The Forgotten Mate

Lexi is suddenly woken up by an explosion in the distance. Her house shakes, and the family photos crash to the floor around her. Adrenaline pumping, Lexi rushes over to the broken picture frame, trying to pick up the photo covered by the pieces of glass. Hearing her father calling out her name, she rushes downstairs to the kitchen, finding the house filled with smoke and debris. Tripping over fallen furniture and splintered wood , the moonlight shining through a hole in the wall, Lexi calls out, "Dad? Where are you?" Silence responds. "Mom? Chase?" Her mother nor brother answers. Panic sets in. Goosebumps slowly cover her body, making her shiver. There are screams ringing in the night from her pack members. Lexi hears whistles, growing closer and closer. She is suddenly thrown across the room from another explosion. Dazed from hitting the nearby bookshelf, Lexi doesn't realize she has deep gash on her left arm. Blood flowing steadily, and she still cannot locate the rest of her family. Unsteady and dazed, she gets up and tries to walk forward. She instantly falls back down, clutching her arm, trying to keep conscious. A deep growl is heard from the kitchen. Lexi asks nervously, "Dad, is that you?" Emerging from the smoke is a wolf. Fur black as night, white teeth glistening in the moonlight and those eyes. Piercing green eyes staring back at her. The wolf comes closer. Stalking her like prey. Lexi looks for a weapon. Anything to fight off her attacker. Black dots dance around in her vision threatening to consume her. She knows that if she passes out, she will die. She finds a piece of wood. It's a leg of her dining room table. Holding that up with all her strength, her right arm shaking from the weight. She thrashes her weapon at the wolf hoping it will scare it away. She is crying, fearing for her life, confused as to where her family is and knowing that this is her fight. The wolf creeps foward unafraid of the wounded girl in front of it. Teeth snapping. Snarling and looking like it's ready to pounce. Lexi's vision blurs. The beast in front her is mere inches in front of her face. Lexi murmers something incoherent. A warm hand reaches out brushing the tears away. The darkness takes over but those green eyes remain. 17 years later... Lexi wakes up to her phone alarm. 5:15am. "s**t!" I'm late! How many times did I hit snooze? My alarm normally goes off at 4am. I hurriedly brush my hair. Attempting to detangle it before throwing it up in a high pony. Running around my room trying to get changed, smelling the clothes on the floor to find the cleanest ones. I really need to do laundry. Like STAT! Finding a old band tee, skinny jeans and her lucky combat boots, I'm out the door. Grandma Bird is in her station wagon waiting for Lexi. "Sorry, Grandma! I didn't mean to over sleep." Lexi says. I know Grandma doesn't like being late. Lexi has been having issues sleeping recently but Grandma hasn't gotten mad. In a 3 weeks, it'll be 17 years ago. The terrible night that landed Lexi an orphan and in her grandma's care. Over the years, Grandma has been patient with teaching her all about life and Lexi learned about the 5 rules to live by: 1. Arriving 15 minutes before schedule is on time. On time is late. 2. If you start a project, finish it. 3. Better is ask for permission than forgiveness. 4. Always have confidence in your self. 5. Trust the mate bond. It is always right. Personally I think the first 4 are absolutely essential to life. Where would any woman be without some rules in her life to live by? Who would've she become? But the last part. Trust the mate bond...thats not essential.."....and Mr. Wells said that there will be about 100 people in attendance. 23 packs total. We have a lot preparations to do." What the hell? I zoned out Grandma? Damn. " I'm sorry Grandma, what are they attending?" "Child, sometimes I worry about you. You get lost in your thoughts. I know this month is the toughest for you but hopefully the gala keeps you occupied." Grandma smiles when she says it but it doesn't reach her eyes. I know it's not the easiest time for her either. She lost her whole family besides me. She sighs and repeats, " The Peace Treaty Gala our pack, Red Canyon is hosting. It's something hosted annually at each of the pack house and this year we are hosting. We need everything to be perfect!" Grandma is a part of the Pack Counsel as the resident healer. She volunteered us to help with the Gala a few months back at a meeting. She thought it would help us stay busy during the month. Well, working at the Pack's art gallery has kept her busy over the years and she has learned the value in art. Art has become my life and soul. I breathe for it! The Gala is the perfect time to showcase my skills! "And it will be! I know that we will crush this and it'll be the best Gala any of the Packs have gone too!" confidently saying. I know that I am right! I love to craft and design. Grandma is a master planner. Together..unstoppable! As we head to the pack house, we discuss the plans on theme/decor, menu, and dress code. This isn't some casual thing. All the packs show up in their best dresses and suits. It's the time to pull out all the stops and sparkle. But I don't feel like sparkling..at least not today. I'm wishing she didn't sign me up as we pulled into the lot. " Regina! Lexi! Over here!" We both turn our heads to see Alpha Blake standing next to Beta James. Alpha Blake isn't like normal alphas. He's more laid back and informal. He gives off "Cali surfer boy" vibes but given where our pack is located, it's weird even after all these years. Alpha Blake is wearing a fitted button up shirt, loose dark washed jeans and boots paired with his salt and peppered tousled hair. On the other hand, Beta James is wearing a full suit and tie, dress shoes and slicked back hair. Total opposites but best friends. Ying to Yang. Light to dark. We walk over to where the men are standing by the entrance. "Good Morning Regina. Looks like someone slept in a little huh?" My face warms and runs rwads out of embarrassment. The pack know we don't like tardiness. Alpha and Beta chucked at the joke knowing they are just teasing. Grandma's eyes crinkle at the corner sin amusement. She's enjoying this. Rude! "Sorry Alpha Blake and Beta James. It will not happen again I promise." I'm not lying. It won't. "OH, I know! You both never are! Now let's go in and start this planning. Shall we?" Beta James says smiling. We walk into the main room. The back wall is covered with windows overlooking the tree line of the canyon and lake. It's a sight I will never tire from. The pack is built right on the edge of the canyon for this reason only. It's a view that will forever be engraved into your brain. "I think we should have the lights dimmed so the moonlight reflected off the lake brightens the room." Grandma says. She isn't wrong. It would be striking! Alpha and Beta nod in agreement, letting Grandma set the mood. "The nights colors will be our pack colors, red and silver but highlighted with white. Accents of wood throughout. It'll feel cozy and earthy. Lexi will help provide gallery pieces to auction off for part of our Savior Foundation. Everyone will receive information on the auction/foundation with their invitation. All proceeds will go to struggling packs to help anyway it can." "That's sounds amazing Regina." Alpha Blake says. "Lexi, will the piece be from the gallery or custom made for the event?" " As of right now, 3 artist have agreed to make a commissioned piece. 2 are going to donate their best selling canvas. 1 has yet to respond." "Great work so far. As always Lexi." "Thank you Alpha Blake" I really do appreciated that he see's my hard work. I know it's been almost 17 years but I still feel like I need to work to show my appreciation. His father could've refused me and I would have become a rogue. Alone. Forever. Rogues are wolves that have been exiled or lost their pack.They don't belong and will never feel like they do. Unless another pack accepts them. Even then... I shiver.I DO NOT want to feel that at all. "Are you submitting any work, Lexi?" Beta James asks with one of his eyebros c****d. I stammer for words. How did he know? "You create, Lexi? Why didnt I know this!" Alpha Blake asks. I nod my head hesitantly. I look at Grandma for support and her expression tells me everything. She planned this. She wants my work at the Gala. I resisted rolling my eyes as I am standing infront of my Alpha. I look between Alpha Blake and Beta James when Alpha Blake says. "Lexi, I expect to see a piece from you at the Gala". Shit!