“We want to thank Alpha King Reginald, Luna Queen Anne, and their son, Prince Andrew, for joining us this week for the Elite Warrior trials,” Alpha Michael began, his voice booming over the crowd. “It’s an honor to be a host pack, and I know our young trainees have benefited greatly from the chance to train alongside your warriors. It was also a pleasure to engage in friendly training with our neighboring pack. To everyone who participated—well done, and we wish you all success in your future placements among the Elite.”

The applause rippled through the crowd, respectful but warm. Alpha Reginald smiled as he stepped forward, glancing around at the assembled warriors and their families.

"I was truly impressed by what I saw these past few days," he said, his voice laced with pride. “I’m eager to see some of you young leaders at the training grounds soon. There’s nothing like the energy and skill you bring when challenged on home turf. I might need to rethink some of my training strategies after witnessing your performances.”

A chorus of laughter followed before Alpha Michael wrapped up the formalities. “Tonight, we’re not only celebrating the trials but the many accomplishments of our pack this past year. Let’s enjoy the evening together, honor our graduates, and wish the best to those soon setting off for the next phase of their training and futures. Good luck, everyone. You’re going to need it.” His wink and grin had the crowd chuckling.

As the Alphas took their seats, the party quickly shifted into full swing. The buzz was palpable—members laughing and talking in clusters, everyone looking thrilled to just be there. It was exactly the kind of crowd my friends thrived in, yet here I was too, pulled right into it this time. I couldn’t help but smile as the energy coursed through me.

“Selene, come join us!” Luna Ava called, motioning to an empty seat beside her. “We’re all dying to hear about the trials. Seeing you in your wolf form was just incredible. She’s stunning and definitely stronger than the last time I saw her.”

I took the seat, grinning shyly at her praise, though my wolf was practically purring in my head.

"She’s grown with me,” I admitted. “I wasn’t sure if that was normal since I got her early, but she seems to still be developing.”

Luna Ava nodded thoughtfully. “That’s something worth looking into. I’ve never heard of a wolf growing much after the initial shift, but you’re young. Maybe Doc Thomas or Mr. Lindt could give you a better answer.”

Before I could say anything else, a plate appeared in front of me, and Ryan leaned in to kiss the top of my head as he took the seat next to me. Aaron followed suit, placing another plate down and pressing a quick kiss to my other cheek before sitting across from me.

I glanced between them, trying to figure out what they were up to. “What’s with the VIP treatment, Ryan?”

“We didn’t want you to go hungry.” He shrugged. “Plus, we weren’t sure you’d get a chance to make it to the food with everyone here.”

Aaron just gave a mischievous grin. “Besides, it gives us another chance to prove that you’re the only one who can tell us apart on sight.”

Luna Ava raised an eyebrow. “Selene, you can tell them apart, even when they dress alike?”

I laughed, rolling my eyes as the twins smirked at me. “I keep telling them it’s not that hard if you pay attention. They’re convinced it’s some hidden talent only I possess.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully, looking between the two boys. “To be fair, even I have trouble sometimes, especially when they’re intentionally trying to mess with people. What’s your secret?”

“Well, to me, Aaron’s eyes are a really vibrant emerald green, and Ryan’s are more ocean blue,” I explained. “And they each have a distinct scent—Aaron is more citrusy, and Ryan smells like cinnamon.”

Alpha Michael chimed in, his brow lifted in surprise. “Interesting… I never even noticed those subtleties. It’s rare to find someone who picks up on such details.”

“Oh, you can tell them apart by their build too, if you really look,” I continued, smiling as I noticed how invested everyone had become. “Aaron’s slightly taller, and Ryan has broader shoulders. Plus, their hair has different textures— Ryan’s is a little wavier. These two just enjoy confusing people.”

“Well,” Alpha Reginald chuckled, “if we ever need a tiebreaker in our pack, we know who to call.”

The conversation drifted off into smaller groups, and I happily dug into the food the twins had brought me. The food was so good I almost lost track of everything going on around me. By the time I looked up, the sun was setting, casting the patio in a warm glow as the music slowly shifted to something upbeat.

Suddenly, my chair spun, and I found myself pulled up onto the makeshift dance floor that covered the pool. “Come on, Little Bit,” Devin laughed, practically bouncing. “This song is a classic!”

I couldn’t help but laugh as he started moving to the beat, showing off moves that were more ridiculous than accurate. Before long, I was jumping around with him, having way more fun than I’d ever admit.

Kylie eventually joined us, and by the time “Loosen Up Our Buttons” started playing, we couldn’t resist giving the guys our best faux performance. They formed a circle, egging us on as we belted out the lyrics, laughing so hard we could barely catch our breath. It was pure, ridiculous fun, and I loved every second.

I glanced up between verses, catching Aaron’s eyes as he watched from the edge of the dance floor. His gaze held something warm, amused, and maybe a little different than usual. I felt a strange thrill shoot through me but quickly pushed it aside, determined to enjoy the night.

By the time we all made our way back to the patio, my cheeks hurt from laughing so much. We sank into seats, and I leaned back, feeling that comfortable exhaustion that only comes after a great night.

Luna Ava glanced over at me, grinning. “Selene, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d been part of this pack forever. You fit right in.”

I smiled at her, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the bonfire nearby.