Awakening Fate

Chapter 8: Strangers

Emmeline’s POV

              The entire drive to the mall our SUV is followed by three others. I glance around feeling a bit unsure about all the extra protection, but no one else seems to mind. Once at the mall the warriors come with us into the mall. The Luna turns to us and gives us a stern look.

              “Girls the rule for the day is to stay within the mall limits at all times. Is this understood?” She asks looking mostly towards Lily who nods quickly.

              “Okay then, I will see you guys at the spot in three hours.” She says turning on the spot and walking off with a few female warriors.

              Lily takes out her phone checking the time. “I’m starving. Let’s eat first.” She starts to walk quickly towards the food court. I pick at a slice of pizza while Lily eats Chinese completely unphased by the warriors walking through the mall checking on us in a timed manner.

              “Lily, what is with the warriors?”

              “It’s a dad thing.” She says giving a small shrug. “There have been increased rogue attacks on smaller packs near our borders. So, I guess dad just wants to take extra precautions.”

              “That makes sense. He cares for you all.” I state giving her a small smile.

              Lily pushes away the food tray in front of her. “Let’s cut to it Emmy, what is going on between you and my brother?”

              “Nothing! Lewis is one of my best friends just like you.” I state laughing at her audacity.

              She grins at me with an almost evil glint in her eyes. “I am not talking about Lewis.” She states and takes a sip of her soda.

              All the blood drains from my face. “Again, nothing. He just spoke to me the other night that is all.”

              “Well, it seems he has taken an interest in you.” She says and leans forward so that she is inches away from my face. “I would dare say that he likes you.” She whispers loudly.

              “He does not!” I whisper back and place my hand over her mouth.

              She smiles under my hand and moves back in her chair. “Aw, my best friend and my brother. I will have you as a sister-in-law.” She giggles making me feel horrified.

              “Lily, I promise you that your brother has no interest in me.”

              “We will see!” She sings with a wide grin stretched across her face.

              After lunch Lily drags me into store after store. I find myself a few dresses along the way, but Lily finds herself out of luck. This has to be about the millionth dress that she is trying on. I wait outside of the dressing room hoping that this girl will find something that will make her happy. She emerges after about five minutes in a tight red mini dress that sits off of her shoulders. It accentuates her black hair and blue eyes nicely.

              “Lily, I like this one.” I state giving her a reassuring smile.

              “You’re just saying that so we can be done shopping.” Lily groans throwing her hands up in the air. “I hate how everything looks on me today. Why can’t I have a body like that?” She cries pointing towards a wall mounted poster showing off a model wearing a very little dress.

              “No one looks like that.”

              “Emmy, don’t even try to understand. Underneath all that you are hot!” Lily says exasperated. I roll my eyes making Lily scowl at me. She stomps back into the dressing room all in a huff. I can’t help but giggle at her and return to playing on my phone. My play time is short lived as more texts from Matt continue to flood my phone.  

              “Emmy, what did I do to make you so mad at me?” His text reads.

              “I’m not mad.”

              “Then why are you being so distant?” He texts back instantly. Clearly, he has his phone in front of his face waiting for my responses.

              I sigh as I start to text back. “Matt, I don’t want to get into this now. However, you need to understand that you are going to be finding your mate soon and that means I can’t rely on you anymore. I need to learn to be fine without you, mom or dad. I love you Matt, but please just give me space okay.”

              As I send the text, I feel tears start to form in my eyes making them burn. I watch three dots pop up and disappear as Matt must be debating on how to respond. What I said to him hurt, but I can’t take anymore of Kenzie, and I need space. I hate pulling away from my family, but it’s what I need in order to protect myself. I stare at the phone and watch as Matt chooses not to respond. A tear slowly falls down my cheek.

              “That is not how a beautiful girl should look while shopping.” A voice says drawing my attention away from my phone.

              I look up and see a man standing in front of me. He is smiling as he looks down at me. He is hot and has a great build. His hair is strawberry blonde, and he has green eyes. He has his hands shoved in his jeans as he looks down at me. I smile at his statement and blush slightly.

              “Aw I love when I can make a girl feel good.” My mouth opens in shock as it boldness. “I’m Matteo.” He says holding out his hand to shake mine.

              I grab his hand to shake it. “Emmeline.”

              He stiffens slightly and then gives me a smile. “That is a beautiful name.” He states and looks me up and down briefly. “Especially for a beautiful girl.”

              “You enjoy flattering others, don’t you?”

              “Only those who deserve it.” He shrugs giving me a boyish grin.

              He glances around the store and out into the mall as if he is looking for someone. “Why are you alone?”

              “I’m not, I’m with my friend. She is just being very picky.” I giggle a bit thinking about how ridiculous Lily is being. Matteo just nods.

              “I should get going, but I hope to see you around again sometime.” He says as he continues to stare out into the mall hall.

              “Yeah, it was nice to meet you.” I state trying to follow his gaze, but I see nothing.

              “See you soon Emmeline.” He states quickly before walking out into the mall.

              “Who was that?” Lily says coming out of the dressing room in a magenta fit and flare dress.

              “Just some guy I just met.” I state looking her up and down. “I really like this one.” I point to the dress.

              “Me too!” Lily says giving me a little twirl. “I’ll go change and then we should probably head back to find my mom.” She dashes off into the dressing room again.

              As we make our way through the mall, I notice there are many males walking around who I don’t recognize. Each one of them looks intimidating in build. I start to wonder if they are extra warriors.

              “Do you know them?” I ask Lily as we approach as small group.

              “Nope. They could be from another pack that sits nearby. I mean this is the best mall within a four-hour radius so many come from other packs to shop here.” She shrugs looking at the group. “It doesn’t hurt me to have more good-looking men around.” She giggles wiggling her eyebrows at me.

              We make it halfway through the mall when I spot Matteo walking towards me with a small female. She has dark brown eyes and caramel color skin. Her wild dark curls are pulled off of her face with a colorful scarf. As they come closer to us her eyes connect to mine.

              “It’s her, for sure.” She mutters to Matteo. I look at him confused, but he just looks away taking the female towards a different corridor.

              “Well, that was weird.” Lily states watching them walk away from us. “Maybe she thinks your competition.” Lily nudges me playfully.

              I turn to shake my head at her when suddenly the entire building starts to shake. Lily clutched onto my hand and looked around frantically trying to find her mother, but it’s too late. A large explosion fills the air along with dust and debris. The last thing I remember before everything goes dark is that we are under attack.