The Alpha's Calling

Katie's POV It was just after midnight, as she made her way to where she was stationed for the night. The wind has picked up, blowing in the storm from the southeast. Lightning flashing off in the distance only to be followed by a low rumble of thunder. Katie just turned 23. Normally within the pack, once you turn 18 you meet your wolf, but Katie had yet to meet hers. Feeling completely left out. Her Best friend Addie swears up and down that Katie will meet hers when she's ready. "I'm ready for her now.." Katie sighed. Seeing everyone within the pack connecting and finding their mates' and communicating within the bond, she wanted that. Katie wants that connection with someone. Kicking a rock, Katie continued along the territory line. Looking for recent foot/paw prints that looked fresh in anything out of the ordinary. Addie bounded up to her and nudged Katie. "Hey hun, why the long face?" Addie asked. Addie has been Katie's friend since they were in the 3rd grade. she had beautiful brown hair, light complexion and gorgeous blue eyes. Short but was definitely a fire cracker, and curvy. Katie smirked. "Nothing, just deep in thought." scanning the woods, she could tell the storm was drawing near. The air around them was growing stuffy and she could feel the sweat trickle along the back of her neck. "You're being relieved of your duties tonight, your dad and mom need to speak with you." Addie ran a hand through her hair and adjusted her glasses. "Then who is doing patrol tonight?" Katie stopped in her tracks. It's not often that she gets a night off of patrolling the border. "Dax? I do believe I'm just here to take you back, he should already be here.." Addie tilts her head to the side as if listening to something she can't see. "He's here, so let's head out." Addie motioned for Katie towards the winding trail that leads back to the pack house. Must be the mind link, that everyone shares within the pack. Katie thought inwardly. It definitely makes it easier to get the word out. That's why they sent Addie out here. Once the pack house finally came into view, lights glowing from the large floor to ceiling windows. The house was a massive barndominium, with a wrap around porch which had sitting areas and outdoor lights hanging from the supporting pillars. Addie walked up the stone steps and into the house. Katie's father Drake and mother Molly were sitting at the large kitchen counter discussing something in hushed tone. Drake glanced towards their direction as Katie and Addie walked up. "There's my girls." he smiled softly holding his arms out for a quick hug. Molly went back to talking to one of the packs omegas filling in a 'To Do' list "Ladies, please take a seat." Katie's Father motioned to the barstool stools. "We have some things to discuss." Dad leaned against the counter focusing on the both of them. Katie glanced at Addie curiously. "As you know, Katie hasn't gone through the awakening yet, some of the elders have discussed that it may be time for you to go to the Alpha's Ball this coming weekend." Katie's mother turned around and looked at her husband. "The Elders suggested this?" the look of surprise and confusion painted her face. "Some Alpha's that are unmated, can usually stir up another unmated wolf, there's a chance that if she finds a mate, he'll lead to Katie's awakening." Katie froze as she can feel the anxiety settle deep within her stomach. "I'm going to have to a ball that has unmated Alphas, and possibly find a mate that can wake up my wolf?!" Addie could sense the tension building up in Katie, she reached over and patted her arm gently. "It's no big deal. Had a cousin who went through this and it worked." she smiled reassuringly. The days leading up to that weekend was stressful. Katie's mom took her to the salon within the pack territory, to get her hair done, waxed, and pampered. Addie laughed walking out of the Salon. "If I didn't know, you looked uncomfortable the entire time." Her smile was infectious. Katie scoffed rolling her eyes. "The worse part of it all was the waxing..." Addie scrunched up her face. "Waxing huh? Like...all of it?" she stopped walking. Katie groaned and nodded. "Yes, ALL of it.." Addie shivered. "eeeehh, no thank you." they walked to the jeep and both climbed in, making their way back to the packhouse. Later that night, Katie laid in bed. Tossing and turning, her mind was constantly coming up with worse case scenarios and outcomes. It was enough to drive anyone up the wall. Tomorrow was the big day. After all the pampering today and picking out a dress, she was completely exhausted. She didn't want to have to go through all this. What happened if she didn't have a wolf at all, what happened if she'd never find a mate suited for her. Failing at the Alpha's Ball would be an embarrassing situation that she'd never be able to recover from. A gentle caress coated her anxious thoughts. which sent a chill down her spine. Her head felt light and her ears ringed. What's happening? Katie thought to herself. Hello, my dear. A soft whisper trickled through her thoughts. Did she make this up in her head or has she finally lost her mind?