When Clara and Corrine spoke of a banquet in her honor, Ashleigh had expected sothing similar to the full moon banquet she had experienced on her first visit to Sumr. Food and light chatter. More formal and organized than any celebration she had known.
Which is why, when she arrived at the location of the event, she was shocked to see an outdoor venue complete with a dance floor, bar, and full dinner service. So servers were also perforrs, so magicians, so dancers, and so very flexible people.
She saw two large tents and imdiately got curious about what she might see inside. But found her path blocked by a very sexy man in a wheelchair.
Caleb adjusted his tie as they locked eyes, and he smiled at her with a blend of warmth and fire that had her biting down on her lower lip.
Seeing him there before her, she suddenly felt the strain of not seeing him for the better part of three weeks.
Ashleigh grabbed the hem of her long dress and pulled it up to keep it out of her path as she hurried to greet him.
She ran straight to him and fell into his lap with just enough grace to keep from hurting either of them. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him the biggest kiss she could muster.
Caleb was surprised and caught off guard but not unhappy in the least. On the contrary, he held her waist tightly and gave her as much as possible.
They pulled away breathless but smiling and happily stared into each other’s eyes.
“I have missed you so much,” Ashleigh laughed between breaths.
“I’d really rather keep you at my side all the ti,” he said. “But if this is the greeting I get when we spend so ti apart….”
Ashleigh laughed and hit his arm playfully.
“I missed you too,” he said thoughtfully. “So much.”.
They took another mont just holding each other before Ashleigh stood up off his lap. She adjusted the form-fitting, erald green dress. It was simple but elegant, though the length was uncomfortable for Ashleigh. She never liked to wear anything that threatened her ability to run if necessary. But Caleb had picked the dress out, and she did enjoy the look in his eyes as he watched her in it.
“So,” she said. “What are the tents for?”
Caleb smiled up at her.
“One of them is a staging area, where all the perforrs can get dressed and change costus or prepare themselves for the show. The other is an outdoor theater. The tent walls will be torn down when it’s ti, and then you will see it in all its glory.”
Ashleigh was amazed.
“All this…” she whispered as she looked around. “Just to announce as your mate?”
“This is nothing,” Caleb smiled, “wait for our wedding.”
Ashleigh laughed.
“No,” she said, “our wedding should be small and intimate. Just the people who matter most to us.”
Caleb took her hand and brought it to his mouth. He kissed it gently as he spoke.
“Anything you want,” he smiled.
***
It indeed was a fantastic night. The dinner was delicious, and the entertainers never stopped putting on their small shows all over the event. Everywhere that Ashleigh looked, smiles and laughter.
Even Fiona’s table had a level of rrint and mirth that Ashleigh had not expected.
She was glad that Caleb hadn’t made a big speech. Instead, he had kept her introduction simple. He told them all her na, where she ca from, and that she was his one and only mate. A few faces in the crowd gave her sympathy, appreciation, and possibly the beginnings of acceptance. But for now, most of what stared back at her was quiet resentnt.
She had co here fully expecting this reaction. She knew that most of these people didn’t like her, but Caleb had gone to great lengths to try and put a joyous mory in their minds to associate with her.
So, Ashleigh smiled and waved and told them how grateful she was to be here.
Caleb excused himself when Galen made a motion that Ashleigh recognized right away as Alpha business.
She was about to sit back down at the table alone when soone caught her eye. Ashleigh made her way down from the platform and towards the two large tents across the dance floor.
“Alright, everyone, find your costus, get changed, and we will do a quick rehearsal one last ti before the performance!”
Ashleigh waited for her to finish talking.
“Miss Stacey?” she called.
The woman jumped in surprise.
“Ashleigh!” she laughed, “You surprised !”
“Sorry, didn’t an to startle you,” Ashleigh said, “I just saw you and thought I would co to say hi.”
Ashleigh had hardly seen Miss Stacey since she worked with her at the school the first few days after arriving in Sumr. However, thanks to their honest conversations, Ashleigh was able to gain so positive looks this evening.
“It is nice to see you again, Ashleigh, though I don’t really have a mont right now. The children are getting ready for our performance.”
“The children are performing?” Ashleigh asked with genuine interest and excitent.
She had enjoyed her ti at the school. Getting to know the kids and playing with them had been sothing Ashleigh had not expected to touch her as much as it had.
“Yes!” Miss Stacey smiled brightly. “Alpha Caleb ca to our class just a few days after your visit. He told about the event tonight and said that he thought you would enjoy seeing the kids do a small act for you. And of course, the kids were overjoyed at the idea.”
“I am so excited!” Ashleigh said. “I had no idea, but I absolutely cannot wait! Please tell them I can’t wait to see them perform.”
“It’s only a simple set of songs, nothing spectacular,” Miss Stacey replied with an embarrassed laugh.
“Still,” Ashleigh smiled, “I can’t wait.”
Miss Stacey sighed and smiled. She nodded before turning and walking back into the tent to join the children.
Ashleigh headed back to her table with a smile on her face.
“We need to talk,” Fiona called to her before reaching her table.
Ashleigh turned and gave Fiona a respectful bow.
“What can I do for you, Luna Fiona?” Ashleigh asked politely.
“I hear that Galen has gone off and gotten engaged without saying anything to ,” she said through gritted teeth. “And she’s a friend of yours.”
Ashleigh smiled while silently cursing Galen.
“Yes,” she answered. “Her na is Bell.”
“And is this the girl that has been on his mind since your birthday party?” Fiona asked.
Ashleigh nodded.
Fiona crossed her arms over her chest.
“The one that didn’t want to be with him not that long ago?” she asked.
“Well, I think that was more of a misunderstanding between her head and her heart,” Ashleigh smiled. “But it’s all cleared up now.”
“Why are they getting married so fast?” she demanded. “And why in Winter? Caleb and I are the only family Galen has. His parent’s ashes were scattered in these trees. Surely she would want to pay her respects here.”
“Well,” Ashleigh began, starting to feel defensive towards Bell. “You should really ask Galen these questions. But I will let you know one thing. Bell also lost her parents and her grandparents. The only family she has is mine in Winter.”
Fiona sighed.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “That was rude of .”
Ashleigh sighed as well.
“I’m sorry, too,” she said. “Bell is like a sister to , and I can get protective. Just like you with your sons.”
Fiona smirked. Ashleigh wanted to laugh, but she suddenly felt distracted by what sounded like a slight whine in her ear. Perhaps a bug buzzing too closely.
“Well, I still have many questions,” Fiona said. “But you’re right. I should ask Galen.”
The sound went up slightly, and Ashleigh swatted at her ear, but it didn’t change.
“That’s probably the best option,” she replied automatically.
“But maybe you could tell a couple of– Oh, for the love of the Goddess!” Fiona shouted, “What the hell is that damn sound!”
“You hear it too?” Ashleigh asked, looking up at Fiona.
Their eyes t, and understanding dawned a mont too late. They dove to the floor as the first explosion echoed into the night sky.
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