Fated or Mated

Goddess Gifted Mates

Adrianna:

Frozen.

Frozen in place is what I am. Do I yell? Scream? Run? What do I do??... My mind is racing and I am lost in my thoughts, until...

"Arianna.... Look at me, please...." the husky voice begs. Slowly, I open my eyes, only to be met with the most mesmerizing blue eyes I have ever seen. They were as clear as the sky and deep as the ocean. I am left in a trance. I can feel my brain reeling trying to understand what is happening. He stands up straight, and seems to hover over me. He has to be atleast 6'2, his dirty blonde hair effortlessly combed back to perfection. He had a jaw line as sharp as a knife. Even through his fitted silver-grey suit, you can easily tell he is all muscle. He reaches out his hand to me and I accept. He then gently pulls me to my feet.

"Are you okay, Arianna?" He asks, almost in a whisper.

"Yes, it was just too loud inside, I needed a minute to breathe.... wait, how?...."

Before I can even ask the question burning in my mind he says, "Yes, I understand, balls were never my thing either."

I look up at him, searching for an answer. Suddenly, the faint sound of music reverberates off the lake.

"If you don't want to go back inside, may I humbly ask for this first dance out here?" His words make my heart melt, and soon I realize I am wrapped tightly in his arms, my head nestled gently into his firm chest, as I close my eyes and let him softly sway me to the music. I can not help to relax, he smells like fresh pine and cold morning air, crisp and refreshing. I don't know how long we stay like this but I was swore I heard him whisper "mate." I swore I felt it too. I never want to move from this perfect moment right here and now. "Hmmm?" is all I could manage to hum in response.

"Late. It's getting late, is what I said. We should probably get back." he states hastily.

"Ofcourse..." I pulled back from him awkwardly and smooth down my dress. I can feel the anxiety creeping back in slowly. I don't know what I am doing, I think I am just trying to stop my hands from wrapping back around him. It felt all too natural and right.

"But, how do you know my name? What's yours?" I glance up at him curiously. I swear I know him from somewhere. I just couldn't place him...

"Ummm.... Well...." he fumbles, "We are from the same pack, I've seen you around.... How could I not know your name?..... I'm Ashton..... A...."

Suddenly I wince in pain as a screaming mindlink comes through, Ashton must have been receiving it as well because his eyebrows furrow in serious thought.

"PACK: OUR NEIGHBORS TO THE WEST ARE UNDER ATTACK AS WE SPEAK!! IT IS BRUTAL! THEY CANNOT CONTROL IT ON THIER OWN. PLEASE, WOMEN, CHILDREN AND ELDERLY, FIND SHELTER NOW! ALL ABLE BODIED MEN, PLEASE FOLLOW THE TROOP TO THE WOODLINE AND PREPARE TO HELP OUR NEIGHBORS! NOW!"

I feel the blood drain from my face. I am shaking and scared. We have never faced an attack ourselves, but this is too close to home.

"I HAVE TO GO!" Ashton booms. "We have to get you home! You must be safe!" Quickly, he takes off his coat and wraps it around my shoulders. He then sweeps me off my feet and carried me bridal style up back up the hill. The scene is from pure chaos. Screaming, running, people, wolves, everywhere.

"It's okay, Adrianna. I promise, nothing will hurt you. I'm going to get you home."

A look of sheer determination comes over him as he runs with me all the way home. He sits me down on my porch, gently landing me to my feet and grabs my face, staring deep down in my weary eyes.

"Everything is okay Arianna. I promise." he says, rubbing his thumb gently across my cheek, "Get inside and lock the door, I have to go." Before I can react, he leans down and crashs his lips to mine. It is hard, deep and passionate, as if we would never meet again. I fell my lungs burn as the last bit of breath escapes me. The firey sparks between us feel like my body would explode if it continues.

Then, as quickly as it began, he is gone. All I see is a shadow of a wolf dive into the wood line, and it is over. My arms are wrapped around myself as I tighten to jacket around me. I turn and open the door. As soon as I step inside, my parents come running and hugging me. They speak words for what I can only imagine are relief for me being home. My brain couldn't compute anything at in this moment.

"How did you get here so quick?? We just got the announcement and was grabbing keys to come get you!" my mom shrieks.

"Ummmm.... A guy..... from the ball..... He carried me here before going to fight....."

"Oh Arianna! We are just glad you are home! Go upstairs to your room, we will stay down here to keep a look out for anything," my father states firmly.

"Okay," is all I can muster as I turn and start up the stairs. I close and lock my door, just incase. I quickly fall onto my bed and begin to pick out my hair pins mindlessly. Who was he?... Was he really my mate?... How did he know me?... How did he know where I lived?.... I have so many questions, and no answers, it seemed. I creep to the bathroom and return my dress to the hanger and change for bed. After washing my face I glance in the mirror. My full lips were slightly puffy from the passionate kiss he gave me. I run my fingers slowly over them as I close my eyes and remember the feeling, so whole and complete. I already want more. I think he is my one. My mate. I return to bed, too confused and exhausted from the evening. I turn off the overhead light and flick on my lamp. Rolling over I face the window and peer up at the now full silver moon hanging in the sky.

" Please, Moon goddess, keep him safe. He must return home, he must...." the last little bit was nothing more than a mutter as I drift off into the darkness of sleep.