My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 0642

But as we headed inside, I felt a little... strange. It was as if I was lighter, somehow. Like something had been weighing me down for a long time, but it was gone now.

I stopped, glancing up at the night sky one last time just before we headed inside. The moon and stars were still casting their gentle glow over the landscape, creating an ethereal image of peace that was somehow palpable.

A thought came into my mind as I looked out at the gardens, and I couldn't help but smile. Maybe the Moon Goddess had heard my prayers, and that was why I felt the way I did.

"Ready?" Enzo asked, looping his arm around my shoulders.

I nodded as I met his soft gaze. "Ready."

After finding our friends through the thick throng of people inside, the five of us found a table to sit at and enjoy some of the delectable food that was being served.

It was a nice relief after being on my feet all night, and it felt good to be with my friends, especially knowing that for all I knew, I wouldn't be seeing them for a very long time after tonight.

"You had us scared for a minute there," Jessica said as we sat next to each other, sharing a plate of hors d'oeuvres between the two of us.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Everyone always worries about me," I teased. "I promise, guys, I'm fine."

Jessica, although she didn't seem entirely convinced, nodded and leaned her head on my shoulder. "I'm gonna miss you."

"I'm just a portal away," I said, laying my head on top of hers. "But I'll miss you, too."

It was true; I would miss my friends. Even though I wanted to learn more about the werewolf realm, about my roots, it felt as if a part of me was missing here. It wasn't Mountainview. It could never compare, really. And although I would be with my family here, it wouldn't be so easy to see my friends.

Life could get in the way, just as it always did.

There was no telling how much we would all actually see each other after tonight for the coming months; and after what I had learned about some of the... attitudes toward humans here, it just added another layer of complexity, another obstacle to surmount if we wanted to see each other.

I decided not to think about it, though. Not tonight, at least. For now, I just wanted to enjoy the party with my friends and my husband.

But then, as the night wore on, something unexpected happened. I was the first to notice it, and when I did, I froze in my place.

Lori's human scent was returning.

The perfume that had masked her human nature, had begun to wane. My eyes widened in alarm, and my gaze darted around the room, checking for danger.

Nearby, it seemed as though some of the other werewolves had noticed the change already, just as I had. Lori was completely oblivious, but nearby werewolves were already sniffing the air and shooting each other confused glances as they tried to discern the source of the scent.

I had to warn Lori. We needed to reapply that perfume, quickly, and in private.

I slowly stood and began to circle around the table, trying not to raise any red flags-but it was already too late.

At a nearby table, another werewolf shot to his feet, sniffing the air as his eyes began to glow. And then, his voice cutting through the din, he shouted the five words I had been dreading the most.

"Does anyone else smell... humans?"