His Mute Mate

Chapter Eight

Ambers Pov

I can’t believe I let Willow talk me into going to the mate ball.  It was tomorrow and I still had a lot to do.  I was really hoping I wouldn’t find a second chance mate as I was nowhere near ready for one.  Honestly, I don’t know if I’ll ever want one.  I got my body scrubbed and pampered, which I will admit felt really nice.  I don’t know if I can remember a time my shoulders and back actually felt relaxed.  After that, I went home and spent time with my children.  I couldn’t believe I had so many at such a young age.  Seven children at the age of 21 was absolutely insane.  I don’t think I’ll ever want to have more children, even if I did find and accept a second-chance mate and I hope they will accept that.

The next morning, I woke up and began to get ready for the ball tonight.  I ate something light and went to my hair appointment, which somehow took three hours.  Afterwards, I went home and got everything together.  I had a beautiful pearl necklace and pearl earrings.  I went and did my makeup, which took a few more hours as I was taking my time and had to redo it a few times.  Afterwards, I put on a set of plain beige panties and bra as I wanted to be a bit comfy.  I grabbed my evening gown, which was just absolutely beautiful and breath-taking.  It was a floor-length evening gown made of velvet.  It was a very dark green that almost looked black.  It had hanging sleeves made of lace that were black and I felt it looked super pretty.  However, I think my favorite part of the dress was that it had pockets.  They blended in very well with the dress and just made me so happy, as I love dresses with pockets.  I had a pair of strappy black heels that went with the dress so beautifully.  Once I was done getting ready, I sat in the living room as I waited for my sister to come get me.

My sister mind linked me that she was here and I walked out to her car.  When I got in, we drove off to the ball.  I looked at my sister and she looked beautiful.  She had a long flowing evening gown.  The bodice was lace and the sleeves looked more like a cape.  The dress was a beautiful dark blue.  She wore really pretty silver strappy heels and had very little makeup.  Her hair was done in an elegant bun adorned with a few strands of what looked like diamonds.  I felt like she would stand out more than me, which was a good thing as that meant most people wouldn’t notice me and I could choose whether or not to go up to them.

Before long, we arrived at the ball and Willow helped me out of the car.  I walked behind her as we went in and pretty much stayed at her side.  I sat next to her when dinner was being served.  Afterwards, people began walking to the dance floor to dance and others were in groups talking.

“Amber, I think you should spend a little time on your own.  If you need me, mindlink me and I will come to your side at once.  However, you only do it if it’s an emergency like you are being harassed or someone is trying to come after you or if you just feel super unsafe”, Willow said to me.  I nodded and just walked around, mainly observing everyone else.  A part of me felt jealous that I didn’t get to experience something like this.  Being dressed up and made to feel beautiful looking forward to finding my mate.  I know you have to be eighteen to come to these balls as it’s expected for the women to leave their packs a few days later and go to leave with their mates.  Women have their stuff pre packed before coming here, so it takes very little time to pack and leave.  Even though I’m wearing a pretty dress and make-up, I feel like a fraud.  I’m not worthy of being here.  My parents were happy to send me away with that monster and never once tried to check up on me while I was there.  

While I walked around, no one else seemed to want to talk to me, which was both a relief but also hurt a little too.  I mean, even if they did, I can only sign right now and I doubt many people can sign anyway.  I wanted to leave but I promised Willow I would stay, plus it’s been awhile since I had a chance to dress up this nicely anyway.  I walked over to the drinks table and got myself some punch.  It tasted more like pink lemonade, which is absolutely delicious!  As I sipped my drink, I walked over to the sweets table and looked at all the delicious treats.  I grabbed a plate and began to grab a few things off the table.  I grabbed a piece of chocolate cake, some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, and a raspberry filled chocolate cupcake.  I sat down and just enjoyed my sweets.  It’s been such a long time since I’ve had anything this delicious.

I agree Amber

Ivory! I haven’t heard from you in forever.

I know and I apologize, I had to recover and it took longer than I thought.

It’s OK, I’m just glad you’re here.

So are we looking for our second chance mate?

No, I’m here to find possible friends.

Ah, well, I doubt we’ll be able to here as all the girls are focused on mates

I know, so I’m just enjoying the scenery.

It is really pretty, and these sweets are delicious.

Hence, why I’m eating them?

Amber, would you be open to a second chance mate?

Honestly, I don’t know. After what happened with Teival, I’m scared.

I know, and as much as I would like one, I won’t push you until you’ve healed

Do you think I’ll ever heal from the trauma?

Yes I do, but it may take a long time for that to happen.

Ivory, I feel lonely

I know, and I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to help you.

It’s OK, I don’t blame you.

Perhaps now that I’m here I can help you find your voice again.

Really?  Is that even possible?

Well, our muteness is from trauma, not an injury, so yes, we can

I’d like to be able to talk to people again.

Mate

What?

Before Ivory could respond, I smelled something truly mouthwatering.  It smelled like freshly squeezed pink lemonade.  It then hit me what Ivory was trying to tell me.  Our second chance mate is here.  f**k, I’m not ready for one.  I quickly got up and run trying to leave.

Willow, where are you?

Bathroom, are you OK

No, I need to talk to you

OK, meet me by the front door of the hall

I quickly ran towards the front doors of the hall.  When I saw Willow, I smelled pink lemonade and knew he was right behind me.  Willow looked at me and realized what was going on.  She ran to me and quickly got in front of me to put space between my second chance mate and I.  I was shaking out of fear and was absolutely terrified.