Dancing Together

When the second bell of the night sounded, the humans were given the all-clear to leave their homes. People's safety was the primary reason for installing the bells. Some werewolves lacked self-control and would attack a human without hesitation if they sensed fear. Since Cristy was of legal drinking age, she was allowed to participate despite her usual requirement to remain at home after the second bell. After removing a pot of chili from the stove, Cristy made her way to the table outside. After placing the pot at the center of the table, she returned for another help. For the next 30 minutes, she gathered food and serving utensils from her mother's table.

Lily nudged her on the hip. "Are you worried?"

Cristy returned to preparing the table after a brief nod. Soon after dinner had been served, a number of pack members began to arrive. They took their places at the head of the table. She sat next to Lily as her parents sat down. She was looked at by several of the werewolves for quite some time. Having so many people watching her was strange to her. Watching her closely, werewolves of both sexes took their time. As the werewolves took their seats, Cristy wiped the sweat from her brow with the tablecloth on her lap.

They still hadn't found William. When she looked back, she saw everyone at the table tensing up and staring at her. Because she couldn't turn around to see what had gotten their attention, Fingers pushed her hair out of the way.

"You shouldn't be sitting here," William said. As he kissed her, she screamed.

No matter how much Cristy had been thinking about him the entire afternoon, she hadn't seen him get any closer.

"My family is seated here," she replied.

"I am also your family," he said as he grabbed hold of her hand and kissed her mother's face and shook her father's hand. She stood up and followed his instructions. Afterward, he removed the bandage from her wrist. The scarlet bite mark popped out against her fair skin, making her look pale. As they got closer, the people standing behind her let out gasps of surprise. "Do they understand what the bite mark means?"

William escorted her to the head of the table. Along with Darwin, Lawrence and Mike took their places on either side of him. She walked up to the front with William. As everyone's attention was drawn to her, Cristy cheeks began to flush. Her back was turned as they observed her intently.

"I'd like to meet the people of Dim Forest and present you as my mate." Cristy Lincon has been assigned to be his mate by destiny. For the first time, William knelt and kissed her wrist, promising she would be treated with respect and accepts her as his own.

To avoid having to look at him, she turned her head away from him. During his brief speech, he made a point of saying that fate had chosen her to be his mate.

Bastard.

"As a result, you'll need to leave here as soon as you can. Keep your distance from the people here." William grasp on her thigh became tighter, making it impossible for her to move. She clenched her teeth and gave Lily a fleeting glance as she did so. Her friend's cheesy grin didn't help her in any way.

The feast began as soon as everyone in the pack dove in at the same time. The women in front of her made Cristy wish they could be like her. To get back to where they started, they made a full circle around her. Some people laughed at her, while others mocked her.

In response to William's observation, "You aren't eating,"

A fork appeared on her plate and she began savoring the food. The only explanation is that William put food on her plate while she was staring at the rest of the people. He continued to fill her plate as Cristy kept her bit wrist tucked under the table and continued to eat sparingly.

Couples began to dance as soon as the music started. She saw Lily reject a couple of possible suitors. This was their first meal together, and she was the only other person there. When Cristy's friend arrived, she had to reposition her chair to make room for her.

"What's the end goal?"

William was curious. He grabbed her hand and she came to a halt. A lump in her throat was swallowed when she looked down at the arm that had restrained her. "What does it mean?"

She caught a fleeting glimpse of his face before hurriedly averting her gaze away. "I suggested we stand out and dance with me." Cristy bit her lip and said, "No need, I am okay here." while she awaited his release.

"Go have some fun with Lily at a dance party." Mike said.

William grabbed her hand as they made their way into the area where couples were dancing. Tables were being put away by both werewolves and humans.

William had her wrapped around his neck as they made their way to the dance floor. Lily was only in Mike's arms for a split second before his chiseled chest blocked her gaze. At the very least, he was clothed this time. The tribal tattoos that adorned his arms were still clearly visible.

"What's the matter with you?" he inquired. His voice caressed her neck. She shivered as the sensation of his closeness swept over her. Her body yearned for him, but she couldn't bring herself to admit it to herself. Her heart beat fast.

"I'm not used to dancing with men."

Her hair was stroked by William. "You have a hairstyle that is too short."

She made a face. "It's going to grow."

"Do you sense it?" William inquired.

"What are you saying?"

"We're in this together."

Cristy was unable to speak, so she remained silent. She wasn't sure if he had a violent streak.