The Escaping Luna

REUNITED

*EVE POV*

Getting ready with Kaia and Jillian was so much fun. Growing up in Castle Dracos, I never got to really do anything on a personal level with any of the others. That is until Luca started to trust Jillian. Once he started letting me get to know her, we became extremely close. She would tell me things about Kaia and a couple of others that she felt needed to get out of the castle. Kaia was the only one who lived long enough for it to happen. Kaia and I started to get close when Luca would have me treat her for injuries she would sustain from struggling to get away from him. The three of us bonded, thinking that we would be trapped there forever. I couldn't honestly live without either of them now. When the three of us descended the stairs, I saw my handsome mate watching me with every movement I made. He was dressed in a fitted charcoal gray tux, with a light gray shirt and a black tie. His hair pulled up into a man's bun, and his beard trimmed. He pulled me into a deep hug and sniffed my neck. "You look breathtaking, my love." I could feel my body turning weak, and myself getting aroused by his scent of apples and rain. A low growl came from Nigel's throat and he gave me that look that said I needed to stop with that. Soon enough, we will be together that way, but tonight was about Kaia. I just hope me finally seeing my family once they arrive doesn't take away from her party.

Speaking of that, I am beyond anxious. I am trying really hard to hide it. My wolf, Callie, has been a blessing throughout all of this.

She knows how to calm me down when no one else can.

I pull myself out of thought and remember what K said about not being a "Debbie Downer" tonight, and I plan on honoring that order. I took my mate's arm and headed into the party. I think the whole pack showed up for K. Good, she deserves it. The alpha approaches us asking if we had seen Kaia and Mason. We both shake our heads but inform the Alpha that we will go look for her. He thanks us and we leave. Reaching the foyer, we notice Tomas and Jillian in a deep discussion. We interrupt, apologizing, and ask if they had seen the two that were missing. Jillian points towards a hallway and the four of us head towards it. Turning the corner, we all stopped in our tracks. There were Kaia and Alpha Mason in a full-on make-out session. Looking at each other, not sure what to say or do, Jillian and I just started giggling. Both turn to us and freeze. Tomas finally speaks up, telling them that Alpha Hardin is looking for them, and we go back to the banquet hall to eat. The newest love birds follow behind us. After all of us find our seats at the main table, dinner begins.

I am eating and having a wonderful conversation with my friends. I saw Alpha Hardin go out in a rush. He returned momentarily with 4 others. I knew it was my parents, brother and the Vamp leader, Viktor Manning. I look almost identical to my brother and mother. I feel my stomach start to tie in knots, and anxiety builds. Squeezing Nigel's hand, I prepared myself for the conversation about to happen. Alpha Hardin bends over and whispers in my ear, "Eve, your family has arrived. I will be with you the whole time, as will my Luna. Don't be afraid sweetie." I gasped and nodded my head, and stood to face them. Nigel stands with me and keeps his hand on the small of my back to help keep my nerves in check. I started to cry happy tears, but was not able to find the words to greet my parents and brother. The woman who's my mother walks towards me, also crying, and places her hand on my cheek. Looking into my mother's eyes, a deep warmth came over me. I fell into her arms and we both sobbed. Everything about her feels right. She smells like warm sugar cookies, and her touch holds so much comfort. She was the first to finally speak. "My dear child, I have dreamed of this day for so long. I never gave up hope of finding you. I knew one day it would be reality, and I am so sorry it took so long. I promise you, we will never be apart again." I held her tighter, not wanting this to end. Eventually, my father, Alpha Samuel and my older brother Titus joined us, forming a group hug. I think I even saw Kaia's parents crying. I couldn't stop smiling, and asked them all to sit and join us for the party. Tonight, everything was as it should be. Tomorrow, everything else can be dealt with. Turning to Alpha Hardin, I give him and Luna a giant hug and thank them for everything they have done and are doing for Jillian and myself. He comes to eye level with me and tells me that I am his adopted daughter now, that being like a sister to Kaia, meant that I was his family too, and this is what family does. Nodding, I took my leave and rejoined the festivities. The food is being cleaned up by the Omegas, the DJ starts playing music and everyone makes their way to the dance floor. Kaia and Jilly drag me out on the dance floor and we all move to the beat. I don't want this night to end.

Our parents are watching us girls with smiles on their faces that reach their ears. My dad pulls in Hardin for a strong hug and they retreat to the bar, with cigars in their fingers. Everyone has a reason to celebrate tonight.