The Strength of a Luna

Meeting My mate

Chapter 2

Arden POV*

Tonight’s the night! My wolf Fae cheered as I mentally saw her do a little dance in my head.

“It finally is. We get to meet our mate.” I agreed.

I can’t wait to meet them! I’ve loved our travels so much. But just imagine, we could travel anywhere with our other half. He will probably love travelling just as much as we do!

Fae was nearly pacing in excitement in the back of my head. Normally, she is very skeptical, but the prospect of meeting our mate had even her excited.

Even though I told Mom multiple times that she shouldn’t get her hopes up, I could feel in my bones that I would meet my mate tonight. Of course, I didn’t share that feeling with anyone. If I was wrong, it would be easy to brush off other’s condolences if they never knew that I was expecting to meet my other half.

Taking in my appearance in front of the mirror, I’ve never felt more beautiful… or girly. I usually avoided dressing up or doing more than making sure my hair was out of the way so I could focus on more important things, but since tonight was a special occasion, I went for it. Plus, mom would never let me hear the end of it if I didn’t put in the effort that she thought I needed to.

 My hair was perfectly curled into beautiful dark waves that were pulled and pinned over my left shoulder. Makeup has always made me uncomfortable, so all I had on was a subtle hint of eyeliner and mascara with lip gloss instead of lipstick. But the best part of everything, in my opinion at least, was my dress.

The dress that had called to me was a 50’s style tea length with off the shoulder sleeves. It was a bright emerald green color that popped out against the black hidden within the pleats. A wide black belt with silver buckle rested under my breasts and made me look as if I actually had more than a B-cup. The dress flared out under the belt in a full skirt that went down to a few inches past my knees. I finished off the look with black flats. Partly because I’ve always considered heels the worst invention ever, but mainly so I would still be able to defend myself if needed.

We’ve got this. Fae told me with so much confidence that I couldn’t argue.

“Yeah, we really do.” I took a deep breath and left to go find my mate.

***************

Walking into the Mating Party was surreal. Nearly all the of-age unmated wolves from the west coast were here. I had arrived early yet already I could see and hear people pairing off as they found their mates. Each time a couple would find each other, a small cheer would erupt from their friends, and then the pair would take off, leaving everyone behind.

I gently sniffed the air, hoping that Fae might be able to catch the scent of our mate somewhere nearby. I felt her sulk a bit when nothing caught her interest and tried to comfort her by saying that we were still early. Holding my head high, I made my way to the bar.

“Can I get a beer?” I asked the bartender before turning back to the slowly growing crowd.

**

Shortly after, on my fourth beer and after seeing several couple run off, I started to get worried. 

Of course, there was always a chance that I wouldn’t meet my mate tonight. I spent 3 years travelling abroad instead of trying to find him. But something in my gut said that tonight was the night. Even Fae had felt it and yet I’m sitting here doubting everything.

I stood up to go to the restroom and the world tilted a little bit. I didn’t realize how much the beer here would affect me. I had been so used to drinking human beer due to being in their world that I forgot how it felt to be drunk off of werewolf alcohol.

Making to it to restroom, I do my business and wash my hands. While I’m standing in front of the sink, I splash some cold water on my face to sober up all while making sure I don’t mess up my make-up. I take a minute and stand up straight, pulling my shoulders back and holding my head high. Breathing deep and trying to ground myself, Fae suddenly stirs.

We have to go out there! I smell someone!

**

I exit the restroom and am immediately hit with the most incredible smell that makes me dizzy in a completely different way. I let Fae lead the way through the room following the woodsy scent the has to belong to my mate. The closer I get to him, the stronger and clearer the scent. His smell makes me feel like I'm Fae running through the woods, total freedom, and it makes my heart soar.

Suddenly, I see a pair of black eyes, and the rest of the room falls away. The man standing in front of me is… for lack of better words… gorgeous. He is 6’3” with black hair that immediately has me wanting to run my fingers through it. He is wearing a charcoal tailored suit with a light blue button up underneath that shows off his muscled physique.

“MATE” he growls, and stalks towards me. He wraps me up in his muscled arms and leans down to bury his face in my neck while I wrap my arms around him. I feel him take a deep breath and nearly swoon at having him so close to me.

Oh my goddess. Arden, he is perfect. Fae says to me in a shaky whisper. It seems she is just as taken with him as I am.

For a moment, everything is perfect. I’m holding onto the most perfect specimen of a man that I’ve ever seen, and he is holding me as if I’m the most precious thing in the world. I feel him inhale my scent once more before he lifts his face and leans his mouth towards my marking spot.

My body stiffens, and I quickly pull away. I see hurt flash in his eyes, and he meets my gaze.

“I-I don’t even know your name.” I tell him as an excuse.

“Alpha Robert. You are my mate, so why pull away?” he replies while still glancing towards my neck.

I untangle myself from his arms and try to catch my breath. I have to break eye contact just to have a moment to think. He is an Alpha! How did this happen? And he wants to mark me right here! In front of strangers! My brain is in overdrive and so many thoughts are going through my head. Trying to calm myself down, I take a few steps back. Since I’m not looking at him, I don’t see him trying to close the distance again.

Arden! Why are you walking away from mate? Fae whines in my head. Never have I felt her so hopeful.

‘I just need a minute. He tried to mark us! Without asking or even knowing our name!’

Mate. Mark mate. Let him mark us.

‘Fae, get it together. Why am I the one with a clear head right now?’ I ask her frustratedly.

“Mate,” Alpha Robert interrupts mine and Fae’s discussion, and I see him still trying to get closer, “what is your name?”

“Arden.” I manage to whisper before once again meeting his gaze. His beautiful onyx eyes drawing me in.

“Arden.” He damn near purrs, and my knees go weak. I have to literally shake my head to get a hold of myself and my hormones.

“It is nice to meet you Alpha. My mom would like to meet my mate, and I’m sure you would like to leave this party now that we have met.” Keeping a short professional tone and avoiding eye contact seems to be the only way I will make it out of here without swooning at his feet.

It seems to work. He takes a step back and makes an effort to get a hold of himself. I take his offered hand, feeling the sparks where our skin meets. I let him lead me out of the building that the party was housed in and take a chance to peek up at him.  His eyes meet mine and I feel a blush spreads across my cheeks as we head out into the night.