My Singing Hybrid

Chapter 2: The ugly duckling

Damn it. I can't keep that song out of my head. I thought. I stayed up the other night watching Cinderella while finishing an article for the nighttimer blog. Now the songs are stuck in my head.

"Come Aurora, get out of the car already." My sister, Noemi said. "Oh right. Sorry." I stepped out of the limousine. And so did my eldest sister, Debra followed by my other sisters, Ruby and Lauren. Noemi, Vivian and Sharon came from behind me. We all walked into the hall where thousands of people laughed and drank.The hall was filled with a lively energy, as laughter echoed through the air and the clinking of glasses created a symphony of celebration. The room was adorned with twinkling lights and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that embraced the joy and merriment of the occasion.

Though that's to be expected at the mates' ball. The mates' ball is where everyone from all over comes to find their mates. And by everyone, I mean those who are a part of the shapeshifter community in the magical realm. Whether it be werewolves, werecats, gargoyles, pixies, fairies etc. As for the others, if you have a mate and are not a shapeshifter, one of the moon goddesses will send you an invitation to the ball.

And the moon goddesses don't take no for an answer. Especially when they know you don't have a second nor third chance mate. So you better show up. Or miss out on the one chance to find a mate.

I went to my first ball at 16. 3 of my sisters discovered their mates that night. Noemi found her mate 3 weeks later. Only my big sister Lauren, my little sister Ruby and I haven't found them yet. Now at 29, everyone hopes my sisters and I find our mates. Though my wolf Lola has other plans if we don't find ours. And to be honest, I'm not against the plan.

My sisters and I followed our parents to a quiet corner where it wasn't crowded. We looked out into the crowd and I couldn't believe how many people came to the ball this year! Last year there weren't as many people. So that must mean my mate might be here somewhere. Though if I'm honest, I'm in no hurry to look for mine. I'm content with my life. The freedom and independence I have are amazing. And Lola and I have promised that if we don't find our mate tonight, we'll ask one of the moon goddesses to cut the destiny string for our mate.

I just didn't want to keep searching for someone who probably didn't exist. He was probably dead or missing. And besides, if we were ever to meet, he'd most likely reject me. I'm not much to admire at anyway. I mean my skin is mocha chocolate but not glossy or smooth like Deb's. My make up palette was a red smokey eye, golden highlights, and red lipstick. My sister Noemi, however, her red smokey eyes look amazing. And my dress, just a plain long sleeve black dress with red lining and a golden crystal in the middle of my chest. My sisters, on the other hand, look like they're dressed for the ball.

I'm the only ugly person. The ugly sister. Growing up, I was always compared to my sisters in terms of appearance. Their features seemed to effortlessly captivate everyone around them, while I couldn't help but feel inadequate. The constant comparison and self-doubt made me believe that I was the "ugly sister," reinforcing my fear of rejection and fueling my belief that I would never measure up to anyone's standards. So that's why Lola and I made the promise, if we don't find our mate, we'll give up and continue with our lives.

Speaking of, I wondered if Omar had made it yet. He really didn't like balls or fancy parties. But he kept saying that this time he might actually find his mate. "Oh my," Lola giggled. "Looks like someone is getting excited by thinking about Omar." I rolled my eyes. "I'm not excited." I paused. I had to contemplate carefully what I would say next. Even though we share a connection with our animal selves that doesn't mean we can't cut them off. Especially our thoughts. I shut my head off whenever I think about Omar. Though I do slip up from time to time.

So through the crowd I start to skim through in search of him but instead I mistakenly lock eyes with Gavin, Alpha Grayson's second son. He's dark and handsome. And though I hate to admit it, he's also charming. But he's also rude, arrogant and self-centered. The list goes on and on. I don't know why he has his sights on being my mate. But I would rather die than be his mate.

In spite of my efforts, he was already heading my way. Lola proceeded to slink away and I hoped someone would save me but it was too late. Everyone else began to mingle and I was alone. Desperate to avoid Gavin, I quickly scanned the room for a familiar face, hoping for an escape. Then, I spotted my best friend, Maya, across the room, chatting with a group of people. I made a beeline towards her, believing she could provide the best distraction to keep Gavin at bay.

I finally reached her and the group she was in. Thankfully, it was Omar and his friends. "Hey you," Maya greeted. And she hugged me. As I looked over her shoulder, Gavin was confused on where I went off to and I let out a sigh of relief. "What's the matter?" Maya whispered in my ear. "Gavin is here," I answered. "And I don't want him to see me."

"Say no more."

Maya let's go of me and pulled me away. The boys followed behind and we were outside near the garden maze. I looked around and saw that no one was watching us. Maya and the boys began to walk towards the maze. I followed behind, my heart pounding in my chest. We found two benches near the fountain. Maya and I sat on the right bench while the boys sat on the left bench. I looked at Maya with a thankful smile. She understood and nodded her head. James asked, "What are we doing here?"

"She saw that prick Gavin," Maya replied. The boys wrinkled their faces. "That little b***h again." Shawn growled. "He just doesn't know when to quit does he?" James commented. "I feel sorry for whoever gets mated to that damn mutt." Shawn said. "He just needs to learn that it's not Rory." Maya said. "I honestly don't know what he sees in me. I'm really not much to look at.I'm sure his mate is prettier and more sophisticated than I can ever hope to be." Suddenly a shadow cast over my eyes and I saw Omar glaring at me in seriousness.

"What did I tell you about saying that stuff about yourself?" he chided. He suddenly pulls me up from the bench and holds me in his arms. He looks at me with his deep hazel eyes. "You're very beautiful." "Never let anyone try to tell you otherwise." "Not even yourself."

I could feel my heart racing and my cheeks burning. I looked down, unable to meet his gaze. He let go of me and smiled. "You don't need to be embarrassed," he said. "He's right you know." Maya agreed. "If I were your mate I'd take you to the bathroom right now."

"Stop teasing me Maya." I said. All the boys laughed except Omar. He looked like he was considering the idea. He winked at me before walking away. I could feel my cheeks burning even more as I watched him leave. Lola purred in my head. For a split second, my eyes flickered to hers but I had to immediately shake it off before Omar noticed.

"Lola, cut it out." I scolded her. "Omar is going to notice." Lola began to push herself forward slightly and pushed my body forward however she stopped as the full moon had begun rising. "It's almost time," I said. "We better get back inside."

Maya and the others were already on their way back. It seemed like they were in a hurry. Well, actually it looked like Maya was forcing the boys inside. "We'll return to the ball." Maya cried. "You search for Omar and bring him back." She waves at me. But not before she winks at me. And fades into the crowd with the boys. Omar wandered a few steps further into the garden. I swallowed before walking to find him.

"Why are you so nervous?" Lola asked annoyed. "You already know why I'm nervous!" I replied, my voice trembling. I'm anxious because the more I think about Omar, the more these feelings start stirring up inside me. I'm scared of the possibility of getting hurt and feel like I'm undeserving of happiness. I don't want to get hurt again and I'm worried that Omar won't feel the same way about me that I do about him. But I'm sure tonight he will find his mate. And my feelings won't matter.

When I found him he stood staring at the water fountain of two lovers kissing. I could tell he was deep in thought. "Omar?" I called him. He didn't look my way but I knew he heard me. "I know. It's time." He said. I walk over and stand next to him, peering at the water. "You know, I've been excited all night about meeting my mate." He paused. Then he looked up at the sky. The moon was slowly rising. "And now I'm nervous."

That's surprising. I thought. Omar very rarely ever gets nervous. In fact, he's one of the best at keeping his cool. However, that could all change after meeting his mate. My only hope is that she will be everything he could ever want. Even if it hurts. I just want him to be happy. I placed my hand on his shoulder and he kissed it. "Rory." He says. "Yes?" He's being gentle. I thought. He turns while taking my hand. He looks at me and steps closer. "I just need you to know that no matter what happens, I'll always be with you."

I wasn't sure what that meant but I I smiled and nodded. He leaned in and kissed me on the forehead. I could feel the warmth of his lips on my skin and I knew he would always be there for me. Once everyone finds their mates, I'm planning to leave Engle Wood.