“Skylar! It’s so nice to see you! Are you joining the boys for their bonfire?” Speak of the devil.
“Hi Luna Ava, how are you? The guys did invite us if that’s okay.” I was suddenly unsure of how all of this works. I’ve never been invited to a party and certainly didn’t expect the Luna to be sitting on her back patio when we got here. “This is my friend Sierra, she is staying with warriors Robert and Stephanie for the year. She’s in the same grade as Mateo and the twins.”
Now I can’t seem to stop talking, why am I nervous? This woman has been the closest thing to a mom I have ever known.
“Hello Sierra, it’s nice to meet you. You must be the one that sparred with our Skylar here this morning. You both are the talk of the warriors today, isn’t that right dear?” She looks over her shoulder, with a smile that lets me know she is implying something, but I’m not sure what.
I didn’t even realize that the Alpha was out here too, man what happened to my observation skills all of a sudden.
“You got that right” He sits up from his reclined position, his gruff laugh contrasts with his thick eyebrows and natural stern look. “None of my warriors have been able to beat your take down time, including Delta Kyle and Gamma Brett.” He laughed to himself again. “Trust me they tried for a solid three hours, changing up who they each fought and everything. We have a few bruised egos being nursed tonight.” He smiles as he relaxes back in his chair like he is savoring the joke.
Sierra laughed next to me. “That is amazing! And thank you again Alpha and Luna for letting me spend the school year here. I really do appreciate it.”
“Not a problem dear. Clearly it was the right choice.” The Luna winked at us. “You had better be on your way or all the good seats next to the fire will be gone.” She wiggled her eyebrows at us and I have no idea what that was supposed to mean, but Sierra clearly did as she grabbed my arm and started to drag me away.
We followed the path of little twinkling lights through the woods and walked about 10 minutes before we could hear voices and see the warm glow of the fire. We walked through a small crowd of people. I’m not sure if it was invite only or just upperclassmen or what, but there were only about 30 people milling about. Maybe it was just early still. I have no idea what to expect or what I am doing, so I just follow Sierra since she seems to have a destination in mind. When we walk a little further around the very large fire I can see where she is leading us. My brother and his friends are posted up on the far side of the clearing guarding what look like coolers. We barely stepped around the fire and as soon as we were visible, Sam shouted. “You made it! Finally, we have been waiting forever.” The other four guys snapped their heads our way. That earned us some looks from the surrounding crowd. I am for sure out of place here based on the looks we are getting and Sierra either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care. I’m guessing, doesn’t care.
“Hello boys, we are right on time. Don’t be dramatic Sam.” She smiles at him as we walk closer. “Wow! You both look great! Do you want a drink? We have water, soda, beer, take your pick.” He is far too eager and it’s kind of cute.
“I’ll start with water, Skylar?” Sierra looks back at me. I think she took the safe option for me so I wouldn’t feel so out of place and I am grateful for it. She must know what I’m thinking because she winks at me.
“Water for me too, please.” I look at Sam as he trots away and kicks some kid off the furthest cooler he was using as a seat and grabs two bottles of water. We keep walking towards my brother and his friends, reaching them the same time Sam does with our bottles.
“Seriously though, what took so long? Your car was back the same time we were with supplies.” Neither of you live that far.” Was he pouting again? That little wounded boy look must work for him to keep trying that with us.
We both laugh at him, but Sierra comes in with a great response. She cups his face and runs her thumb along his lower lip. And if he were a cartoon, hearts would be shooting out of his eyeballs and his tongue would have dropped on the floor and rolled away into the forest. “Tuck that lip in Sugar, save it for girls who fall for it. Perfection like this is not free, nor is it easy. It takes time and cannot be rushed.” She looks back at me and winks again, she definitely knows what she is doing. I feel like I should be taking notes.
