December's Breath

Finding A Mate

        It was a cold December morning when Amelia woke. There was a soft knock on her door, “come in” she said. It was her mother looking as radiant as ever. Her mother had been waiting for this day for twenty years. It was the day of a grand ball where she would be presented to all the wolf packs in hopes that one was her mate. 

            To be honest though Amelia was dreading this day, the day she would be presented like a prize to all the other packs. She wanted to forge her own path but knew that it would never be possible. Her whole life had been planned for her the moment she had been born. If it wasn’t for her being predestined to her mate, her father would have betrothed her to an alpha's son from another pack. Amelia was of noble blood and the daughter of an alpha. 

               At five foot two she was a sight to behold, her long dark hair was curly like her mothers but she had her father's emerald green eyes. Her skin was smooth and a soft caramel color. She was petite but had an hourglass shape. She looked like a perfectly carved statue. She had curves in all the right places. 

          Her mother held a beautiful gown in her arms. “I had the seamstress make this gown for tonight’s ball” her mother said. Amelia looked it over and thought it was quite beautiful. “It’s lovely mother thank you” said Amelia. It was a dark blood red color. With tiny details around the bodice. Her family’s crest was embroidered on the front.

                                                                                 5pm

             Amelia had finished getting ready when her escort came to the door. Her twin brother, Asher  waited patiently for her, he knew that she wasn’t looking forward to the evening's festivities and he didn’t blame her. When she finally opened the door he couldn’t believe it was her. He had never seen her look the way she did tonight “you look beautiful” he said. “Thank you but I feel absolutely ridiculous in this ” Amelia said. 

              Asher escorted Amelia to the grand staircase at the end of the hall. Upon arriving she heard her name being announced at the bottom of the staircase. “Amelia Rose Valentine escorted by Asher Raiden Valentine” Cole, the butler, said. All eyes turned to see her at the top of the staircase. She took a deep breath and started down the stairs with her brother. 

               Her mother and father waited inside the ballroom for her. Asher walked her over and handed her off to their father. He took Amelia by the hand and led her to a chair. She sat and waited for her suitors to line up. It was an outdated tradition but tradition nonetheless and she had to abide by it.

                 As each suitor came forward they bent down on one knee and took her hand in theirs. Nothing happened, but each time a new suitor came forward. This went on for some time and Amelia was ready to go back to her room and never come out. Then a mysterious figure came through the far door to the right of the room. He was tall and handsome and she did not seem to recognize him. Nor did her father at first. As the tall mystery man approached he greeted Amelia’s father with a firm handshake. His name was Joseph Parker Haynes. She knew him from her childhood but hadn’t seen him in many years. He was the son of an alpha from one of their sister packs. He approached Amelia and she could see his beautiful golden brown eyes. She was mesmerized and didn’t notice that he had his hand out waiting for hers. As soon she touched his hand sparks flew through her and she felt an electric current run up her arm.