Chapter 16 - Hazel
I sat with Chelsey in the healing center’s back room. We were both taking a break from a long morning. I was munching on some carrots while she was snooping in the fridge. “I thought I had half a pizza in here still.”
I paused mid-bite. “Marie ate it yesterday. She worked late and didn’t have time to run out and grab anything. I told her you wouldn’t mind.”
Chelsey grumbled as she shut the door. “Well, that’s great. Maybe I’ll order something in. However, I have been ordering a lot of food in. I should really start packing food.”
I chuckled as I took another bite of the carrot.
She sat back down and smiled. “So, how is the training going?”
I shrugged. “It’s fine. I feel like I should be farther than I am with my ability. And the one moment I thought I was doing well and leading them somewhere was a bust, so...could be better.”
“It takes time.” Chelsey pulled her phone out. “And everyone is different. You’re different from you were before, so it’s like learning a whole new skill.”
“I know.” I sighed. “I just wish I were more helpful. I see what Nora and Jade can do.”
Chelsey squeezed my shoulder, offering me a soft smile. “You are. You’ve been a wonderful asset to us here, and I know Brandon appreciates you with this.”
It made me feel better. I was starting to feel like I would never improve.
There was a soft knock, and we both turned. Gabriella stood in the doorway, unsure whether to move further inside. “Hey.”
“Hey, Gabriella. How are you?”
My sister smiled before her eyes landed on me. “Can I talk to my sister for a moment?”
“Of course,” Chelsey pulled herself up. “I have to head back out front anyway.”
Chelsey slipped past her, and Gabriella shifted on her feet. I chewed on my lip, not sure what to say. We hadn’t spoken since the meeting, which was almost two weeks ago.
“How are you?” she asked, moving further into the room. She rubbed her hands together nervously.
“I’m fine. I’m doing well. And you?”
She chewed on her lower lip, refusing to meet my eyes. “Hurt.”
I frowned and felt my shoulder drop. “I didn’t mean that you didn’t care about me, Gabriella. I know how hard you worked to be there for me and try to help.”
She swallowed. “I know. I can be overbearing sometimes. It’s just hard to let you go when I’ve spent so long wanting to protect you. I want to make things easier for you.”
She slid into Chelsey’s spot.”I guess I didn’t realize how much we’ve both grown.”
I reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Thank you for giving me space. For understanding.”
She sighed and leaned back. “Well, that wasn’t the only reason I’m here. There is a party going on tonight that we were both invited to.”
I frowned and scrunched up my nose. “Ew.”
She gave me a pouty face. “Oh, come on. It could be fun. Marie and Chelsey are going.”
“Why on earth would I want to go there?”
“Because your magic is just coming in, and you should be letting people see it. Let people know that you aren’t dangerous.”
I knew she had a point. I should be getting around Belrose and letting people know that I was just like the other witches. If I tried hiding, that was when people would start whispering.
“Please,” she begged now, giving me a pouty face. “Come on, I don’t want to go alone. It’s been a while since we’ve gone out and done something together.”
“Why would you go alone? Just take Westley with you.”
“The guys are busy tonight, so they can’t attend. Which is why I’m asking you.”
My heart sank a little. So, that meant Asher would be able to go.
I crossed my arms. “Are you saying I’m your second option?”
She scuffed. “Oh shut up. Come on. Please.”
I grumbled. “Fine, just stop asking.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Yay! Now we need to discuss what to wear.”
The day went by quickly. I left the center a little before four and headed home.
I found it quiet, and Asher was nowhere to be found.
I headed upstairs and threw my closet door open, scanning what I could wear.
Gabriella explained it was a nicer party, so I should dress up.
She was going to grab me at five thirty to head over.
I flipped through my clothes, tossing outfits aside. I grabbed a deep purple dress and yanked it free. It was a tight-fitting dress, but I had worn it a few times and loved how it looked on me.
I went into the bathroom and curled my hair, pinning it to the side. I slid the dress on and put on some makeup. I was just sliding my shoes on when Gabriella pulled up in front of the house.
I headed out and hopped into her car. She was wearing a navy blue dress that clung to her. She smiled. “Dang, you look nice.”
“As do you.”
We drove across town toward the town hall. As we pulled up, I suddenly felt nervous knowing that this was going to be busy. Gabriella explained that it was a celebration party thrown by one of the women.
“You said Chelsey and Marie were coming, right?” I stepped closer to
She nodded. “They are already inside.”
We headed inside, where the party was in full swing. People were dancing, and some waiters were handing out champagne. I was surprised at how many people were here and moved closer to Gabriella.
“Where are the others?”
“I don’t know. I’m sure we will find them.” Gabriella hooked her arm with mine, and we wandered deeper into the space. Gentle music played throughout the room, and I could hear people laughing.
“Gabriella.” We paused at my sister’s name. We turned to see someone walking toward us.
“Who is that?” I asked as I leaned closer to her.
“My neighbor,” she answered. “She’s a sweetie.”
“Gabriella, I didn’t know you were going to come to this.” The lady threw her arms around my sister and gave her a tight hug. “It’s wonderful to see you.”
“Thank you, you look beautiful in that outfit.”
“Thank you. And you must be Hazel. I’ve heard so much about you. You look just like your sister.”
I smiled.
“Well, my husband is around here somewhere. Hope you guys have a great time.” The lady slipped away, and I glanced at Gabriella. “Are people talking about me?”
She nodded her head. “Well, you’re the talk of the town since your magic came out. So, I’m sure everyone is talking about you, which is why I wanted you to come out.”
I looked around the room and realized people were looking at us. My stomach dipped.
We both grabbed a glass of champagne and continued to look around for the others. We finally found them at a table. All of the gals from the center were there. Chelsey spotted us and smiled, waving her hand. “Hazel! Gabriella. You two look amazing.”
We slid into seats, and I glanced around the room once more. I spotted some people I knew from the bar. Most of the pack I didn’t know, and I didn’t feel I had a reason to.
“I feel like everyone in Belrose is here tonight,” Marie said as she sipped her drink.
“Sure feels like it, this place is packed.”
“What exactly are we celebrating?” I asked, wondering if the others might know.
“It’s someone’s birthday. I don’t remember who.”
I nodded, taking another look around the room. I listened as everyone chatted. We talked about the center and how busy we have been.
“Does anyone want another drink?” Chelsey asked as she pulled herself up. “I need more liquor.”
“I’ll join you. I wanted some more wine. Can you hold down the table so no one else takes it?”
I nodded and watched as they got up, heading over toward the food and liquor across the room.
I sipped on my glass and froze when someone sat down next to me. I turned and stiffened when I realized I didn’t know who it was. He was a handsome man with black hair, sitting in Gabriella’s spot now. He gave me a soft smile. “You’re Hazel, right?”
I slowly nodded. “Yeah, and you are?”
“Justin.” He held his hand out, his smile growing. “I’ve heard a lot about you. All good things.”
I shook his hand, confused. Why was he sitting with me?
“Uhhmmm…thank you? Are you here with someone?”
He shook his head. “No, my friends dragged me along. Said it was a good place to meet women. They weren’t wrong.”
I felt my face growing hot, but he clearly wasn’t talking about me. Everyone knew that I was married to Asher. Right?
“Yes, it is,” I chirp, taking a deep glass of my drink.
But he remained seated, still holding that same smile. “So, word on the street is you’re going to be the savior of the pack. You must have some powerful magic.”
I quickly shook my head. “No, that’s not true. I’m just helping.”
“You’re a coy one.” He tilted his head as he stared at me.
I stammered, not sure what to say. He leaned onto the table. “Do you want to dance? I promise not to step on you.”
I quickly shook my head. “No, I’m not much of a dancer.”
“Okay, well, I’m more than happy to sit here with you. Keep you company.”
I just stared at him, not sure what I was supposed to say. But someone cleared their throat behind us, and we both turned. Asher stood just behind us, wearing a nice suit. His hair was combed back, and he held a smooth smile. “Keeping my chair warm?”
The guy looked at me and then back at Asher. Asher then wrapped his arm around me, and I could see he was purposely using his left hand to show his ring finger off.
The guy quickly spotted it and got up. “Yeah, it was great to chat with you, Hazel. Afternoon, Asher.”
The guy moved away, and Asher took his spot with a smirk. “Someone was flirting with you.”
I rolled my eyes. “No, he wasn’t. He was just talking with me.”
Asher snorted. “Oh, sweetie, he really was.”
I frowned. “Asher, he really wasn’t. There are plenty of other women here, so why would he flirt with me?”
Asher tilted his head and shook it. “You are so blind if you don’t see what we see.”
I felt a blush roll over my face. “What is this we? You married me because you were asked to, not because you wanted to.” But even as I said those words, a part of me wasn’t sure if they were true now.
“That doesn’t mean I’m blind. You are a catch.” He leaned closer. “And every single man in this room is probably wanting to get into your pants.”
I felt hot at his words and looked around the room. The eyes I felt early were still there, but as I looked, I noticed there were a handful of them that were men. I swallowed.
“It’s a good thing I’m married then.” I looked back at him. “Because my husband is the only one who gets into my pants.”
I watched as a smirk grew on his face. “Your husband does enjoy that.”
I couldn’t help but smile, taking a sip of my drink. I relaxed in my chair. “I thought you guys weren’t going to be able to make it tonight.”
“The others couldn’t, but I could. I figured one of us should at least be here. And I’m glad I did.” His eyes scanned me, and I felt my heart flutter. I chewed on my cheek as he grabbed my glass, taking a sip out of it.
“So, shall we dance?”
He offered his hand. I was tempted to say no just like before, but this was Asher. And for once, maybe I just enjoyed myself.
I took his hand, and Asher pulled me to the dance floor. He tugged me close, his hand resting on my lower back while his other hand held my hand. He twirled us, his face close to mine. “You look beautiful.”
I smiled. “You don’t look half bad yourself.”
He chuckled, pulling me closer. I sank into his touch, finding myself happy.