Mates: Made or Fated

Chapter Two: Her Dread

Ella stood infront of her full length mirror, and nearly buckled beneath the full weight of her own scrutiny. She was no longer the awkward teen with gangly limbs, knobby knees, sharp elbows, flat chest, boyish hips, and acne that always seemed to flare up on picture day, or other important occasions. She shuddered imagining her teenage image..

College had been good for her in so many ways. She took a deep breath, and straightened her shoulders. A confident smile stretched across her face as she slightly turned from one eside to the other taking in her evident physical transformation.

She was only 17 the Alpha (whose-name-must-never-be-mentioned) sent her off to be enrolled in college. 'The damn coward,' she thought. Luckily she had already been taking all college prep courses, so the differences in her curriculum weren't too overwhelming. What had overwhlemed her was her emotions.

She had been so mortified, and beyond hurt ny her Alpha's callous words, and cold demeanor. She wasn't sure if she'd have the courage to face him ever again. Unfortunately, she had no choice. If she had to go an entire lifetime before she had to look upon his insanely gorgeous face, it would be too soon. Having to see him tomorow was just cruel and unusual punishment for the young woman.

Not only had he embarrassed her immensely, he had also uprooted her entire life, and forced her to move away from the only home she had ever known. It was traumatic for the teenager, but from the unfortunate experience she blossomed into the confident graceful, and beautiful woman that stared back at her.

Her sandy blond hair was full of lighter blond highlights. Her hair that had once just kissed the tops of her shoulders, had grown out to her hips. It was naturally wavy, but today she had put big bouncy curls in it that framed her face, and gave her a polished look.

Her boyish curves had finally filled out into an hourglass shape that was maddening. Three years of running track had given her long toned athletic legs, that led to flared hips, a round booty, a flat tummy, and perky breasts that were a little more than a handfull each.

Her body was droolworthy, but it was her face that set truly set her apart. She had the face of an angel that was perfectly symmetrical. She had a narrow, straight, button nose.Beneath the slight upturn of her nose sat a perfect cupids bow, full plush, pouty, watermelon-pink lips. She had a bright white smile that could start a dead man's heart. Her cerulean blue eyes were clear like carribean water, amd always kind.

There was no doubt that Ella had grown into a supreme she wolf. There were none her equal, but she acted that way. She was just as kind as she was beautiful. She was outgoing, helpful, and fiercely protective of her loved ones. She worked hard, and took on an active role in the community, whether that be on campus, or back in the pack.

Thoughts of her pack, made the idea of returning less intimidating. She couldn't wait to wake up in her own bed, and see all of her friends. Especially her best friends Chase, Aricka, and Raven.

A knock at the door interupted her thoughts of home. Excitenent bubbled up as she sprinted to open her dorm door. Upon seeing her brother's smiling face she let out a squeal of happiness, and threw herself into his open arms.

James spun his baby sister in circles causing her to giggle loudly. He slowed down, and steadied her as her feet returned tto the floor. She brushed a lock of hair from her sticky lip gloss, and her eyes were light with merriment as she found his.

James took in the welcome sight of his sister who had been away from home for far too long. She wasn't so little anymore, and his stomah felt queasy knowing she'd been without his protection for the last three years.

His smile faltered when he noticed her outfit. Her summer dress wasn't inappropriate in any way, but was above the knee, and had spaghetti straps that showed off her smooth shoulders and long bare neck. The neck was considered to be highly sensual to shifters, as it was where they would wear their mate's mark.

Ella noticed the shift in James, and knew him well enough to brace for it.

"Ella.." he chastised. "It's a long drive back to Ashwood. Don't you think you'd be more comfortable in a pair of sweats or something?" He was doing a horrible job at hinting around that he'd prefer if she changed her clothes. Ella seen right through it.

It had been so long sine they'd seen eachother that for once she was happily amused by his brotherly antics. She giggled and hugged him tightly giving him a good squeeze. "I really missed you," she murmured into his shoulder. When she pulled away she had tears of happiness in her eyes.

Upon seeing her tears he forgot all about her outift, for now. "Aww.. don't cry Ellie. I missed you too. We all did, so much. The pack hasn't been the same without you. Let's get you back where you belong, hmm?"

"Today? I thought you were planning on staying toight, and we'd drive back tomorrow? You're sure it isn't too much of a trip to drive back today? You only just got here.." Ella was letting her nerves get the best of her. James didn't know why, but he could tell something was definitely bothering his little sister.

He wanted to come out and just ask her why she was stalling, but knew she'd shut him out. He knew his sister wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings by saying she wasn't as excited to return home as we all were to have her home. James wondered if maybe she had grown attached to her life on campus. Maybe ther ewas a love interest in her life here? He mentally grimaced, and assured himself that it was better not to ask, and that she would open up to him when she was ready to do so. He had to trust in their sibling bond. Whatever it was, he would handle it. He was six years older than his baby sister, and the age gap had always caused him to be fiercely protective over her. From the day their parent's brought her home, and sat her in his lap, he vowed to protect the tiny little girl. She would laways be his baby sister. He'd protect her from anything or anyone causing her to distress.

Together they loaded up the few boxes of everyday items that weren't put on the moving truck. Ella swiped her jean jacket off the door knob, much to her brother's relief. She slid her arms into the jacket, and pulled her long hair out from beneath it. She grabbed her puse that was hanging behind it, and looked up at her brother.

"Ready to go shortcake," asked James.

"Ready as I'll ever be.." her smile barely faltered, but it was enough for her brother to register the detail. He tucked that little piece of information away for later. He was already making a mental file on Ella, because his intuition was telling him that something was bothering her.

If she wouldn't open up to him, then he had every intention of investigating the cause for her unease himself. He would protect her from whatever it was, whether she wanted him to or not. Sometimes a brother know's best. Call it a brother's intuition.