Cursed Alpha mates

Welcome all, to Suntra

Clara, Lyric and Saddie had been bumbling around Clara's room for the last two hours. Because of their status, they were expected to be front line and centre at the introduction ball. Ryan, the Beta of the Suntra pack had already informed Tobias all was running smoothly. Attendees had started making their way to the community mansion, most likely having started to drink and celebrate. Despite the fun the night was supposed to hold, the three she wolves were almost pulling out their own hair. Every curl of hair and fold of the dresses needed to be perfect. Lyric's mouth is agape, eyes wide as she carefully applies Clara's lipstick. They'd agreed earlier they wouldn't mention James infront of Saddie but Lyric was itching to dig more at her best friends affairs.

Every time she was tempted to ask questions, Clara glares at her. The eyes telling her, do not dare. Lyric was inquisitive by nature, it was soul sucking to not ask for every little detail and update. Clara could practically see her chomping at the bit. "I'd say we're just about ready" Lyric steps away and checks out her final look in the full length mirror. She hums as she smooths her dress. Stress had been creeping up on Clara slowly. She hadn't forgotten the strange trip into town or whoever River had caught sight of in the woods. Clara had repeated to herself that she had to be on her best behaviour as a family member to the Alpha. Make a good impression as the eventual Suntra Luna. Most of all, to keep calm around her mate. There was no room for error and a long three nights are ahead of the packs.

Saddie takes her sister's hand and guides her to the bed. Worry ebbs at her eyes. "Our parents weren't sure how to approach this conversation. They also did a terrible job explaining this to me when I turned 18" Saddie rubs the back of her younger sister's hand, to comfort her self more than her sibling. "You don't have a mate yet, our parents also won't be able to watch you all night. Because of our position it means that a lot of male wolves are going to take interest. You've been to the event every year, I know. But this year is different. This first night isn't only to acquaint ourselves with old and new region members. It's also a courtship. A potential mate could be out there and if they aren't each one of those wolves is looking for the rare occasion to have some fun with other pack members. It can make some of them... feral, let's say" Clara's brows raise at her sister's words. It was unusual to hear her speak about such matters. "You'll receive quite a bit of attention tonight and I'll be on the side lines keeping an eye out for you if there's even a hint of trouble. Tomorrow night however, is a completely different game" Saddie rolls her lips in, uncomfortable explaining the next part.

The eldest exhales deeply. "The reason you'll be courted tonight is the intention to sleep with you tomorrow night in the midnight hunt. It's common a lot of male wolves gang up on female wolves if they've been popular. It's also common for unmated females to do the same to male wolves if there's been a large interest. It's primal. You need to not pay too much attention to anyone who tries to court you. Unless, you want something to happen tomorrow night" Saddie shifts uncomfortably, not wishing to linger on the thought of her little sister running off into the woods with a strange wolf. "There is one issue. If you and your wolf are in season, you aren't allowed to attend the midnight run. Unless you are mated. Seeing as you're not I have to ask, are you on your period or coming on?" Clara pulls a face at her sister.

"I don't see why you need to know that?" Saddie grabs her sister's shoulders.

"Because little sister do you want to carry a strange wolf's cub? Do you want to drive all the other male wolves into a frenzy, unable to control themselves around your scent?" Clara stammers, her face turning into a new shade of red. "Exactly little sister, no you don't want that" Saddie's grip tightens around her sister's hand, she can feel the sweat she can't help produce.

"No, I'm not on. I shouldn't be on for another week" Clara looks away embarrassed to be talking about such matters.

"You've not done anything that can induce too much stress either? It'll throw you and your wolf out of sync" It was Clara's turn to roll in her lips.

A lot had happened in the last few days, but Clara believed she was strong. She thought she'd handled all the recent obstacles well. "I'm fine Saddie, thank you for telling me though. If anything happens I'll tell you" Clara's stomach knots, things were already happening but didn't have the heart to tell her sister. Not yet, anyway. Lyric pretends she hasn't been listening in on the entire conversation, she didn't want her friend to feel anymore embarrassed that she already did. Unlike Saddie and Clara, she'd found her mate before the ball. Aston would protect her if her mark was not enough to ward off other young wolves. Lyric side eyes Clara, they both know she has a mate already though, this only further complicated the need to keep Clara and James' bond quiet. He would have to stick to her like glue if someone decides to pursue Clara Tomorrow. The glances exchanged between the two friends spoke a thousand words. They both knew trouble was ahead.

Saddie pulls, Clara up from the bed. "Now let's stop stalling and get ourselves to the ball!" Clara secretly envied her sister and friends. Both their mates had arrived to escort them to the ball. It was important for their first entrance to show others they were spoken for. This applied to all mated pairs, it was an unspoken rule. This made Clara miss James more, they couldn't walk in together or the wrong impression would be made. Even if it was true they were mates. Clara's metallic royal purple, floor length dress felt heavy and hot in the heat. She fluffs her hair, worried about her sweating ruining the style. Once they reach the doors to the mansion, they would have to part ways, Clara would have to walk alone. The knots in her tummy tightened again.

"River are we safe? I feel so uneasy" River swishes her thick tail her ears are pinned back.

'There are far too many scents here to focus. I worry about the lone wolf we saw in the woods. I haven't picked up his scent again. I also feel a little unwell. Perhaps it was selfish for me to ask for our shift. We need to conserve our energy' River's matching eyes gleam at Clara 'I also miss Hunter. Why must you insist we stay away?' Clara huffs at her wolf.

"Because we must for the time being River. As soon as all the festivities are over, James and I will announce our pairing. We have each other to look forward to for the rest of our lives" River isn't the slightest bit swayed by Clara's response, but if that is what she wishes, the both of them will have to find a way to cope in the mean time with their partners absence.

Gripping her dress, Clara watches as her friend and sister enter the doors with their mates. She takes each step carefully, it has been many moons since she last wore heels, the dress wasn't helping. The main entrance was completely transformed, Clara could hardly believe her eyes. She'd only ever seen the mansion like this twice before in her life. The first time Suntra held the ball, she was very young and spent the days playing with new cubs. Young cubs didn't attend the ball or other night time festivities. The second time she was picked on all night by her brother. Anything else from that night is long lost in her memories. Her mouth falls agape as she wades her way through the crowds. Spotting her family she approached the front.

Spreads of food had been laid on tables in separate rooms. The Alpha stood proudly at the landing of the grand staircase. "Welcome all, to Suntra" He raises his arms, a gesture of pride for his pack. Clara can't bear to lift her eyes to the crowd. Sweat formed on her lower back, why was it so hot inside she thought to herself. Hating the idea of being paraded, glided her eyes above the crowd, to anyone watching she looked welcoming.

'There are far too many eyes on us to count Clara, remember your sister's words. Pay attention to no one' Her heart rate increases at River's information. Too many eyes was uncomfortable news.

"It is the greatest of pleasures to see you all here in Suntra. Both old faces and new, it warms me to see such unity. This is why we hold these events. Discord was among our packs for so many decades. So much blood, so much death and too much loss. No more I say. For 18 years, we have all fought for peace. Here it is before your eyes, peace exists. I pray to the moon Goddess our peace continues to prosper for the rest of our days" Applause erupts from all attendees. The Alpha squeezes the shoulders of his Luna then pats the back of his only son.

"I would also like to announce that at the end of the three days of festivities, my Son will become the Alpha of Suntra. I invite you all to celebrate the momentous occasion!" Clara's head could not have snapped quicker to James. He looks just as shocked as she, his eyes meet her for the briefest of seconds. But Clara knows. This announcement complicates things further.

'Hunter isn't impressed at the announcement. He knows James has already decided to delay our union" River is beyond frustrated, this only agitates Clara more, she forces a smile and claps for her mate.

Tobias holds his hand up to quieten the noise of the room. "Now members of Teptoria, Black Oak, Nesta, White Crest and Prenotum. Enjoy!" The live orchestra begins to play, bands of people separating. James approaches Clara, ready to explain he had no idea of the news but pack members begin to surround him with their congratulations. She wolves wishing the alleged bachelor to pay them attention. Clara can't bear to look, both her and River are livid. The knots in her stomach tighten more, she has to remind her self not to stress, she can't afford to miss the event tomorrow.

Clara makes a beeline to the punch table, shoving a hand full of ice in her glass. Daring to rub one over her chest, she was too warm. "Mate" The low husky tones set Clara's bones rigid, one word had never turned her on as much. She spins around to face the voice's perpetrator. River pants, elated to be near her mate. The smell of dark honey is finally present.

"Mate" Clara can hardly whisper. River and her both know they already have a mate. How is this possible. The tall figure is pale, just as much as she is, his eyes matching her own. But his hair was crisp white. River already knows that this wolf, is Black Oak. Clara reaches towards her new mate involuntary, forgetting where she is. The mystery man shakes his index finger at her before grinning and casts a glance towards James.