Mate Camp

Nervousness is taking over my body. The wind is blowing cold and my bare arms are full of goosebumps. I am standing at the edge of the field watching a group of girls training. At the age of 17, members of our pack start attending the mate camp to prove their strength and maturity. But more importantly, once the training is completed and test passed, they are officially matured to be able to mate. Tomorrow is my 18th birthday and my turn for the test. What if I fail? What if I still won't find my mate?   "Hey Jessie!"  I hear someone calling me, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turn around to see our pack trainer Argon. He is ancient. He has trained the women and men of our pack since the beginning of time. Even my grand mother was trained by him, yet he doesn't look a day over 40. "Can you help set up the field for tomorrow?" He asked with a smile on his face as he approached me.  "Yes, no problem." I replied. I walked over to the supplies and started to carry the hoops over to the field. This was one of my favorite tasks in the training. We have to run towards the large hoops set on poles, jump and shift mid air into our wolf form, through 3 hoops and land on all fours. It was amazing! As I placed the hoops by the poles, I noticed some male pack members walk back to the pack house. They must be getting ready early for the celebration this evening, I thought to myself. Perhaps some of them will find their mate tonight since all pack members will be gathering. I sighed as I looked at the group of men disappearing into the distance. My Mate. I wonder who it will be. What if he is not even in this pack? My thoughts trailed off. An hour passed and the preparations for tomorrow's test were all set up on the field. I checked the clock on my phone and realized I didn't have much time left to get ready for tonight. I ran home and greeted my parents on the way to my room. There are moving boxes everywhere. It's common to move to the pack house after the mate camp is completed. I will miss my parents but I am also looking forward to having my own space. I pulled out a tight black skirt and matching sparkly top to wear tonight. That should be appropriate for a welcome back celebration.  A few months ago our Alpha's mate and Luna of the pack, passed away from an illness. She was human and not able to heal herself. Alpha Damon took some time to clear his mind and traveled to go see other packs in the country after her funeral. Tonight we are celebrating his return.  I quickly jumped in the shower. The hot water felt good on my cold skin. I debated what to do with my long black hair once I got out of the shower. I already packed the curling iron away so blow drying will just have to do. I put on some light makeup on my face. The mascara and slim eye liner always bring out my green eyes. I got dressed and looked at my reflection in the mirror. My cleavage is showing a lot in this top and I've decided to wear a necklace to finish the look. Satisfied with my appearance, I grabbed my sandals as I sprinted out of my room and down the stairs. My parents were already waiting by the door.  "I'm coming, I'm coming!" I said as my dad tapped his watch a little annoyed. Our house isn't far from the pack house so we decided to walk. Mentally, I thanked myself for wearing flats.  ''How was the training today honey?' My mom asked. "It was good." is all I said, hoping she wouldn't ask any more than that.  "Do you feel good about tomorrow?" My dad asked me. Sighing I looked up from the ground and said "Yes. I got this dad. Can we please talk about something else?"  My parents gave each other a look but luckily didn't say anything more.