3 | May I sit next to you?
1571 Words
Talia
I sat at the bar with Terra, Lesa and Darius and we enjoyed our drinks. We were at the after party of the Millennium Beta's and his mate's mating ceremony. They found each other about five months ago. A mating ceremony is basically what a wedding is to humans. Actually, we don't necessarily need this, as the marking and joining (special word for when mates first sleep with each other) already seals the whole thing. Still, many mates prefer to make it extra official with some kind of wedding. The grand ballroom in the Pack House of the Millennium Pack was beautifully decorated to celebrate this special day. Fancy decorated tables where guests enjoyed their food and a large dance floor, dimmed lights and music in the background gave it a club vibe.
"Hey guys, there you are," we heard a familiar voice behind us. Carissa was the only one of us who was also invited to the actual ceremony, which is why we only meet her now. I turned to her and noticed a tall, handsome guy standing by her side. He was well built, dark haired, and had a face like from a model magazine with beautiful chocolate brown eyes and a sexy three day beard. Still, he exuded something nerdy at the same time. Something that kind of reminded me of a male version of Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds. "May I introduce my mate Jeremy," Carissa said, dripping with pride.
"Jeremy, these are my friends Talia, Terra, Lesa and Darius," she added. Jeremy gave us a friendly smile.
"Nice to meet you all," he said, shaking hands with us all. Darius, excited to meet one of the leaders of the Millennium Pack, immediately engaged Jeremy in a conversation.
“They are such dorks. Let us leave them alone. Do you girls want to dance?" Carissa asked laughing as their conversation eventually drifted off to their favorite Marvel movies. We got on the dance floor. A fast song was playing and everyone was having fun dancing. A laughing couple caught my eye. Generally, the two of them stood out from the crowd as they look so good together. The man was tall with short black hair and lovely caramel skin. By his side was a beautiful, curvaceous woman with shoulder length brown hair. She was wearing a beautiful long red dress that was backless.
"Is that..." I began. "Yes, the couple of the day. Beta Zack and his mate Clare," Carissa said affectionately.
"Surely you also already met the Alpha and the Luna?" I asked her curiously?
"Yes, I have. The Alpha is very nice,” Carissa replied. However, the smile faded from her face.
“And the Luna?" I prompted. I didn't really know why I was so interested in this. I was never one to get involved with gossip. And for some reason, Bambi, my wolf, got restless.
“She's.. someone you have to get used to. I won't lie. I would have liked to see someone else by his side. A Luna must have a role model function. That doesn't really apply to Melissa. Many wonder how they became mates,” Carissa replied.
"So what's going on? You're not usually interested in stuff like that,” she asked. Before I could answer, an irresistible scent suddenly hit my nostrils. A mixture of coffee beans and dark chocolate. In the ballroom there was a raised pedestal on which a man with a microphone suddenly stepped. Oh, moon goddess. He was literally the most beautiful man I have ever seen. The scent came from him. He was very tall. About 6'3. He has jet black hair that looks so silky you want to run your hand through it and amber eyes. He wore a black tuxedo with a tie but something told me he usually has a more casual style. His muscles were clearly visible through his tuxedo, but he wasn't overly bulky.
"That's him. Alpha Noah,” Carissa said. She didn't have to mention that. His aura already gave it away.
Mate! Mate! my wolf Bambi called excitedly. I could see her tail wagging inwardly. Oh no. Please not. How could it be that the Millennium Alfa of all people is my mate. Didn't he already have a mate? A fated one. Not chosen.
Go to the mate, Bambi demanded.
"I will not do that. Calm down for now,” I snapped at her. As might be expected, there was no sign of Noah noticing his mate. The ring on my finger blocked the Mate Bond for him.
“Hello dear guests. I'm glad that so many of you showed up. Today is a special day. My best friend and loyal Beta finally found his mate five months ago. Today he and lovely Clare had their mating ceremony. I want to say again that I'm very happy for Zack that he's finally in good hands. I wish him and Clare all the luck in the world. Matching the occasion, we want to give something that other couples can also enjoy. Something for two to dance to. Let's get some romance going then," the Alpha announced solemnly. He smiled in Zack's and Clare's direction and moments later the party music stopped and beautiful violin playing to "can't help falling in love" started. Zack and Clare were the first to start dancing. Other couples followed their example. Alpha Noah left the pedestal and immediately a beautiful brunette clung to his arm. He smiled at her and wrapped an arm around her waist. They walked towards a table. At least the two don't want to dance to this song too, I thought dryly. Hot anger, jealousy, hurt and pain shot through me.
Why is this b***h touching our mate? Bambi asked, upset.
Do something! she promoted.
"I can't," I said.
"Talia, are you alright?" Terra asked me. She and Carissa both looked at me with concern. Carissa looked like she wanted to say something too, but Jeremy appeared and wanted to dance with her.
"OK. What's up?" asked Terra. I looked at the table where Noah sat with this woman.
Take off the damn ring and go to him! demanded Bambi. She tried to take control.
“My wolf is going crazy. I can hardly control her. I need some fresh air," I said before storming out of the ballroom and ran up a flight of stairs. I finally ripped open a glass door and landed on a balcony. I breathed in the fresh night air and admired the beautiful starry sky. Even if the stars were obviously not on my side. Was that Moon Goddess’s punishment for me because I didn't want to have a mate to this day? Finding out my mate already has a mate that she gave him? How is that even possible? How can anyone have two fated mates at the same time?
Take off the damn ring go to him. Maybe that'll clear up somehow when he can feel the mate bond to you, Bambi said urgently.
"I can't. I'm not even sure if he would even feel the mate bond since he already has a mate. What if he doesn't believe me? I couldn't take it being made out to be a liar," I said glumly.
"Talia?" I suddenly heard Terra's voice behind me.
"Hey, what's up?" she asked.
“The.. The Millennium Alpha. Noah Da'Neer. He.. He's my mate,” I stammered. "What?! But he..." she said, stunned.
“Already has a mate. I know,” I finished her sentence.
“That's exactly why my wolf is about to go nuts. I had to get out of there,” I said, still in disbelief at the whole situation.
“Okay, take a deep breath. How about you just take off the ring and see what happens. Maybe you'll find a solution somehow?" Suggested Terra.
"No. I just can't bring myself to do it. The whole thing is too complicated and dramatic for me. I don't even know if he would feel the mate bond. What if it's blocked not only by the ring but also because of his other mate? I think it's best if I just leave it at that,” I said.
"But..." Terra began.
"No. I just want to forget the whole thing. I'm going back to the party, have a drink and go home,” I said before exiting the balcony and storming back into the ballroom. Once there, my eyes found him immediately. Noah stood off to one side, conversing with a man who, if I am not mistaken, is the warlock Milo Gray. As if the Alpha sensed my gaze, he suddenly looked in my direction. Our eyes met and he seemed curious. For a moment it was like the world stood still. It was just him and me. But then I abruptly broke eye contact. A minute later I was sitting at the bar drinking a tequila. My thoughts were practically everywhere. I didn't want a mate anyway. Then why was it so hard for me to see him with someone else? After my drink I'm out of here. I'll do my best never to see him again.
"May I sit next to you?" I suddenly heard a husky, deep male voice behind me. I turned and saw him. Alpha Noah Da'Neer.
- Writer
