Cursed Alpha mates

Annual peace party preparations

Crystal can't help but glare at her biological son and adopted daughter. If they were mates, surely they would have said something by now. it was highly celebrated when mates find one another. What was supposed to be an omelette and become scrambled eggs, frustration getting the better of the Luna. "Well?" Unable to help her self she glares between the two young adults. It's James who's brave enough to confront the Luna.

"Well what?" He locks his phone setting it to one side. The two new mates had to use up every ounce of strength to not touch each other under the table. This was new territory for both of them, and beyond complicated. The Luna shakes her head and focuses her self back on breakfast, not wanting to play games. If neither of them were going to be honest, then she had to assume her suspicions were wrong. That wasn't a bad thing, if anything it was a relief. It was hard enough explaining to her parents their choice to raise the orphaned cub, she couldn't imagine having to explain their two grandcubs were actually mates. The older generation had been the hardest to convince to follow through with the peace treaty. They'd lost so much over the fights between packs, they are generally grateful for the peace. But to remove years of deep seeded hatred is extremely difficult.

Clara bumps her knee against James' accidentally. His eyes widened, unable to get over the pleasure of her touch, he clears his throat involuntarily. Thankfully, Tobias walks in, already accompanied by some of the best fighting pack members. " Tobias, really? This early in the morning?" Without missing a beat he kisses his wife in the routinely manner.

"It's all systems go, with Clara's celebration tonight it only gives us a short time to get the final preparations in order" The Luna tutts at him. Tobias takes a seat next to his daughter. "Happy Birthday Clara" Beta Ryan Ruffles the Alpha daughter's hair.

"Thank you Ryan" He presents her with a small wrapped gift.

"It isn't much, but your 18th is important" Unwrapping the gift carefully, a sparkly baby pink glass broach flower gleams in the natural light. Clara smiles brightly, overwhelmed by Ryan's kindness. "It's beautiful"

"Hopefully it will match something you're wearing to the ceremony" Clara nods, noting her afternoon tea dress will fit the broach perfectly. James remains deathly quiet, he knows he can't show his annoyance. Ryan presenting his mate with a gift was simply a kind gesture, but he can't help but feel territorial over her. He shakes his head, telling his wolf to be quiet. He'd forgotten for a moment he was in the presence of his mother, although his actions were subtle it was more than enough for her to confirm her suspicions.

A sly smirk spreads up her face, he could swear for a split second he heard her say 'caught you' Before he can do anything or protest her line of thoughts her eyes are already back to the cooking. He notes to bring the matter up with her as soon as possible.

Lyric had spoiled Clara, there had been new bags, new clothes, an abundance of items Clara had mentioned in passing over the year she'd taken interest in. Lyric never forgot anything her best friend said, she was like a note pad of information. They'd finally sat down in a local café to share some flavoured shaved ice. With it being a community café they could speak freely about themselves. "So he really is your mate?!" Clara nods slowly, still dumbfounded her self. "Is that not a weird transition?" Lyric pokes at her ice not thinking about what she's saying and just voicing her thoughts. Clara half laughs, not humorously.

"I'm conflicted. As you know the bond of a mate is unbreakable, I know our status seems taboo, but we couldn't be mates if we really did share blood" Clara didn't ache as much as she did this morning, despite the healing abilities she possessed it still feels uncomfortable now.

"Yeah, but still. You go from adopted siblings to, well, mates. The dynamic is unheard of" Clara raises her eyebrows.

"You can say that again. It's not like I chose him!" Lyric's constant poking, was making Clara doubt herself. Maybe she would reject James, it did seem wrong after all. Instinctively River whimpers, displeased with the notion of rejection. " Well what am I supposed to do?" Lyric simply shrugs.

"That's not my place to advise you in I'm afraid"

As much as I'd had a pleasant afternoon celebrating my birthday with Lyric and then a number of other friends. I had to spend the evening making the last changes for the ceremony. This included, tidying up the community, giving talks on the younger cubs about etiquette, decorations in the streets. The introduction ball venue had already been decked out at the communal mansion. All the necessary items were ready to go for the afternoon tea but these weren't to be set out until early morning on the second day. The Luna and her eldest daughter had been tyrants, both perfectionists, everything had to be right. Most guests had arrived by now but they were to stay in their allocated areas until the ball. The only other territory pack members who arrived early that were allowed to roam were usually other high ranking members. Or those with special permission.

On the walk home, Clara's neck almost snapped in half as she picked up an irresistible smell, charcoaled wood and fresh cut grass. Her eyes searched frantically for the perpetrator of such a luxurious smell. River paces back and forth until she stops abruptly. ''Something isn't right' Remembering her mate is at home, what a ridiculous notion to think someone else could be her mate. 'I suggest we move back quickly home' Clara chuckles a little.

"You don't have to tell me twice" But only a short pace away from home, another smell spikes Clara's nose again. Her wolf becoming even more cautious, willing her to follow the scent of dark honey and vanilla but fearing for both their safety. 'Do you want us to shift, I can get us home quickly' Clara shakes her head.

"No, I fear we may lose control if you take over" River becomes insulted at Clara's comment. But both of them know she has a very valid point.

'Then hurry' The fast paced walk becomes a run.

Grateful to be home, Clara slams the door shut. Wild berries and pomegranate consuming her. she knows she's safe. Without thinking she runs into James' arms and holds him tight. His initial reaction is to push her off because they're not home alone but the mate bond is strong, he only wishes to comfort her. "What's wrong?" Angry someone may have upset her. Clara simply shakes her head. Even she doesn't know what to explain what has just happened. "Why don't you take a shower, you know the tradition, it's cake and presents time soon"

There was a reluctance from them both to let go. Clara could feel herself melting into his arms. Forgetting why she felt the need to run home. It's James who takes control and slowly pries himself free. Today was not the day he would face his father's wrath.