Chapter 12

Francine couldn't stop fidgeting with the hem of her dress as she waited for Azure to finish getting ready. She had been looking forward to Floch's mother's party, not because of her, but she’s excited since Azure is going to accompany her. and she wanted everything to be perfect. When Azure finally emerged from the bathroom, Francine's heart skipped a beat. He looked incredibly handsome in his formal long sleeves, and his dark hair was slicked back, accentuating his chiseled jawline.

As they made their way to the car, Francine's parents couldn't help but shower them with compliments. "You two look absolutely stunning," her mother gushed, while her father nodded in agreement. Francine blushed, feeling grateful for their words of encouragement.

In the garage, Beatriz reminded Francine to be careful and not to drink too much. "I don't want anything bad happening to you," she said, her voice filled with concern. Francine smiled, touched by her protective mother.

Zeke approached them, reminding them not to stay out too late. "Make sure you take care of her," he said, looking directly at Azure. "She's a precious gem, and we can't afford to lose her."

Azure nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving Francine's. "Lycan King, rest assured I’ll look after her," he promised, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Too bad, Royce couldn’t join you there. He got vertigo today,” Beatriz looks sad.

“Well, this is a good night to introduce Azure to some of our pack members, right?” Zeke consoled his wife.

“We’re going now, mom, dad,” Francine waved her hands.

“Take care both of you,”

As the car pulled out of the driveway and onto the street, Azure turned to Francine with a curious expression on his face.

"So, what did you get for Floch's mom?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiousity

Francine smiled, reaching into her purse to retrieve a small box. "I got her some of her favorite chocolates from that fancy shop downtown," she said, holding up the box for Azure to see.

Azure chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Of course you did," he said, his voice laced with fondness. "You always know just what to get people."

Francine blushed, feeling grateful for his praise. She had always had a knack for finding the perfect gifts, and she enjoyed seeing the joy on people's faces when they received them.

As they drove through the quiet streets, Francine couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building in her chest. She was looking forward to meeting everyone in the party, seeing her packmates and to spending time with Azure.

She leaned her head against the cool glass of the car window, watching as the city lights flickered by in a blur. This was going to be a night to remember, she thought.

As they pulled up to the house, Francine and Azure exchanged confused glances. The party looked nothing like what they had expected. Instead of a formal affair, the house was filled with teenagers, some of whom were drinking and smoking. The music was loud and upbeat, and the atmosphere was decidedly modern and liberated.

"Are you sure this is the right house?" Azure asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Francine shrugged, feeling just as bewildered. "It's the address Floch gave us," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

As they made their way through the throngs of people, Francine couldn't help but feel out of place. She had never been to a party like this before, and she wasn't sure how to act. Azure, on the other hand, seemed to be taking it all in stride, moving through the crowd with an ease that Francine envied.

When they finally spotted Floch, he rushed over to them, a huge smile on his face. "Hey, guys!" he exclaimed, giving them both hugs. "I'm so glad you make it!"

Francine couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over her. If Floch was happy to see them, then they must be in the right place after all.

As they mingled with the crowd, Francine couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. She was used to formal events where everyone was dressed to the nines and on their best behavior. But here, anything seemed to go, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.

As Francine and Azure entered the crowded party, Floch's eyes lingered on Francine's beauty, his heart aching with envy at the sight of her. He had always harbored feelings for her. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he watched Azure's dominating presence, his confidence and charm drawing people to him like a magnet.

Meanwhile, Azure looked around the party with a slightly bewildered expression, clearly out of his element. He had never been to a party like this before, and he wasn't sure how to act. He followed Francine's lead, watching as she smiled at other guests.

Francine noticed that Azure seemed a bit uncomfortable, and she felt a pang of sympathy for him. She knew that he wasn't used to this kind of environment, and she tried to make him feel more at ease.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice low and soothing.

Azure nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, but his eyes betrayed his uncertainty.

As they made their way through the party, Francine couldn't help but feel a bit curious. She had brought a gift for Floch's mother, but she hadn't seen her anywhere. She turned to Floch, who was standing nearby, and asked, "Hey, do you know where your mother is? I wanted to give her this gift."

Floch looked at her with a slightly hesitant expression, his eyes darting away for a moment. "Uh, actually, she's not here yet," he said, his voice a bit too high-pitched.

Francine raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of unease settling over her. "Oh, okay," she said, setting the gift down on the table. "Well, I hope she likes it."

As the night wore on, Francine couldn't help but feel a nagging sense of suspicion. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that Floch was hiding something from her. But she didn't want to ruin the party, so she tried to put her worries aside.

Floch led Francine and Azure to the bar, offering them a drink.

But Azure politely declined the alcohol. “Sorry, Floch. I understand you wanted to drink. It’s your mother’s birthday and you’re 18. But Francine is just 14. I won’t let her drink whether she likes it or not,” He said in a solemn tone.

Floch looked a bit annoyed, but he didn't let it ruin his mood. “Okay, I understand. I don’t want the Lycan King to blame me,” He ordered a drink for himself and left them to mingle with the other guests.

Francine saw the party as an opportunity to introduce Azure to people she knew. She wanted everyone to know who he was, to see how amazing he was, and to bask in the glory of his charisma. She introduced him to her packmates. 

She saw Irvin, his classmate and the same age as her. “Irvin! This is Azure. He’s living with us. My dad took him in,” She smiled.

Irvin looks at Azure. The young man looks intimidated by him. “H-Hi… I’m Irvin,”

“Azure,”

As she glanced to the other side, Francine saw Clint. Clint is one of her brother’s friends. He is 16 years old, same as Royce. “Clint! He is Azure and he’s part of the Green River Pack now. My dad invites him in,”

“Nice to meet you, brother,”

Azure gave him a sly smile. As the night wore on, Francine found herself drawn to Azure's magnetic presence. She watched as he effortlessly charmed his way through the crowd, his mysterious aura and confident stride making him the center of attention wherever he went. Girls were swooning over him left and right, and Francine couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

But even as she felt that pang of envy, she knew deep inside of her that Azure belonged to her, he is her fated mate. And she’s going to prove it once she turns eighteen. She took his hand and led him outside, away from the noise and the crowds. They walked through the moonlit garden, the scent of flowers and fresh grass filling their senses.

As they walked, Francine felt a sense of peace settle over her, a feeling of rightness that she couldn't explain. She looked up at Azure, her heart swelling with love and admiration. "I'm so glad you're here with me," she said, her voice soft and tender.

Azure looked down at her, his eyes filled with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," he said, his voice low and soothing.

As the night went on, Francine and Azure spotted Fiona at the party. She was dressed in a seductive red dress, her eyes fixed on Azure as she tried to get his attention. 

“Hi, Azure! I’m happy to see you here. You look very handsome in your outfit,” Her hands were on his arms. Fiona didn’t even glance or greet her. Wow.

Azure tried to be polite, but Francine could sense the tension building between them. He took a deep breath and he removed Fiona’s hands in his arms. “Thanks, but I’m not alone,” He said.

Fiona keeps ignoring her presence. “How would you rate my dress right now, Azure?”

Azure didn’t like that Fiona lowkey ignoring Francine’s attitude. “I don’t know. But I think Francine got the most decent dress here tonight,” 

Fiona gritted her teeth in annoyance and walked away. They waited for hours for Floch's mother to arrive, but she never showed up. Azure grew increasingly frustrated, his patience wearing thin as the night dragged on. 

“Everyone’s busy. I don’t think the birthday celebrant will come. Let’s leave. Floch and Fiona were busy,” He whispered to Francine. He can even smell her sweet vanilla scent. He thinks Francine was his favorite scent now.

Francine nodded in agreement, her heart racing as they slipped out of the party unnoticed. She could feel Azure's anger and frustration, but she knew that he was trying to protect her. They made their way back to the car, the night air cool and crisp against their skin.

As Francine and Azure made their way back home, they could feel a sense of unease lingering in the air. Azure knew that Floch and Fiona were probably angry that their plan had been foiled, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were planning something against Francine.

He couldn't let his guard down, not even for a moment. He had to protect her, no matter what.

Francine could sense his tension, and she reached out to hold his hand. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle.

Azure nodded, his grip on her hand tightening. "I'm fine," he said, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I just don't trust Floch and Fiona. They're up to something, I can feel it."

Francine could feel the fear rising inside her, but she didn't want to show it. She knew that Azure was trying to protect her, and she trusted him completely.

As they arrived back home, Azure walked her to the door, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Francine could feel his protectiveness, and she knew that he would always be there for her, no matter what.

She turned to face him, her eyes locking onto his. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

Azure smiled, his eyes lighting up. "I'll always be here for you," he said, his hand reaching up to stroke her cheek. "No matter what."

They stepped inside the house, the warmth and familiarity enveloping them as they made their way to the living room. 

Francine’s heart is beating so fast. She knows for sure… she’s in love with Azure. But… the depressing reality, he was her adoptive brother. How painful could this be?