Mate Camp

Chapter Two

We arrived at the pack house and made our way around the back to the lawn area and the clubhouse. We celebrate all our important events here because it can accommodate our entire pack and more. A lot of people were already here, anxious to welcome our Alpha. I scanned the crowd and found my best friend Jillian standing by the buffet table. She has naturally blond curls and looks like an angel in disguise. 

"See you guys later!" I called to my parents and made my way towards her. Growing up, people would call us the J.J's because we were inseparable. We would still be today but Jill found her mate earlier this year. Her mate Connor, is our Beta's Cousin. He is working security tonight. Jill described mating like you've been dreaming your whole life and finally woke up. Everything makes sense and you can finally see clearly. 

"Hey girl, there you are!" She said with a huge grin on her face. "About time you show up. I've been keeping an eye out and checking out unmated males for you. Do you have any idea who it might be? I hear some people can tell early. The ones with a strong wolf, you know." 

I rolled my eyes at her " No. I have no idea." I said as I looked around the crowd noticing a figure in the distance, with his back towards me. A shiver ran down my spine when I heard him laughing at something someone said. "Hey" Jill called to me, snapping her fingers. 

"Who are you staring at?" I blushed and looked at the ground. "Uhm.. no one." I replied. 

"Yeah right." She said laughing. 

We both grabbed something to drink and our conversation was interrupted by someone tapping the microphone. 

"Ehrm... excuse me everyone?" 

Jill and I turned around to the stage to see our Beta hold the microphone in his hand. 

"Don't mind a piece of that!" the person next to me said. I turned to see our friend Katie standing next to me.

"Hey Katie, how long have you been standing there?" I asked surprised. 

"A little while. I was enjoying my view." She said grinning and nodding her head towards the stage at our Beta. 

"Get in line. We are looking for signs to find Jessie's mate." Jill responded cheerfully. 

Katie is right though. Beta Anthony is quite handsome and loved by everyone. Our conversation was interrupted yet again by loud applause. I completely missed the introduction of our Alpha. He is already walking up on the stage, looking much happier than he did a few months ago.

Alpha Damon took the microphone. "Thank you everyone. It's good to be back." There were more cheers and applause. "I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to keep this pack going while I was gone." Alpha Damon clapped his hands together and gestured towards Beta Anthony. "A special thanks to my Beta who took over my duties and handled everything professionally." Alpha Damon continued -  "I have been to various packs all over the country and have seen and learned so much. We are fortunate to be one of the strongest packs out there, which brings me to my not so good news." Alpha Damon paused briefly. "As much as I enjoy being back, unfortunately my stay won't be very long. I've encountered a situation at a nearby pack that I would like to take care of immediately. I will be returning there the day after tomorrow and I am asking my Beta to join me." Gasps and murmurs spread around the large group. "Unfortunately," Alpha Damon continued " I can not say any more at this time, except that my father Alpha Wilson will be taking over my duties, until we return in a couple of weeks." A few cheers were heard from the crowd followed by laughter. "GO Alpha Wilson! WHOOP WHOOP!" an older man shouted. I recognized him as the former Beta. "Alright, that's settled then. As for tonight, please enjoy yourselves and thank you for celebrating my return although just brief." Alpha Damon finished his speech and walked off the stage together with Beta Anthony. 

"I wonder what's that about." Jill commented.

"I have no clue, but whatever it is, it must be important." I said stifling a yawn. 

"I see mate camp is wearing you out." Katie said to me. "How do you feel? are you nervous?'

"Besides everyone asking me the same questions, I feel okay. Honestly I am more nervous about not finding my mate after the completion." I told both my friends the truth. 

"Don't worry. I'm sure it won't take long until you find him." My best friend said with an encouraging smile. 

"I hope so." I said shrugging my shoulders.  

Music started playing louder and people started dancing. As we were watching the crowd having a good time Katie whispered in my direction. "Watch out. Cecilia is coming our way."