Chapter 3 The Delectable And Strongest Shewolf Of The Pack

Karen was escorted to her room and informed that her parents would join her shortly. While she waited, she took the opportunity to explore her new room. It was spacious, just like her former room at the cabin, but it was much more luxurious. The walls were painted in her favorite color, pink, with a delicate layer of cream. Instead of a bunk, there was a plush queen-sized bed nestled in the corner of the room.

As she marveled at her new sanctuary, her eyes caught glimpse of a family photo on the side table. The scene before her seemed oddly familiar; a picture she had once received back then at the cabin looked strikingly similar to this one. She couldn't shake off the feeling of déjà vu as she stared at the people in front of her.

A feminine voice, one she didn't recognize, broke the silence.

"Do you like your new room?" it asked.

Karen turned to face the speaker, surprised to see the person she had been admiring in the photo standing right in front of her.

"Mom?" she uttered, her confusion evident in her voice. The woman, elegant and in her mid-thirties, stood at the entrance with open arms and a warm smile.

"Come here, darling. I've missed you so much."

Without hesitation, Karen rushed into her embrace, not wanting to let go of this precious moment.

"Mom, I've missed you too. You have no idea how long I've waited to be able to hug you like this," she said, her voice thick with emotion as tears streamed down her face.

"Looks like we're in for a great family reunion," Charlotte exclaimed, entering the room with their father, Alpha Adam, by her side.

Karen saw him and immediately ran to hug him as well, but she felt him stiffen in her arms. Unfazed, she held on tightly, refusing to let anything ruin this moment.

"Father, I missed you too. You look so handsome in person," she complimented, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Adam cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uhm, the party is about to start and we can't keep the guests waiting," he said, pulling away from her embrace as if her presence was bothering him.

Feeling a little hurt but determined to not let it show, Karen stepped back, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. She knew her father was still trying to get used to the idea of having her back in his life and she didn't want to push him too much.

But before she could leave the room, Charlotte stopped her. "Oh, Karen, I almost forgot. I have a present for you."

"Apologies, Charlotte, may we postpone this conversation for a later time? The gathering has begun, and I will soon be required to attend," Karen sulked, reminding her that they were running late for the party.

"Very well, I accept," she agreed. "Come on, let's get moving, ladies," Cullen motioned for them to follow, and they exited the room.

***** *****

The grand hall buzzed with life as a plethora of individuals graced the party. The space was adorned with inflated balloons, shimmering ribbons, and vibrant, glowing lights, evenly distributed throughout. The atmosphere was nothing short of magnificent.

Prominent alphas from various packs had come to attend in anticipation of meeting the strongest werewolf from the Blood Moon pack. Each lycan was exquisitely dressed, not wanting to be caught underdressed for such a special occasion. The men donned dark tuxedos atop immaculately white shirts, complemented by polished black leather shoes, reflecting their esteemed personalities.

The women, on the other hand, exuded glamour in their iridescent gowns of diverse hues and designs, paired with the perfect stiletto to complete their captivating ensembles. They all took their seats at the opulent golden tables in anticipation of the celebrant' arrival.

Alpha Adam ascended the elevated floor with a confident stride, his presence commanding attention as he gracefully bowed in a gentlemanly manner, acknowledging the esteemed guests gathered before him. A warm smile broadened on his face as he began his speech, addressing the expectant audience with a sense of gratitude and excitement.

"Greetings, esteemed guests, and welcome to our grand celebration. It brings me immense joy to see each and every one of you here tonight, despite your busy schedules and commitments. I know many of you are curious about the purpose of this gathering, and I am here to enlighten you," he announced, his voice carrying a hint of suspense.

Pausing for a moment to capture the attention of the intrigued crowd, Alpha Adam continued, his tone filled with paternal pride and affection.

"Today marks a momentous occasion in our family, as one of my daughters has reached the significant milestone of her eighteenth birthday. In our Lycan tradition, this day holds great significance, as it symbolizes her transition into womanhood and the auspicious opportunity to meet her chosen mate," he explained, his words resonating with tradition and reverence.

"So I give you the delectable and strongest she-wolf of our pack, Karen Adam Van Brunt!"

With a flourish of grandeur, Alpha Adam gestured towards the entrance as the curtains swept open, revealing the radiant figure of Karen, the beloved she-wolf of their pack. Her eyes sparkled with a rare blend of strength and grace, embodying the legacy of her lineage as she stepped forward, welcomed by the heartfelt applause and admiration of their esteemed guests.

"Hello, everyone, I'm Karen Adam Van Brunt. I don't have many words to express my gratitude, but I simply want to thank each and every one of you for making tonight so incredibly special for me. Thank you once again," Karen spoke into the microphone, her voice filled with genuine appreciation as she set it down shyly, her eyes shining with emotion as the audience erupted into applause.

Just as the applause began to settle, a wave of excitement swept over the room as the guests rose from their seats in a standing ovation, their voices joining together in a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday" in honor of Karen. The joyous chorus filled the air, enveloping her in a warm embrace of love and celebration.