Moon Children

A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER (1)

Ezra’s POV 

I wanted to wait until Darci had made her entrance, led everyone outside, and stood on the small stage to be announced before I crashed her party. The moment I walk in, she’ll sense it. I want her to enjoy her night before she realizes I’m her mate, and that I’ve known for years. 

I linked with Luca, who was inside wait for her to make her entrance. 

“Just let me know when my mom and dad announce her, and then I'll come over.” I linked him. 

“This is crazy. I still can’t believe you’re Darci’s mate. How do you stay away? Ever since Cheyanne came of age and I found out she was my mate, I can’t stand to be far from her.” He asked me. 

“It’s not easy, it never has been. I did it because I wanted her to grow up like any other Were. Sometimes I’d even hang out with you just to be near her scent.” I chuckled. 

“Wow, rude!” He replied after a moment. 

He stopped linking me, causing me to guess Darci was making her entrance down the grand staircase. Normally the future Alpha would be required to attend the ceremony beginning to end, but my parents knew why I wanted to wait to arrive. It is tradition in our pack for every child from the 4 blood-lines to have an honorary celebration on their 18th birthday. It was called the “Coming of Age Ceremony”, and everyone was expected to attend. There were so many of us that were near that age, our pack has celebrated multiple birthdays per year for the last 3 years or so.  

Darci will walk on stage while the Luna and Alpha announce her birthday and give their well wishes. This is generally done so everyone can honor the pack member, and also give the person a chance to sense their mate. That’s exactly what happened at Cheyanne’s announcement in April, and also the Beta’s oldest son Rex’s announcement 4 years ago. Maria and Clara weren’t so lucky. They’re nearly 19 and neither of them have found their mates. 

“We’re all outside. I think they’re prepping to go on stage in a few. I’ll link you when she’s up there. And if you stare at my baby sister for too long, I’m hand-stitching the slit in her dress with your leg hairs.” Luca proclaims. 

“Oh s**t, she looks THAT good huh?” I laughed as I replied back to him.  

“She’s going up now.” He drops the link. I start to pace, before heading out the door. 

I’m in so much trouble. 

Darci’s POV 

Jason walked with me while I lead everyone outside, making small talk. I could tell he was disappointed we weren’t mates. I was a little disappointed, but more so anxious about who it would be, or if I’d even find out tonight. If he is here I’ll be find out soon, because it's time to go on stage to be announced. 

“Darci, if you don’t find your mate, I’d really love to go out with you still. I know it’s supposed to be weird because we aren’t mated, but I enjoy your company and it doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. You’re so gorgeous.” Jason says, completely serious as he eyes me up and down. 

“Fun? I’m not looking for “fun” Jason, I’m looking for the love of my life. You clearly aren’t it, especially if that’s what you’re thinking about when you look at me. I’m worth so much more than being some random dog’s slut, you jackass.” I growled quietly.  

“I didn’t mean any offense Darci, chill out. I didn’t realize you were a total prude.” He stated rudely. 

“I think the word you’re looking for is pure. Please don’t talk to me anymore, you’re not the person I thought you were.” I snapped. I haven't got to see much of Jason outside of school, but now that I have - I can't stand him.

I took a deep breath and walked towards the stage. Luna Gretchen and Alpha Chad were already standing there. 

“Attention everyone.” Our Alpha commanded. 

“I have the pleasure of informing you that today, our Delta’s eldest daughter, Darcietta, has come of age. We wish her all the best in her new adventures as an adult, and pray she finds her mate here and continues being a proud defender for our pack. Everyone please greet Darcietta Charmane Moon!” 

As he finished his speech I walk towards the center of the stage to see everyone cheering and whistling at me. I scan the crowd, seeing all the familiar faces. My family and the other blood-line families were all up front, as well as my friends. One thing I did notice, Ezra isn’t here. Odd, considering he’s the future Alpha and required to attend these celebrations... But whatever, it isn’t my concern. 

The crowd began growing silent, as I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.  

Nothing. 

That’s disappointing. Vyra huffed. 

I looked to family, and then up to the Alpha and Luna. They all had forced smiles except Luca, who was definitely having a conversation elsewhere. His face was blank and his eyes were glazed.  

“Maybe he’s not in our pack..” I think out loud. 

“Focus, Darcietta. Let every smell and sound pass through you. One will come to the forefront and stand out above the rest.” Our Luna whispered. 

I tried one more time. I closed my eyes, breathing in, searching for this enticing scent. I thought of every feeling people had described to me when they found their mate, the warmth that radiates through you when in their presence. The undeniable euphoria, the pull between two souls that are meant to be one. After a few seconds, I caught it. I wasn’t sure what it was at first, but Vyra howled and purred in my head like I'd never felt before. The birthmark behind my ear started tingling, which has never happened either. My eyes popped open as I assessed the crowd again, searching for the source of this feeling.  

At first, I sensed fresh lemon, the tart and sour tang enveloped me entirely. What an interesting smell - I thought to myself. But then, I noticed it was mixed. I caught something else with the lemon, resembling a fresh bonfire using the sweetest redwood trees. Like a party and the morning after clean-up, all in one. 

“Wait, I know this scent.” I whispered as my brows furrowed. 

Burning wood, and lemon. I know this person, but the scent was never strong like this. I scanned the crowd frantically until I saw him, standing right there next to my brother in the front row where no one had stood a few minutes ago. I locked eyes with him, and felt the world fall out from beneath me. No. Nope. No way. 

Mate! He’s our mate Dar!   Vyra sang. 

He shot me his signature crooked smile, letting his beautiful, pearly teeth shine through. My legs felt weak, and everyone else faded away. I was staring directly at none other than Ezra f*****g Harrison. He stepped up onto the platform facing me, with our sides facing the crowd. He took my hands in his large ones, and smiled. 

Loud enough for everyone to hear, he spoke just one word.  

“Mate.”  

I stared into his emerald eyes, completely and utterly mesmerized. I snap out of it when out of nowhere, a bright orange light begins to glow around us. I look up at Ezra and see tiny flecks of wildfire swirling through them, the same exact way mine do. He looks thrilled and terrified all at the same time, and I’m left speechless. I’ve seen quite a few Were’s the moment they meet their mates, but I've never seen anything like this happen. 

“It’s.. you? Y-you knew, didn’t you?” Realization dawns on me. Ezra Harrison is my mate. Ezra Harrison is the next Alpha. Which not only means I am the next Luna, but he would’ve been able to sense me as his mate since the day he turned 18 over 2 years ago. I felt a pang of hurt inside my chest. I know we were never close but why wouldn’t he tell me? Did he not want me? Is this why he’s avoided me? – no wait, he’s avoided me our whole lives; not just the last 2 years. How has he resisted the mate pull? 

I know I’m not his usual type, I’ve seen the she-wolves clinging to his arms. Tall, very thin, model-like, large chested, and all had short dark hair and dark eyes. I was the polar opposite of every woman I’d ever seen him with. I’ve never felt so self-conscious in my life before this moment; realizing I am 5’1, tiny, but with non-proportionate features and awkward looking. From my crazy, bright colored eyes, and long, curly, fiery red hair, small breasts, and large bottom half, I’m nothing like those girls. Maybe that’s it. I let go of his hands and took a step back. The color emanating from our hands dissipated instantly. 

“Why didn’t you tell me? Surely you knew at your ceremony, I was right there! You never said a word.. Do you not want me? And what just happened when you touched me?!” I asked him, pain and rage evident in my tone of voice.  

Gasps and murmurs erupted from the crowd I had forgotten was there. Ezra looked crest-fallen, but at this very moment I don’t care. All I’ve ever wanted was a mate, and he’s known for over 2 years. That means his parents probably knew too. And Luna Gretchen is my mother's best friend! Does that mean..? I turned to look at my family. My mother and father were looking at the Luna and Alpha, worry and guilt etched on their faces. Luca and Harvey looked angry, and the littles were just confused about the light show. 

“Did you know too?” I said staring directly at my mother. 

“Did you all know?!” This time addressing mine and Ezra’s parents collectively. 

“We couldn’t tell you, you needed to find out on your own. You weren’t of age at Ezra’s celebration.” Alpha spoke, eerily calm for the situation. 

Suddenly, Ezra grabbed my hands and the bright aura surrounded us again. 

“What is happening?!” I screamed to no one in particular.  

“Darci, I.. We need to talk. Please, don’t be upset. There’s so much you don’t know. Everything will make sense later, but please don’t do something you’ll regret. I need you Darcietta, this pack needs you.” Ezra pleaded quietly.  

I couldn’t say anything when he looked at me, his eyes were captivating and this incredulous mate bond made it impossible to be angry with him right now but I’ll be damned if I don’t try. I looked back to the crowd and forced a tight smile.  

“Members of Black Brook, it seems I’ve found my mate. None other than our future Alpha, Mr. Ezra Harrison. Please, celebrate, mingle, drink and dance. I need to speak privately with our families. Thank you for attending.” 

I quickly strode off-stage with Ezra following close behind, ignoring the blend of voices in the crowd as some of them either stood with mouths agape, gasped, cheered, or bellowed out a low growl. 

“My office, immediately. There’s a lot that needs to be discussed.” Alpha Chad’s voice echoed through my mind.