Moonlight Betrayal-Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Astrid’s POV

Alex and I were the first ones to arrive in the office, but my mind was anywhere but on the spreadsheets in front of me. I was worried about Astrid. Was she fitting in with the pack? Rebecca was there, which eased my mind a little, but I still felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach.

I knew Rebecca had put together a welcome party for Astrid. The thought was sweet, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it might be too much, too soon. Astrid was still so fragile, and I didn’t want her to feel overwhelmed.

The morning crawled by with agonizing slowness. I tried to focus on work, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Astrid. Was she smiling? Was she laughing? Was she feeling accepted?

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to see her. I had to know she was okay.

I stood up from my desk, grabbing my jacket. Alex looked up, a question in his eyes.

"I’m leaving," I said, my voice firm. "I need to check on Astrid."

Alex nodded, understandingly. He knew how much Astrid meant to me. He had someone like that also. He wouldn’t try to stop me, especially given the urgency around solidifying Astrid’s place with the pack.

"Alright," Alex said. "Let’s go. I can wrap things up here later."

I managed a grateful smile. "Thanks, man," I said. "I appreciate it."

We left the office together, walking towards the parking lot. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was a beautiful evening, but I was too preoccupied to notice.

As we drove towards the pack compound, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. I knew the party was underway, and I worried that Astrid was feeling overwhelmed.

"Rebecca thinks she’s doing okay," I said, breaking the silence. "But I need to see for myself."

Alex nodded. "I get it," he said. "It’s been a rough few weeks for her. And for you."

He was right. It had been a constant battle to keep Astrid safe, and the thought of Leon still lurking in the shadows made my blood run cold.

We reached the compound and drove through the gates, my eyes scanning the grounds. I was surprised to see so many people gathered outside, laughing, chatting, and enjoying themselves. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the aroma of grilled food. It was a lively, festive scene.

"I never thought there would be this much people here." I said voicing my thoughts aloud.

"Looks like Rebecca really pulled out all the stops," Alex said, his voice a little surprised.

"Yeah," I said, my brow furrowing. "I hope Astrid’s okay with all this."

We parked the car and got out, walking towards the crowd. As we approached, people greeted us with smiles and nods, welcoming us to the party.

"Hey, Kaeleen," one of the pack members said, clapping me on the shoulder. "Glad you could make it. Astrid’s a hit. Everyone loves her."

"Thanks," I said, my voice a little strained. "Where is she?"

"Over there," the pack member said, pointing towards a group of people near the fountain. "She’s with Rebecca and Yvonne."

I followed his gaze, my heart skipping a beat when I saw her. She was standing with my sister and my cousin, holding a glass of sparkling water, laughing at something Yvonne had said. She looked... surprisingly relaxed.

Relief washed over me. She wasn’t overwhelmed. She wasn’t uncomfortable. She was actually enjoying herself.

Alex and I made our way towards their group, weaving through the crowd. As we got closer, I could hear their conversation. They were joking, teasing each other, and laughing easily. Astrid seemed to be fitting right in, as if she’d been a part of the pack for years.

I reached their group, stopping a few feet away. Astrid hadn’t noticed me yet, her attention focused on Yvonne.

I decided to sneak up on her, just to see her reaction. I took a few silent steps forward, positioning myself behind her.

"Hey," I said to her.

Astrid jumped in shock, her eyes widening when she saw me. She spun around, her hand flying to her chest.

"Kaeleen!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a delicate shade of pink. "You scared me half to death!"

"Just half? I thought I could do more than that." I said with a grin.

She punched me lightly making me chuckle. I took the glass from her hand and downed it.

"So what’s going on?" I asked.

Yvonne rolled her eyes. "A welcome party, idiot."

I gave her the stink eye. "Idiot? Never knew we went by the same title now." I muttered.

Rebecca laughed making Astrid huff.

"You do know you called yourself an idiot also right?" Astrid asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders. I didn’t really care as long as I got to insult Yvonne back and besides, I already knew I was an idiot.

"How’s the party going?" I asked.

"It’s going great," Rebecca said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Astrid’s been a big hit. Everyone loves her."

Alex stepped forward, extending his hand to Astrid. "Welcome to the pack, Astrid," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "Sorry I stole Kaeleen this morning."

She laughed it off. "He is alpha. He has duties."

"He does but that was rude of me especially since this isn’t our first time meeting. Ieas rude as to ignoring you that way. I’m sorry."

"Apology accepted." She said to him with a reassuring smile.

I pulled Astrid a little closer, my hand resting possessively on her hip. "So," I said, my eyes searching hers. "Are you having a good time?"

I needed to know, to be sure that she wasn’t just putting on a brave face. This was important. I didn’t want her to feel like I was forcing this on her. If she wanted to put an end to this party then I was going to send everyone home immediately.