Chapter Twenty-Three: Hannah's Celebratory Dinner (Part Two)
Thursday leading into Friday Night
Emerald's POV:
I let out of huff and closed my eyes, and after tossing and turning, I felt myself doze off just as the bed dipped and warmth encased on both sides.
There goes the air conditioning again. Why was it always so hot whenever I woke up? I grumbled in my head. Then, suddenly remembering the reason for the heat since it was there yesterday morning, I shot up from bed to find the quads all snuggled into one another with me squished in the middle.
When did they come to bed last night?
Huh, they finally remembered they had a so-called mate.
Okay, calm down, Emerald. They were busy with pack arrangements, not ignoring you, and from the way they're still asleep, they seem exhausted.
I slowly traced the outline of each of their eyes and lips, being careful not to wake them. They were tired, they hadn't moved an inch, not even to my touch. Then, pecking their lips, I slowly and methodically wiggled out from between Sam and Ezekiel. I slowly made my way to the guest bathroom next door. I didn't want to wake the quads up, they'll probably be busy again today with the dinner and the Alpha ceremony on Sunday.
Maybe this time by myself will help me to think about everything that has happened so far regarding our feelings, and what to expect once I'm eighteen.
Would they want to mate and mark me that very night?
Crap! I knew they did.
But did I want to move that fast?
Yeah, we are all touchy-feely at times and Goddess, the passionate make-outs were panty gutting, but would I be ready to mate with them?
The whole time I was getting ready, I pondered over the question in the shower.
The quads hadn't even met my adoptive parents yet, since they would need permission from my eldest male relative for my hand, and that was my adoptive dad. Alpha families were traditional in aspects, they tended to covet their mate's family and were expected to gift them something to ensure they could take care of their pup.
After finishing my business, I went back into the room, thinking the quads would be up, but they were still asleep. Pecking all of them on the lips, I left a note on the side table, saying that I didn't have the heart to wake them and went to the academy with Hannah and Luca, and of course, I wasn't wearing anything revealing and my hair was down.
I laughed at the last part, until a few days ago I was blowing a fuse over them fussing about my clothes and unmarked neck, but now I can't stop smiling. Still, I wouldn't say I liked the fact they tried to control me like that, but I loved that they were this possessive about me. It made me feel special, like they didn't want anyone to have something that should only be for them.
Yup! Like I said, Em, you're losing it.
Meeting up with Luca and Hannah, we quickly grabbed something off the table and we were off.
"Luna, I'm not sure the Alphas would like you going without them,” said Luca, worried he might get his bum whopped by the quads.
"Ugh, babe, she's a big girl. Not like she's running away. Those dimwits need to give her some breathing space. I can't imagine how you'll deal with them once you mate and mark,” said Hannah, rolling her eyes.
"They're not all that bad. I guess it's their way of caring,” I replied in a tiny whisper while blushing.
Luca and Hannah whipped their heads in my direction so fast I thought they could change the direction of the wind.
They looked at me for a few minutes like I was this strange anomaly and then laughed.
"Oh my darling, Em, you're as whipped as them. It seems the bond is doing its magic. It's not long till we'll be moving back to our quarters because you will all be at it like rabbits,” Hannah said, while making a hand gesture of a vagina hole while shoving two fingers in and out.
If I wasn't red before, I was definitely beet red now.
Kill me now. Did she have to do that with the quads’ Beta here?
They both snickered the rest of the way, and Hannah kept winking at me.
The rest of the day went pretty much the same, but with Leah and Ela joining in Hannah's teasing by gyrating their hips from time to time or making crude gestures.
Ugh. I'll be beet red when I face the quads with all this teasing.
Plus, all this teasing was making me miss the quads. They hadn't called me, and much to my dismay, only Luca was there when we headed to the parking lot.
Did they not miss me?
Seeing my bummed mood, Luca came forward.
"Luna, the Alphas are extremely busy, but they told me to let you know there is something in your bedroom, and they hope you like it," Luca said, handing me a bouquet of red roses with a note in the middle saying they were sorry and would make it up to me tonight.
I blushed as all the girls whistled and wiggled their eyebrows.
Ela and Leah were coming back to the packhouse with us to get ready for tonight's dinner. They couldn't shut up the whole way back about how romantic the quads were and how cute we all made a couple.
I smiled. We did look good together, didn't we?
Blushing at my thoughts, my mind went back to the present they left in the bedroom for me.
I wonder what it was? The moment the car stopped at the packhouse, I hurried out and made my way to the room. I could hear everyone snicker behind, but I didn't care.
Rushing in, I saw four bouquets of roses, each with a note signed by a quad and a beautiful golden box wrapped with a message on the bed that said;
'Our beautiful Luna, forgive us that we have not been giving you enough time. However, we promise to make it up to you soon. We hope you like what we got you and you wear it tonight for us. Forever yours, Ezekiel, Azreal, Zeke and Sam.'
I couldn't stop the massive smile from forming on my lips. I smelt the roses, put the note down, and opened the box. I couldn't believe my eyes.
It was the same lilac dress I liked at the store the other day, but I didn't want to ask the quads to get it for me because of the price tag.
Oh Goddess, had they known all along that I wanted it?
As soon as I took the dress out, another note fell from inside;
'Whatever our Queen wants, our Queen gets!' it said.
Oh, Goddess, they did know.
I looked down at the dress and blushed. They didn't need to do this, but just the thought that they were so perspective towards me, made my already blooming feelings bloom more.
"Oh my Goddess, that dress is gorgeous, Em!” I heard Leah say from behind me.
I saw all my girlfriends gawking at the dress with adoration.
Hannah whistled and said,
"That's an exclusive Alexander Wang dress, Em. It's beautiful. So not fair how you'll one up me in that beauty."
"Well, she is the future Luna. Nothing but the best for her,” said Ela, winking at me.
I blushed.
"Well, I guess my future sister-in-law is allowed to one up me,” said Hannah nudging my shoulder.
"Han, I can wear something else. Tonight is about you, and honestly, you guys know I don't like being in the spotlight,” I said.
"Are you crazy, Em? You’re my best friend, I would never think you're taking the spotlight from me. This is my brother's first gift to you, especially for this occasion. You'll look hot as f**k, and I might get a niece or nephew soon,” said Hannah winking.
Okay, hold up, bring it back. As much as we were getting all handsy, I wasn't ready to pop my cherry.
Looking at my horrified red face, they all burst out laughing.
"Alright, Virgin Mary, let's get ready," Hannah said, as she grabbed all the supplies with Leah and Ela and got down to work.
We were all ready after two hours of hair tugging, pulling, and layers of different makeup.
Leah wore a brown mini bodycon dress, her hair in a high ponytail, with dark smokey makeup and nude lipstick. She was always beautiful, but she looked hot as hell right now. Ela sported a white jumpsuit with a plunging neckline, her hair down in waves with bold mascara, eyeliner and blood-red lipstick. Hannah looked gorgeous in a slivery long gown with a waist-high slit on both sides. Her hair was down in curls, with dark slivery makeup and red lipstick. Luca was one lucky wolf.
On the other hand, I was self-conscious with the lilac dress ending at my knees with my back on a full display. The girls had put my hair up in an extensive bun and kept my makeup light with nude lip-gloss. No doubt I looked amazing and felt beautiful, but I thought it was too much.
Maybe I should change. Reading my thoughts, Hannah stopped and looked back at me.
"Don't you dare, Em! You look amazing. Remember you're wearing it for my brothers,” she said.
I squirmed. They wouldn't mind if I changed, right?
"Em, honey, you wouldn't want the Alphas to think you didn't appreciate their gift, right?" said Ela.
Ugh! They were right. They got this dress because I liked it. Not wearing it would be like rejecting the gift.
I sighed.
"It's just, uh.. don't you all think it's a little too exposing from the back and the front. Not my usual go-to,” I said.
"Babe, you look hot as hell. The Alphas will be drooling all over you,” said Leah.
Well, I did like the sound of that. I did want all their attention on me since I hadn't spent time with them properly since last night.
I guess I'm going like this after all.
Oh Goddess, just don't let me embarrass myself or them.
After a little more hyping from the girls and giving myself another pep talk, we were off to the ballroom in the packhouse.
We met up with the guys before going in. They were all dressed to the nines as well.
We were all happy for Hannah. Everyone knew about her massive crush on Luca, so this was like a dream come true for her. We all wanted to be part of her happiness.
As we made our way into the ballroom, we were awestruck;
Luna Crystal had outdone herself. All the lights had been dimmed, and fairy lights expanded throughout the ceiling with crystal chandeliers hanging between them. The tables were dressed in black and white linen with different motifs. Each table had a giant crystal centrepiece with red and white flowers. A colossal projector displayed all of Luca and Hannah's pictures, from growing up to finding out about being mates. It was beautiful.
Despite the gorgeous ambiance, my eyes couldn't help but sweep the room, looking for the quads.
The moment our eyes met, my breath hitched. Clad in custom-fitted black suits and black shirts, they were the epitome of gorgeous.
Oh Goddess, I truly am lucky.