Chapter 2

I rushed to get my chores done within the next hour before my meeting with Kai. Once I finished I went upstairs and knocked on the office door. My stomach was in knots a mix of nerves and butterflies. Even though Kai and I had been close years ago the prospect of working with him to plan one of the most important ceremonies a pack could hold made me feel like I wanted to vomit. Kai wasn't the same six year old boy I used to play basketball with or the one who used to give me a new elephant figurine for my birthday each year because he knew it was my favorite animal. He had grown up, we both had. I didn't know this Kai and I was terrified he may have become much more demanding of his employees than I remember.

“Come in.” He called out flatly. I entered the room and noticed he was on the phone. He held up one finger to let me know to give him just a minute, and gestured toward the chair directly in front of the desk which now has his name on it. I sat down looking over my notes as he finished up his call. “I apologize, I am turning off my phone now so that we will not be interrupted.”

“No need to apologize, an Alpha’s work is important.” I smiled amazed at how professional he looked sitting behind that desk. The role of Alpha really suited him. “So would you like to start by telling me what you have envisioned for your binding ceremony?”

“Well I was hoping you might have some ideas. As you may recall, I am not very good at the event planning thing. That’s why I always left our birthday party planning up to you. You always made sure they were epic.” He smiled and it seemed genuine.

“Well what about the last several years? I am sure you have done a fine job planning since you have been having your own parties?” I asked and his smile seemed to fade somewhat.

“Not so much. I see you have a notebook, are there some ideas in there?” He asked, gesturing to the notes in my hand.

“There are a few, but I am not sure if they are what you are thinking of.” I opened the notebook and placed it on the desk so he could see. “So I thought maybe we could theme it around the mythological creature the Phoenix. They symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. When the Phoenix dies it catches fire and then is reborn from its own ashes. I think that perfectly symbolizes the changes the pack has gone through. Well either that or the butterfly.” I laughed. He thought for a minute, his eyebrows furrowing while deep in thought. I started to get worried that he may have hated the idea, or worse he had no sense of humor now and took my butterfly comment too seriously.

“I love it. I think you are right the Phoenix does represent our pack very well.” The big smile had returned to his face and made my heart flutter somewhat. “I knew you were the perfect person for this job, that's why I asked mom to let me pull you from regular duties. You were always so good at planning our parties. What changed? I used to look forward to sharing our special day with you. Why did you ask to stop having our parties together?”  I wasn't sure what he was asking me. He was the one who stopped inviting me to his parties. He stopped talking to me and moved on with his new friend group. 

“I didn't,” I replied. “After our twelfth you started hanging out with Kassius and your new friend group and stopped talking to me. I thought you didn't want to be friends with me anymore.”

“I am so sorry you thought that. Your uncle told me you didn't want to have parties together anymore and that you just wanted me to leave you alone. He said it was too painful for you because I reminded you of your parents. I wanted to honor your wishes.” The look in his eyes confused me. The dark emerald color seemed almost despondent. I wasn't sure what to make of it. 

“Yea that sounds like dear uncle Laurence, if it doesn't revolve around him and drinking it isn't worth doing.” I shifted in my seat uncomfortable under his intense gaze. “Well ok I have a starting point for the ceremony. I will come up with a design idea and bring it back to you tomorrow if that will work?” He nodded and I got up to leave. I stopped with my hand on the door knob when he spoke.

“Fallon,” he called after me. “You know I think you are a lot like the butterfly you mentioned. You kind of shut yourself off in a cocoon but you have emerged something new and even more amazing and beautiful than before.” I smiled and nodded my head as I walked out of the office. I wasn't exactly sure what feeling I was experiencing. I was flattered and confused. Had he missed our friendship as much as I had? 

As I returned downstairs I noticed Kassius in the living room. When he saw me he jumped up and came over to me with a big grin on his face. “So kitten have you decided if you will let me take you out tonight?” Goddess he looked so cute with that smirk on his face. Howa was I supposed to say no to that. I thought about what Santana would tell me in this situation. She would tell me to go for it. He was the future Beta and he was amazingly hot. Maybe if things went well he would choose me at the mating ceremony next year.

“Yes, I suppose it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.” I smiled coyly. 

“Great.” he said “You wont regret it kitten. I will pick you up around nine.” 

I called Santana as soon as I left work and told her I needed to come by. Santana is what she calls a fashionista. Her closet is bigger than my bedroom and she loves to give me makeovers. I desperately needed her help if I was going to impress Kassius tonight.

I arrived at Santana’s house and Xander answered the door. I said hi and let him get back to his video games. I made my way up the stairs to Santana’s room where she was currently trying on outfits of her own. I sat down on the bed as she continued tossing clothes all over the room. 

“What do you think of this one?” she asked, holding up a silver sequined dress that looked too short to cover her ass. 

“It’s nice but what is it for?” I asked. 

“Oh you haven't heard. There is a big party tonight at Jasmine Watley’s house. You should come with me.” She grinned.

“I would love to but I can't. That is kind of the reason I needed to stop by. Kassius asked me out tonight. I need help. I really want to look good tonight.” I told her.

“Oh. My. Goddess.” She screamed. “This is huge! I am so excited for you Fallon, and trust me when I say you will not look good you will look delicious. He will not be able to keep his hands, or other parts off of you. Pick absolutely anything you want from my closet. You can even wear this if you want.” she held up the silver dress she was just pulling for herself. One thing I could say about Santana, she was always my biggest cheerleader.  She would risk her own happiness to help me find mine and I loved her for it. 

“Thanks, but that dress wouldn't even cover half my ass.” I laughed. She started pulling clothes out by the dozens it seemed. Finally she settled on a black leather mini skirt and red tank top with a plunging neckline. She fixed my hair and make up without letting me take even a peek at a mirror. When she was done she finally let me get up and check myself out. I had to say I did look hot although I was a little scared I may be confused with a prostitute. 

“Kassius is going to shit himself when he sees you.” She gushed. “Seriously if he doesn't get a raging hard on immediately after laying eyes on you let him go because he isn't into girls.” 

I thanked her and hurried home to meet Kassius, but only after Santana made me promise to give her all the details as soon as the date was over.

I was happy to see uncle Laurence wasn't home when I got there. I knew he would have some rude comment about the way I looked and how boys take advantage of girls.

I didn't have to wait for long, Kassius showed up exactly on time. I took that as a good sign. Maybe he really was as into me as he claimed to be. I opened the door to see him standing there with a bouquet of tulips. Tulips were my favorite, but how could he have known that. 

“Holy shit Kitten. You look amazing. I am half tempted to just take you back upstairs right now and do despicable things to you.” He said and my eyes went wide. “Don't worry kitten, I know you're not that type of girl, but in all seriousness I don't really want to let any other guy see you looking this delectable. You are mine kitten and I plan to keep it that way. Better not any other guy at the party lay a finger on you.” he grinned, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close. I heard a low growl rumble through him as my body pressed against his and I could feel his hardness against my leg. I thought about what Santana had said. He definitely likes girls I told myself.

“Are you ready? We are going to a party at Jasmine’s house.” he opened the door and led me out.

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