Chapter 52
Warrick’s POV
During breakfast Hadley asked me to take her shopping in town. I grumbled, but obliged. Normally I just throw my credit card to her and tell her to go without me. BUT I did tell her we would spend time together and that means taking her shopping.
During our time out nobody bothered us, they just bowed their heads in respect and greeted me but other than that left us alone. Once we got back to the castle I dropped the bags in one of the servants‘ carts to take up to the bedroom.
Hadley left saying that there was no time for her to get ready for the picnic and I have to say she was right when I walked through balcony doors in the back and saw a large crowd already there. I look around to see that on the balcony there are speakers and lights. My gaze goes out toward the field and I see Evan next to a grill laughing with some guy who is manning a grill. There are many grills lined up next to each other. I don’t know where she got that many from, but each has somebody next to them. I see that she actually is manning one next to the guy she was laughing with.
There are long tables with containers that are sparkling with what looks like magic dust. It must be a spell to keep things hot and cold. At the opposite side of the field I see a large bar area, and then coolers lined down the side of it with signs indicating different types of drinks in each cooler. My gaze then goes to a large storage area with what seems to be blankets or towels I am not sure. I am guessing blankets since I see a few people sitting on one here and there.
I spot my mother who is walking around talking with people, drink in her hand and smile on her face. She is pointing to different areas around the field.
“They really pulled this together.” I hear from beside me. I turn to look at Jax with wide eyes.
“Yeah.” I answer and he sighs.
“I found the person who was talking about the mission. It was Germaine. I put him in the cells for a week.”
Jax says.
“Who the hell is Germaine?” I ask in confusion and he looks at me in confusion.
“Um the 19 year old warrior that you specifically asked to go on the mission as his test?” Jax says and looks at me as if I have grown two heads.
“I don’t remember that.” I answer and Jax shakes his head at me.
“You don’t remember a lot of things recently. I don’t know what is up with you but you need to fix it. You’re not yourself.” He says and I growl at his disrespect. He throws his hands up and steps back and into a woman that has the scent of smoke and cooked meat covering her natural scent.
Jax startles and turns around wide eyed.
“I am so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” He says to Evan and she has a playful smile on her face as one of the fans blows her black hair in her face. She shakes her head and tucks her hair behind her.
“It seems that happens a lot, Beta.” She says and he chuckles and rubs the back of his neck.
“Uh.. Yeah I guess it does. At least recently.” He answers and she chuckles at his flustered state. My anger
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grows as I witness the exchange. Are they flirting with each other?!
“Is there a reason you are up here and not next to the grill?” I ask Evan roughly and Jax turns back around and gives me an astonished look. Evan glares slightly at me then smiles when she realizes how many people
are around us.
“Yes, we need to speak to our packs.” She says and I turn to look at the gathered crowd, trying hard to keep my eyes from bugging out. There are at least 1,500 people gathered on the grounds in front of us. I forgot how many people we both had in our pack. You can see a clear divide though almost like there is a rope down the middle of the people separating them.
Evan walks up a few stairs to the larger patio and I follow. I look for the microphone that comes with speaking to large of a crowd but there is none. She smiles slightly at me and mouths ‘magic‘. Then turns to
the crowd and smiles.
“Hello everybody and thank you for taking the time to come out here today to meet and mingle. Although I am sure free drink and food was the main enticement to come, other than it being required.” She starts and the right side of the crowd laughs, telling me that is her pack. I hear some people from the left side chuckle but most suck in their breath like something bad is going to happen. “I am Alpha Evan from the Rogue Pack. As you all can tell we do not hold the same pungent smell of rogues, we actually have a pack scent so that means that our pack has been acknowledged by the moon goddess.” She says and that causes whispers and it is the first time I realize that their pack has the blessing of holding a pack scent. I know they didn’t smell like rogues, but I didn’t make the connection either.
“The purpose of this get together is to ensure that we have unity between the royal pack and rogue pack. I know that both harbor distasteful feelings for one another but we need to get over it so that we can work together to win the upcoming war.” She continues and I feel my side of the crowd bristle at the mention of
war.
“Now the rules. Everyone will be respectful towards each other. IF you have any issues or concerns speak to ranked members, not each other. NO fighting outside of training. If there are any actions outside of natural contempt you will be punished. Be open about accepting each other. The natural hate you feel towards each other will soon become one of at least understanding if you all are open to getting to know one another. THAT is what this gathering is all about. Get to know one another, mingle outside of your respected groups. I can assure you that if you do that then you will find at least one other person in the opposite pack that you get along with. There are games set up towards the back of the field, food alongside my left of the field–and drinks alongside my right. Kids have coolers to choose from and the of age wolves can go to the bar. Only beer is served since we are not here to get drunk. Blankets to sit on are on shelves scattered throughout the yard as well as trash cans. We are not your parents and will not pick up after you. You are expected to clean up after yourselves. If you have any issues or concerns don’t hesitate to come to me if you need. I don’t bite.” She then adds “Well too hard.” and her pack laughs. She steps back and looks at me, smiling a genuine smile. I can’t help the small smile that creeps on my face from hers. Her eyes are sparkling in the afternoon sun and are so light gray they are almost like diamonds. I shake my head from the thoughts and step forward to the crowd.
“You heard what she said. Anything outside of being welcoming to the other pack will be punished.” I say and everybody bristles at my little speech. Evan steps beside me and slaps me on the shoulder in a joking way. “Oh, so serious. Everybody enjoy, and if you need anything let me know. I’m starving so I’m going to shut up and go get some food. Have fun!” She says and turns to walk down the stairs. Nobody makes a move so l
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nod my head in agreement and follow Evan down the stairs. Music soon begins and everybody starts walking
around.
I watch as Evan walks through the crowd and is smiling and speaking to everyone as she passes through to the food table. Her beauty and grace are captivating as she walks. Even from here I can feel her welcoming. and calm aura surrounding the area. I feel a pinch on my arm and scowl down at Hadley who is staring at me
with disgruntled eyes.
“I thought you would have waited for me to do the speech.” She says angrily.
“You were running late and we needed to get it done.” I answer and she growls lightly.
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