61. Opaline
Opaline
Cheers and whistles ring out around us as all our friends and supporters clap and celebrate our pack's happiness. The sound whirs around me as Sage spins me in his arms.
But it's the blurry sight at my side that slowly comes into focus that takes away any breath I'm holding onto through smiles and laughter.
My alphas, Adrian and Ever, are tangled in one another, joined in a passionate kiss that would make anyone blush.
The whistles and playful remarks from familiar voices confirm I'm not the only one who's noticed.
This isn't shame. It's Adrian's big gesture to our sweet mate, proving he's not some dirty secret.
He's his other chosen mate. My chest squeezes at the sight as Sage puts me down and I'm sandwiched between him and Calder.
Our lead steps towards the closest microphone, smile bigger than I've ever seen it.
"Alright, alright…" he says, hand up to the crowd.
The musicians start making their way back on stage with us.
"I've taken up enough of your time. Thank you for everything, for being a part of our big moment.
Now, let's get the band back up here and close out the night right! "
Music soon after starts playing through the large speakers as we navigate our way down the small set of stairs and over to our awaiting friends.
"Ahh! Oh my god!"
"You guys are so cute! How romantic!"
"Congrats Opal. Can't think of a more deserving person, babe."
"Careful with that thing, it's going to blind us!"
Lottie, Alina, Charlie, and Fawn, all meet me in a giddy circle as my mates hug and thump a couple of guys on their backs nearby. One of which I know is Beckett. The other, I've never seen before.
"I can't believe they would do this…I wasn't expecting it at all…"
Alina gasps. "Are those fresh teeth marks? Did you and Ever…."
I nod happily, showing off my final claiming mark permanently on my skin. I can feel the blush creeping into my cheeks at the reminder of where and how we finalized our pack's bond.
"Ohhh, there's a story there. I know that look on anyone," Charlie teases with a wink.
Lottie, still sugar-high, bounces next to her.
She must see the twinkle of humor in my eye because she adds, "Don't worry, she'll crash soon.
I give her twenty minutes max before she's ready to puke or pass out.
" A gentle slap against her bicep has her gesturing that her lips are sealed.
"Let's go celebrate! Wanna dance?"
Looking over my shoulder towards my mates, Everette's beautiful, bright eyes meet mine.
I reach my hand out to him, nudging my chin towards the mass of people dancing in front of the small stage.
"Dance with me?" I mouth his very words back to him.
The same ones he whispered to me on our group date, one of my most fond memories.
With a soft squeeze of their joined hands and a peck on the lips from Adrian, he joins me, jogging the short distance between us.
The band transitions to an upbeat, easy-to-dance-to number as we all make our way collectively, as a group, to the make-shift dance floor.
Ever pulls me close, his body radiating a cozy warmth I immediately want to snuggle into. Humming, he smiles, leading us in a gentle movement that's not entirely 'dance'. "You're glowing, sweet girl."
Biting my lip, my gaze stays locked on his.
"So are you…" I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear.
"I'm so happy for you two." His happy gaze falters, and suddenly, the weight of everything between them hangs between us.
Through the bond, I can feel his overwhelming gratitude.
As if it were me, he has to thank. Brows furrowing, I try to make out exactly what feelings are fleeting in his mind, through to me.
"This is because of you, Opaline. I don't know where Adrian and I would be if you'd never come into our lives and then given us the blessing of an interpack relationship. Thank you."
"Trust me, the feeling is mutual." I lean in for a kiss, squealing as I'm ripped from his arms. "Sage!" I don't need to look at who practically tackles me from behind. I already know it's my goofball.
"Mine!" His laughter echoes loudly as he puts me down, spinning me in his arms to the beat.
Calder grabs one of my hands and sneaks up behind me, sandwiching me between the two of them.
His lips press against the beautiful ring that now sits on my finger, followed by his bond mark on my neck, sending lust straight between my thighs.
His low growl as his lips find my ear only increases that sudden flare of desire. "Your night is far from over, babygirl." The implication has a whine slipping free, which only earns me a chuckle from them both, as Adrian and Everette join us.
Sage leans down, pressing his forehead to mine as we slow to more of a sway.
Somewhere nearby, my friends' laughter and happiness ring out as the five of us fall into our own little world. The bonfire still burns, the band plays, and everyone we care about is with us, having a wonderful night under the stars.
I lean into the tug in my heart, telling me to look up. There in the dark, glittering expanse, is a shooting star. The flood of emotion internally spills over to my mates as they follow my line of sight, seeing the glowing streak flying by.
I've wished for love, a true home, for friendship, even for just five more minutes with my mother for a final goodbye.
The universe answered my pleas, prayers, wishes, and dreams.
I have found a greater love than I could have ever imagined.
I have a house that feels like home and safety.
I have built friendships with the most remarkable women.
And I have sent my love in a letter to my mother in the stars.
Because it's Knot Just A Wish…it's finally real.