Fall Harvest Moon

Chapter 7: Elle

Elenore couldn't help but to fidget in her seat, "Where on earth could she be!?!" Elle turned to her dad and asked him again.

"Elenore, don't worry, she will be here. I spoke to her mother before we left." her mother reached for her hand and reassured her.

Elenore was worried that her friend would back out at the last minute, but when they last spoke yesterday, Aurora did try to express excitement about the dance, but then she volunteered for last night's patrol. Elle knew her friend was having doubts. They both had already filled their mandatory patrol hours and Elle was hoping they would have a sleepover before tonight.

Tapping her feet to the music, she tried to watch the dancers who were already on the floor, but her eyes kept drifting to all the entrances. The place was already filling up, but Elle knew she would notice her friend when she came in.

Listening to the MCs at the entrances announce every guest's arrival, Elle kept her ears open for her friend's family name. She truly wished they had lived together in the pack house, but she understood they needed the time to mourn, even though it has been 3 years, Elle knew Aurora would always miss her sister. She hoped that finding their mates tonight would help fill that hole in Auroras's heart.

At the thought of her mate possibly being there, she turned her attention to the crowded tables and silently cursed at the distracting aromas of appetizers on the tables. The food looked so delicious and she couldn't wait for the main courses. She was disappointed it was purposely blocking potential mates from meeting until it was time for the main dance.

Still tapping her feet to the music beat, she was mentally practicing her dance routine in her head. She watched in awe as paired dancers waltzed on the floor surrounding the bonfire in the center. Everything seemed so magical as the coupled shadows swayed over the seated crowd. The lanterns that hung overhead provided enough light for everything but not too bright to distract from the main floor. The candle centrepieces gave a soft glow that added the perfect touch. It was all so beautiful, Elle almost missed the MC announcing her friend's arrival. She quickly flew out of her seat to go greet them.

"Aurora!! Aurora!!" Elle was so happy to see her friend, she leaped and wrapped her arms tightly around Auroras, totally missing the fact her parents were holding her hands and she couldn't catch her or hug her back. Elle was so excited, she started gushing about everything from the decorations to the food and how great everything was. She couldn't stop herself if she wanted to. Realizing her friend couldn't move or hug her back, Elle finally stepped back and took a good look at her friend. Aurora had a natural beauty, but tonight Elle thought she was truly radiant. Aurora's dress made her look like a queen and Elle absolutely loved how well it suited her. "You look amazing!" she gushed and started to ramble. Aurora had to calm her down. When her parents let go of their daughter's hand, Elle was quick to grab hold and lead her friend to the spot she saved for them.

Elle and Aurora's parents greeted each other and everyone settled in, excited about the night's events. When the drums for the leaders' entrance started and everyone rose to their feet, when their Chief Eric was done with the introductions, everyone cheered as performers took the floor. When the songs were over and the main courses came out. Elle and Aurora shared a secret smile and knew they had to try a little of everything. They often shared their food and would often trade dishes. Something they always did growing up, living together in the pack house, sharing lunches at school and desserts after dinner. Elle was sad she couldn't share every meal since they moved into their private house, but she had hoped it was something they would always share, their love for food. Both enjoying the food and looking around the crowds, Elle noticed that her friend missed her mother's question and tapped Auroras' foot to get her attention. When the conversation somehow turned to the missing shifters, Elle noticed both of their parents were communicating privately through mind-link. Elle scowled when she realized she was blocked from the conversation and thought "I'm not a baby!! I have my wolf and I'm on the freaking patrol unit watching out for these missing people. I deserve to know what's going on!'

Just before Elle could comment, Chief Eric stood up to make another speech. Elle was slightly fuming when her wolf, Crystal, suddenly piped in "El, we're doing all we can. We are all just going with the information we know" Elle wanted to listen to Crystal, but she felt there was more to what was happening about the missing shifters. Crystal agreed and reminded Elle why they were here tonight. Elle agreed and tuned back in on Chief Eric's speech just as he stated it was time for the main event. The music signaled it was time for their dance. Crystal immediately started swaying to the slow beat, she was such a romantic. Elle was a good warrior and she was excited to meet her mate as well, because she knew true mates bring you strength and protection, and Elle wanted to be the best she could be. She couldn't help the sparks of excitement that radiated from her core. She grabbed her friend's hand and wished her friend was not afraid of all the good things that come from having a mate.

When it was their turn to go up, Elle turned to her parents and gave them one more hug. Aurora was hugging her parents as well. This could be a life-changing moment for them both and Elle walked forward with determination.

Elle took her place in the lineup and when the music picked up she waltzed onto the floor and towards the waiting males. After she had switched partners 2 times, she caught the scent of pine and chocolate that reminded her of sitting next to a Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate. Her favorite season of all. Crystal was howling in excitement and she knew it could only belong to one being. Totally forgetting her current dance partner, she started to look around for who that delicious scent was coming from.

A tall, handsome, dark-haired man was breaking protocol and making a straight line towards her. Her eyes lit with excitement and then quickly confusion as he got closer, but the scent didn't seem to.. He stood in front of her and glanced down in frustration, which made Elle even more confused. "Who is he and why can't I smell him right in front of me? Crystal answered at the same moment the stranger said "Not my mate".

Looking at each other in confused silence, not knowing what to say, he quickly resumed his posture as he noticed others were watching in confusion and anticipation of a possible match. He took control of the moment and pulled her into his arms to continue the dance. "Why did I get drawn towards you? The aroma is coming off you but it is not you.How is that possible?" He questioned her.

"I'm as confused as you are. I don't smell you at all" she glanced around as she could smell the delicious aroma of chocolate getting stronger. Just then another tall,handsome, dark-haired man appeared at her side. He was giving the stranger a cold-eyed stare "May I have this dance with MY mate?!" He asked in a tone that made it clear that it was not a question. The stranger didn't refuse as he let her go and Elle watched him as he disappeared into the crowd off the dance floor. She turned back to face the beautiful man,she saw his intense gray eyes suddenly glow green as she immediately recognized him "mate" as Crystal howled in triumph. Ellen realized, even saying that one word. Her whole world suddenly clicked into place, she felt as if everything had led her to this moment. She easily melted into his arms as they continued the dance. Elle felt as if his arms were made to hold her as the world faded away and she wished the song would never end. She forgot about everything and everyone else as she let the intoxicating scent of her mate flood her senses.