Chapter 20

Kara's POV

I slid the black gown over my head and let it cascade down my body.

I blinked at my reflection in the mirror. I’d been right about the dress. The style featured large dramatic pleats, which fell loosely down to mid calf. It was flattering, but there was no chance of anyone pointing out the small bump I was starting to notice more each day.

I pulled my hair into a French twist, pleased with the effect. It was both flattering, emphasizing my long neck, and professional. My hair wouldn’t get in my way as I ran the event. I applied makeup deftly and quickly. A swipe of eyeliner and mascara, a bit of extra concealer to hide the physical signs of my pregnancy exhaustion.

I arrived at the venue early, just as the vendors were starting to set up.

I’d opted for a sleek hotel just outside the city. The main event would take place in an indoor-outdoor space. A large industrial chic ballroom flowed out onto a pool terrace area, everything lit by abstract light figures with exposed bulbs and surrounded by tall trees.

“I want the stage over there, actually,” I said to the crew as I walked in. The initiation itself would take place just after sunset, and the placement of the stage would mean the lights reflecting off the pool would provide the exact ambiance I was hoping for.

I was flushed with both exhaustion and pride by the time the other pack members began arriving. I’d been running around, clipboard in hand, all afternoon, making sure everything was perfect.

It was exactly what I’d pictured.

As well as the usual drive to do my job well, I’d started thinking of this as an ending. If I had my way, I’d be leaving soon, before anyone realized I was expecting Hunter’s baby.

This might be the last big pack event I attended.

Most of the pack members started to grab drinks and hors d’oeuvres, chatting and forming small groups across the ballroom and by the side of the modern infinity pool.

But I gathered the new members to me in the corner, taking a moment to brief them on the instructions for the swearing in and the order of events for the evening in general.

I’d just started explaining the process when Maya rushed in.

She was late and had entered through the pool area, rather than the main door.

And she definitely made an entrance.

Most eyes in the room turned toward her as she walked quickly along the poolside toward our group. Her gown was sleek and expensive looking, with a royal blue train that sparkled as it trailed her across the smooth floor. It was fitted so perfectly it must have been tailored, or more likely custom.

It far surpassed the budget for new members, in any case.

I narrowed my eyes at her as she came to stand beside the group.

One of the other new members immediately started gushing over her dress.

Maya replied immediately, looking at me and speaking quickly, nervously.

“Thanks, it was paid for with a special budget approved by Hunter, using the black card.” She looked down at her high heels, then up at me. “I forgot to inform you about it,” she said weakly.

I ignored her and continued my explanations of the evening’s events.

One of the waiters passed by the group with a tray.

“May I have a glass of champagne?” Maya asked loudly.

He either didn’t hear or ignored her. No one else responded.

I noticed her grimacing for a moment, but she quickly adjusted her face back into its usual, innocent expression.

I looked up to see Hunter striding across the pool deck. Even in spite of the backdrop—the stark modern architecture, reflective pool, and impressive sequoias that towered over the gardens— he stood out. He was walking with a very slight limp, but was otherwise healed from his injuries.

Maya broke off from our group and rushed to his side, immediately draping herself over his arm.

The latest attack, or maybe the doctor assuming I was Hunter’s wife, had shifted something in her demeanor.

She was suddenly brazen and demonstrative around Hunter. Asserting her claim to him.

I hit the side of my glass with a knife. I’d asked the bartender before everyone arrived for a glass of tonic with a capful of dark soda mixed in. If you didn’t look too closely, it was the exact color of champagne.

“If everyone could please take their seats,” I said in a loud, clear voice. “The ceremony is about to begin.”

The new members lined up as instructed on the stage. They were all well-dressed in formalwear, though none were wearing anything as ostentatious as Maya was.

The air was still, with the only sound the trees’ needles rustling in the soft breeze. The tall sequoias were majestic, seeming to echo the weight of the moment. The honor of long tradition.

Hunter stood at the center of the platform. I walked to my usual position just behind his right shoulder. The place of honor for Chief Delta, so we could both oversee the event together. It used to be my favorite place in the world to stand.

I shook my head and reset. This moment was about more than us, whatever had been going on.

Whatever happened with us, the pack would endure.

The new members stood before us and I gave the instruction that started the ceremony.

Each new member came forward to make an oath of allegiance to the pack.

They stood just in front of Hunter, raising their right hand and reciting words of fealty and honor until death.

When they finished, they shook his hand, then I presented them with their official pack pin and added my congratulations.

Everything went perfectly until Maya stepped forward. She stood tall, adjusting her already-perfect hair and dress as she walked toward Hunter.

She stood close, a step closer to him than any of the previous new members had done.

“I swear my loyalty to the pack,” she said huskily. “Now and forever. And my fealty to you, as Alpha—” she continued, her voice honeyed and deep, her eyes boring into his.

I didn’t hear the rest of her words.

A deep, searing pain flared across my chest.

I hadn’t thought to anticipate this.

But the act of joining the pack formally was of course what would fully solidify the mate bond. And I felt it—the connection between them—sizzle in the air.

I couldn’t stand it.

I couldn’t stand at all.

I had to get off the stage. I felt like I was going to collapse with the pain of this, and I couldn’t let anyone else see that.

I turned quickly and tried to walk quietly, but my high heels echoed on the surface of the stage. I sped up.

I hit something. Or someone bumped into me, it happened too fast to tell, but suddenly I was losing my balance, starting to fall down the stairs.

I clutched my hands around my stomach by reflex, trying to protect the baby rather than catch myself.

But suddenly I was caught, cradled by large powerful hands and set back on my feet. The arm continued to grasp me around my waist, steadying me.

I thought wildly for a moment that Hunter had—

But I looked up into gentler eyes, honey colored and deeply familiar. I gasped in surprise.

Adrian.