Chapter 58: Chapter 58
Katie POV
By the time I put on my sandals, I was out of breath. The simplistic, long black dress I am wearing is flattering, but the second I turn sideways, I sigh.
Oh, goddess, I am big. What was I thinking when I agreed to go to a regional pack event with Asher? Maybe I did not want to disappoint Quinn and agreed to date her brother, maybe I only wanted a little companionship. I do not know. For a second, I consider calling Asher and cancelling, but the doorbell rings, and I take a deep breath before walking to the door.
I open the door and look at Asher. He is unbelievably handsome in his smart casual suit. His sandy blonde hair is pushed back, and I am disappointed that I am not attracted to him.
“Wow,” he says with a beaming smile. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you,” I reply, heat blossoming my cheeks. “You look great.”
“I’m happy you agreed to come,” he says as we walk to his car.
“So, what exactly is this thing?” I ask as he helps me into the car.
“It’s a social networking event for all the packs along this part of the coast,” Asher explains as we drive. “It only happens twice a year, and the Council hates this event. They’d much rather keep us as separate as possible. I never really understood why, though.”
My ears perk up when he mentions the Council, and my pulse quickens slightly. I feel a slight whirring in my brain as if I am trying to recall something that has been hidden away.
“They’ll probably have some undercover High Guards stationed there to make sure we don’t get too out of control,” Asher chuckles.
I force myself to laugh, but the idea of the Council watching over the party makes me uneasy.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” Asher playfully taps my knee. “The party is happening at a nearby lodge this year.”
“A lodge?” I look at him in surprise. Asher is a rogue wolf who works at a metal factory. I did not get the impression that he is the kind of guy who would be impressed by a champagne tower and glitter. “It sounds fancy.”
“Yeah,” Asher scoffs. “It’s total hoity-toity rich wolf shit. It’s basically a glorified country club in the middle of the woods.”
“Why are you going, then?” I frown.
“It was an excuse to ask you out,” he admits sheepishly.
“Well, mission accomplished,” I laugh nervously. Asher is a good guy. He is kind, helpful, and I feel safe with him. And still ... I feel nothing more than friendship. Besides, can he really be that interested in me when I have a baby on the way and do not even know who the father is?
“You know that stuff doesn’t matter to me, Katie,” he says. “You’re not your past.”
Shocked, I look at him. Did I say all that out loud? I know I have not, but ... how can he hear my thoughts?
“You heard what I said?” I ask.
Only mates are supposed to hear a she-wolf’s thoughts. But Asher is basically a stranger, there is no way he can hear mine. And did he hear everything or just the last part?
“Yes,” Asher grins, perplexed. “Why wouldn’t I? It’s a small car.”
“My bad,” I laugh it away awkwardly. There is no way to explain this without sounding like a crazy pregnant lady. Maybe that is it. Maybe the hormones are scrambling my brain. “I’m probably just nervous about the party.”
“No need to be,” Asher says. “We’re in this together.”
“Okay,” I smile, looking out the window at the scenery, and clearing my mind until he pulls up to a huge, sprawling lodge tucked away in the woods.
The whole place is lit up around the perimeter by delicate twinkling lights, and the people entering are wearing gorgeous dresses and impeccably tailored suits.
Despite Asher’s reassurance, a stab of panic seizes my heart. There are wolves here from packs all over the region, and it is intimidating because I do not know where my roots are.
“Hey,” Asher says as he opens my door and offers his hand. “It’s going to be fine. And if not, we go home. Deal?”
“Deal,” I nod, stepping out of the car, not letting go of his hand, and he squeezes mine tightly in return.
As soon as we walk inside, wolves approach us from all sides, clapping Asher on the back and asking how he was. Clearly, he has a lot of friends. Asher introduces me to every person, and I search their faces for glimpses of recognition, but I cannot sense anything. We finally make our way through the crowd and find a more secluded seat.
“Sorry about all that,” Asher says. “That must’ve been pretty overwhelming.”
“That’s an understatement,” I laugh.
“I should’ve given you more warning,” he winces.
“It’s okay,” I shrug. “Kind of confusing, though.”
“What do you mean?” he asks.
“You’re tight with so many people from other packs, but you’re a rogue,” I explain. “I thought rogues were supposed to be outcasts.”
I cannot remember anything from my life before Stillwood, but somehow, I can remember things about shifters. I know rogues are typically unwanted criminals, unworthy of associating with traditional shifter packs.
“Not always,” Asher replies, and I sense a darkness settling over his features. “Most shifters didn’t agree with my punishment. I still don’t really understand why I was banished.”
“My entire family was unfairly punished,” he shifts in his seat. “That’s why my mother and Quinn live in Stillwood with me. I think a lot of people felt sorry for us and still do.”
“May I ask why you were banished?” I ask softly.
“An overzealous Alpha was trying to flex his power,” he replies, and I get the idea that he does not want to discuss it. “He thought I was overstepping, but ...”
“Asher, my man!” A deep voice interrupts him.
Asher’s face lights up as he rises and wraps the man in a bear hug.
“Katie.” Asher gestures between me and the smiling guy beside him. “I want you to meet my best friend, Mason.”
