Enemy Mates

Chapter 1  Mate. My wolf Isla says and I can feel that she's right, our true fated mate is nearby. Mate. Isla says with more intensity. This is it! We are finally going to get our TRUE mate and he will save us!  The smell of oak and whiskey hits my nose and it’s the most intoxicating smell I’ve ever encountered. I’ve had a few drinks tonight but the slight buzz I have from the drinks can't compare to the lightheaded feeling I get every time I smell that scent. It’s wonderful. I can feel the pull to find him in my core. I frantically look up but nobody is nearby. And then I hear it:  “Mate.” The husky word was spoken right behind me and it sends shivers down my spine in the most amazing way. I can feel his sweet, warm breath on my exposed neck and I feel like I can’t move, like I am stunned by the electricity between us. I finally turn around to look at my fated mate, because I can’t wait another moment without seeing his face and my heart almost stops.  He can’t be my mate.    Two months earlier.    “I’m coming!” I yell to my brother from my room at the pack house. Goddess, I hated when I had to stay here. This place reminds me so much of my parents and it makes my heart ache. The pack house is beautiful and accommodating, there's no doubt about it, but I can’t wait to leave.  “Well Rose, we are going to be late!”  Logan yells back at me. Logan is my older brother and has been the Alpha of Blue Moon pack since our parents were murdered 9 years ago. He was forced to take up the role of Alpha a year earlier than he should have, when he was just 17 years old. He was ready to take the position of course, he was trained his whole life to be the future alpha of our pack but he never wanted to take the position the way he had to.  I take one last look at myself in the mirror. My long blonde hair falls down in waves and the dress I’m wearing is one of my looser fitting ones. Most dresses make me feel uncomfortable when I’m with the pack. She-wolves are super athletic from being trained their whole lives; Our wolves get plenty of exercise as well, which also keeps us fit. I have been training my whole life just like everyone else, probably harder since I am and Alphas daughter, but I have always had a bit of curves to me and that goes against traditional beauty standards in the wolf community. I touch up my mascara which really helps bring out my green eyes and slip the mascara tube into my purse.  As soon as I step through the door, I see Logan. He’s leaning against the wall looking like a goofy giant. He is 6’5 and his sandy blonde hair is a mess. The suit he picked out looks great against his tan skin. Everyone guesses that we are twins because of how similar we look, but Logan is 3 years older than I am and the best big brother I could have ever asked for.  “I don’t know what you do without me when I’m not here.” I say rolling my eyes as I reach up to fix his unruly hair.  “Gah!” he says pushing my hand away. “Rose, it’s fine. My hair is just like this. Blame it on being so close to the beach. The salt water just curls my hair right up!” he says with a shrug and a mischievous smile.  “It’s not fine!” I say stomping my foot. “We have to meet with the council! You know how they are.” I lecture him while giving him a pointed look. “Also, my hair is so straight that it took an hour just to get a wave in it so stop showing off.” I laugh and Logan shakes his head at me. He goes to take my arm when I notice someone missing.  “Where’s Kaela? Isn’t she coming too? Our lovely Luna should definitely be with us.” I ask craning my neck to look for my brothers' mate. “Honestly, I don’t know why you made me come at all. Kaela is more than able to speak with the council.”  “She’s not going to be joining us today. She isn’t feeling well.” Logan says and I swear I could have seen his mouth twitch to a small smile. He relaxes his face immediately and I see him look down to watch my reaction.  “That doesn’t make sense. Is it serious? Werewolves rarely get sick. Should I go check-” I stop mid-question when it hits me. I couldn’t understand why he asked me to come all the way to the pack house just for a meeting with the council. Normally, the Luna would accompany the Alpha for anything related to pack business. The Alpha and the Luna are a team, they need each other for support.  “Wait, wait, WAIT!” I stop and turn to him. “Is Kaela PREGNANT?!” I ask in the loudest whisper I can manage.  Logan smiles widely and I take that as a yes. “Oh. My. Goddess. I am going to be an aunt?” I ask in still in a whisper but barely containing my excitement. They have been trying to have pups since they found each other 6 years ago. Wolves rarely wait to have families, especially Alpha wolves. We wolves are very sensual beings, it's just in our blood.  “The pack doctor confirmed it last week. He said that is a very viable pregnancy this time. The pup is healthy and strong.” he said proudly, lifting his chin up.  “Last week?” I ask and I hit him on the shoulder hard. “You found out LAST WEEK and you haven't told me yet?” I yell, barely keeping my temper under control.  “Stop!” he says, shooing off my attempts to continue hitting him. He puts both of his hands on my shoulders, holding me in place. “We were going to ask you to come by and tell you in person this weekend, but then the council called this meeting. Kaela couldn’t wait to tell you, but I wanted it to be special. You’re like my best friend Rose, and I wanted to tell you to your face.” he says earnestly.   It warms my heart to know he thinks so highly of me when most others don’t. Wolves can find their mates as soon as they turn 18 years old. A lot of wolves DO find their mate at 18, if they’re lucky enough to find a mate within their own pack or school. If not, the council hosts an annual New Moon Ball where all the allied packs come together in hopes of finding their mate. It’s also super convenient for the packs to have an annual meeting regarding territories, treaties and other pack business.   I, however, have attended the New Moon Ball every year since I was 18 and still haven't found my mate. 5 years in a row, I have gotten all dressed up only to be disappointed. It doesn’t look good on a she-wolf to be unmated at 23. I’m beginning to think there’s something wrong with me.  “I’m so happy for you Lo.” I say with tears threating to fall from my eyes. And I am happy for him but I can’t pretend that I’m not a tiny bit jealous. I have always wanted pups of my own.   “Thanks Rose, I can’t explain how happy I am.  Now let’s get down to the conference room, Liam is waiting for us.”   “Wait, if your Beta is waiting for us then why would you need me to come with you? What am I missing here?” I ask, dumbfounded.  “Rose, the council specifically asked for you to be at the meeting.” he said quietly and I can see the concern in his eyes.  I swallow hard. This can’t be good.