Page 99 of Dream in Darkness
And maybe it’s all I deserve.
“Certaintly. I think that would be wise. I’m also going to work towards organizing a larger summit, where representatives of species from all continents can state their piece, and maybe come up with joint solutions,” Yasmeena says.
She really was made for this. Leadership.
“And how would that benefit us?” Alpha Ferdinand asks, genuine curiosityin his tone.
“Pack Caliban and Pack Forres originally came from another continent, correct?” she asks, and both Alphas nod.
“If Pack Escalus knew ahead of time, we could’ve prepared the transition for all of you, making things easier,” she explains. “Or, for example, if a felion group on Avaricia needed assistance with a specific resource that Haeresis felion have in abundance, we could share.”
“This would require people to actually care about one another,” Alpha Duncan points out. “Which they don’t.”
“But they could, if we fostered that level of compassion,” she says, raising both brows.
They continue going on like that. Duncan and Ferdinand hit her with complicated questions, and Yasmeena comes up with answers as if she’d prepped for every one.
She makes me proud.
After we officially submit thetreaty to Raph and Luc, Yasmeena and I decide to get a drink at The Cathedral.
We’re both dressed comfortably, ready to just let loose as we waltz into the tall, gothic building. Colorful beams of light come in through the stained glass windows and doors, casting fun shadows on the floor.
There are lupion I know, and others I don’t, but everyone’s heads turn when we step inside. From excited waves to respectful bows, the entire bar is brewing with whispers.
Alpha Tempest. There’s the new Alpha of Pack Escalus.
If I’m completely honest with myself, this amount of attention is kind of exciting. It’s something I never received before. When my father was Alpha, people either ignored—or worse—feared me. They were afraid if something they did upset me, I’d gotell my father. That wasn’t the case, but it was a reasonable fear. It’s the reason I struggled to make friends growing up.
Zuri and Clio saw through it, understanding that I wasn’t my father, and that’s how they became two of my best friends. Now I have Taryn too, and it feels like my entire world is becoming complete. Whole.
I never used to enjoy being perceived, but between the circus performances and the respect I’m receiving as Alpha, this is something I could get used to. I want to be known as more than just an icy bitch.
Sitting at the bar, we place our orders. The music changes, and Yasmeena jumps out of her seat.
“I love this song,” she squeals.
I watch her, completely enamored as she dances to the uptempo music. I’m not only enamored by her beauty and grace, but her intellect, and the way she handled this entire thing. It was not us, buther, who ultimately ended the turf war, saving countless lives.
And it’s up to me to let her go.
Yasmeena grabs me from my barstool, leading me onto the dance floor, and I try to just let go for a moment.
To enjoy the feel of her body grinding against me, the way we fit together like two puzzle pieces. Her golden skin is warm to the touch, and I smile as my hand fits perfectly onto the curve of her waist.
The song ends and the bartender comes back with our drinks. Sitting back down, Yasmeena lets out a satisfied sigh.
“So you’re free. Do you know how hard it is to lead?” she asks, grinning ear-to-ear. Her forehead shines with sweat, her cheeks flushing with red undertones.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to pack up my things and move back into the den,” I say, my tone final.
Her muscles seem to tense in response. Yasmeena’s smile doesn’t falter, but her eyes take on an almost manic gleam. “Oh! Yeah, that makes sense.”
“Are you okay?”
She nods repeatedly, the movement almost robotic. “Yeah. Yeah. I just didn’t… expect it to all happen so quickly, is all.” Yasmeena looks away, and I swear I hear her sniffle.
Please don’t make this any harder than it already is.
