, cocooned the ballroom’s chandelier, washing the room in ochre hues. Our very own Blood Moon.
An ornate table along one wall featured a huge cauldron, complete with dry-ice smoke spilling out and as many delectable hors d’oeuvres and desserts as one could imagine. Keepers, Guardians, and humans alike swirled to the music decked in their finest. Viewing them through the blur of the glass doors was like watching an array of brightly colored baubles float past.
“It’s no Eden, but it looks nice enough.” Bryn winked at me. “Too bad we can’t join in.”
“I said I was sorry about being late,” I muttered.
“I can’t believe you were tutoring on the night of your union,” she said with a pointed stare, pulling me away from Ansel and whispering. “You and Shay must really like your classes. Care to fill me in on that? Do you have some tips you’d like to offer me and Ansel?”
“I already told Ansel you guys had the wrong idea,” I said. “Didn’t he fill you in?”
“I thought maybe you’d have a different answer for me,” she said. “You know—girl talk. If you wanna spill before you walk down the aisle, now’s the time.”
“Drop it.” The mere mention of Shay made me want to bolt. The union meant I was losing him, and that felt like losing everything. I was in no mood for teasing.
“I’d better go see if we’re on schedule,” Ansel said, turning away from the blurred colors of the ball. “Oh hey, there’s Ren now.”
“Oh!” Bryn hurried after Ansel. “I’ll go with you, then.”
I ignored the sudden wrench of my gut, walking to meet Ren at the edge of the terrace. His tuxedo skimmed close to his lean body; the dark jacket and pants contrasted with the gray vest and tie. I smiled at the sight. Those were Ren’s colors when he was a wolf.
“That dress is a ceremony in itself, Lily. How long did it take you to get it on?”
“Too long.” I reached for my braid out of habit. When it wasn’t there, nervous energy pricked my skin. “Are you okay? I’ve been worried.”
“Yes.” He laughed, low and sharp. “As much as I will never like that kid, Dax told me what Shay did to keep Logan at bay. Classy move. I owe him; he’s more perceptive than I gave him credit for.”
I made a quiet, affirmative sound, rubbing my arms so I wouldn’t shiver.
The harvest child, the Scion. Shay’s face flashed before my eyes. It’s all about me.
Ren’s light touch on my arm pulled me out of my own thoughts. “I know it’s not your style, but you do look amazing,” he said. “As long as you can walk under all those layers.”
“Thanks.” I ran my fingers over his tie. “You do too.”
“So.” He reached into his pocket. “I have something for you.”
“What?” I was completely caught off guard. Why would he have brought me a gift? Was I supposed to have a gift for him?
The hint of a blush flitted over Ren’s cheeks. His nervousness made my heart pick up speed.
“It’s just . . .” he began, and then paused. He paced a few feet away and then returned to my side. Finally his eyes met mine, tender and vulnerable. My breath faltered at the unfamiliar mix of emotions on the alpha’s face. Ansel’s words echoed in my mind. He’s not as confident as he puts on—especially when it comes to you.
Ren drew his hand from his pocket, his fist clenched tightly around something. He took my wrist, turning it so my palm offered a flat, level surface.
Something cool dropped into my hand. He snatched his fingers back, moving away as if he’d placed a ticking bomb in my grasp. I glanced down and sucked in a startled breath.
In the middle of my palm lay a delicate ring. A smooth, polished oval sapphire gleamed up at me; the stone had been set in a silver band that was exquisitely wrought in a braided pattern. I stared in silence at the ring. My hand began to shake.
Ren kept his distance.
“The band is white gold,” he murmured. “It reminds me of your hair.”
I pulled my gaze from the ring and looked at him. His eyes returned to mine, questioning. I parted my lips, but a lump in my throat obstructed any words I willed to surface. The quivering in my hand spread through the rest of my body.
His charcoal irises flickered with disappointment. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear it. I just thought you should have something before the union.
My father said rings aren’t usually a part of this, but I want you to know that I . . .”
He shook his head; a low growl rumbled in his chest. “Never mind,” he said, reaching for the ring as if to snatch it from my still-open palm. I snapped my fingers shut and pulled my hand against my chest. He blinked at me, startled by the sudden, protective movement. I finally managed to clear my throat, though I didn’t recognize the voice that escaped me, quaking, husky.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” He does care about me. About us. I wondered if I could get through this night after all.
Unwelcome stinging assailed my eyes and I dropped my gaze. I slowly unfurled my tightly clenched fist and slipped the ring onto my finger.
“I’m sorry I don’t have anything for you.”
He moved close to me and took my hand, running his fingertip over the ring. “You do.”
Bryn reappeared on the terrace, this time with Dax at her side.
“It’s time,” Dax said. Ren nodded; he brushed his lips over my forehead before following Dax down the stairs.
“You ready for this?” Bryn asked. She offered me a bright smile, but I could hear an edge of fear in her voice.
“I’m not sure that’s the right question,” I said. I glanced at the ring again. This is where I belong. I’ve always known my path. Now I have to walk it.
“Just know that I’ll be right behind you.” Bryn took my arm. “None of the pack will let anything bad happen.”
“You’re not allowed to participate,” I said, letting her lead me out, down the steps and into the forest.
“You think they’ll be able to stop us if you’re in trouble?” She elbowed me, making a smile pull at my lips.
“Thanks.”
“And you look beautiful,” she added.
“I look like a cake.”
“But a beautiful cake.”
Our giggles transformed into miniature clouds in the cold night air. We walked into the darkness, Bryn taking me along a path I didn’t know, deeper and deeper into the forest, a thin layer of fresh snow glittering like a carpet of diamonds. The sounds of the ball faded and disappeared. I took in the serenity of the unblemished snowfall, knowing I’d soon mar it with some creature’s blood. I glanced up at the moon, wondering again about the kill, what our prey would be.