Unusual Mate

Chocolate and Cloves

Abaddon’s POV

This was the big night. I was about to walk out to my ceremony and become the new alpha. As I stood backstage waiting for my father to finish his speech, I felt my palms began to sweat.

Calm down you’re making me nervous now. My wolf, Luca, spoke to me in my mind.

Oh funny, I said rolling my eyes. I just don’t want to do this alone. I know I have a responsibility, but it feels empty.

You are not alone. You have me. You have your beta, Darien. We got this. We were born for this. Now man up and get ready!

I knew he was right. I was born for this. I trained for this my whole life. With or without a Luna by my side. I was an alpha’s son and I could do this.

I looked out at my father as he announced me to the crowd. I walked out and over to him. He was holding the ceremonial knife in his right hand.

“Tonight, we usher in a new era. A new alpha. I know in my heart that he is ready to be your leader,” my father spoke to the crowd. He turned to me and took my right hand. “Do you, Abaddon Black, promise to protect this pack from all harm and danger?”

“I swear to do so,” I answered.

“Do you promise to lead and care for the pack as a family?”

“I swear to do so,” I repeated.

“And do you swear to do what it takes to be their alpha, to put your life before others, keep them safe, put their needs before your own, and to respect them as your pack?” he asked.

“I swear to do so.”

He took the knife and cut my hand across my palm. Suddenly, I could feel the connection to all the members of the pack. I felt the mind link open to each of the members. I no longer felt part of the pack, but the pack was now part of me.

I looked out across the field and into the crowd. Everyone bowed to me then lifted their heads and begun to cheer. This was now my pack. I was now the Alpha.

***

Athena’s POV

After another thirty-minute drive and lots of chatting, suddenly Veronica’s eyes seemed to glass over. It was for a short moment and I almost thought I imagined it.

“It is done, we can head to the party now,” Veronica said to Darien.

“What is?” I asked, confused about what was going on.

“The ceremony is done. We can head to the party now and have fun,” she acted nonchalant about what had just occurred.

I didn’t want to pry. It was bad enough I had my dizzy spells and it was a good thing I didn’t ask because just as the car stopped my head began to pound again.

I closed my eyes and rested my head against the seat until the pain subsided.

When I opened my eyes, Veronica was standing next to my side of the car with the door open. She had a concerned look on her face.

“I’m fine. I am ready to party!” I stated and stepped out of the car.

When I looked out at the house, I was amazed. The house was enormous. It looked to be three stories high. I would not make out all the details of the home with the low light from the streetlights.

I looked at the lights. These were not normal streetlamps. They burned oil within them as the original streetlamps burned. It was beautiful but strange.

We walked toward the home and a large man stepped off the porch toward us. He had dark skin and was bald. He had dark eyes and was staring right at me.

Though his gaze was on me, he spoke to Veronica. “I will escort you and the guest to the back to attend the party.”

“I live here, I can escort the ladies myself,” Darien spoke in a commanding voice.

The man took a questioning look at Darien, then it was gone. “I am sorry Beta, these orders come from Abaddon himself,” the man spoke seriously.

Beta? I questioned myself.

“Leader for less than an hour and already giving orders,” Darien rolled his eyes.

We followed this strange man around to the back of the house. It was such a big house; I did not hear the music until we turned the corn in the back.

There were beautiful flowers, hanging lights, and tables full of food. There was a bar, a dance floor, and even a large bonfire. Along with that, hundreds of people seemed to be all around mingling at tables, dancing, eating, and walking around. This was amazing.

Whoever owned this place must have to be rich, because there were so many people there?

Veronica took my hand and pulled me out of my gawking. She led me over to the bar. Before we could order, a woman walked up and interrupted us.

“Hello dears, I am Georgia. I am so glad you could join us.” Her attention was again directed towards me.

I smiled at her nervously. “It is really my pleasure. I haven’t been to anything so amazing before.”

“Well, when Veronica asked to invite you, I was happy to oblige her request. She says you are her closest friend,” Georgia said cheerfully.

“Yes, for a very long time. We have been best friends,” I replied happily.

Veronica looked a bit taken back. “Thank you, Lu, - “

“Georgia only,” she waved her hand in dismissal.

“Thank you, Georgia.”

“Veronica, may I have a private word with you?” Georgia asked.

Veronica nodded and followed her away to a spot just far enough out of earshot.

I turned and ordered a drink. Once I received my mixed concoction, I sipped it. My eyes widened. It was strong, but it was so good. I finished it and ordered another.

I was halfway done with my second drink when Veronica returned.

“Oh, my Goddess.” She shouted at me.

“What’s wrong?” I asked confused by her word choice.

“Your drink choice. How are you feeling?” she seemed to stumble over her words.

“I am fine. Why? What is wrong with my drink?” I said, then took another sip.

“Nothing. It is just that should have you on your ass by now,” she said taking my empty glass.

“I have only had two drinks, Vee. I can handle my alcohol very well actually. Thank you,” I replied then turned to order another.

“No, let's go,” dance she said pulling my arm.

I followed her and that is when the scent hit me.

Chocolate and cloves. The scent was so mouthwatering. I looked around trying to determine the source of the smell. Someone must have some amazing cologne.

As we danced, my head slowly began to buzz and throb. The pain began to increase more and more. Then came the dizziness.

This feeling was not from drinking. I knew this pain all too well. I had been living with it for half a year now.

I needed to sit down.

I walked away from the dance floor. Searching for an empty table. The scent of chocolate and cloves grew stronger. I finally spotted a table through my fogging vision.

I pushed through a large group of people to reach the table. Just as I made it past the crowd, I collapse.

I waited for the impact of the ground to hit me. The ground felt soft and warm. Like arms wrapped around me. Smelling full of chocolate and cloves.

I opened my eyes to see brown eyes. Was this the scent? Was he holding me?

I heard him say something but couldn’t make out the words.

Then I passed out from the pain.