Mated For Life (Book 1 of the Mates Series)

Chapter Two

Aaliyah

We pull up to Alpha Shor’s pack house. It was moderately big, similar to the pack house we have back home. We are here to make a treaty with the Blood Moon pack. It is very important that this treaty works. Without Egan knowing there is a wedding in the works to join our two packs. He is 2 years older than me and has not found his mate yet that I know of. His father proposed that we make the treaty stronger by having us wed unless we find our mates. I was really nervous about the meeting, and seeing Egan again. The car finally stops in front of the pack house. Our warriors step out and open the door for me and my family. My father gets out first as they announce them. Then my mother, and finally me. The car door shuts behind me.

Egan was announced as I watched the doors of the pack house open. His chestnut brown hair looked like silk. I want to run my hands through it. His muscular body hides under a black button up shirt and a clean dark grey blazer. He appears to be quite confident. He makes his way towards us, not really paying attention. When he is at the bottom of the steps, his parents are announced.

Alpha Shor is tall, and has dark black hair. He walks with confidence next to his mate. They make their way down the steps and greet my father. As he starts talking to my father, my lips part slightly thinking about how my life is going to be in a few days. I feel eyes on me, but I don’t particularly mind. I am used to getting attention. Guys gawk at me everywhere I go. I think what captivates them is my unusual eye color. Soon we were following Alpha Shor into his conference room.

The meeting went without a hitch and we were soon having dinner with the Blood Moon pack. All of a sudden Egan gets this weird look on his face. He looks toward his father and then calls three people to follow him. About 30 minutes later I hear a howl signaling his return. We all run outside to see what was going on. I see a silver wolf who is captivating me. I notice the blood in his fur and let out a scared gasp. I am not particularly scared of the wolf, but that he might be hurt. The wolf turns his head away from me with what looks like hurt in his eyes. He looks to Alpha Shor who gestured towards the trees. While he was shifting behind the tree, I make my way to the room I was given.

Soon after I get ready for bed, I find myself walking just down the hall to Egan’s room. I hesitate at his door for a few seconds then knock. After our conversation I head back to my room. When I lay down in my bed, I lay awake for a little while thinking about what will happen when I turn 18. I fell asleep soon after.

I woke up at 4 am. I sit up and look around the unfamiliar room. It had a small closet next to a dresser. I was laying on a twin mattress. I get up and walk to the door that leads to the bathroom. The bathroom was small, but big enough for a small vanity, shower, and toilet. I quickly use the bathroom and shower. After the shower, I towel dry my hair and body. I then went into the room I was staying in. I got dressed in a pair of basketball shorts, and a sports bra. I look at myself in the mirror and pull my hair up into a ponytail. I walk down to the dining room at around 4:25 am.

When I entered the dining room Egan was waiting for me. There were two plates piled high with food on the table. One in front of Egan, and the other beside him. I sit down next to him and we start to eat. Being this close to him allows me to catch his scent. His fine features make him look like a god. His short chestnut brown hair swept to the side, his muscular arms bulging under his short sleeved grey t-shirt. I could see faint scars line his arms. His shorts hung low. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. He had changed so much, and I pray to the moon goddess that I would not see him with another. He has been my closest friend since I was a little girl. Even though I hadn’t seen him in years, I still consider him to be my closest friend. It would be torture If he was paired with someone else. With only today being in between me and my mate, I am feeling anxious. 

We finish up breakfast, and then head out to the training fields. “Listen up,” Egan yells at his pack mates that are in the training field. “Today we are going to be joined by Aaliyah, Alpha Sarafian’s daughter. Now, we will start off by taking a 5 mile run.” Everyone was looking at me after Egan introduced me. I smile politely. Soon Egan starts our run. He was leading the run, with me close on his heels. He would speed up to try to get more distance between us, but to his surprise I was able to keep up. When we reach the 5 mile mark, we are running side by side. 

“Alright, now we will work on agility. Shift into your wolf form, and we will get started.” Egan instructs. Everyone split up and went behind trees to shift. 

I strip and shift into my large wolf. I shake out my white fur, the light blue streaks glinting in the sunlight that peaks through the trees. I walk out from behind the tree that I used for privacy. Everyone was sitting there waiting for Egan to come out. As soon as they see me their eyes widen. They start to bark and grumble. I bet they are mind-linking each other asking why I have such a large wolf. A few seconds later, what I assume was Egan’s wolf came waltzing out from behind a tree. When he heard what the others were mind-linking each other, his features grew dark and he let out a ferocious growl. Everyone stood completely still. Since I was not a part of the pack, I could not hear what the others, or Egan was saying. Egan’s second in command stayed in his human form so that he could tell me what the routine was, at Egan’s command I think. 

I look at Egan only to see his sea green eyes staring at me. Our eyes met, the world seemed to disappear for a moment until he c****d his silvery head slightly. “He wants to know if that is really you, Aaliyah.” His second in command says. I nod my head, my ears perked up. I seem to be a far bit larger than Egan’s wolf.

Aaliyah, do you feel that? My wolf Selene asks me.

What do you mean Selene? I asked her.

Nevermind, you will find out tomorrow. Especially since you will find your mate that day. Selene replies.

I growl in frustration. What did she mean by that? I shake my head, and look at those around me. They had all started their training.

“Aaliyah, are you ok?” Egan’s second asks. I nod my big wolfish head. “Ok, what we are doing is an obstacle course, the faster you do it, the better you can dodge attacks. After this we will be fighting each other. Obviously not to harm each other.” I nod letting him know that I understand what he said.

I walk towards where the other wolves were. With a nod from Egan, the wolves started to go through the obstacle course. I look at each obstacle, looking for the best way to get through it as fast as I could. One by one the wolves went through the obstacle Egan’s second kept track of the timing of each wolf. Soon it was my turn. 

I run as fast as I can, the poles that we are to go through first are easy. I weave in and out and was through them within a couple of seconds. Next there was a large 15 ft wall we were to jump, many of the other wolves could not make it over in one jump. A few feet before the wall I drop to my haunches and launch myself over the wall twisting my body so that my paws do not hit it. I land on my feet and push off towards the next obstacle. There were two paths in front of me. The easy one that most of the wolves took, and the more difficult one. Being how fast I have made my way through the beginning, I decide to take the more difficult path. Through the trees, down an embankment and over giant logs. Through a cave that had rocks jutting out every which way. I run faster, my ice blue eyes glowing in the darkened cave. I come across a large ravine that was too wide to jump across even with my large form, however there is a log that you could walk across. I slow down enough to safely make it across the log without slipping. I continue to follow the trail of the obstacle course. Weaving in and out of the trees, I finally make it through the obstacle. Egan’s second stops the stop watch and looks at the time. He gasps at what he sees. I look at him questioningly.

“Your time is… 2 minutes, 15 seconds. That is the fastest time we have ever seen on the more difficult track. Egan, will you try next?” His second asks him. Out of the corner of my eye I see Egan’s wolf nod its head. He then took off to go through the obstacle course. His body moving fluidly as he runs through the poles. He soon reaches the wall and easily makes his way over the walls. Then he disappears into the woods. We wait, and wait until we finally see him on the horizon. When he finally reaches us his second stops the watch and looks at the time. Egan makes his way to my side. “4 minutes and 30 seconds,” his second reads out. There was a growl form next to me where Egan stands. I lay down on the ground next to him trying to make his wolf feel better.

Normally for an Alpha to be to lay next to another Alpha is to show submission. This is not my intention. My wolf laying down is about half the height of Egan’s and has her ears up. So no submission, but being taller than him is to add insult to injury. I can tell he appreciates my gesture by the way he looks at me while I lay there. Soon he nuzzles my neck to let me know that he is okay and not mad at me. I slowly make my way to a standing position. Egan nods his head toward the trees as if to say that you should go shift. I nod in understanding and then lope behind the tree that I had used to shift previously. 

Before I could shift I hear the snap of a tree branch off to my right. I sniff at the air and the smell of a rogue fills my nose. My ears perk up and I snarl. The rogue walks out from behind a tree. I bark warning them and growl licking my lips menacingly. I hear someone come up behind me. I catch the scent of the wolf and know who it is instantly. Egan walks up and stands next to me with the others behind us. Selene is giddy and wants to tear them to shreds. I take one step forward. The rogue takes a step back, obviously scared. I then sit back on my haunches getting ready to pounce. The rogue turns tail and starts to run. I jump and land in front of him. A wolfish grin crosses my face as I let Selene and her aura take over. I could see the absolute terror in the rogue’s eyes as Selene grabs him by the throat snapping its neck instantly. She then proceeds to tear the rogue limb from limb. She then relinquishes control to me after she had her fill of destruction. Egan looks at me with sheer surprise.

“Aaliyah, we will protect you as you shift back.” Egan’s second says. I nod and walk behind the line of wolves to shift. Egan’s second was facing away along with everyone who was protecting me. I shift to human form and dress quickly. 

I walk up next to Egan and place a hand on his head letting him know I was done. He looks up at me with those sea green eyes. He nods and starts to walk with me right next to him. He escorts me to the main house. We get to my room and he nudges me toward it. I nod and walk into my room. As I shut the door, I see Egan walk down the hall toward his room. I take a shower, then I dress myself in a crop top and jeans. I walk down stairs and to the kitchen to get some food. It is around 12 now, and I am hungry. I make a few sandwiches before I sit down. I had made a few for Egan too. 

After eating my fill, I decide to take the sandwiches I made to Egan. I walk up the stairs and make my way to his room. As I reach his door, I knock. He soon comes out and opens the door. He is wearing shorts and his hair is wet. He probably just got out of the shower. Selene says lustfully. I roll my eyes internally. 

“I thought you might be hungry after this morning,” I say and present him with the sandwiches I had made.

“Thank you,” he says as he takes the plate from my hand.

“Any plans for the rest of the day?” I ask.

“Not really, would you like me to give you a tour of the pack territory?” He asks.

“That would be fantastic. I would appreciate that.” I enthusiastically reply.

We walk down the stairs and out of the pack house after he finished his food. We make our way through the pack territory chatting lightly. “Are you nervous about your birthday?” He asks when we walk by one of the many restaurants in the territory.

“A bit,” I reply honestly. 

“Oh? Why is that?” he asks.

“A lot of reasons. I will be Alpha of the Silver Moon pack and I will probably find my mate.” I reply. 

“I see. Is there someone in particular that you are hoping to be your mate?” he asks abruptly.

“What?” I ask back, shock marring my features. 

“I apologize,” he says and averts his eyes.

We continue walking in silence. We make our way to one of the restaurants around 6, so that we can eat. When we arrive at Restaurant Bouvier we are extremely hungry. We are seated in the back of the restaurant. I order chicken fettuccine alfredo, and Egan the ribollita. When our food arrives we eat in silence. We finish up, pay our bill, and walk back to the pack house. 

We arrive at the pack house at 7 o'clock. We walk into the living room and plop down on the couch. He flips through the channels looking for something to watch. I scoot closer to him and he doesn’t make a move to get away from me. He finally finds something he wants to watch and leans back. I lean my head on his shoulder and my eyes flutter closed. He did not make a move and just stayed how he was for my comfort. I fell asleep listening to his even breathing.

Swaying back and forth. That’s what I felt in my sleepy haze. My eyes flutter open slightly and I see Egan. He is carrying me up the stairs to my room. I snuggle into his chest as he carries me. I felt him adjust me and then the warmth was gone. I open my eyes and see his retreating figure. “Egan?” I say, getting his attention. “Stay with me.”

“Okay” is his reply as he makes his way to the bed I was in. I move over to make room for him. He climbs into the bed and I lay my head on his chest. I listen to his heart beat as it slowly lulls me back to sleep.

I awoke about 5 hours later. It’s about 8 in the morning and I stretch. Then the scent of Egan hit me. All I could do was drool as I smell sandalwood and bergamot. It was intoxicating. I could not get enough of it. Wait, does that mean? Selene, is he? I ask.

What do you mean Aaliyah? Are you asking if he is our mate? Selene asks in a snarky tone.

Yes Selene, is he our mate?

Go and find out Aaliyah.

Fine. I will. Ugh she is so frustrating. I go take a quick shower. Today is my 18th birthday. I am to find my mate today. I get dressed in a short black maxi dress. I put on some makeup and a pair of wedges. I make my way downstairs.

“Mom, dad? Where are you?” I call.

“In here dear,” Mom calls from the kitchen. I make my way to the kitchen and notice Egan’s scent is getting stronger. I scrunch my eyebrows together as confusion clouds my mind while I enter the kitchen. 

“Mate” Egan says as he lays eyes on me. I freeze. He makes his way towards me engulfs me in his arms. His lips meet mine and all I can feel is sparks. The sparks moved from my lips down and through my whole body. I shiver and make the kiss deeper. Someone clears their throat behind Egan. I pull away and blush a deep red.