My Werewolf Mate is a Nerd

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The night of the party came around.  Jamie and I had gotten our hair done.  She had her blonde curls tamed, made wavy done in a half up do, while mine was all up in a styled loose braid chignon.  I put my dress and heels on then confidently made my way downstairs.

Aidan and Jamie were going to make a grand entrance.  Everyone in the Blood Moon pack was invited and the top pack members from Dark Moon would also be there.  That meant Zander would be at the party.  I was planning on avoiding him as much as possible.

My mom grabbed my hand and squeezed it.  “Isn’t this exciting?  So many people are here.” She stood back from me.  “Laney, you look so beautiful.  My babies are so grown up.”  She was tearing up. “Mom…don’t cry.  I’m not going anywhere for a while.  Plus, you still have Kyle.  It will be forever until he’s grown up” She wiped her eyes carefully so as to not mess up her make-up.  “I know, I can’t help but get emotional.  Soon your brother will be Alpha and Jamie will be Luna - well…I’m just so proud.” I gave her a half hug. 

Crystal came up just then to speak with us.  Smiled from ear to ear.  “Laney, you look lovely.  I love that dress on you!”  I thanked her as I looked past her to the crowd to see if I could spot Joey, but there were just too many people.  I couldn’t smell his scent either.  Scarlett whined.  ‘Is he here?’  ‘I’m not sure, I told her. Be patient.’

Crystal seemed to sense my curiosity. She put her hand on my arm, whispering “He will be here.  He was slow to get ready.” I gave her a weak simile.  Seems like an excuse to not really show up. 

Soon Dad stood at the bottom of the staircase making a speech about Aidan and how he will make a good Alpha, how he has found his Luna and she will be kind and strong.  Then he introduced them.  Jamie and Aidan looked so happy as they came down the stairs, their arms locked together.  Everyone clapped.  They kissed, then they performed the mating ceremony.  Jamie was radiant as Aidan exposed the place between her neck and shoulder where he would be marking her.  He bent forward, nipped at it first before sinking his teeth in.  Jamie’s face filled with ecstasy.  Then it was Aidan’s turn to be marked by Jamie.  After they had both been claimed, they kissed, everyone cheered. 

To be honest, I was extremely happy for my best friend and brother.  They deserved each other and would be happy.  I may have gotten a little teary myself, but I’d never admit that to anyone.   I was also thankful that I would never have to go through such an intimate moment in public.  That was reserved only for Alpha’s and their mates. 

I turned to get a glass of punch and ran right into Beta Trent.  “Oh!  I’m so sorry.”  I blushed and looked at the floor.  “Please, Laney.  No need for apologies.  I had just moved closer to get a good view.”  Was he flirting?  A good view of my brother or me?  Oh, my Goddess, I was so warm.  I was probably the color of a beet. I looked up as he winked giving me a sly smile.  Ok, nope…that was definitely flirting.  Oh, wow he was so hot looking in that suit with his big bulging muscular arms and…my eyes trailed down his body…ok, his arms weren’t the only thing bulging.  ‘Joey! Mate!  We HAVE A MATE!’ Scarlett yelled.  ‘I know, I know.  But he doesn’t want us.  This one does.’ I growled back.  ‘No! Stop!’ She snarled.  ‘Calm down, Scarlett.  I’m just looking.’ I said.

Trent leaned over whispering, “Come find me later when the dancing starts.” He walked to meet with my dad.  I smiled.  I guess this dress really did make a difference.  Now if I can only get Joey to see me in it.  I scanned the crowd again.  Nothing. 

Jamie came up to me.  “How does it look?”  she beamed while moving her hair away from her neck showing the mate mark. 

I smiled “You look amazing and so happy.”  We embraced.

“I really am.  I’ve never felt like this.  Your brother is so awesome, I can’t wait for tonight…”

“GROSS!”  I threw my hands over my ears.  “DON’T EVER give me details!”

“Sorry.”  She laughed. 

We talked for a few minutes and picked at the Hors D’oeuvres.  Drinks were flowing.  Everyone was laughing and having a good time.  But I, well I kept looking around smelling the air to see if I could pick up on a scent.  Nothing.

Soon dancing started.  My parents were out on the dance floor with Jamie and Aidan while her parents too.  It was so embarrassing for me to watch.  I stepped away when someone grabbed my elbow gently as I walked past. It was Trent again.  “Ready?”  He smiled.  I nodded.

 Just then Zander appeared alongside me.  “Nope, she’s dancing with me. Isn’t that right, Laney?”  I stood there confused.  Where had Zander come from.  Zander grabbed my other arm, but firmly trying to pull me away from Trent.  “Listen here, Beta…You’d better leave her alone if you know what’s good for you.”  Zander snarled. 

Trent took a step forward.  “Don’t forget whose territory you’re on, Alpha. I’m just protecting my Alpha’s daughter.  I don’t think she wants to dance with you.”  I was moved aside by Trent and the 2 of them stood nose to nose. 

I was in shock, trying to protest, but neither of them was listening.  Just then I smelled it.  Cinnamon and oak leaves.  Joey was here somewhere.  I turned to look for him but couldn’t see him anywhere.  A crowd had formed around us, everyone was trying to see what was happening.  My Father and Aidan forced their way through pulling Trent and Zander apart.  Dad demanded they apologize to each other.  I am not sure if they did, because I was pushing my way away from those 2 meat heads.  I had to find Joey. 

I finally made it past the crowd and saw Joey walking out the door.  I ran after him.  “Joey!  Wait, PLEASE!”  Joey stopped on the porch steps then turned towards me. “Why are you leaving?”  I said as it came out like a plea. 

“I think me coming here was a mistake.”  There was almost the look of hurt in his eyes.  He was in a black suit that was hanging off him as it was too big.  His hair was tousled, but I still thought he looked perfect.  All I wanted to do was to be with him. 

“Can you please talk to me?” I asked sounding sadder than I had intended.  I stepped toward him holding onto the railing, expecting him to run.  He kept his head half tilting down, like he was afraid to look directly at me.  I inched closer to him.  I heard him inhale sharply as I came close.  “Why was it a mistake?”  I said in a hushed tone.

“It just was.  I…I can’t…”  he trailed off and for a second, I thought I saw fear forming in his eyes. I was standing so close to him now, one step above him, but we were even in height this way.  He looked up at me.  Nothing was said, I was lost in those brilliant turquoise eyes. There was silence between us, but I could hear Taylor Swift’s “Lover” playing in the background. 

“And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you dear

Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?

Can I go where you go?”

Can we always be this close forever and ever?”

We both breathed in deeply.  Having him so near me was doing things to my body.  Each breath brought a deep longing and tingles enveloped me.  Fluttering in my stomach as a nervous excitement rushed forward.  I wondered and hoped he felt the same.  He closed his eyes then rested his forehead on mine.  I made a small gasp as our skin touched.   “You smell amazing.”  Is all he managed to say. 

A thousand things were running through my head.  Should I apologize for being stupid years ago?  Should I tell him he smells good too?  Should I try to kiss him?

He opened his eyes as reality snapped through them.  “I really need to go.” He whispered and pulled away from me.  This time, I didn’t stop him.  This was the most he’d ever given me, and I wouldn’t press for more.  He took a step down then turned back.  He reached up and caressed my cheek.  “You look gorgeous tonight.  No wonder you have men fighting over you.”  I blushed harder at that than I did at anything Trent had said.  “You saw that?” I whispered.  He nodded, then pulled his hand away, running off without looking back.

I stood on the steps, stupidly, tears in my eyes.  I didn’t know if it was because he had left me again so abruptly, or because for the 1st time, he had shown a real tenderness toward me.  Suddenly, I didn’t feel so hopeless.  There was something there.  Something growing within him for me. Perhaps it was because his 18th birthday was 2 weeks away, and he was beginning to sense our connection…Whatever it was, I didn’t care.  I had finally had the connection I needed.  An ounce of affection from my mate when I had been fearing total rejection. 

Slowly I sank down onto the step and just stared out into the darkness.

Man, this dress was a keeper. 

I don’t know how long I was there.  5 minutes or an hour?  I had literally lost track of time.  A voice startled me.  “Here you are.  Jamie has been looking for you.”

Aidan gave me a smile with a little nudge as he sat next to me.  “Earth to Laney!”

“What?” 

Aidan laughed.  “Uh, where were you?  You out here dreaming about all the men you have fighting over you or what?”

“Shut up…That wasn’t my fault.”  I said shaking my head. 

“I know it wasn’t…I’ll never tell you this again, but sometimes, us men can be really, really dumb.  We see a pretty girl and all logic goes out the window.  Uh, not that you’re pretty…but you’re not hideous tonight.”

“Gee, thanks.” I said rolling my eyes.

“Thankfully, neither of those 2 are your mates or there would have been bloodshed.” Aidan said.

“Well, my mate was here, and he didn’t seem to care that I was being fought over.  He just left. I’m not sure what that means.” I had come to the realization that maybe I didn’t matter that much to Joey after all.  I was so confused.  One minute I think we’re making progress then I think we aren’t.  Maybe I was the problem.

“Ahh, so Joey DID show up.”  Aidan chuckled.  “Good for him.”

“But he came in during the fight then immediately left.  I’m literally so confused.  He actually seemed like he liked me this time, but then he just takes off into the night.  Who does that?”

We sat there quietly.

“You know what…I’m going to talk to him for you.  You know…Do some guy talk.  Pick his brain. Maybe throw in some subliminal messages about how my sister doesn’t totally stink.  Things like that.”

I cracked a smile.  “Oh really.  I’d appreciate him knowing that I don’t stink.”

“Anything for my little sister.  Don’t get any ideas though, I’m just doing this to keep peace in the packs.  I can’t have my Beta and Allied Alpha fighting over you.” 

“So, noted.”  I said. 

Aidan jumped back up, bent slightly, then dusted off his pants. “Welp, duty calls.”  He ran back inside. 

I decided to follow suit. I got up, went back in, sneaking through the kitchen to avoid the party and went up to my room. 

I carefully took my dress off and hung it in my closet, changed into pajamas.  Then pulled my hair down and got ready for bed. 

I pulled my comforter up to my chin, staring at the ceiling.   Sounds of the party drifted upstairs to my room.  Muffled laughter and music.  A month ago, I would have been dying to be a part of that.  I would have been all over Trent.  But now I didn’t even care.  I’d trade the fun of a party in for a quiet night alone with my mate.  What I would give to be able to curl up on the couch and watch tv with him or lay next to him.  At this point, I’d probably die if he touched me again.  I couldn’t even let myself think about more than that. 

I was suddenly kicking myself for not trying to kiss him when I had the chance.  It felt like we had really made that mate connection earlier.  Those 5 or 10 minutes had been the happiest of my life. I replayed those moments over and over.