Wolven Rising: Untold Stories

GR-5: The Banquet Hall

Alana

"Hurry, we don't have much time!" I exclaimed as a pair of workers settled another potted tree into place. For weeks, I had planned, sketched, erased, and sketched again until my design for the banquet hall decor was absolutely perfect. I'd abandoned my stack of books on my nightstand because I was so preoccupied with every single detail. I'd spent hours on ladders for the past week, stringing twinkling lights and carefully draping ivy and garlands of fall leaves that I'd woven myself. Now, all that remained was getting the live plants in place, but even those had to be strung with lights once they were all set up, and so far only about a third of them had been brought in.

I was so glad that Rowan had asked me to do this. He could have hired a professional decorator, but instead he trusted this job to me. A lot of very important people would see this, so it had to be perfect. But it was something I loved to do, and I could see my vision coming together nicely.

"Hey, sis, how's it going?" My big brother Mason came in, looking around appreciatively. "Looks good. Are you almost done?"

"Almost," I said, tossing a string of lights to him. "I'll be done quicker if you help out."

Mason groaned, but walked over to a tree and started putting the lights on it. In a horrible pattern. I sighed and walked over to him, arranging the strands how I wanted them while he helped loop the lights around the tree. "You know, I didn't come here so you could boss me around," he grumbled good-naturedly.

"I know you didn't, but I'm bossing you around anyway," I said, finishing the current tree and plugging in the lights. It lit up, twinkling against the deep red skin of the ripe cherries dangling from it. "Here, let's do the next one."

"Sure thing," he said easily, falling into a rhythm of passing the lights back and forth. That was my brother for you. The big, funny, good-natured soon-to-be Beta. Between my father, the current Beta, and my outgoing brother, I often felt a little invisible, being a little more introverted. But I loved my family, and since I was shy, I didn't mind being invisible so much. Especially when I could do things that spoke for me, like transforming the banquet hall into a truly magical place.

"The first delegations will be here soon, and I have to go help greet them with Dad," Mason said, moving with me to the next tree. By now, all the other trees were placed about the hall, and the workers had changed to adding snowy white tablecloths to the tables and placing vases of mums and fall branches I'd arranged in the middle. "Will you be ready in time for tonight?"

"Yeah, the room will be ready," I said, plugging in another strand of twinkle lights.

"I meant you, bug," Mason said, calling me by the nickname he'd given me when we were kids. "You're attending tonight, remember?"

I bit my lip. "Do I have to?"

"Alana, we talked about this," Mason said patiently. "The whole family is invited since our pack is hosting, and you're part of the family."

"I know," I said, pausing to straighten one of the vases. "I've just never been to something this big before. All those people..."

"You'll be fine," Mason said gently. "I'll be there, and so will Mom and Dad, and Rowan and the Alpha and Luna. You don't have to talk to anybody else."

"Okay," I said softly. "I know. I'm just nervous is all."

"Anytime you're too nervous, just mindlink me and I'll tell you a joke," Mason said with confidence.

I snorted. "A joke? Are you capable of telling one?"

"Hey, I'm hilarious!" He whined teasingly.

"Suuuuure," I drawled, poking his bicep. "Well, you better go meet dad. I'm good here. Thanks for the help."

"Any time, bug." Mason leaned in and pecked me on the forehead, then walked out of the room, swinging his arms like he didn't have a care in the world. I surveyed my handiwork. The room was lit well, but soft and warm. All the natural decor was springing up and out from everywhere, making it feel almost as if we were in a greenhouse, or even outdoors. I thought it turned out quite well.

I only hoped everyone else would think the same.

---

"Are you ready, Alana?" My mom asked. Beta female Sarah was the epitome of the role, always supporting her husband and Beta, along with the Alpha couple, and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed, especially with women and children. And she did it all flawlessly, never a hair out of place.

I nodded at my mom and smoothed my navy dress. I loved the way the simple ruffled chiffon sleeves brushed my skin, the soft sound the fabric made when I moved. It was an innocent cut, but the high-low skirt that alternated between a floral pattern and solid color made me feel like a mature adult. My hair was curled and pinned half-up with diamond-studded hairpins to complete the look. It was my first time attending a Gathering event, and that was only because our pack was hosting. Since I was only seventeen, there wasn't much point in my attending otherwise, since I was just shy of age eighteen when wolves were able to find their mate. Next year, if I was still unmated, I would likely be part of the Harvest Moon delegation at the next Gathering, in hopes that I would find the one the Moon Goddess made for me.

"Here," my mom said gently, gliding over in her bright cobalt off-the-shoulder gown. "Before I forget," she said, turning my body to face the mirror. "Your father and I got these for you. They're technically for your eighteenth birthday, but that's not for another couple months, and I thought you might like something special for the occasion."

She fixed a stunning pair of diamond-studded hoops on my ears. "Wow, thank you, mom," I breathed, reaching up to touch one of the dangling earrings. It caught the light and sparkled. "They're beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," she said, giving me a delicate hug so as not to wrinkle our dresses or smudge our makeup.

I looked at us both in the mirror together. I did look and feel beautiful, but next to her, it seemed like it didn't count for much. It was hard sometimes, being my mom's daughter. In many ways, I felt like I was the lesser version of her. I looked a lot like her, but I wasn't quite as tall, quite as graceful, or quite as beautiful as she was. My hair wasn't so bright, a softer coppery auburn instead of the brilliant strawberry blonde that she had. Even my navy dress was muted compared to hers. I did my best to support my family, but it was always...quieter. The things I did usually went without notice. Even though I preferred being out of the spotlight, it made me feel like I wasn't living up to the expectations that the pack had of our family, somehow.

"Oh, one more thing," my mom said, bringing her hand to her mouth. "I can't believe it slipped my mind. There will be an additional guest at our table this evening."

"There will?" I asked, adjusting my curls before turning away from the mirror. "Who?"

"It's been a long time, so I don't know if you'll remember her, but Kendria Warner will be attending the banquet tonight with Rowan."

I spun to face her. "Kendria Warner? I thought she was..."

"Apparently, she survived," my mom said, her voice shaking just a little. "What's more, she's Rowan's mate."

"Wow, she is? That's great, he's been looking for his mate for awhile now," I said with a smile.

"Yes he has." My mom hesitated. "I sometimes thought that maybe you would turn out to be his mate when you turned eighteen, but I suppose it's not to be."

I wrinkled my nose. "Me, mates with Rowan? He's like my brother!"

"I know, I know. It's for the best," she said with a sigh. "Can you blame a mother for wanting to our families? I'm allowed to be a little disappointed. It would have kept you home with your family. Besides, there are...complications with the situation regarding Kendria."

I tilted my head. "What kind of complications?"

She sighed. "Well, Kendria has apparently come here to be granted official pack status for the group of wolves she's been making a living with up on Mount Haven. She intends to be their Alpha."

"Ohhh," I said slowly. That was a complication. Since Kendria was Rowan's mate, she was supposed to live here and become our Luna. Which made it impossible for her to be an Alpha of a new pack. "That's tough. I hope they can work something out."

"Me too," My mom said with a worried look on her face.

"It'll be okay, mom," I said, smiling at her reassuringly. I knew Rowan to be strong, kind, and capable. I was sure he'd work it out. "I wonder what Kendria's like now. I used to love it when she and her family came to visit. I wonder if she remembers me."

"You'll find out soon enough," my mom said lightly, looking at the clock on the mantel in the Beta suite. "We should go, we don't want to be late."

I took a deep breath. I was really nervous. I hoped nobody thought I was just a silly little kid. In fact, I hoped nobody noticed me at all.

---

The banquet room was abuzz with talk of the mate of Harvest Moon's soon-to-be-Alpha. Apparently, Rowan had disrupted Kendria's meeting with the entire Elder Council in order to declare her as his mate, so word spread really quickly. I followed closely behind my mother to the Harvest Moon table, where my dad—Harvest Moon's Beta, my brother, and Elder Jonathan and his mate were already seated. I took the seat next to Mason, grateful to be sitting in the crowd instead of standing.

"The room looks wonderful, Alana," My mom beamed at me as she took her place next to my dad.

"It's perfect, sweetie," my dad echoed the sentiment. I glowed quietly at their praise. Even in a pack where I felt like I had all but disappeared, I could always count on my family to notice me.

Alpha Rhys and Luna Dianne arrived at the table and sat next to my parents. "Alana, the room is simply exquisite," Luna Dianne said warmly as she settled in. "You have a magic touch, my dear."

"Thank you," I said with a blush. Under the table, Mason bumped me with his knee. See? Told you it looked good.

You're my brother, you're supposed to say that, I replied via mindlink. It means more coming from the Luna.

Luna Dianne is basically our second mother, Mason scoffed teasingly. How does her opinion count for more than mine?

Again. Luna.

Mason chuckled under his breath and I looked around the room. My heart swelled with pride when I noticed prominent members from other packs gazing admiringly at the banquet hall. I was glad people seemed to like it. It meant that I did my part to help Harvest Moon put its best foot forward.

The tone of conversation in the room changed a little, and I looked up just in time to notice Rowan walking through the door. On his arm was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, and I instantly knew it was Kendria. The girl I remembered from years ago had grown up into a tall, striking, confident person, but the black hair and green eyes were still the unmistakable traits of the Warner children.

They made their way through the tables toward us. I don't think Kendria even noticed how Rowan kept his eyes trained on her the whole time, even as he vaguely greeted some wolves along the way. "Good evening, father," Rowan said coldly when they finally got to us. I leaned back a little but tried not to react otherwise. I knew things were a little complicated between Rowan and Alpha Rhys, but this seemed more strained than usual.

After being greeted by the Alpha and Luna, Rowan and Kendria sat down, and the older adults started conversing. I was grateful when the salads arrived, so I could focus on eating instead of sitting there trying not to look bored. It also gave me a chance to get a better look at Kendria. She was holding her own against Elder Jonathan, who I didn't particularly like. I could tell she was getting frustrated, but she remained composed even when he started inappropriately asking her about her family.

Finally, Alpha Rhys stepped in, and I took the opportunity to ask a question and, hopefully, change the topic so Kendria didn't feel so much like she was under a microscope. "What's your home like, Kendria?"

Kendria smiled, happy about a new topic of conversation. "Well, there's more snow there than here. We already have enough snow to blanket the forest floor. We have a pack lodge and a collection of family cabins, and have built up an industry of trade in meat and hand crafted items and other goods over the years. We've even started making furniture. That's a big seller."

I opened my mouth to ask a followup question about the furniture, but Elder Jonathan cut in again, once again being rude. It was a little disappointing. I was hoping to get to know Kendria a little better.

It was a nice try, Mason said in my head.

Not nice enough, I replied, watching Elder Jonathan grill Kendria on her competency. The rest of the meal went much the same way, and I had to admire her perseverance. Even though Elder Jonathan—and, in all honesty, Alpha Rhys—were being relentless, she kept her cool. I tried and failed to draw her into conversation with Mason and I a couple more times, but the older men weren't having it. Rowan was stuck in the middle, looking angry and worried.

Finally, I ventured to talk to him. Umm, Rowan, is there anything you can do to...I trailed off, embarrassed as he fixed an intense gaze on me.

Then he blinked. Yes. Yes there is. Thanks. Then he stood up and extended his hand to Kendria. "I promised I'd introduce you around. Are you ready?"

Kendria rose to join him, relief evident on her face. After they left, Luna Dianne turned reproachfully to Alpha Rhys. "Did you really have to try so hard to further alienate our son?"

I blinked in surprise. Luna Dianne was always warm and supportive. This seemed completely out of character for her.

Alpha Rhys's lips went in a thin line. "I didn't realize," he muttered.

The Luna frowned. "We should do our best to make her and her delegation feel welcome. They've been through so much already."

"Delegation?" I blurted out. My mom shot me a warning look and I immediately felt chastised. It wasn't polite to butt in on a conversation between the Alpha and Luna uninvited.

"Yes dear, Kendria brought her candidates for Beta, Gamma, Elder, and a few warriors," Luna Dianne kindly answered me anyway. "They're all staying in the packhouse. She decided to attend the banquet alone this evening, but they'll be here all week. And we'll do our best to make them feel at home, won't we?" She said, fixing a steely eye on Alpha Rhys.

"Of course, darling," he said meekly.

I thought about Kendria's delegation as the conversation moved on. Part of me felt called to do something to welcome them. I was the Beta's daughter, after all, and I felt a responsibility to position our pack in a good light and welcome them to our territory.

I wondered what they were like. Life must be difficult for them, given all they'd gone through. Would they be nice? Or would their trials have made them bitter? No matter what they were like, I decided I was going to do my best to be kind and considerate.

After all, you never know what kind of impact the people you met could have on you.