My Own Destiny

Family Dinner

I was ready in record time, I dressed in a floor length deep maroon dress and black heels. I did not have time to shower so I braided my long auburn hair in a long side braid. Washed my face and added just a touch of make-up.

The guard opened the grand mahogany doors to the dining room and motioned for me to enter. As usual I was the last to arrive, but I was not late, walking in at the very last second.

“It’s good of you to join us, Aurora.” My father bellowed in his booming voice, filling the large dining room.

I gave a curtsy and bowed my head towards my mother and father, showing them the usual respect.

Once I stood straight, I replied, “I was not late.” One of the Omegas pulled my chair out for me to sit.

“I was by the pond working on my studies.” I added, to explain myself. although I was not late.

I glared at my little sister, who is sixteen, as she rolled her eyes at me.

My mother smiled, “Sweetheart, you are going to make an exceptional Luna.”

Right on cue, the Omegas began bringing the first course out.

I was famished and it took all my self control to slowly start in on my salad. My parents thought that I spent all my time on my studies, but that was not the case. After assisting his father with training the pack, Lucian trained me privately. As a future Luna I was only required to undergo the minimal combat training. It was believed by my parents that a Luna should have no need to fight, but I did not want to have to rely on others to protect me, so Lucian trained me for three or four hours most days and he was happy to do so, but then he has been in love with me since before puberty.

With all the training, I always had a healthy appetite, but as a lady I was served a smaller portion than the males and I was expected to always leave my plate unfinished. I could not fathom who thought up this scheme.

At the large dining table, my father was at one end, my mother at the other. I sat on one side of my mother while my sister, Natalia sat on the other side. Beside my father to the right was my brother Nathan, who we called Nate. He was the eldest of the three of us. To my father's left was his Beta, his mate and the future Beta, Brutus. Brutus would make an amazing Beta someday. Although he annoyed me, he was loyal to our family and almost as impressive as my brother in battle. Not that we have seen actual battle, but I have watched the others train as I sat with my books in the stands. Between my brother and I were the Gamma, his mate and Lucian, who sat beside me.

“Mentioning Aurora's future as a Luna reminds me, we will be having guests this weekend. Alpha Jacques and Jullian will be visiting for a couple days. They will arrive on Friday afternoon.”

I almost stood right out of my seat.

“What? It's Wednesday, that gives me no time to prepare.” I exclaimed, not being able to hold my excitement in.

I saw my sister roll her eyes at me again. My sister was small with delicate features. She had long pale blonde hair, pale blue eyes like the sky, flawless skin. She was like a pretty little porcelain doll. Perfect with her dark lashes, she needed no make-up to look exquisite.

“There is no need to prepare, dear.” My mother assured me.

“I need to figure out what to wear, maybe buy a few things. I need to get a facial and my nails and toenails done.” I was stammering on and on.

“Oh, give it a rest Aurora, you do all that stuff all the time not needing an excuse.” My sister said, giving me a challenging look.

We just glared at each other for several minutes.

“Why are you so jealous?” I finally asked her.

“Ugh, I am not jealous, you pea brain. That’s why you study so much, because that pea brain can only hold so little information you keep forgetting what you learned.”

I let out a deep growl and was about to stand when Lucian placed his hand on my knee to tell me to keep seated. I could feel the heat soaking into my skin, even with the fabric of my dress shielding me from feeling his skin on mine. Lucian could calm me when I was losing my temper with just the slightest touch. I probably would have gotten into a lot more trouble if it were not for him.

“ENOUGH!” My father yelled, which quieted us both.

“Tomorrow, after Lucian is done training, he can accompany you two ladies into town to have all your…lady things done.”

“Ugh!” Natalia groaned, “I don’t want to go.”

My father gave her a pointed look, “Fine, Lucian will accompany Aurora into town.”

I almost voiced that I hoped I could get appointments on such short notice, but kept quiet.

The Omegas were out to collect our plates from the first course and with all the commotion I had barely touched a thing.

I saw Natalia watch me for a moment and knew she was up to something.

“Sooo, what’s with all these fated mates suddenly pooping up?” She asked, giving me an odd look.

“Oh that’s rubbish, I highly doubt there is any truth to those stories.” My father stated as he picked up his wine glass.

“With all due respect, Alpha, my sources say there is much truth in these rumors,” Our Gamma Lucas said.

“Wow!” Natalia said, then looked at me. “What happens if you find your mate Aurora, I mean you are already head over heels for the dweeb you have not yet met.”

I realized I sat with my mouth open before I thought to speak, “You should watch your mouth, talking about the future Alpha like that. If you could only be so lucky,” I said in defense.

She rolled her eyes at me again.

“I have had enough, no more bickering or there will be consequences.” My father said, looking at both of us.

I started eating, I figured I better eat before they take this dish away too.

“Surely, if Aurora finds her true mate, she would not be expected to go through with the arrangement with the DePonts.” Lucian said before putting a big fork full in his mouth.

“That would not void the agreement, dear Lucian. Besides, the idea that all the younglings will start finding their mates is absurd.”

I gave Lucian a sideways glance. What the heck was he doing? I didn’t need him to start in too.

As soon as dinner was done, I excused myself to try and make appointments for my hair and nails.