My Enemy, My Mate

Chapter 7

Dad holds my hand and leads me towards the party. I hear the crowd go silent. Everyone is waiting to see if my mate is here.

Dad walks up and takes the microphone that Paul is holding out to him. I can feel everyone's eyes on me.

"Welcome to the celebration of our now seventeen year old, not-so-little girl, Willow!" Dad welcomes everyone, "Thank you all for coming and traveling for this special occasion. The Red Woods Pack are honored to have so many powerful and reliable neighbours. Please eat, drink and dance! Thank you all again!" Dad added. The crowd whooped and cheered. He was a very good Alpha and his pack members' adoration for him showed that.

I walked around the crowd with my family for a while, thanking everyone for coming and accepting their well-wishes. I couldn't help the disappointed feeling creeping in. Aria was having the best time - surrounded by future Alphas who were all hanging on her every word.

The crowd suddenly went quiet. There were some whispers from a few of the Alpha's as the side gate opened and shut loudly.

Alpha Cain walked around the side of the house towards the party. Mum smiled and walked over to greet them.

Alpha Cain did not have a Luna - I have heard he was given a true mate, but he did not think she was worthy of being Luna, so he rejected her once they had a child. These are just rumors, but from what i have seen of his pack members, it wouldn't surprise me that he could be so cruel.

"Thank you so much for attending tonight's celebration for our girl."Mum greeted the Goliath Pack Alpha despite the low growls coming from the crowd behind her.

"I would never turn down an invitation for such a special event!" Alpha Cain adds like a gentleman.

"Please enjoy yourself." Dad adds before gesturing towards the bar and food table.

"Where is Grey?" Paul asks rather sharply. He earned a warning glare from our Mum.

"Grey will be here in a second, he is just parking the car." Alpha Cain confirms, he is either oblivious to Paul's contempt or completely ignoring it.

I walk around the side of the tent to get some air. I needed a break from the crowd of people. All giving me pity looks as my mate is not here.

I am sitting on the bench under our Gum Tree when I smell the most intoxicating smell; banana and cinnamon. My favourite combination. I had never smelt anything so alluring. I turned my head to see if I could identify where the smell was coming from.

The side gate began to open and I was hit by an even stronger wave of the smell.

The gate swung open and there was Grey. He was dressed in a black suit with a crisp white shirt, the first few buttons undone. I could have literally drooled at the sight. His green eyes turned the darkest shade of black when they met mine.

"Mate." He growled.

My mouth dropped open at the realization: my mate was our pack's rival future Alpha. What was I going to do?

We both just stood there in shock for a few minutes, processing.

Grey took a step forward but I took one back.

"Willow..." Grey began, but stopped. He didn't have any words. Neither did I. I never dreamed finding my mate would be this complicated. Grey was eighteen, so his pack had been waiting for him to find his mate as well.

I could see a mix of hurt and emotion in his eyes. Shay was howling, knowing her mate was so close. She was getting irritated at me for not running to him, but she didn't know the implications of such actions. Grey's hands begin to shake as he struggles to control his wolf as well. I begin to step closer to him. I don't know if I wanted to or if I had no choice.

We stopped when we were only a foot apart from each other. I was surrounded by his scent. I could almost feel a tiny electrical pulse between us.

"Willow? Are you..." Dad came walking around the side of the tent to find me, "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!?" Dad screams when he sees Grey and I standing so close.

"Mate." Grey whispers again. The colour drained from Dad's face. I see him clench his fists beside him as he begins to shake. Alpha Cain strolls around the corner.

"What's all the commotion?" Alpha Cain asks, unaware. He takes in the scene in front of him and clicks his tongue in deliberation.

"Mate." Grey whispers again. My Dad is visibly shaking now. His whole body is fighting to control his wolf. My father is a strong Alpha, but he has nothing on the Goliath Alpha family.

"Right, lets just all relax a bit." Alpha Cain stands between his son and my Dad, "Grey, we are going to leave. Lets not make any rash decisions tonight. Thank you for your invitation, Alpha. I really enjoyed the mini quiches." Alpha Cain compliments before dragging Grey back through the gate by his arm. I was conflicted. I didn't want him to leave but I also needed to clear my head.

Dad and I stand in complete silence for a few minutes.

"Go to your room. The party is over!" Dad boomed at me as if I had done something wrong. I follow his orders and head inside.

I get straight in the shower to wash the night off of me and relax the muscles I have been holding tense since Grey arrived. I hear the music turn off while I am mid-shampoo. Mum will be so disappointed.