Not Believing in Mates

A soft sigh escaped Melonie’s scowling lips as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. The black dress gracing its way down her body was far too flashy for her liking, and yet it didn’t have any sparkles or gems to be seen. Just a simple black dress, but fitting too tight to her curves for comfort. She hated how she looked in it, wanting more space and longer sleeves, but she knew the Luna would not allow it. Every unmated shewolf was to wear something similar, and getting her dress in black had already proved difficult enough. It was the Great Moon’s Gala tonight, and not a female was to be late. For most, it was an event of celebration, a day to rejoice and be able to search for your mate (whether goddess given or chosen). Once reaching the age of 16, you were permitted to attend the yearly Gala... but permitted was putting it far too nicely. Forced to attend was much more along the lines of how Melonie was feeling. She didn’t want to find a mate, after all. Despite the promise of lifelong companionship, she has seen far too many fall apart for it to bring any sort of excitement or comfort to her. The idea of being with someone forever? She could hardly stand an hour in small gatherings, forget eternity. Melonie's alarm rang for the third time that evening, signaling that she was now behind schedule. She reluctantly put on her shoes. Although she may have been threatened into wearing a dress, she wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of stilettos. Lacing up her shoes, she didn't hold back an eye roll as her doorbell was being consistently rung, “Mel, hurry up! We’re going to miss the guest arrivals!” “I hope we do,” a small mutter escapes Melonie before she stands up, grabbing her bag and yanking the door open. The scowl doesn’t drop from her face, even upon seeing how beautifully dressed her younger sister was. “You’re going to break my eardrums.” Her tone is cold and bemused, yet the other just smiles sweetly at her. “Let’s go! I want to see if my true mate is here!” and as the younger girl grabbed Melonie’s hand, dragging her towards the pack house, Melonie’s features finally softened. It was her sister’s first time at the ball, after all. It was normal for most of the girls to be excited. They had a chance to find or choose their mate. Melonie didn’t understand it. The need to find a man to depend on all the time for everything. Can a woman not be strong enough on her own? This didn’t stop her from seeing how excited her sister was, however. Although she tried not to show her affection, seeing Crystal so excited did make her feel a bit happier about the occasion. “Crystal, calm down. You’re going to trip in those ridiculous shoes.” She tugged her sister’s hand back, finally getting her to slow down slightly. After a fifteen minute walk, the two finally arrived at the gates of the pack house, Crystal babbling about one alpha or another the entire way. Seeing several fancy cars having already arrived, she darts off towards the front of the crowd, trying to get a look. It's not long before she meets up with her other friends, all giggling and whispering in excitement. Melonie lurks several feet behind them, feeling entirely uninterested, but keeping a side eye on her sister as she tries to avoid the crowd. The amount of people in the area was nerve wracking. It was not only the females in her pack gathered, after all, but several from neighboring packs and even a few from a couple of the larger ones which resided further away. She did her best to keep several feet from everyone else, but it was difficult as more people kept crowding in, all trying to get a look at the bachelors making their way inside. Melonie’s heart started to pound in her ears, everything blurring together around her before the sweet smell of cherry and rain hit her nose, suddenly starting to calm her nerves. Her, usually silent, wolf perks at the smell, rounding to her paws to push through for a bigger breath of it. Melonie doesn’t notice herself moving as she approaches closer to the front of the line, eyes looking around for something. She isn’t sure what she is looking for, however, just feeling the urge to search. Feeling like there is something she is missing. Maybe something in this stupid little party might make it worth going to. Yet, all she sees is the line of man after man, passing through the gate to hurry inside. Just about to give up on searching for who knows what, the smell increases tenfold. Melonie can't stop herself from taking one small step across the line the other women hadn't. She is is immediately stopped by one of the pack warriors. A cold look sits on his face. “Stay back. You will get to meet the alpha’s of the other packs only if they choose to present themselves to you after the Gala is open to the public.” And despite the warrior’s words, Melonie still finds herself leaning just a bit to the side, looking around him for something cherry. Perhaps a cake or punch? But all that passes by are the special guests of the evening. A rough hand is placed on Melonie’s shoulder, pushing her backwards. Her eyes snap to the warrior finally, a scowl crossing her lips, “I’m leaving, you don’t have to be an asshole.” She quickly turns around and makes her way to stand next to Crystal, her sister's excitement having never wavered. “Melonie, did you see that! Alpha Abrahms is here!” A large squeal escapes her lips. Melonie only gives an irritated look in response, reminding her sister again about how badly she wishes not to be here. Crystal pouts back at her, “Lighten up, okay? This is supposed to be fun! You can’t look like that the whole time! They will let us in soon.” As just as those words are uttered, the crowd starts to shift inward, slowly being directed towards the ballroom. Melonie pushes the memory of that intoxicating smell from her head, taking a deep, silent breath. Just a few hours to go, then she would be back in her little apartment. She was counting the minutes left until she would be curled up with a book and headphones in her bed. Back to her quiet little paradise.