Our second chance encounter

Once upon a love

Flashback.

I WATCHED THE HEM OF MY SHORT RED DRESS to see my protruding black shoes on the fine translucent floor. My hair was brushed down my back with the help of my cousin, a strand left cascading across my right shoulder and over my right side breast.

It was almost midnight, and i still hadn't seen Aeris. I wasn't supposed to be out at night, I wasn't supposed to be at the White claw Alpha ball party but I just wanted to see him for the last time before I left White Claw to stay with my mother's sister for a while. My mother had discussed it with me, and she said the environment on the north side would help me master my shifting. And I'd agreed. Maybe I would meet my fated mate, I'd thought.

Standing there, clueless, I could see everyone dressed like the high class they were. I didn't belong. I should have listened to my mother and not snuck out. I should be packing my things right now.

I looked one last time to the front stage and still didn't see Aeris. All I could see were his older and younger brothers, Cooper and Theon, respectively.

Taking in a final breath, I moved away from my table and headed towards the back door. I didn't want to use the front entrance as it was filled with paparazzi and cameras flashing everywhere. I took the brick stairs at the back and hurried so I could make it out on time.

In the midst of hurrying, I bumped into someone.

A peculiar scent hit my nostrils. It was a sweet smell of fresh morning drew mixed with roses and strawberry ice. The scent was strong, invading my nostrils. I had no time to catch myself from falling as the scent had completely overtaken my sense of thinking. Before I could reach the ground, I felt strong arms circle my waist, bringing me back up, steadying me.

That smell......

I looked up to Aeris's wide eyes. He'd just caught me from falling after we bumped into each other. Why did he look so startled? All that scent emanating from him..... I felt my wolf kick inside me with excitement.

His scent. The way his eyes watched mine. I could almost see that thin line that represented a mate bond. And i knew right then...... He was... my fated mate.

I gasped in shock and pulled my body from his even though all I wanted at that moment was to melt into him and never leave.

"Are.....are you alright?" Aeris's voice spoke feelings to me that I prayed to ignore at that moment.

I tried to reply, but I was lost in his eyes. I feared I would say the wrong thing. As I watched him, all I could think about was the moon goddess making him my mate when that's all I've ever prayed for since I was little. Did he want me too?

"You are my mate, Aira..." he said my name. He knew who I was. He takes my hands into his. "My God, you are beautiful. "

Blood rushed through my veins. Film of sweats formed on my forehead, hair stood at the nape of my neck.

"Yes, but I have to go." I hadn't intended to find my mate here tonight, talk more of him being Aeris. I couldn't let him tell anybody. I needed to go home first. As much as I wanted to stay with him right this moment, I needed to go see my mom first.

"Please don't leave yet. Come, meet my family..." he said. He was so charming, I was lost in the sharpness of his canine teeth. And it wasn’t even his wolf teeth. Or was it?

But I couldn't stay. So I left immediately. When I got home I met my mother seated on the dining chair, waiting for me. She stands up as soon as she sees me. Stepping fully inside the room, I could see my cousin standing at a corner, regret in her eyes. Mom had found out I snuk out.

"You disobeyed me," my mother said. "I asked you to pack your things!"

"I am sorry, mother, but please hear me out,"

"You just turned eighteen some hours ago, Missy!" she cuts me off. "You think you can do whatever pleases you?!"

"I can't go to your sister's anymore mom! I found my mate!" I screamed, only so she could stop scolding me and hear me out.

"What?"

"Aeris Greyhound is my mate, mom."

"What?" This time, the tone is different. She wasn't in support of this. She and my father always have positive things to say about the Greyhounds.

"You will go inside and pack your things, Aira.."

"What?" My heart sank.

"You are not marrying him. You are not marrying anybody from there!"

"Why not?! He is my mate, mother! Nobody stopped you from marrying my father!"

"Your father is nothing like Aeris Greyhound,"

"Yet he still left you."

"You know nothing, Aira...."

"Then tell me what I have to know and stop running my life forme, mom! Aeris Greyhound is my one true mate, and he wants me! And i....i.. love him, mother!"

I blinked the tears out of my eyes now as the memory flashed through my eyes and disappeared.

With the help of my hands on the walls, steadily sensing and finding my path through the dark hallway, I managed to walk towards my compartment. My vision was blurred from all the tears. My heart was beating impossibly fast. And it was painful. It hurt so much. The decision I'd had to make some minutes ago was starting to haunt me. Deep down, I knew it would come to this.

I didn't know what to do.

As soon as I snuk into my room, I spent a considerable amount of time crying my heart out. Aeris didn't come after me. A bigger part of me wished he'd walk through that door, pull me into his embrace and tell me he was wrong. That he takes his words back.

but all that never happened. His betrayal was still fresh. I rummaged through my draw and fetched out the cellphone I'd dumped inside there for a very long time.

I had only one number saved in it. I was going to do something I should have done five years ago. I dialed the number and my cousin sister, a leading sss of the Silver bow pack.

"I can't say i was expecting this call a long time ago." Karlisha Chan's voice is as vibrant as I could remember.