Master of Her Own Destiny

Chapter 2

Aubrey POV

We have a couple of other packs coming to the party so I hurriedly get my swimsuit on, deciding that I would go with my pink and white two-piece. I threw on a pair of jean shorts and a baggy midriff top. As I tied my shoes, I ran out to see if I could help mom and Mrs. Crescent with the party and to check out the food, because I am starving.

I get downstairs and find mom in the kitchen with dad. “Hey, you two, whatcha doing?”

Mom is giggling while my dad is jerking his hands back from her waist, “Eww, not in the kitchen guys, we all eat here!” is all I can say while my mom is blushing and my dad looks like he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Mom and dad are in their late thirties and they have been married for sixteen years. But these two always act like they are newlyweds and they are always touching each other. It is never lude, but since I’m their kid, I get to give them grief about it all the same.

“You just don’t understand, she smells so amazing!” Dad says as he wraps his arms back around mom.

I love the way my parents are. They give me hope that the mate situation will be happy and they never like to be apart for long. “I know, and her cooking is almost as amazing as she is. But you are grossing me out, you all should get a room and get it out of your system before our guests get here.” As I rolled my eyes at the two of them.

“By the way, you know that the new Alpha of the Stone pack will be here, right?” mom asks, she seems to be thinking that there would be something of interest for me in that. “Oh, I didn’t realize Alpha Ben had retired!” Alpha Ben Stone was a really nice man. I didn’t realize he was ready to step down. He seemed to be about dad’s age and I did know that he had four sons, but I didn't realize how old they were.

Dad’s eyebrows raised during our conversation. “You know, I’m still in the room. Why are we talking about men?” Dad is super protective of me.

“Dad, we talk about the same things that you and the “boys” talk about. I am only interested in the other alphas that we are allied with so that I don’t make you look like a fool when I take my place as the Alpha.”

Our Zeta and his family walk in as dad is trying to discern if I am serious or not. As Steven came through the door, I ran over and hugged him. “Hey, buddy, let’s grab something to munch on and go watch tv until it’s time to greet everyone” I love hanging out with Steven. 

Dad and Kevin went to his office to discuss all the other packs that would be attending today. Mom and Emily were chatting in the kitchen about the plans for Steven and my party that was planned for the weekend. It was supposed to be a secret but with our wolf hearing, we could hear everything. Okay, so I was eavesdropping, Steven didn’t have a clue but it will be okay. I was excited because I was so sure that he is my mate and I will know for sure on Saturday. We spent an hour and a half watching tv, then it was time to greet our guests.

The first to arrive was the Alpha family of the Green Mountain Pack. Alpha Jerry and Luna Alice are really sweet. They have three children, Adam, Mandy, and Jack. They are really good kids. Adam is thirteen, Mandy is twelve and Jack is eleven. They were followed by the beta family, then the other members of their pack. Everyone is bringing food and Steven and I are showing them where to set up the dishes. We have an entire banquet hall set up for the food and it leads out to our Olympic-sized swimming pool. As we got everyone settled, the next pack arrived. As I am walking to the front door, I am caught by the most intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked bread and pine. I see Alpha Ben and Luna Amelia and behind them, their four sons. As he introduces them to me the smell is more intoxicating and finally I found the source. As I shake the hand of Alpha Ben’s oldest son, “And this is Heath, he just took his place as the new Alpha of our pack” As soon as our hands touch, Heath said only one word “Mate”

Steven smiled and so did Alpha Ben, but I was devastated. My father came up behind me and introduced himself and all Heath could do was continue to stare at me the whole time. I wanted to get out of the room. I excused myself and ran to my room. This can’t be right. Steven is my mate. But then why did I smell this man. I haven’t even turned 16 yet, I shouldn’t be smelling anything special about anyone, I am so confused.

I’m pulled from my thoughts by a knock on my door. It’s that smell again.