HER MATES

“Run child! Run faster and never stop!” “RUN!!!!” Crystal jumped out of the bed with a scream. her breath coming in ragged gasps, her heart pounding against her ribs. The horrible incident had now manifested into a nightmare, it kept occurring every time she tried to close her eyes. Unsure of where she was, her eyes adjusted to the dim light of the small room reality came crashing back. She had dreamed of him again, her father, Michael Nightwood. The once strong Alpha of the Nightwood tribe. His powerful presence always loomed large in her life. Even as it had been a while, after his death. She could still see him in her mind’s eye. The cold wind bites at her skin, providing goosebumps. Her fingers dug deeply into her skin. Image of her father's eyes that night flashes before her, the desperation that filled him when he ordered her senior sister Katherine to take her and her other sister away filled her head. Her heart ached as she remembered the look on his face when they parted. She wiped away the tears that had slipped down her cheeks. Every day without him was a deep struggle especially now that she was on her own. “I miss you, Father,” she whispered into the stillness. her eyes on the bright crescent moon playing along with the cloud. The sound of howling echoes around; slowly, she got up from bed and wobbled to the window. Her eyes blur from the nightmare, pushing aside her feelings She stared out the window and saw wolves running around the Streets. It was a custom in Silver Ville that every blue crescent moon, they rejoice and celebrate the Moon Goddess and also get bonded with their soulmates. Silver Ville is a home for Werewolves where they all are divided into seven tribes; every tribe has its Alpha. To be united they created a Council consisting of Elders from all the tribes. The seven Council members are the ones in charge of the tribes altogether. Micah. That name sent bolts down Crystal’s spine surging an undeniable anger. Micah was her father's best friend and she was one of the council members, Crystal remembers clearly. The look on her face when her father was on trial, Micah gave the order to wipe out her tribe. They killed almost everyone, leaving the children orphans and homeless. Crystal's head swung back, Memories filled her, Her mother, her maids, the tribe men, the happiness that flows around in every house. The Nightwood clan is the most peaceful and friendly of all the seven clans. Their generous character was established by Michael Nightwood the Alpha known around as the Old Alpha. But now everything is in the past, the island has been wiped out and abandoned. The three left bloodlines of the Nightwood clan were herself and her sisters Katherine and Eyis. But Crystal had not seen either of them for a long time. “Won't you go to bed Crystal? you know tomorrow is auction day,” Crystal heard a croaked voice say. She turned and her emerald eyes met with a pair of dim blue eyes. How could she forget what tomorrow is? She might be among the lucky ones to be bought by a good wolf. Or one of the unlucky ones to be bought by a beast. A sign escaped her throat, she wobbled her way back to her bed and sat, facing the pale girl in front of her. Crystal’s black thick hair was packed in a bun behind her, and her green eyes shine brighter than before. Sweat dripped off her well-perfect face she was filled with frustration and tiredness. “What would you do if you were chosen?” Her voice was tight. Her heart missed a beat as she thought of Asta being separated from her like her sisters. The girl pants and shifts closer to her. She places her hand around Crystal’s neck pulling her closer. “Listen, I will never leave you,” she assured, staring deeply into her eyes. Asta had always been with her ever since after her tribe's destruction. Just then, the door creaked open, and a beautiful girl came in dressed in an expensive white gown. Her beauty shimmers through the moonlight, and her black hair rhymes with the darkness. She is Gemina, their third member. Her face was painted in a beautiful way that shows the person who did the makeover was an expert. Crystal's eyes fell on her hands. She was holding two bags and she wore a sharp grin on her face. “Don’t tell me….” Asta drawled staring meanly at Gemina. “Common Asta, even if not for you think of Crystal, tomorrow now, either one of us or all will be sold away, and all our freedom will be lost forever,” Gemina said. Asta’s eyes fell on innocent Crystal who stared back at her. Crystal also wants to go to the ball, maybe her life could create a little spark before the auction tomorrow. “No, Crystal, we will only put ourselves in danger,” Asta explained while Gemina scoffed. “We might get lucky and be bonded with our mate,” Gemina said and walked to Crystal. “And if we are lucky, our mates could be rich we would not have to worry about being a slave again,” Gemina Lewiston is the only daughter of the richest man in the Nightwood clan. After all that was taken away from her, she refuses to accept the new life the Ariyon clan has put in front of her. She bent and took her hands. “You might find Him there.” “Gemina Lewiston!” Asta yelled. “What!” Gemina yelled back. “If you want to get into trouble do it yourself and leave us alone!” Asta snapped. “I was not talking to you, was I?” Gemina smirks at her question; she knows Asta would not let Crystal go alone with her. She has been so super protective of Crystal after the incident. So convincing Crystal is convincing Asta. “You might get to meet with Diego.” She finished her sentence. Crystal's eyes reveal different unreadable emotions. Gemina stared at her in high hope. “And maybe you can be lucky enough to get to talk to him,” she said convincingly and Crystal fell into a deep thought. Truly she would like to talk to Diego, she hasn't seen him since the last time he left her for his safety. She would like to ask him things, Why did he leave her? Why at that crucial time that she needed him the most? She could even get to tell him about how she feels about him. Let out her harbored feelings. “Maybe get bonded with him,” Gemina added. Crystal's eyes met with hers, “Is that possible?” She asked naively. “But of course!” Gemina answered. “That is a lie!” Asta said. “You would never know if you don't try,” Gemina fired back, shutting Asta up. “So?” “I will go,” Crystal said and Gemina jumped, clapping her hands together. “Alright, let us start with the dresses, then the makeovers; hurry up, ladies. Tonight will be everlasting!” Gemina boasted. * * * * Sneaking into the grand hall, Asta, Gemina, and Crystal exchange nervous glances. The opulent ballroom was buzzing with laughter, clinking glasses, and music that set a lively backdrop to the night. They weren't invited, but they had a mission, Crystal needed to be bonded with Diego tonight. “Are you sure about this? It's not too late to turn back now.” Asta whispered, her eyes darting around the room. Being the most cautious one her nerves were on alert But her loyalty to Crystal outweighed her reservations. Crystal nodded, her determination firm, despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. Her body can't deny the fact that she still feels for him. “Yes,” she answered. Gemina, the bold one among them, squeezed Crystal's hand. “Let's find him and get this done.” The trio weaved through the crowd, their presence unnoticed amidst the grandeur. Gemina's eyes scanned the room searching for the familiar face. She sighted him among a peer of heavy-dressed breeds. “There he is!” She whispered. Crystal traced and saw him. There he was, the one she once trusted with her secrets and dreams. But now he looked like a stranger, her eyes fell on the person beside him. Her eyes dilated as she stared at the god-like figure. He was the most good-looking man she had ever seen. His icy ocean eyes seem like they will drown anyone he sets them on, he has a look that will always turn heads. His chiseled jawline made an addition to his perfectly arranged hair. Every feature on his face was in perfect harmony creating an almost ethereal visage. Crystal could tell he had women at his fingertips with the way many of them were gluing around him. She felt a pinch in her heart as she stared at them. “Who is that?” Asta asked, staring at him. “That is Lord Dew, Alpha of the Everest tribe,” Gemina answered, also captivated by his appearance. Crystal’s breath caught in her throat, her father was the only Alpha she had ever seen. “Oh, the first pack?” Asta asked. “Yes,” Gemina answered, still staring at the man. Crystal tries to break the awkward connection she felt with the man by looking away but her eyes fell on another extraordinary being, taking a sip from the flute in his hand. His perfection was on full display. His gray eyes were glowing luminously, and his brown hair fell wetly across his face. Framed by the thick, dark lashes that gave his eyes an intense, almost magnetic quality. “Who is that?” She asked, drawing Asta and Gemini’s attention from the other man. “Wow!” Asta exclaimed. Gemina swallowed nothing, “that is Flynn Sinon Alpha of the second tribe.” “Great Goddess, they are good to look at!” Asta commented. Gemina smiled, she had never seen her friends look alive like this for a long time. “I told you to step out sometimes to see good views.” She said, forming a thin line with her lips. Crystal turned to the first Alpha and was welcomed with his piercing gaze; quickly, she looked sideward but also met with the second Alpha’s calm, great eyes. She felt a magnetic pull in her, shaking herself off. She picked up her heels and ran off but could feel their eyes on her. The urge to run and pull them both into a hug beats her down but she tries hard to fight it. Trying to go far away from there to clear her head, she bumped into a hard chest and flipped back, almost falling, but a strong hand guarded her. The mighty firm hand on her waist surged more needs into her. “Am sorry… I was looking—” her words trailed off as she stared at the man holding her. His eyes were captivating, his jawline sharp and well-defined, adding a sense of strength to his otherwise boyish charm. Crystal's heart raced. A strange sensation spread through her body. The man's emerald eyes sank into her soul. She quickly pulled herself away but fell on the floor, and all attention turned to her. Panting, she grasped and grabbed her ears with both hands, her body vibration was authentic. She huddled herself, her pants increasing at a fast pace. Suddenly, her eyes turned all dark, and she let out a scream, looking up at the roof. Asta was about to move but was stopped by Gemina who had a grin on. “What!” Asta yelled at her. “It's the Mate-pull,” Gemina said. “What?” Asta asked in a different tone. “Our Crystal's life is about to change, Asta; who would she be bonded to?” They both stared at their friend who stared at the ceilings motionlessly with dark eyes. “Wait for it,” Gemina drawled. Suddenly, the first Alpha walked out of where he was and began walking to where she was. The second joined him as they both walked like they were being compelled, Their eyes were dark also. “What's happening?” Riva, a member of the first clan, asked with a frown as she watched the Alphas move to the girl. “She has two mates,” Rylan, the first clan’s Beta, answered with a mischievous grin playing at the corner of his lips. “Three!” Layla, another member, exclaimed, pointing at the third Alpha, who had already joined the rest. The three Alphas bent down and embraced her protectively, and the bond formed. A powerful surge of energy was created. A gloomy light shines amongst them and spreads around making the Audience protect their eyes.