I went out to the porch and stretched. Wow, even my stomach became bloated. Best way to work off energy is a short run. I jumped off the porch while shifting to my wolf. I walked by the pool admiring myself in the pool. Silver thick fur, lavender eyes and black tips on my ears, tail and paws. I was in love with my wolf and how beautiful she is. I shook out my fur and ran to the woods.
Running along the property line of the backyard, I lapped it 4 times before I felt like I had run just enough to not be worn out, but enough to feel like I had worked off a lot of those calories. It was just about noon when the warriors would be practicing. My mind drifted to know if Alexander was there practicing. I know he hurt me but I still had the urge to see him. He was my mate. I was his unwanted mate. What would my parents think if they knew. So many things ran through my mind. I just wanted to enjoy my party tonight, I hope he stays far away and keeps the necklace on so I don't smell him and go back into myself because of pain.
I decided to run back to the house. I advised Marie I was skipping lunch. I went to my father's office on the first floor and knocked on the large oak door.
"Come in." I hear him say. I walked into the office and he waved to the chairs in front of his desk. "How is my birthday girl doing today?"
"I am ok, feeling better than I did yesterday. I am just going to be honest with you. I want to know how to reject my mate without it hurting me. If that is possible." I tried to say as casually as I could.
"That is not an option dear daughter. To be a strong leader of this pack it is best if you do so once you have found your mate and had a few years together without the pressure of being in charge. Plus, You know how I feel about the Moon Goddess's blessing." He came around his desk and sat next to me. My dad was a large man. Standing 6'6 and built of muscle. We were a very fit family, sparring and training together almost every day. He took my hands in his, it made my hands look tiny. "Tell me what is going on Alina, so I can help you fix what it is or help you work through it."
"It's nothing dad, I was just thinking that if I found a mate, I would have to leave you and mom and go to their pack. Its been making me very sad to think of this." I started conjuring up a few tears so he would believe what I was saying. While this is part of why, I know that this is also guided by if the Alpha and Luna of the pack have more than one heir. And if they don't they will look at the Beta's heirs to see if there is a possible Alpha in the making.
"Knowing you as much as I do, I know there is more to it than that. We have talked a lot about mates. I know that you have watched many of the females move to their mates pack when they find them. But, you are the only heir. And while Beta Lucas has strong children. You have definitely worked hard to show your worth as the future Luna of this pack. When you are ready to provide me the whole story I will gladly sit down and help you through it. No matter who, no matter where. You come first for me, your my daughter." He leaned in and gave me a bear hug. I started shedding a few real tears this time. I didn't know how to openly tell him that I had found my mate and that it was none other than Alexander.
I just finished getting ready for the party. My party that is. My 21st birthday party. Some of the Gold Leaf Pack came to join and most of our pack was going to be there. I was excited to hang out with many of my friends and just enjoy the night. But looming in the back of mind was the fact that Alexander was going to be there. My mate, who didn't want me. I put the final touches on my makeup, which isn't much. I never wear a lot. I headed to my bedroom door. With a huge sigh I opened it and walked down. I stopped just outside my door and took a long smell of the air. Thankful I wasn't smelling his scent and that he was wearing the necklace, this would help keep my mind on the party.
When I reached the bottom, my parents were there speaking with Alpha George and Luna Rosemary. They all turned to me with wide eyes.
"Goodness Alina, you are simply stunning. And all grown up." Luna Rosemary pulled me in for a hug as she spoke.
"Thank you, Luna. It's a pleasure to have you here. How long will you be staying?" I wanted to know more for the fact that once they left, I knew Alexander would be not far behind them.
"Tomorrow night, but in a month our plan is to come stay for a full week. After the hustle and bustle is calmer at our pack." Alpha George said as he gave me a side hug.
"Wonderful! I hope you start visiting more often. I am going to go join the rest outside" I said and headed through the walkway to the back door.
The air was crisp. Autumn leaves were falling, and the trees still were full of multicolored leaves. The grass while still green was starting it descend for the winter months to come. I loved that my birthday was in October. It was still warm enough to wear a t-shirt and jeans but cool enough to really enjoy the outside. My wolf Kyleen was more of a winter girl. Neither of us a fan of the summer. I looked around at how they had decorated it. The pool was covered, and they had silver and black balloons all over the top of it. Silver and Black balloons were everywhere. White and Red roses were placed at each table and large bouquets at a photo area. I loved the way that it was setup. Off to the right the DJ was playing instrumental music. A way of letting the guests know it was time to mingle, but not yet time to dance. I did love to dance. I looked around for Alexander but did not see him.
My parents came out shortly after me with followed by Alexander's parents. My dad stopped at the went over to the DJ area where I noticed a small announcement style podium.
"Thank you all for coming to Alina's 21st birthday party. For all the help everyone provided for setup. Before we get started on enjoying the festivities let's all wish Miss Alina a happy birthday." He was very proud the way he spoke.
"Happy Birthday Alina." was heard loudly as everyone there screamed it at once.
"Thank you all!" I said without a mic.
The DJ changed up the music, letting us know it was time to party. My dad went over to the other parents, and they all started mingling and enjoying their time watching all of us. Edward tried to pull me to the dance floor, but I wasn't in the mood just yet. So I joined my other friends who danced in a group. I soon spotted Alexander in the back of the party. I am sure his parents wanted to know why he was hiding. At least hiding from me. He looks like he just got back from a run. I could feel his eyes smoldering me. I decided that now was a great time to dance.
"Let me in guys!" I hollered over the music. We were dancing in a group at the edge of the dance floor. Still feeling his eyes on me I decided it was time for pay back. Knowing that he could smell me and I couldn't him. I wanted to cause him the pain he caused me.
"Edward, dance with me." I told him. Edward was a great dancer, and someone I always danced with since he was not mated and knew that I was waiting on my mate. We normally danced normal, but I was determined to get Alexander jealous and angry. I put my arms around Edward's neck and put my body against his. He raised his eyebrows at me. Not use to my forwardness.
"Help me with something, Edward. Dance with me like I was your mate." I tried to be coy with him.
"Alina, you know I love you. But please don't get me killed." His choice of words had me curious.
"And who would kill you for dancing with the birthday girl?" I leaned my head on his shoulder.
"Potentially, that delicious man in the corner who has not taken his eyes off you since you walked out here." He moved us so that our faces were facing Alexander. We were doing good so far, had to keep it going.
"Why would he kill you. He isn't my mate. So, let's dance." I was able to get his body moving with that statement. He placed his hands on my hips and pulled them into him. Edward was a few inches taller than me, so I was able to put my face to his cheek. I wasn't one to dance close to another, my father had always made sure of my innocence, and always pushing for how important it is for both parties to be pure to each other.
I kept dancing with Edward. I turned to put my back against his chest and began circling my hips adding in a backwards motion to tease Edward. But really, I was glaring at Alexander. Our eyes were locked, and his eyes were dark. I was moving with Edward to the music and in provocative ways. I noticed a change to Alexanders eyes; they were now Emerald Green. These must be the color of his wolf. His wolf was trying to take over. His wolf must not be happy with how he turned down his mate. I didn't want to play his wolf side. Alphas and their heirs have very controlling wolves. I turned back to Edward and placed my hands around his neck and my head on his shoulder. He began rubbing my sides up and down. I could tell I was exciting him in ways I shouldn't be. But how would be deny the Alpha's daughter on her birthday. We started moving in a circle and I caught Alexander's eyes again. They were back to Sapphire and he was standing. He did not look happy, but if he wanted me, he would have to claim me.