Fated or Mated

The New Moon Ball

Adrianna:

"Alright, mom. Let me get my things, and I'll be right down."

"Okay, Arianna. Be quick!" she states as she leaves and closes the door. I let out the breath I have been holding as I pack a few items in my clutch. "You got this, Arianna... It's just a dance. You're fine." I glance at myself one more time in the mirror as I smooth my hair and dress. I open the door and turn off the light.

"Please, Moon goddess, do not forsaken me tonight," I mentally plea.

Down the staircase, I proceed until my parents come into view. My father has my mother tucked under his arm and is staring up at me in awe.

"Arianna, my goddess, you are breathtaking." he says as he looks in astonishment. "Your mother spent all night altering her dress for you, and it is everything she dreamed it would be!" He quickly turns and gives my mother a kiss on the top of her head as he squeezes her close. He has doted on that woman as long as I can remember. He worships the ground she walks on. I can only dream I find someone like that.

"Quickly Arianna! It's almost time, and I want photos!" My mother squeals.

After a mini photo shoot for my mother, the time has come. It was time to go...

"Okay, Arianna. Tonight is a grand night! Enjoy yourself! I don't want to see headlights until after midnight! Do not sneak out early!" my mother exclaims.

"Mother, the dinner is at 8, I'm sure 4 hours of dancing is way too many, I'll probably be home before 10."

"Probably not, if you find your mate," my father said low, but not too low for us to hear it.

"Dad!" I yell, playfully slapping his arm. "I haven't sniffed a single smell, I doubt he is even in this pack!"

"That's because you haven't left the farm since turning 18 today, plus your wolf hasn't emerged yet. Just wait until the full moon. You may be surprised."

I gulp, my father, always the voice of reason. We all hug and say our goodbyes, and they practically push me to the car. I drive down the long gravel driveway and watch as they became smaller in the rearview with each passing second....

A few minutes later, I pull up to the event hall. It was massive, to say the least. It towers over me at three stories high, gigantic bay windows with balconies on every side, and a rose garden surrounding the whole place. It was a sight to see. I finally find a place to park near the back. I glance at the time. 7:45. I guess everyone else was early. I guess everyone else was glad to be here. I continue down the sidewalk with a hoard of people that scurry to the grand hall. It is all a blur of white glitter, sequins, and tulle from all the gowns. The theme was Silver Moon, so white and silver is to be expected, but it felt like all of this was burning my eyes.

I let out a sigh of relief when I manage to find a seat near the back of the hall. The big round table for 8 only has two other people seated, and they seem to be a couple lost in thier own conversation. A waiter quickly presents my dish and a glass of water since I do not care to drink wine. I pick at the plate mindlessly as I feel the knot in my stomach grow. I am so overwhelmed by the loud clamoring of silverware and talking. A group of girls nearest me giggle haphazardly while eyeing a group of guys standing in the doorway. Apparently, they are hoping one of the young wolves is their mate. Why did I have to come? Why? 8:30. Great. The commemoration speeches should start any minute, and then I can get some air.

"Mate...."

I hear the dreaded word, but it was more like a silent whisper. I glance around, hoping to find the source to be one of the girls around me.

"Our mate is here...."

Then reality hits me. It feels like all my breath had been taken from me. I gasp and take a sip of water from my feeble, shakey hand.

"Hello... are you my wolf?..." I thought to myself.

"Yes, Arianna. It is me, Mia...."

"Mia, I love that name...."

I am just getting to know my wolf as a booming voice comes over the speakers. It is Alpha.

"Hello, young wolves, and thank you for coming out tonight to the New Moon Ball! The dining hall is shining as bright as the full moon with all you beautiful men and women of our glorious pack! I hope everyone has enjoyed their meals provided. We will now open the ballroom. Please mingle amongst yourselves, and may the moon goddess bless you all tonight with finding your one true mate!"

The dining room roars with deafing applause as the Alpha bows and lifts his glass high above the crowd. Thankfully, everyone is rising to move to the ballroom now. I wait a minute for the others to file out. I want to go outside to get fresh air and speak with my wolf. I glance up and scan the people for a moment. My eyes fall upon one pelicular face. I spot a tall, muscular man standing towards the stage. He has the most piercing blue eyes, and it feels as if they hit me directly in my soul. I don't know what to do.... I am left frozen in his deep gaze....

Luck was on my side, for after what seemed like forever the gaggling group of girl next to me rise and saunter towards the ballroom. Our gaze is finally broken, and I quickly bolt out the rear entrance that leads to the rose bushes. I run until I reach a gazebo tucked away near the lake.

"Oh moon goddess, why?!

Why, oh, why did you do this to me...

I am not ready for this. Not now... Please...."

"Woah, Arianna, calm down...." My wolf whispers. "The moon goddess doesn't make mistakes. He is made for us, we were made for him.... We must find him.... Please Arianna.... He is our mate! We have found him!"

Suddenly, seemingly right on que, I hear the crackling of leaves softly behind me. I have a mix of butterflies and deep dread all at once. Maybe it's a dream, a very bad dream... A large, warm hand gently lands upon my shoulder.

"Arianna?....."