The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 13

“Well,” I started, “If I meet my mate tonight, then yes, I’m sure Luke would be disappointed, and I know there would be a part of me that is also disappointed. But I’m also sure that he would be happy for me. It’s not like we are married or already love each other. This type of thing happens all the time, right?

Right?

I finished my shower and walked out of the bathroom to see my mother waiting for me, a grin apparent on her face.

“Don’t say anything,” I said to her. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Oh, why not? He’s a fine looking man and you’re a fine looking woman. And I know you were doing more out there than just saying goodbye.” She retorted.

“Fine, yes!” I said. “He’s beautiful, I really like him and he somehow likes me too. And yes, before you ask, we kissed and it was my first kiss and it was amazing. And now all I can think about is what if either or both of us find our mates tonight and then my mate will probably feel some type of way about me having a first kiss right before having met him.” I continued to ramble one, “But then Luke and I just met and if we do find mates tonight then what we had was some fun between consenting adults. It’s not like we love each other. So it will be fine if we meet mates. And then if we don’t meet our mates, I can leave with the Lycans instead of going to live with the humans and me and Luke can spend as much time as we want getting to know each other.”

“Wait, wait. Hold on. What did you say?” My mother interrupted. “You’re going to leave with the Lycans after the ball?”

“Um, well, yes. I asked them if they thought I would be welcomed in the Lycan Kingdom and I was told that there is a very good chance of that happening. Clay is the Beta to the King and best friend to the princes, so my chances of approval are good.” I said quickly.

My mother looked slightly stunned. “So you really don’t think you will shift tonight, then?”

I shook my head, “No, I don’t know how to explain it exactly, but I’ll try my best. It’s like Selene is comfortable at the moment. I don’t feel her restlessness and I only feel mild longing from her. I don’t feel any change in power or energy within myself.”

“I see,” said my mother. “I have to admit, it is a reasonable option. And if you’re taking a liking to Luke, then it does make sense. I’d also feel better knowing that my only child is safe and happy with the Lycans than alone and miserable with the humans.”

She walked up to me and gave me a long hug. I didn’t pull away. I stood there with her and held onto her for as long as she needed; as long I needed. After some time, she stepped back and I saw that her eyes were red and her cheeks were wet.

“Let’s get you ready for the ball, then. You’ve got people to impress.” She said, putting on a brave face.

I nodded and felt grateful for her support. Whether I wanted to admit it or not, she was my rock, even now, I felt comfortable given that my future seemed so uncertain.

She took my hand and led me to the small vanity in my bedroom. She motioned for me to sit and I did.

“Let’s make you shine tonight.” She said as she smiled at me through the mirror.

She began to gently comb through my damp hair. Her fingers worked with a kind of methodical grace as she untangled the knots in my hair with care. For a moment, it was like we were transported back in time to when I was a young girl. I would sit in this very spot as she combed my hair and braided my long curls for school. I closed my eyes and enjoyed her ruminations of my scalp.

“What are you thinking for your hair?” She asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Up, down, half-up, half-down?”

“Down, I think,“ I replied. “Something simple but elegant.”

She nodded. I watched her through the mirror as she pulled out various hair tools and accessories. “Simple and elegant it is. A few soft waves, I think, will suit you perfectly. You really don’t need much to stand out.”

I raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment. As she began to curl sections of my hair, I felt myself relax a bit. The tension and worry I felt earlier slowly eased its way out of my shoulders. For a while, we sat in comfortable silence, with only the soft hum of the curling iron and the occasional sizzle of hair to fill the air. Once she was finished curling my hair, she gently ran her fingers through it to loosen the curls into soft, natural waves. I looked at myself in the mirror and was slightly stunned. My hair was exactly how I wanted it: Simple yet elegant.

“Thanks, Mom. Thank you for everything.” I said as I turned to look at her.

She smiled warmly at me and said, “I’d do anything for you, Evelette. I love you.”

“I love you too, Mom.” I replied back.

I stood up and moved to the bed where the dress was laid out. It was a deep, midnight blue gown with delicate silver embellishments along the neckline and the bodice. The fabric was soft and flowed like water. I ran my fingers over the material and felt a sense of anticipation build in my chest. I grabbed the gown and started to dress. The sizing was perfect. The gown moved gracefully as I moved around and it created a soft sparkle. The neckline plunged to nearly my belly button and the shoulders were draped in a sheer material. The deep blue of the fabric brought out the color of my eyes and the silver detailing caught the light with every movement.

When I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn’t believe who I was looking at. The dress hugged my curves in all the right places and accentuated the strength that I worked so hard to build. I had a fair bit of muscle tone and that usually made me feel more masculine rather than feminine. But at this moment, I felt completely feminine and beautiful and confident. I could still see the muscles of my arms, but it didn’t detract from the dress, if anything, it enhanced it. My look gave me the impression of the strong flowing rivers that could take down full grown trees.

“I am definitely not going to fade into the background tonight.” I said.

“Good,” my mother said with a smile, “you deserve to stand out. Ok, go on and sit again, I need to do your make-up.”

I did what I was told as I said, “But nothing too heavy.”

“Of, course. You don’t need much of it anyway. Just a bit of rouge and some mascara and a nice subtle lip color.” She said matter of factly.

When she was done, I looked at myself in the tall mirror near my bed. With everything done, I was speechless.

“Wow,” I whispered, “I almost look…”

“Like a queen,” my mother finished for me. “You look beautiful,Evelette.”

I blushed, but didn’t reply. This day had started out pretty terribly, but it had quickly turned into one of my favorite days of my life and I had a feeling that the night would only bring more happiness.

As I continued to admire myself in the mirror, my mother left the room. She returned a few moments later with her small jewelry box. She set the box on my vanity and opened it up to take out a beautiful pair of silver earrings shaped like delicate crescent moons. They were simple and elegant. I felt a wave of emotion wash over me as she handed them to me.

“Your father gave them to me when we first met. I want you to have them.” She said with a sweet smile.

“Mom, I breathed, touched by the gesture, “are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” she said with a firm but warm voice. “I hadn’t worn them much because they were so special. But I always remembered to wear them when I felt I needed a bit of luck. And I’m sure they will do the same for you.”

I took the earrings and carefully put them on and felt a sense of connection to my family’s past as they dangled gently from my ears. They were light and comfortable and when I looked at my reflection, I felt an even greater surge of confidence. As I was admiring the earrings a bit more, I touched near my collar bone and gasped.