The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 14

“The necklace!” I exclaimed breathlessly.

“What?” My mother questioned.

I didn’t answer her, instead I rushed to the bathroom and found what I was looking for. The silver crescent moon necklace that Clay had given me earlier. I held the necklace up to my chest and my eyes started to tear unexpectedly. I was a perfect match. The thought of Clay brought a lump into my throat. I wonder how he is doing right now. I hope he’s alright. It was still such a conflicting feeling to feel jealousy over Rina and then excitement and anticipation over Luke while still having emotions for Clay. I shook my head to clear it and walked back to my room and decided I’ll have to think about all the confusing emotions another time.

I walked in to see a confused look on my mother’s face. “Can you put this on for me?” I asked her.

She nodded to me and held out her hand for the necklace.I gave it to her, turned around and held up my hair to help make it easier to connect the clasp.

“Clay gave this to me for my birthday earlier.” I explained, my voice breaking slightly.

“Clay?” My mother questioned.

“Yes, I mentioned him before. He’s another one of the Lycans. He’s the beta. Well, he gave this to me as a gift”

“Don’t tell me,” she started, “you’re going to have two men fighting over you tonight? My, my, Evelette, what have you been doing all day?”

“Just enjoying the day.” I said nonchalantly. “Besides, Clay found his mate right before Luke and I came for lunch. It’s Rina, Mom. Rina is his fated mate.”

My mother let out a low shudder. “Of all the people to be his mate…”

“Yup, exactly.” I responded, nodding my head.

My mother sighed and shook her head. “There’s nothing to be helped there.”

“I agree,” I said and then opened my closet to grab my heels. “By the way, when you see Dad, can you tell him I missed him here this afternoon and that I love him?”

“Oh, you might see him there on the way in. He was called into a meeting with the Alpha just before lunch and has been there since. I imagine he’s helping with security or something similar.” She said from behind me.

“That makes sense.” I replied, “In that case, did you want me to pass a message on to him?”

“No, honey, I could just mind link him if I want to chat.” She laughed at me when realization dawned. I facepalmed myself. “Duh, oh my Goddess. What is wrong with me?” I laughed at myself.

“It’s just the nerves, sweetie.” She said with a laugh.

After I found my shoes, I quickly slipped them on and started heading to the door. I turned around to face my mom and stepped closer to give her one last big hug.

She coughed, “Careful, Evelette, you’re a lot stronger than me.” I looked at her with chagrin but she smiled.

“Sorry, I always forget that.” I said sheepishly. “Anyway, I better get going. I’ll see you after the ball. I’m sure I’ll have a lot to tell you. But you don’t have to stay up waiting for me. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

My mother made a non-commital noise and waved her hand. “I’ll see you when I see you.” She said, then kissed me on the cheek. “Have fun.”

I left the house and made my way down the path that led to the pack house. The sky above was beginning to shift into hues of orange and pink as the sun set. This time of day was always my favorite because the light casted a warm glow over the pack lands that felt like magic. As I approached, I noticed several business trucks parked at the side of the house and dozens of workers scurrying about. There was still about thirty minutes before the ball officially started and I had to admit that I was the most nervous I had ever been before one of these.

I spotted a figure by the side entrance leaning casually against the wall. It was Luke. His tall frame was unmistakable, even from a distance. He looked up when he saw me approaching and his face broke into a warm smile that sent a flutter through my chest.

“There you are,” he said as he pushed off from the wall. “You look incredible, Evelette.”

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. “Thanks. You clean up nicely, yourself.” I said as I noted how his suit complemented his broad shoulders and how his blonde, shaggy hair was neatly combed back. This gave him a polished, yet rugged look.

He smiled at me and I saw his perfect single dimple appear, which made me smile in return. For a moment, we just stood there, taking in the sight of each other. I could see a mixture of admiration and something deeper in his eyes. That something made my heart skip a beat. But there was a hint of nervousness which made me feel that something was on his mind.

“Walk with me for a bit?” Luke asked as he reached his hand towards me.

“Sure, “I said as I grabbed his hand. He moved my hand to rest at the crook of his elbow and we started walking towards the back of the pack house.

Luke cleared his throat and his expression turned serious. “Evelette, I’ve been thinking…about tonight, about what happens after the ball.”

My breath hitched and I glanced at him, waiting for him to continue.

He took a deep breath. “I know you’ve been thinking about finding your mate. How could you not? That is what this ball is for, afterall. Honestly, I have been too. But…what if neither of us finds our mate tonight?”

Tilted my head and said, “What do you mean?”

Luke stopped walking and turned to face me fully. “What if…we chose each other?”

I blinked, trying to process his words. “You mean, as mates?”

“Of course that’s what he means, Evelette.” Selene said.

“Shush.”

“Yes,” he said, his eyes earnest. “Think about it, Evelette. If neither of us finds our fated mate, we could choose each other instead. You’re going to come with us to the Lycan Kingdom anyway, and I want you to come back…with me.”

I stared at him as my mind raced. Wasn’t I just thinking about this? Yes, it made sense. Chosen mates were a common alternative when people gave up on waiting for a fated one. And Luke…he was kind, funny, considerate, not to mention a great singer. I knew I already liked him and thought about this exact prospect, but somehow, I hadn’t let myself actually believe that he could be a part of my future.

“You’re serious?” I asked as I searched his eyes.

“Absolutely,” he replied as he took a step closer. “Look, I know it’s a lot to consider, but I like you, Evelette. More than I had expected. And I’d rather take a chance with you than spend my life wondering what could have been.”

His words hung in the air between us. I could feel the absolute sincerity from him. I could see it in the way his jaw was clenched as if he were preparing for a rejection.

“This is very surprising, but very-” I began, but Luke cut me off.

“I’m not saying I need an answer right now. And Goddess knows that if we go into this, it won’t be easy, but I’d rather start something real than wait for something that may never happen. And if we do find our fated mates in the future..after we’ve already begun to…love each other…then we will deal with it like adults.”

“Luke,” I began, “if I choose to leave with you, I would make you the promise of not leaving you. Ever. If I chose you, then you’d be stuck with me, regardless of who I met in the future.”

Luke’s eyes brightened at my words and I swore I heard his heart beating faster. “Really? I’d love to be stuck with you, Evelette. But please, take the night to think about it, yea? In the meantime, I’d love to occupy your night with a plethora of dances and good food.”

I beamed at his words and we continued to walk around to the back of the pack house. Part of me was still reeling from the idea, but another part felt an undeniable pull towards the possibility. When we got to the back of the pack house, the splendor of the night started to sink in. The back area of the pack house had been completely transformed. I couldn’t wait for the night to begin.