Chapter 148: Clearing the Air

More and more pack members began to arrive, and Tyler kept introducing me to new people. Eventually, the names and faces began to blur together as darkness settled over the clearing.

Alpha David made his way up onto the stage as I watched. It felt like time stood still. My heart was racing, my ears were ringing, I was sweating, it felt like I had pins and needles in my toes and fingertips. I couldn't remember the last time I had inhaled and I began to feel momentarily faint.

"You okay?" Tyler asked with concern.

I nodded, unable to speak.

"Good evening!" Alpha David called out, his voice carrying through the air with purpose and authority.

Silently, Ryder emerged through the throng of people with Ash at his side.

Ash gave me a warm smile and a small wave in greeting as David continued, "I'd like to welcome you all to our Lunar Eclipse Celebration."

The world seemed to blur in and out of focus for a moment. Alpha David was talking, but he sounded so far away I couldn't make out what h