Resilience

Ch 2. Mating Ball

Evander as our new Beta was given a plus one to the Mating Ball held by the Royals. As my best friend and a graduation gift, he invited me to attend with him. I had never been to the Mating Ball before because I was raised by Omegas. The ball was geared towards higher ranking wolves to meet their mates as most Omegas would meet their mates within their Packs.

I was only one out of three Omegas older than 20 who did not have a mate in our Pack. This was additional ammunition for my bullies to taunt me. Ess also told me my mate would be someone stronger and not to let them get to me. She was ecstatic about me going to the ball and finally having a chance to meet higher ranking wolves from other Packs.

"Oh baby, I'm so excited for you! I just know you're going to finally meet your mate tonight. I bet he's an Alpha from another Pack!" Ess cooed.

"I don't care if he's an Omega, I just hope he accepts me as a latent."

"Of course he will! He was created just for you by the Mood Goddess. He will love you just as you are. And don't forget, even though you're latent, you are strong and powerful."

Ess brushes my hair and is putting it in an intricate half up half down hairstyle. She was as beautiful outside as she was inside. While she was elegant, delicate and beautiful, I was rough and a tomboy. I had spent so much time training to protect myself and Ess from David, I never bothered with makeup or clothes. But Ess said I needed to make an effort tonight, if not for my mate, at least for Evander. As his plus one, I had a responsibility not to embarrass him.

"You looks so beautiful!" Ess said with tears in her eyes after I got dressed in a gown she bought me as her graduation gift. It was a dark green, floor length gown with a deep v neck and a high slit, showing off my toned legs. I walked to the mirror to have a look.

"I can't wear this Ess! My boobs will fall out and you can see my v****a!"

"Nonsense! Its a Mating Ball and you need to catch your mate!" She giggled.

"I don't feel comfortable in this Ess..." I looked at myself in the mirror. I admit I looked good, but I didn't like showing off my body.

"Look baby, if you need to fight, the high slit will provide you easy access to use your legs without tearing your dress." Ess countered with a smirk. She knew that would convince me. I suppose the dress was revealing enough that it wasn't constricting. Before I could protest further, the door bell rang. "That must be Evander! Time to get your butt to the ball my child!" Ess said while dragging me to the door. She pulled it open and shoved me out directly into Evander's hard chest.

"Hey there! In a rush to get to the ball aren't we?" Evander teased as he looked into my eyes. Evander towered over me, him being 6'4 while I was no more than 5'6. He grabbed my arms and pulled back to get a look at me. I felt his eyes travel over my body and couldn't help but blush. Evander was a gorgeous man, tall, chiseled, dirty blonde hair and a strong jawline.

"I think Ess is more excited than me. Perhaps you should have invited her instead." I joked and he laughed.

"I just want Aella to meet her mate!" Ess responded with a huff and crossed arms. Evander stiffened with her mentioning my mate for a second before relaxing.

"Let's go Aella, everyone is waiting for us" Evander finally said while dropping his hands from my arms. I instantly missed the comfort and warmth they had provided.

"Are we going with the others? I thought we were going on our own..." I tried to cover the worry in my tone. Most of the other higher ranking wolves in our Pack hated me. They saw me as a disgrace and weak as latent and an orphaned Omega. I also wasn't born in the Pack, so I was always an outsider.

"Yes. We are all driving over together. Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you." Evander responded. He turned around walking towards his car, gesturing me to follow. I hesitantly got into his car. While I knew Evander would never let anyone lift a finger to me, he didn't understand the pain of their words. Actually worse than their words was the internal struggle I had with my wolf to keep her calm and not lash back. Sometimes I wondered if trying to keep her quiet and hidden was the reason we couldn't fully shift.

I pondered this as we drove over to our Pack house. I could already feel my wolf on edge knowing we were going to unknown territory meeting unknown wolves. I tried to calm her with the silly idea that maybe we would finally meet our mate. Evander pulled up to our Pack house and I saw several limos were waiting out front to take us to the Ball. He quickly jogged over to my door and helped me out like a true gentleman.

"Let's try to have some fun tonight yeah?" Evander said with a smirk on his face. Normally I would tease him reminding him I was the funny one, but I was too nervous in this revealing dress so I just nodded as he walked us over to he limos. I saw our Alpha Garrett with several of the other popular wolves, including Krista and Heather. Krista was Garrett's sister and Heather was the sister of our Delta (third in command). They were part of the wolves that had belittled me my whole life. I tightened my grip on Evander as we approached.

"Really Evander, you're bringing the Pack disgrace as your plus one" Krista spat out as she saw me approach. Krista did not inherit the Alpha blood like her brother, but she was still a dominant and a big b***h. I always knew she liked Evander even though he never returned her affections. I figured he was waiting for his true mate like me, plus he had a kind heart and I couldn't imagine him with anyone who wasn't as kind and generous as he was.

"Aella? Well don't you clean up nicely." Garrett spoke with lust in his eyes as looked me over.

Evander pulled me closer to him, but didn't dare speak against our Alpha. Garrett was not a nice person, but he was a decent Alpha. While he had allowed his sister and other to tease me, he hadn't participated himself.

"Thank you Alpha" I muttered. I didn't want to ride with any of these wolves other than Evander, but I wanted to keep it civil and didn't want to get Evander in any trouble.

"Yeah nice like a piece of trash wrapped in gold leaf" Heather giggle, wrapping her arms around Garrett.

"I dunno, I think all that training Aella does has paid off. Who knew you had such a hot little body." Harrison our Gamma spoke while also glazing me over. I felt uncomfortable and regretted wearing this dress.

"C'mon guys, we're running late. We should get going now. The drive is 4 hours away" Evander spoke in a commanding tone, breaking Harrison's stare.

"You're right. Let's go." Garrett said and gestured for us to get into the limo. We all piled in, the girls and some guys giving me the stink eye, while some of the unmated males were eyeing me over. The long car ride over was not much better, the girls were relentless with reminding everyone what a reject I was, how weak my wolf was the entire time. I spent the car ride over trying to control my wolf who wanted me to s***h all their throats. Evander held my hand the entire time to calm me. By the time we finally got to the Ball, I was frustrated and on edge.

"I think I need to get away for a bit Evander. Just get some air." I told him as we entered the castle. I couldn't even appreciate how stunning it was, I needed to relieve some of my pent up angry.

"Okay. Do you want me to join you?" He asked.

"No, that's okay. Go inside and I find you later." He looked disappointed with my response, but quickly recovered with a smile.

"Okay, but you owe me a dance later." He countered.

"I don't dance."

"I know. That's your punishment for ditching me so soon." He laughed and gave me a quick kiss on my temple and walking away before I could reply.

I left and walked down the corridor towards the balcony I noticed overlooking the gardens. I stood here a few minutes taking deep breathes and the scenery until I felt my wolf relax. I watched limo after limo arrive, with dominant and beautiful wolves filling the halls. Wolves from Packs all over the country were arriving, many I didn't know or recognize. Maybe I would meet my mate like Ess said, my heart filling with hope as I made my way back inside.

This time I took the time to appreciate the castle. Everything glitter and the hall was humming with excitement and expectations. I felt happy as I made my way into the grand hall to find Evander. I was so focused I didn't notice several unmated males checking me out as I walked around looking for my friendly giant. A hand quickly wrapped around my waist pulling me towards him. I knew instantly this was not Evander.