2
1174 Words
Jane
Some nights can change your entire life. Tonight was supposed to be one of them.
I stood in front of my cracked mirror, wearing the prettiest dress I'd ever owned. My mom had sewn it for me last month—soft blue fabric that felt like silk against my skin. She'd folded it away carefully, saving it for this special day.
The day I'd dreamed about since I first learned what mates were. The day that could change everything.
The dress fit me perfectly, even though I usually hid under baggy clothes. When I spun around, the bottom of the dress swayed, and my reddish-brown hair danced with it. Even my sandals were new—Mom had bought them at the market just for tonight.
For the first time in years, I actually smiled at myself in the mirror. A real smile.
But under that smile, my stomach was tied up in knots. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life—the mating ball. Every year, single alphas from all over came here to find their destined partners. Tonight was my chance.
If he even existed. If he didn't take one look at me and run away.
I was the Beta's daughter. That should have meant respect. Instead, it was just more shame.
I was the eighteen-year-old infamous werewolf without a wolf; a walking contradiction that brought dishonor to my bloodline.
Everyone expected me to become the future female Beta. Instead, I was the pack's biggest disappointment.
My father wanted a daughter he could be proud of. All I ever saw in his eyes was disgust.
Maybe tonight would change that. Maybe if my mate was strong enough, respected enough, powerful enough, my father would finally see me as more than just a failure.
Please, I begged silently. Please let him be everything I need.
I had been hurt enough to last several lifetimes. All I wanted was someone who would look at me with love instead of pity. Someone who would see something in me worth saving.
Moon Goddess, please. Let him be kind.
I stood there in my pretty blue dress, praying that today would be the start of something better.
"Jane?" My mother's voice came through my bedroom door along with a gentle knock.
"Yes, Mother. I'm coming."
When I opened the door, she was wearing her best dress. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw me, and her face lit up with real pride.
"What are you doing up here? Why aren't you downstairs yet?"
"I'm coming. Just fixing my hair," I said, though anyone could see how nervous I was.
She touched my face gently. "Jane, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"
How could I tell her the truth? That Lissa's mean words kept playing in my head over and over? That I was terrified my mate would reject me in front of everyone?
"No, Mom. I'm fine. Just—"
"Aren't you excited? You're going to meet your mate tonight."
I forced myself to smile. "Of course. I'm the happiest girl in the world. I just hope the Moon Goddess gives me someone wonderful."
"She will. I know it in my heart. Tonight you'll meet the person you're meant to be with, and he'll love you exactly the way you deserve to be loved."
Her belief in me made me feel warm inside. If she was so sure, maybe I could believe it too.
"Thank you, Mother." I hugged her tight, breathing in her familiar scent of lavender.
"Now hurry up. You don't want to miss any of tonight."
After she left, I looked in the mirror one last time, my heart beating fast.
It's okay, Jane. Tonight everything changes. Tonight you find your person.
"Jane!"
"Coming!" I spun around once, whispered a quick prayer, and ran downstairs.
"You look beautiful," my mother said, her voice full of love.
"Thank you." I laughed and took her arm as we walked to the ball together.
The hall was decorated like a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like captured stars. People were talking and laughing, mixing with music from a real orchestra. The air smelled like flowers and fancy food.
The female wolves wore gorgeous dresses and perfect makeup that made them sparkle. I had no jewelry, no makeup. Just my blue sundress. And hope.
The married alphas sat with their wives on one side of the hall. The single alphas sat on the other side. Everyone was excited and talking.
Our Alpha made his big entrance with his wife, the Luna. My father sat beside him, looking proud and important.
That's when I saw him.
One of the single alphas looked at me and didn't look away.
He had dark hair and a strong face. There was something powerful about him that made the whole room feel smaller.
Could he be…?
I didn't have a wolf, so I couldn't feel the special connection that mates were supposed to have. But something deep inside me responded to him—something wild and desperate.
But why would someone like that ever be meant for me?
"What's wrong? Who are you staring at?" my mother asked, her voice sharp with worry.
My face got hot with embarrassment. "No one. I just... felt drawn to that man." I nodded toward him.
All the color drained from her face. "Jane Biller, stop that right now! Do you know who that is? That's the most dangerous alpha alive. They call him the Beast for a reason. You do not want his attention."
But he didn't look dangerous to me. He looked like an angel who had fallen into the wrong world.
"Don't look at him again," Mother whispered harshly. "Pray to God he's not your mate."
"I'm sorry," I whispered back.
Her friends came over and pulled her away to talk, leaving me standing alone.
I walked through the crowd, looking at faces, hoping for that magical moment when I would know. My stomach growled when I saw all the fancy food, so I walked toward the tables, still looking around.
I wasn't watching where I was going, and I crashed into what felt like a brick wall.
Strong arms caught me before I could fall. One hand grabbed my wrist with careful strength that sent electricity shooting through my whole body.
"Watch where you're going."
His voice was deep and commanding and dangerous. My knees felt weak. When he let go of me, I immediately missed his touch.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my heart beating so fast I could barely breathe. What was happening to me?
Part of me wanted to lean back against him. Another part of me was screaming that this was dangerous.
Could this be… the mate bond?
I looked up slowly and met the darkest, most intense eyes I had ever seen. He looked straight into my soul like he could see everything I was hiding.
I gasped.
It was him. The alpha my mother had warned me about.
The Beast.
- Writer
