Arise
Banquet

He was here. In the flesh. We hadn’t talked in weeks and he just showed up. Even though I was mad at him, he still made me catch my breath. He looked good. No, he looked handsome. How was it possible for someone to get better-looking after a couple weeks?

His hair was parted to the side and brushed away from his forehead. He wore well-fitted navy-blue suit and trousers, paring it with brown dress shoes. A black tie was tucked inside his buttoned suit. He was here, and I was in trouble.

My heart pounded against my chest as he approached us and I knew he could hear it. Suddenly, I became conscious of what I was wearing. Did he see what I was wearing? Did he like what I was wearing? What was I supposed to say to him? At that thought, I returned to reality. I cleared my throat and pretended to look busy by staring at the program sheets in my hand.

He shook the mayor’s hand and slightly nodded. “Good evening, Mayor. My name is Logan Miller and this is my associate, Jordan Marshall.” What struck me the most was his face. It was void of any emotion, which was odd. Even though I had only met him briefly, I knew one thing for sure: Logan never wore a mask.

Mayor’s eyes widened in surprise. “Beta Miller, what a surprise indeed!” I blinked. I must have heard him wrong. “I was expecting the Alpha and Luna.” My ears were playing tricks on me. There was no way the mayor’s family knew about werewolves. And if they did, why were they talking so openly about it?

Logan grimaced. “They had some wedding arrangements that took precedence. Sorry for their absence, but they hope to visit you in the near future.”

Mayor Archibald eyes crinkled with mirth as he introduced his wife and son to the two of them.

His wife patted his chest and said, “That would be delightful. We will be looking forward to it.”

The mayor agreed and gestured to me. “If I’m correct, you’ve already met my intern. She will show you two to your seats.” He looked over at me. “Meet me when we have to start, Rosetta.” He and his wife walked away to speak to other people. I watched them walk away in shock, completely disregarding Jordan and Logan. The night had barely started, and it was already taking a drastic turn. Thankfully, Zac was here to make it better.

Zac nudged my arm with his elbow. He placed both his hands in the pockets of his dress pants as he watched his parents move around different tables greeting guests. “I definitely did not expect him to say that.” He was just as surprised as I was. This was monumental.

Still in shock, I spoke slowly. “He actually called me Rosetta.” We looked at each other before chuckling. Tonight was going to be full of surprises. I checked the time on my phone and said, “Your up in a few, are you ready?” I tugged on my ear and waited for his response.

He sighed and cracked his knuckles. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” He bent his head down until his eyes were at the same level as mine. He grinned and his eyes twinkled. He held out his hand in front of me and shot out his pinky. “Wish me luck?” I smiled. We used to this all the time when I tutored him. Before every test we both had. I locked my pinky with his and we moved our hands slightly down. I did this with Dylan too whenever she was nervous before a big test or presentation.

The moment he walked away, someone behind me cleared their throat and my heart dropped. I suddenly remembered Jordan and Logan were still standing there and I turned around. Jordan was bored and on his phone. Logan was still masking his expressions but it he let it slip. He was mad.

I gave him a close-mouthed smile and cleared my throat. “You guys were a last-minute addition, so we had to add in a table.” I clasped my hands in front of me and nodded to where the tables are. “Follow me.”

We reached the table where my family was. Mom and Dad were talking and drinking champagne while Dylan was on her phone. The moment I arrived, they all looked up and Dylan was the first one to speak. She squealed and pushed her chair back, hugging Jordan. I gestured to my parents while looking at Logan. “Logan, these are my parents: Lisa and Myles.”

Dad carried a knowing smile and stood up to shake his hand. “So, you’re the infamous Logan.” Seating Logan next to my parents didn’t seem like a good idea anymore.

Mom rose from her chair and shook Logan’s hand as well. “Yes, we’ve heard much about you.”

Tequila was what I needed desperately.

Logan smiled and the dimple on his cheek appeared. I frowned as I felt a hole in my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him until now. “It’s finally nice to meet you. Rosetta told me great things about you.” They all took their seats and I cautiously sat next to Logan.

Dylan and Jordan were talking animatedly while slowly leaning into each other. Dad noticed and cleared his throat. “Son.”

Jordan’s gaze shifted to dad and moved away from Dylan while his cheeks turned pink. “Mr. Bay. Mrs. Bay. How are things?”

Dylan rolled her eyes and displayed her displeasure of them being interrupted. Mom stifled a laugh and took a sip of water. “We haven’t seen you in years, dear.” The attention shifted from me and Logan to Dylan and Jordan and I was glad, but I felt Logan’s gaze on me.

I took a sip of champagne, propped my arms on the table and turned toward him. We stared at each other and I smiled. Eventually, he caved in and blinked. My smiled widened and I whispered, “You blinked.”

His eyes bored into mine and he said, “You look gorgeous.”

A shiver ran down my spine at the way his voice whispered. Like sand in the wind. I faltered and heat creeped up my cheeks. I opened my mouth and closed it, unsure of what to say. There were so many things left unsaid between us.

A plate of salad was placed in front of him, which was my cue to leave. I shook my head at the waiter to stop him from giving me a plate. I drank some water and rose from my chair. I put my hand on mom’s shoulder. “I have to go but please do not embarrass me. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

I grabbed a glass of champagne from the ones that were being handed out and downed it. I placed it back on the plate the waiter was holding and walked over to where Mrs. Archibald was standing. A second later, Zac walked up the steps to the stage and began his introduction speech.

Two hours later, I was walking inside the kitchen thanking everyone for the food. I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch so I asked if the chef could save me some left overs and she agreed. I left the kitchen and entered the hall just to see that it was quickly emptying out. Some couples were dancing along with the Archibalds. Zac was dancing with the Senator’s daughter and Dylan was dancing with Jordan. My parents were talking to Logan. I made my way towards them.

The moment I reached the table, my parents voiced the question I hadn’t realized they would even ask. The thought never came to me, and I dreaded their reactions to his answer. “What do your parents do?” I stood behind Logan and gently put my hand on his shoulder and he tensed a fraction before relaxing. Hopefully, he could convey my encouragement and support.

He cleared his throat before saying, “My parents passed away a couple years ago—it’s was part of the reason why I left for college. It gave me some space to clear my head.” My heart broke for Logan. His words revealed sadness and pain, but his face remained neutral. I gripped his shoulder firmly.

My parents went to apologize but he shook his head. “No need to apologize,” he halfheartedly smiled. “I’ve had years to grieve. I just hope that wherever they are they are proud of me.”

Dad spoke this time. “I’m sure they are, son.”

At those words, my parents stood up. Mom looked at me and said, “We should be heading home.”

I hugged them both and thanked them. Mom and dad had to go to city hall to pay all the bills tomorrow morning. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course! We will see you, Logan, tomorrow.” My ears peaked at the statement.

I scrunched my face in confusion. “Tomorrow?”

Dad nodded. “Yes, we invited him for lunch.” Dad helped mom put her jacket one and then buttoned up his suit. “We also said you would be showing him around the city right after.” I gaped at them. I did this to myself, really. I shouldn’t have seated them together. My parents were sabotaging me.

With clenched teeth, I said, “Goodnight mom and dad.” I watched them leave.

“Doll—” Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the nickname. I looked up at him and his eyes softened at me. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself when his eyes drifted to something behind me, frowning.

I turned around as Mrs. Archibald approached us with haste and put her hand on my arm. “Rosie, Zac ran off again.”

I groaned and closed my eyes. “Are you serious?” I swear this boy needs to stop running off. “Hold that thought, Logan.”

I walked in long strides out of the banquet hall looking for him and my heels were now cutting the circulation off my toes. I passed the entrance doors and turned my head right to left. I found his figure walked down the hallway. “Zac. Zac. Wait up.” I was practically running. “Would you stop. My heels are digging into my feet and I don’t want to chase after you again.” That got him to stop walking and he turned around.

He grabbed my arm and with a scowl he said, “C’mon.” I followed behind him back inside and we sat down by a table near the entrance. We watched as guests headed out the way we came in from, heading to their respective homes.

I pulled my heels off and crossed one leg over the other trying to massage the pain away. “Finally. Tell me what’s wrong.”

He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “He’s running for mayor again.”

I frowned and placed my hand on his and gave it an assuring squeeze. “I’m sorry, Zac.”

He shook my hand off and leaned back. He placed my legs on his lap and began massaging my feet for me. I smiled. This boy was an angel.

“So…Beta Logan.” Scratch that, he was set on this earth to annoy me.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. “What about Logan?”

He scoffed. “I can feel him burning holes in my back right now. Is he your mate?”

My eyes widened and I could feel the heat rush back on my cheeks again. Damn my heart for beating loudly again. “I…”

“You don’t want to admit it.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “How do you know about all of this?”

“My dad’s the mayor. Half my friends are werewolves. My mom’s charity club has werewolves in it. It pays to have connections.” I nodded trying to wrap the idea around my head. Just another thing to add on my list of things I will never understand. He dropped my legs and stood up. “I should be heading out. Go talk to him.”

I scrunched my face and watched him walk away from me. I sighed and picked up my heels making my way back to the table. Logan saw me and stood up. “We were just leaving.”

I slowly nodded and looked over at Dylan. “Are you going with me or Jordan?” She pointed her thumb back to Jordan and turned around to follow him out.

Before Logan could leave, I stepped in front of him and stared at him. His jaw was clenched and he was void of emotions again. “Move, Rosetta.”

I stood my ground. “No.” I turned my head back to Jordan and Dylan. “Logan will meet you there.” I turned back to Logan and stared up at him. His glare was hard.

He rubbed a hand over his face before putting both of his hands in his pockets. “What?” I reached my hand out and around his muscular arm.

“I haven’t eaten all day. I’m starving.” I went to pass him but he placed a hand on my waist to stop me. I gasped as heat and electricity shot through my body. His hand was warm and fit perfectly on my waist. I stepped back for breathing space but he stepped closer into me. My forehead brushed his face. If I raised my head, his lips would find mine. Before I could move, he placed his other hand on my waist. I met his cold gaze.

We stared at each other in silence before he closed his eyes and sighed, dropping his head on my shoulder. He groaned and inhaled my hair. Good thing he was holding me because my legs were about to give out.

“What am I going to do with you, Doll?” he groaned into my hair. His lips brushed against my bare shoulder causing a shiver to crawl down my spine. There was a time and place to talk, but it wasn’t here.

I swallowed and in a shaky breath I said, “I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you all night.”

“What gives, Rosetta?” He lifted his head and looked me in the eyes making me wince. He was frowning, and his beautiful gray eyes turned golden with hurt. He looked exhausted and I would give anything to see his dimple again. I placed my hands on his chest and shrugged.

“Come to lunch tomorrow.” I willed for him to smile again. “Like my parents suggested, I’ll show you around town right after.”

“I know I am not your favorite person right now, so you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

I shook my head. “No, I do. I w-want to spend time with you,” I stuttered as I couldn’t stop myself from admitting, “It’s been weeks since I last saw you and for some reason I can’t seem to get you out of my head.”

He wrapped his hands around my wrists and moved my hands off his chest. He stepped back and I missed the warmth that surrounded us. He looked away and sighed before meeting my gaze. With a smile that barely showed his cute dimple, he said, “Okay.” It wasn’t enough, but I would have to change that tomorrow.

Lunch went rather well. Fortunately for me, Jordan arrived at lunch with Logan beside him. Jordan kept most of the conversation flowing and when it got awkward he would switch the conversation on to himself. In fact, he told us that after graduation he had plans to return home to his parents. He wanted to go to college here. I knew that it was also because he would never ask Dylan to go back with him. Both of their homes were here. It was time he returned to his actual pack.

After we ate, Dylan and Jordan went for a walk and I showed Logan around town. There was more to see at night because of the lively, city night life, but I very much preferred the day time. There were so many historical sites around town to show him. The thought of showing him my home brought a smile to my face. He was quiet for most the drive through Boston. Between us was the sound of music playing from the radio.

I finally found a parking spot and pulled into it. I turned off the ignition and said, “There isn’t much to see during the day. Frankly, families only come here to see the historical sites. If you get bored just let me know and we can leave.”

“You were so excited when you told your parents that you were showing me the historical sites. Plus, you’re showing me a part of your home. Something you clearly cherish. I want to see it all.” My lips parted at his words and my heart swelled. He was too good for me.

“Okay, let’s go.” There were many things I loved about Boston, but the one thing I loved the most was the history. Boston held incredible historical value. It was where so many American revolutionaries were bred. I showed him as many places I could within city limits. He had probably already heard about the stories in school, but he listened thoroughly to everything I said, from the Boston Tea Party to the American Revolution. There was so much to cover in so little time; I couldn’t breathe. Information kept flowing at of me left and right. It was exhilarating.

The sun was just about to set when we made it to the car. In Logan’s hands were bags of souvenirs. I told him not to get anything, but he wanted to commemorate the day. The moment his body hit the passenger seat, he let out a huge sigh and closed his eyes.

I stared at the steering wheel as warm air blasted through the vents. “Sorry.”

“What for?”

“My history lesson exhausted you.”

He paused. I braced myself for the coldhearted truth that he hated it and found it boring.

“I have to say it was a lot to take in, but I had fun.” His words caused my heart to soar. “To be honest, I didn’t know much about anything until you told me.” He turned towards me and leaned forward. “I attended schools that the pack provided. We learned about stuff like that, but mostly focused on the pack.”

“Oh.”

“I didn’t realize you had such a passion for history.”

I chuckled. “I promise you I’m not usually this eccentric.”

“That’s what made it fun. The way you talk about it. Your face lights up and your eyes dance.”

“It’s everything to me. Learning about the history of this country and how it was founded. I’m living in one of the most noteworthy towns where it all started. It’s part of the reason I work for the mayor. Working in the government has been a dream of mine for a long time.”

He went quiet and embarrassment filled in me. I spoke too much.

“Pennsylvania is pretty cool too! Philly has a lot of history within it.” I silently prayed that he would say something. Anything.

He gave me an amused look and asked, “Really?”

I relaxed a bit. “Of course! Gettysberg, the Continental Conventions, The Declaration of Independence!” I exclaimed. My eyes widened, and I cleared my throat, realizing that I went overboard. “Uh, there’s also the Hershey Factory.”

He laughed, and his beautiful gray eyes twinkled. “Maybe we can tour it together when you come back with me.”

My heart picked up a beat. I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear and looked away. I realized that this would always be the one thing standing between whatever it was we were trying to do. His desire to have me move to the pack contrasted my desire to stay here.

He spoke quietly, “We don’t have to talk about it now.”

Diverting his focus, I said, “If you aren’t too tired, there is one last stop.”

Twenty minutes later, we arrived at the park near my house. I pulled the car into the parking lot and shifted the gear into park. I reached behind me and grabbed the fuzzy blankets and pillow from the backseats. I handed one of the blankets and pillow to Logan and he looked at me confused. I smiled and pointed outside. “I figured we could finish the picnic we started a couple weeks ago.”

Refusing to catch his gaze, I opened the door and got out quickly. The night was cool and dark, and the moon and stars shined bright above us. The park was usually empty except for a couple high schoolers playing basketball. With Logan behind me, I walked over to the picnic table a couple feet away from the car. I stretched out the blanket in my hand and spread it across the table. I stepped on the bench to get to the table and laid down. Logan seemed to figure out what I was doing and place the pillow behind me and laid down. With the blanket in his hand, he covered the both of us. Even on a small table, he managed to keep some distances between us.

He cleared his throat and said, “You and Zac. . .” I raised my eyebrows at him and gave him a look that dared him to complete his sentence.

I rolled my eyes. “Friends.”

“You two never. . .”

I scowled and showed my distaste. “He’s Dylan’s age and I think of him as an annoying younger brother.” Just the thought of Zac being more than my friend made me want to vomit.

I waved him off but he didn’t look too convinced. “Besides,” I nudged his shoulder and smiled knowingly. “I met this guy a couple months ago.”

He didn’t react, and silence followed for a couple minutes.

“Do you know what we are?” I turned my head to face Logan, but he wasn’t looking at me. Both of his hands were tucked under his head and both of knees were propped up. When he finally did look at me, his face was illuminated by the reflection of the street lamp. I knew what he was referring to and nodded. His eyes were lost their usual color and remained dull. I knew he wanted to say something, but he restrained himself from doing so.

I turned away and gazed back at the stars. “I have spent the last four years of my life finding a career that I love and working hard for it. I’m not going to uproot my life because that’s how it works in yours.”

Logan went rigid.

“I don’t need wolf instincts to tell me what we are to each other to know it.” There. I finally said it. It was all out there in the open, with the wind taking my words away. “But, I can’t leave my home.”

There was strict silence for a couple minutes and I reveled in it. He needed time to process which was completely understandable. Deep down, I knew that I’d end up there. I knew I would, but I wasn’t planning on leaving. Not yet, anyways.

“Knowing and admitting aren’t the same things but I get it,” he finally said.

I swallowed. He really did pay attention to detail.

“If that’s what you want then I won’t push you anymore.” Logan had been incredible and understanding from the moment I met him, and I would be a fool to let him go. We were mates after all. I wanted to be with him and it was obvious how badly he wanted to be with me.

I opened my eyes and turned my whole body to him. I rested my cheek against my hand that was propped up at the elbow and smiled. He positioned himself the same way and smiled back at me. We remained that way for a while and I lost track of time. He was truly a handsome man. His brown hair was darker because of the night and was styled effortlessly. Being this close to him, I had noticed that there were flecks of hazel in his eyes. The gold in his eyes was getting brighter, his eyes dilating. His nose had a perfect slant to it, and his lips looked smooth and soft. We were mere inches away.

He slowly raised his hand and placed it on my cheek, and I could the warmth of his hand. Logan grazed his thumb under my eyes, causing me to lean into his touch. The pads of his fingers were rough and calloused, probably from years of being a werewolf. The concept was still an unusual idea for me, but it wasn’t bothering me anymore. He was still human. He looked human and acted human. Being a werewolf was something I found easy to overlook.

He lowered his hand until it rested on my neck, against my pulse. I opened my glassy eyes and stared back at his. He was leaving tomorrow, and I would lose my chance of any possibility of being with him. The next time I would see him was for Valerie and Caleb’s wedding in the summer, and that felt like eons away.

“If you change your mind,” he started. “I’ll be waiting with open arms.” His eyes bored into mine and his smile showed me a hint of his dimple. My heart fluttered, and a new emotion washed over me. Logan was perfect, and I was an idiot. Why did I have to make everything difficult? The world would be so much easier if I just agreed to be with him.

I frowned and felt my heart drop. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. I had a life here. I had earned my internship and had plans to work in a government office after graduation. I couldn’t just drop everything to be with him, especially since I barely knew him. But, that didn’t stop the way I felt about him. Mate or not, Logan made me feel in ways I’d never felt before. Just looking at him stole my breath away. He was always on my mind no matter how many times I tried to push away.

My thoughts were drawn away from me as I felt a finger caress my cheek. I hadn’t realized that I was staring at him until I saw his worry. He continued to caress my cheeks and goosebumps formed wherever he touched. My breath hitched. We were uncomfortably close. Our faces were a hairsbreadth away and if one of us moved, this night would take a turn.

Right when I was about to close my eyes and close the gap between us, my phone rang. The ringtone I set for Valerie blared through the speaker. He went back to his position of laying an arm over his eyes and I answered the phone. “Valerie?”

“I hate him! I hate Caleb!” Her voice was laced with pain and anger. I heard things being moved around in the background.

“Val, what are you doing.”

She sniffled, and I heard a zipper close. “I’m coming back to my real home. One without backstabbing fiancés!”

I sat up straight. I felt Logan flinch next to me meaning he was hearing every word. I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. Caleb was going to get his ass kicked soon.

“What did Caleb do?”

“He wants to push back the wedding! After years of being together—I moved here to be with his sorry ass. I up and left everything I had in Boston to take on the role of Luna! And what do I get in return? A jerk who doesn’t feel like getting married!”

“Okay, Val, calm down and take a deep breath. Logan told me he’s been stressed out already with the pack and now that the wedding is approaching he’s even more stressed. He’s probably freaking out and wants things to go back to normal. Give him some time and he’ll come around.”

Val growled. I was baffled; I had never heard her growl before. “What about me? Do I not have responsibilities as a Luna? I gave him time to come around and he asks to postpone the wedding. As if I can do that with a snap of my fingers. We’ve have been planning this day for months, and he wants to push it back because he’s stressed.”

I smirked and said, “Looks like the Big Bad Alpha can’t handle acute stress.” I looked over to Logan who shook his head. That was probably the worst thing to say. I sighed and continued. “In all honesty, put the bag you were packing away and take a walk or run or whatever you werewolves do in times like these. He loves you and will come to you when he realizes the hole he dug himself. I promise you there has to be some logical explanation as to why he’s being a major turd.”

We said our goodbyes and I hung up. I sat up straighter now and averted my gaze to play with a loose thread on the blanket. “Why didn’t Caleb and Val come?”

Logan laughed and moved his arm away. “Caleb isn’t the sharpest knife in the draw when it comes to relationships.”

I snorted, “and I suppose you are?”

Logan was bemused. I smiled innocently, and he continued, “The reason he’s been so distant is because he’s been busy constructing a house for them. He’s been trying to get it done before the wedding, so they have somewhere to live right after the wedding, but it’s taking longer than he thought.”

I reached for my phone to call Val, but with quick reflexes, Logan snatched it from the table. My face scrunched, and I reached for my phone, but he raised his arm away from me. I frowned. “Logan, give me my phone.”

“No.” He smirked.

I blinked. “Why not?”

“Because, you are going to call Val and tell her everything I just told you.”

I scoffed, “No, I’m not,” I went to grab my phone again, but he switched it to his other hand and pulled back with a laugh. “Logan, stop. Give it back.” He shook his head and laughed.

I huffed and grabbed one of his arms and wrapped my leg around his waist to keep him from moving. My arm slipped past his arm, causing my head to hit his chest and we rolled off the picnic table. We landed on the ground with a painful thud.

I was on top of him and his arms were wrapped tightly around my waist. I picked up my head and yelped as I bumped into the bench. I winced and rubbed my scalp. He started laughing hysterically.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “It’s not funny.” I hit his shoulder and he groaned in pain.

“That’s what you get for being reckless.” He chuckled until he started to laugh out again. His eyes were closed and his shoulders were shaking. His dimple was on full display and his laugh was music to my ears. I could feel his laugh reverberate through his chest.

I stared at him. Too soon he opened his mirthful eyes. I was suddenly very aware of my body pressed against his.

He stopped laughing but a smile took its place. “Take a picture. It’ll last longer.”

I groaned and mumbled incoherent words before apologizing. “I’m sorry.” I couldn’t restrain myself anymore.

“Why?” He asked, and without hesitation, I slipped my hand behind his neck and brought his lips to mine.

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