I wake up the next morning feeling sick to my stomach knowing what I have to do. The banquet is in two days. I need to go find Carter.
I get out of bed and start getting ready. I take a long shower trying to delay the inevitable. I put on a pair of jeans and a black basic tee. I let my hair hang loose and allow it to air dry. I slip on my sneakers and take a deep breath as I open my bedroom door. I can do this I say to myself. I am strong and I will not let him take away my families happiness even if it means losing my own.
I walk to the pack house which is only about twenty minute walk from my home. Usually ranked wolves would live in the pack house but they can also live in a home by themselves if they choose which my mom and dad did. We still live fairly close that way if the Alpha needed my father he could be there in minutes.
I don’t come to the pack house to often except for pack meetings or special occasions. My brother would come with my dad when we were little to play with Carter and other boys while my dad worked.
The pack house is a mansion that sits right in the center of our territory. It an older building that looks like a castle. It has housed Alphas for centuries. They have added on to it over the years and renovated it since it’s been originally built. To me it always had a dark eerie feeling to it when you look at it from the outside. I always thought it was because of the dark exterior and the gargoyle statues that have eyes that seem to follow you. Now as I stand here I think maybe it’s because of the evil that dwells inside.
I walk inside and start looking for him. I’m hoping I don’t see any of my family here or they will wonder why I’m here. My dad and brother are probably in their office. My mom is also here somewhere helping get things ready for the banquet on Saturday.
I go to the living room and see some of the younger wolves hanging out. They have a large tv hung up on the wall that someone put a movie on. On the other side of the room there are three pool table where some are playing. That’s where I spot Carter talking to Ian and two other guys. He notices me right away but continues talking. I don’t want to go over there to him in front of everyone. I look to my left and start walking down the hall. I look back once more at him hoping he will get the hint to follow.
I open the door to a room that they use for a library/ study area. It’s a huge room lined with shelves filled with books. There is a fireplace along the front wall with a couple couches and chairs sitting in front of it. Along the walls they have tables and chairs for those that want to do school work in here. Since school is out for the summer I don’t think anyone will be coming in, but just in case I head towards the back behind the bookshelves.
I run my finger along the spines of the books. I’ve always loved reading. It was always my way to escape, to fantasize of another world. A world where I find my other half. One who protects me, loves me, and is my best friend. I always dreamed of having that kind of love someday. The bond of two people who can’t live without each other. Now I am faced with reality that fairytales aren’t real life.
Just as I’m about to leave rethinking my decision, I hear the door close and I know it’s him.
“ Nova?” I hear him calling.
“I’m back here” He then comes into view walking down the aisle towards me.
“ So I’m assuming you have made your decision” he says stepping closer to me. I take a step back. “ Yes, I have. I have decided to accept being your mate.” He smiles at me. I see the victory in his eyes. “ Good girl, I knew you would make the right choice”. He reaches out and runs his hand along my arm. I flinch at the contact and pull my arm back. “ I don’t want anyone to know yet though. I want to tell my family first.”
“ You will have to do it soon. After the banquet I expect you to move into the pack house with me. I will need to let everyone know that I have found the next Luna.”
“ Ok. I will do it soon.” He runs his knuckles along my cheek. I can see the heat in his eyes. I try to slow my breathing. I don’t want him to sense my nervousness. He leans in and tries to kiss me on the lips but I quickly turn my face away. I hear him chuckle and he takes a step back. “ Soon Nova. You are my mate so that means every part of you belongs to me.” He starts walking towards the door and I follow him.
“ Wait! I have one condition.” He pauses with his hand still on the doorknob. “ What is your condition?” He says not even looking at me.
“ I won’t let you mark me. I will fulfill all my duties as a mate and Luna but I won’t allow you to mark me.” I can see his jaw clenching. “ Fine. I will agree to it.. for now” and just like that he disappears out the door.
I sit down on one of the chairs to pull myself together before I leave plus I don’t want anyone seeing us leave together. Now I have to find a way to tell my family. Of course they will be happy for me, finally finding my mate. Even better it’s the future Alpha. Who wouldn’t be happy for their daughter. I just wish I could be happy with my decision.
I walk out the door and reach the living room. I see my brother and Carter talking. He looks over and spots me. “ Hey Nova, what are you doing here?” I glance quick at Carter quickly coming up with a lie. “ I was bored at home so I came to see if mom needed any help preparing for the banquet”. Trying to avoid looking at Carter to see his reaction.
“ Oh yeah I’m sure she does I saw her earlier in the banquet hall”.
“ Ok, I’ll go look for her. see you back at home” I take off quickly to look for my mom not giving them a second glance. It’s not a complete lie I’m sure she could use the extra help. I eventually find my mom and stay helping out the rest of the day. To be honest I didn’t mind helping, it helped me keep my mind off of my problems.