Chapter 45: 44

Chapter 44

Salt stood by the patio, and watched his surroundings with a bored expression.

He wasn't supposed to do this party along with his twin sister, but in the end—he was powerless against her plea and desperation.

Considering Pepper's easygoing personality, there shouldn't be a significant reason behind her aim to host a birthday celebration. He wasn't sure whether or not he should be thankful that Alpha Severus granted them his permission to invite other werewolves over to his pack.

More often than not, this kind of party wasn't allowed for the intrusion of non-pack members might compromise the safety of all. That was an ironclad rule among many packs, and River Severn was no exception.

Though Salt said that he'd try inviting some of his friends, the truth was, he didn't bother.

It was a pain.

He got no time to look after those rowdy bunch, too.

Letting his sister do what she wanted was enough sacrifice. Moreover, worrying over his friends' welfare before and after they came here was the last thing he'd do on his birthday.

Besides, he and Lukas shared the same circle of friends. Knowing Lukas, he'd probably take three to four persons with him at most. Salt could check on them later, and perhaps, share a word or two with them at the same time.

The idea pleased him.

At the very least, he wouldn't have his hands full.

Had Pepper not gotten in his way, he'd be in his room, playing video games. The company would be releasing a high-end console soon, and he was originally planning to use up his savings for the pre-order; however, he had encountered unexpected expenses along the way.

Now, his bank account was practically weeping.

Salt didn't want to miss the pre-order, but he'd rather wait for the next chance than become the receiving end of Pepper's never-ending complain if this party didn't happen in the first place.

His father had his own guests, too. That's why he's seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces, though he can tell that his father's guests are his close subordinates as the Commander of the pack warriors.

Now that he thinks about it, his father is a godfather to many children. Inviting the parents of those children is a sign of courtesy. Therefore, Salt couldn't really blame the man.

A familiar scent invaded his senses before he noticed the footsteps behind him. When he turned around to look at the person, he found a sulking Pepper—ready to burst any moment from now. Her lips were tightly shut as she stared at the garden from the patio, her eyebrows knitted together in impatience.

Salt shrugged, and decided to let it go. He stood next to her in silence, waiting for the time that she'd speak her mind. His neck created a nasty sound when he moved it from side to side. He felt so stiff, and a good exercise might actually help.

However, it wasn't like he could leave the party to go for a night run or something—at least, not in the middle of the event which Pepper dedicated her hard work to. It was her birthday, too. So, today was special for her.

She worked hard on the preparations, and even went as far as asking for the Luna's help. In the end, everything turned out fine though. Alpha Severus volunteered to pick up her friends by the border by sending multiple trucks their way. It was clear that it was his way of pampering his sister because it was their birthday.

"Do you think she's coming?"

After a contemplative silence, Pepper finally spoke.

Salt spared her a quick glance. "Who are we talking about here?"

"Who else? My best friend."

Beyond her pouty lips, Pepper looked genuinely sad—bothered.

She wasn't overreacting nor simply faking her feelings for attention. She was telling him this because she was hoping that he'd do something to solve the problem.

"Didn't I tell you? The schedule was problematic. You knew she'd be training around this hour, yet you went on your way, and ignored my comment," he rebuked.

"This is the most convenient time for everyone. I couldn't easily change that."

"You've made your choice, then." He looked down at her since he was several inches taller, and pursed his lips coldly. "You prioritized the convenience of your classmates. I'd probably do the same thing if I were in your shoes, but unlike you, I wouldn't regret my choice. That would be an insult to everyone who came here on time to celebrate with you, Pep. I hope you get my point."

That girl.

She knows very well that it's her friend's birthday today—that Pepper is expecting her to be here, following the specified schedule, yet that seems unlikely now.

Amber left the pack house before Pepper could even get the chance to show up in her room, and collect her. Salt is aware that convincing her to take a day off is too much.

Amber has always been serious about her training. She had received her share of backlash for being permitted to not go on the pack's mandatory training.

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This instance just shows that those people have nothing to worry about because that girl is dedicated to her practice more than anyone else.

Not even the idea of her best friend's birthday can stop her from finishing her routine.

He'd agree that it was commendable at a certain level.

However, he couldn't help but wonder if she ever did stop to reconsider her choice. If she didn't hesitate to choose her training, then everything was self-explanatory; that she and Pepper may be best friends, but that won't be enough for her to waver from achieving what she desires.

"Do you think she won't be attending the party?" Pepper sounded insecure, and he really couldn't blame her. Amber knows what time the event is going to start, but still, there's no sign that she's appearing anytime soon.

Anyway, Pepper should direct her attention elsewhere. She has other visitors, and it's inappropriate that she's not the least bit concerned about them, despite expressing her wish to the Alpha that she wanted to throw a party, and invite her classmates over.

Salt ruffled her hair. "You should head back. I could hear from this distance that your friends are looking for you, and making a fuss. Did you bother sending them to their tables before you came looking for me?" What she needs is a distraction.

He can't promise her that Amber is going when he's not even sure about that himself. That's why poking at her responsibilities as the host should be an effective diversion—for now.

Pepper's guilt would force her to come back to the garden, and join her friends there.

And in the meantime, he could go around the area that as far as he knew was part of Amber's 'training grounds'. He's not planning to invade her privacy—he'll merely let her sense his presence to remind her that someone from the pack is looking for her.

Alpha Severus was firm when he said that they shouldn't try anything funny. The pack members had all been prohibited from trying dangerous ideas that could disrupt Amber's training. Ideas like watching and following her around or setting up traps around her training grounds, all of those were explicitly mentioned by the Alpha himself.

Well, it's not like Amber owns the area. They can go there, too, provided that it's outside her training schedule. Otherwise, the act would be considered as blatantly going against Alpha Severus' orders.

That's the kind of treatment Amber gets to enjoy right now just by being found, and doted upon by the Alpha.

Naturally, many people would envy her.

After all, it's not that easy to curry his favor.

Though their relationship was tainted and on the rocks lately.

It was true that Amber had been treated unjustly after that match. She wasn't at fault if one would look at it from an objective viewpoint. Everything was done in accordance with the rules of the pack.

However, River Severn has also taken damage from the absence of a valuable squad leader in a mission.

Salt happened to come across Ms Cataleya this week, and the majority of her face was still covered in bandages. Though there shouldn't be any problem with her mobility, she was on a wheelchair, and a nurse was pushing that for her.

When their gazes met, Ms Cataleya was the first to look away.

She couldn't show her face not because she looked horrendous, but because she was guilty.

Ms Cataleya had no other choice but to confess when it was Alpha Severus who did the interrogation. Apparently, she put some chemicals in the water that she threw in Amber's face. It could mimic a nerve paralysis sensation if the body part was strained, and in Amber's case, it was activated the moment she threw some punches.

It only worsened due to the repetitive blows that she mindlessly gave to the squad leader's hardened body. It was shameful. The chemical was supposed to put her to a disadvantage, but she still managed to win.

Amber's victory was clean.

That's why Ms Cataleya couldn't look him in the eye. She was thinking that he was good friends with Amber, and she felt horrible for losing to a trainee, despite setting her up.

Salt felt a tap on his shoulder, and found it was his father this time when he looked up.

"Dad."

"Why are you here?"

"I'm thinking."

"Don't think for a second that I don't know you haven't invited any of your friends, boy."

"I wasn't trying to hide it."

"So? What are you thinking of?"

"To go by the river, and pick up Amber. Would that anger the Alpha?"

"It won't anger the Alpha because you have your reasons.. I just don't think Amber would appreciate it if you did that."

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