Under the Influence of Moonlit Revelry

Chapter 2

LUCIA LORENZO'S POV

It's Friday night again. Although Friday night can mean many things to different people, for the teenagers of the Blood Moon Pack, it meant parties. The kind when you can actually feel the music coursing through your body and temporarily clouding your judgment. The music dictates your movements, almost causing your eardrum to rupture.

The kind where nobody seems to mind as the bed creaks overhead and people groan and moan. Why? Friday was the one day when you could simply forget about everything.

I was among the one percent of the group that didn't find these get-togethers enjoyable. Alright, so perhaps I was the only one who wasn't fond of these get-togethers. Nothing was ever important enough to forget, and I never wanted to forget anything. But that's a different story in the present. I have to ignore the fact that I'll be turning eighteen in precisely twenty days and that I might meet the one who holds half of my soul. There is no pressure at all.

So here I am, trying to forget, examining my appearance in front of my full-length mirror before I leave. I have squeezed into a burgundy garment that fits my figure perfectly. My butt is even more noticeable than normal, and my boobs seem to be, well, visible.

"Goddess, please bless me."

As I enter the party, I can smell alcohol and cigarettes. There are people dancing, kissing, grinding, and generally having a good time all throughout the place.

"Lucia!" The voice is scratchy and raspy.

"Oh. Hello Stella.

Stella Nicholas embodies what it means to be mean. Throughout my time in high school, I have only had one relationship. Who did it wrong, you ask? Stella Nicholas. Walking in on their boyfriend and Stella getting dirty can permanently damage someone. I have avoided being around men ever since that awful night.

She had a dying cow's voice.

Ava, I don't have to relive this moment.

Since Anthony was the person I was dating, I directed most of my rage towards him. He had promised me something, and he kept his word. Then I discovered that Stella had dubbed one of my closest friends a slut and had shared false information about my sexual life with Anthony. Yes, I'm not the biggest fan of hers.

I wanted to split up with Anthony as soon as possible, so I wasn't devastated or anything. Simply put, I didn't expect that from him because he was my best friend before we became boyfriend and girlfriend. Even though it was only for sex, I knew Stella and Anthony kept seeing each other after. It ached to know that Anthony was once my best friend and that he barely even looked at me now. When we did get to glance at each other, it was usually with an awkward smile before he turned and left.

In any case, why are you here? You don't seem to be the kind to go out to parties.

"I'm not."

I made sure to give her a quick shoulder bump as I turned to go. I snatched a drink from the nearest onlooker and downed it quickly.

"Hey! That was my drink!"

"Sorry."

Suddenly, I felt liberated.

This werewolf booze was good, sh*t.

A werewolf requires strong whiskey to get intoxicated, but after only one taste, I felt like I was invincible.

I will truly regret doing this.

I do, however, enjoy cash and diamonds.

The music took over my body, guiding me into a crowd of dancing people equally engrossed in the tunes.

I enjoy being gorgeous and gleaming.

BLAINE DE LOMBARDI

I was surprised to see my love's fraternal twin sister dancing like a seductress when I arrived at my friend's party. She was the center of attention, but she was blind to it.

Am not going to take this lightly, shit.

I'm staring at her, but why? Mirabel is my favorite. Mirabel my one and only love. I love her even though I'm not sure if she's my mate.

Blaine, you have no idea what love is like.

Henry, I believe I do.

A wolf can only truly fall in love with their mate.

Mirabel might be our mate, bullshit.

I ignore my wolf's foolish notions and concentrate on Lucia. I observe her distinctions from Mirabel as I watch her body move to the beat.

While Lucia's eyes were a deep brown that shone golden when her wolf was about, Mirabel's were a greenish hazel tint.

Although Mirabel is sarcastic and mature, she exudes an air of power that initially drew me in. Although she is reserved and quiet, Lucia expects respect. She is without a doubt the pack's strongest young female. It's odd, for sure, to see her this way today.

We have a difficult connection; although she can tolerate me, I know she finds me offensive similar to how I dislike her. She responds to everything with sarcasm and is very guarded. I'm sad for Lucia's partner, so please bless him.

I glance up to see what's going on when I feel the individuals around me changing postures.

As I approach the center of the dance floor, where everyone has gathered in a circle, I can see what's going on.

Decelerate!

Seize the wall.

Move as if you're trying to get your ass to fall out.

Hell dense, I will destroy them all.

"Accelerate the gas pedal."

Lucia is there, in the midst of it all. If I didn't know any different, I would assume she was a dance instructor. Her hands are making the most sensual yet suitable contact with her body. How on earth is that even possible?

Perhaps it's just arousing to you.

Henry, will you please stop talking?

Every male in the room is reeking of passion, and I can smell it. Can they blame me? I'm very sure they can smell mine too. Prior to realizing what's going on, I find myself standing behind her. Her ass on my crotch, my hands on her hips. Her hands slide up to my neck as we begin to move in time with the music.

I feel like I'm under a spell. I can't resist pulling her toward me.

If her life depended on it, Lucia Lorenzo would never dance with her sister's lover; thus, she must be intoxicated. She would never dance this way with anyone in heaven. Clearly not to belabor the point, but she despises me.

Fuck away I'm the boyfriend of her sister.

My girlfriend is here.

I'm gone before she can turn back.

As I ascend the massive staircase of this house, I utilize my sense of hearing to locate Johnson.

"Johnson! Come here and get your ass!"

With a blonde on his arm and a drink in his hand, Johnson enters.

"So I hear you've been doing some dancing, huh, Blaine?"

"Shut it."

"What? Man, get over it! You'll soon be the alpha! When do you think you'll be able to get back to partying with the most attractive women in town?"

"I've got a girl, man."

"A girl that isn't your mate, what do you plan on doing once you find her?"

"Turn her down. This was the aspect of werewolves that I detested. We gave pals a lot of importance, and nobody really respected a relationship unless the person you were with was your mate. Unlike most people our age who just slept around, Mirabel and I had a real relationship.

The blonde exclaims as though she's just seen the death of her favorite Telemundo character.

"You can't turn her down, guy; perhaps if you were someone else. However, you have a duty as the alpha, and betraying your partner will bring the pack to its knees."

"Mirabel is more than fit to be a Luna."

"That's true, but is she able to be your Luna? Could she treat you the way your friend could? Not to mention that only two partners can create an heir."

"My kid will be my problem, not yours."

"No, your lack of kids will be the pack's problem, and I'm not sure if they'll handle it well, Blaine." "They will stand by their alpha!"

They will not support a coward! They will not support an alpha who withheld the goddess's most revered favor!"

"Everything will be fine, damn it!"

"No, it won't; you know it; I know it; your father knows it; hell, even Mirabel knows it."

"I love her, Johnson; she's my life."