Saving Kinsley

Kinsley's P.O.V

Cassius led us to a large building close to their home. "Dad called for a pack meeting." I nodded my head as we moved through the large doors. Entering the room, it was massive, every available space packed with shifters. This place looked big enough to house hundreds of shifters comfortably.

Voices all mingled together as we moved to the front of the room. Whispers greeted me as I passed through the mass.

"Who is she?" A young female voice asked nearby, I couldn't tell who the question came from, but each face I looked upon had the same question written on their faces. Who is she? The question continued to ring through my head as we politely squeezed through the crowd, as if I could even sum up my existence into one simple answer.

"She looks like the Alpha and luna." Another said, and they weren't mistaken. I shared strong resemblances to each of my parents.

A loud gasp sounded somewhere in the crowd, "Is that Kinsley?!"

I rolled my eyes, why were they even whispering? I'm pretty sure every shifter in the room could hear them. Just as I was going to address the elephant in the room, or shifter, movement ahead had me pausing.

Ian and Alexandra walked out of a set of doors and greeted the room, holding everyone's attention as Ian spoke. "This year we will be holding the Alpha summit. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior."

Ian looked directly at me and waved me over, "Come here, Kinsley."

I moved closer, standing at his side. "I would also like to share some happy news with all of you. Our daughter, Kinsley, has returned home."

The room erupted with gasps and cheers.

My smile was bigger than it should have been, as I looked over to Ian and Alexandra, their smiles matched my own.

The pack was accepting me.

The next few hours were spent with every pack member coming up and greeting me with smiles and warm hugs. Some of the older shifters had even cried and thanked the moon goddess. I felt like I was at home finally.

"So, what is the Alpha summit?" I turned and asked Cassius.

"Basically, all the Alphas of the packs in all the states converge for a week to discuss alliances. Most Alphas bring their Lunas, and betas, and their mates if they've found them."

Fuck, that means Kole would be here. Here, with her.

"Is this something I have to be here for?"

"Yes, absolutely. As the Alpha family we all have to attend, no exceptions. Why?"

I groaned, "No reason."

Ember jumped at the sound of hearing who would be attending and added 'Mate will be here. And so will Tate and Noah.'

Internally I palmed my face, that's right. Noah would probably be the Beta now since Calum didn't take any interest in being Beta. I would be excited if Kole wouldn't be coming.

Goddess, how would I survive this?

Like you always do. With your head held high. Neither of them is worthy of you, of us.

I let out a deep breath, mentally trying to prepare myself to see him again.

Cassius informed me that tomorrow, Packs nearby would start arriving. He also made sure to inform me that the first night we would be holding a Masquerade party. A party of sorts for all gathering packs to mingle and just take a load off before discussing alliances.

Alexandra approached me, "Come on, we need to put together our outfits for tomorrow." I didn't miss the gleam in her eye, that look alone sparked something inside of me. Suddenly, a smile stretched across my face as I found myself now excited for this. I never had this growing up.

I followed Alexandra's lead through the crowd as we said our goodbyes to everyone.

Reaching the house, Alexandra pulled me through the home quickly and down the hall where two heavy oak doors stood. Alexandra made quick work in throwing the heavy doors open, "Come in, sit." She pointed to a vanity chair off to the side of the room as she moved into a large walk-in closet.

My eyes scanned the room, in the center was a large bed. The entire frame was a heavy wood oak that matched the double doors. Browns and greens were placed throughout the room making it feel homey.

Alexandra walked out of the closet, holding a floor-length gown. "Try this on, if you don't like it, I have more options."

I was being pushed into a large bathroom with the gown in hand.

Stumbling into the bathroom, I stripped my clothing and stepped into the gown.

Pulling the dress up and into place, I ran my fingers along the lace that set on my chest and ended on each shoulder. The rest of the gown was black sheer silk, molded to my body. As I moved in the mirror, I caught glimpse of the high slit that ran up to the top of my thigh.

As I turned to inspect the back of the dress, my gaze landed on the mark on my left shoulder.

Narrowing my eyes "What the fuck?"

The mark was circular, Reds and yellows mixed in making it look like fire on my skin. Peering closer, I could make out the face of a wolf rounding on its own tail, the circle not completely closed.

As I touched it, my body grew warmer.

That's a sacred mark, it shows that you have bonded with me.

Is that what I had felt? It's... Kind of cool.

I could hear the faint disembodied laughter inside of my own head as a smile ghosted across my lips.

A light knock sounded against the door "How does it look? If you hate it, we can find something else." I could hear the nervousness in Alexandra's voice.

I moved to the door and opened it, stepping out I spun around lightly. "I love it. It's perfect."

"Oh, my goddess, Kinsley. You look beautiful." Alexandra's hand covered her mouth as she looked at me.

Alexandra came closer and moved around me, her fingers instantly finding the sacred mark on my left shoulder. "I've never seen anything like this." I could hear the astonishment in her tone.

"Yeah, I guess it's a Sacred mark. At least that's what Vesta told me."

Alexandra quickly moved back into view, "Vesta told you?"

I drew my eyebrows in, "Um... Yeah?"

"Vesta talks to you?" Her gaze was imploring as she asked.

"Yes, is that weird?"

Alexandra gripped my hands, "Not at all, that's incredible. Vesta doesn't communicate with anyone... usually, at least. To the rest of us, we just feel its presence."

My heart sank, why did I have to be different from anyone else?

"Does this mean anything?" My feelings of uncertainty slipped in with the words.

Alexandra pulled me in for a hug, "I believe it means you are destined for great things."

My body fell relaxed in her embrace. It felt right to be in her arms. For a moment, I was a child seeking the warmth and comfort only a mother's embrace could offer.