The Lycan Princess' True Mate

Chapter 8

Now it was time for us to head outside and join the party. Even though I was with Mel and Rain. I was honestly a little lonely without Heath here. As we got on the grounds and started walking around, I could see that there was already a good number of people here and everything was about to start. The girls and I found the head table. That was where my friends from school that graduated with me were going to sit, and a couple of family members. We took our seats, and as I looked around, I couldn't help but feel a little envious of the people who were already mingling and chatting with each other. However, I knew that I had my friends with me, and there was no need to be a Debbie Downer at this party. That was enough to make the night enjoyable. As we settled into our seats, I noticed that the decorations were absolutely stunning. The tables were decorated with colorful flowers and delicate candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

This was exactly what I was hoping for it all to look like. And the best part, I let my mother decide on everything. That was another great thing about her. She always knew exactly what I wanted, even if I didn’t tell her.

Colton was the next of the group to show up and take his seat at our table. As the next person approaches our table, my eyes light up with excitement. It was none other than Heath. As he got closer, I could see that he had a very nervous look on his face. When we locked eyes, he smiled at me briefly and then took a seat across from me. I didn't understand why he didn't sit right next to me, considering that seat was not occupied. Then it set in. He chose not to sit with me.

This Mate thing really must have a hold on him. I feel so bad that he is feeling this way. I feel even worse because there is nothing I could say that I haven't already said to him. And nothing I could or would say can make anything better. It is a lose-lose situation right now. The twins were next to show up to the table. They were already on a roll, leaving a trail of laughing sounds behind them. They truly are the life of every party. Then Lilly walked in. She is also a lot of fun. She is always the first one up and on the dance floor. One thing I really admire about her is how seriously she takes her studies. She wants to be a doctor and she wants to work in the castle.

My uncle and his guest have not shown up yet. Everyone takes their seat, and my parents take the stage, the room falls silent in anticipation of what they have to say. They both look so proud, and I can see tears glistening in my mother's eyes. My father clears his throat and begins his speech,

“Thank you everyone for coming to celebrate this special day with us. I am beyond proud of the graduating class of 2023 that are here with us tonight, but most of all, I am very proud of my first born Nevada. I love you very much.”

My mother takes her turn and shares some heartwarming anecdotes from my childhood, making everyone in the room laugh and smile. As I listen to their speeches, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and love for my family. It's a moment I will never forget. Then my mother started talking about a different topic.

“As you all know, tonight is not just about celebrating the bright future ahead of all these graduates. But this is when Nevada becomes of age and is betrothed to the crown. She will also be meeting her wolf along with each of us here tonight for the very first time. So for now, please enjoy the delicious food that has been made for the occasion and get your dance on!”

Each table gets up one by one and heads over to the buffet line where they are getting their food. Our table was one of the first to go up and fill our plates. Once I was back at the table, I was very tempted to call my Uncle Kiel and ask him where he was. I decided against it because I knew that he would be here eventually. I sat at the table for a moment, watching everyone enjoy their meals. Meanwhile, the aroma of the food was too tempting to ignore. I took a bite of the perfectly cooked steak and savored the flavors dancing on my taste buds.

All of a sudden, I heard two men conversing rather loudly. The commotion drew everyone's attention, and the first person I spotted was my Uncle Kiel. Then, as if gliding through the room, the same gentleman I had seen with him last night appeared behind him. I couldn't take my eyes off their graceful movements as they approached our table. There was an empty seat next to both Lilly and me. I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess that Uncle Kiel would sit next to me, but fate had other plans for me on my special evening. Uncle Kiel took the seat next to Lilly, and that incredibly attractive man took the seat right next to me. And Uncle Kiel introduced the two of us.

Uncle Kiel- Nevada, this is a very old friend of mine, Daniel. And Daniel, this is my niece and the one that we are celebrating tonight Nevada.

Daniel smiled at me and then shook my hand. His eyes were piercing green/blue, and seeing them up close they were almost glowing with an inner fire that hinted at his fierce spirit. His broad shoulders and muscular frame speak to his physical prowess, while his confident demeanor suggests he is a born leader. A charming smile that draws people in. He also has a sense of confidence and charisma that makes him stand out from others. I have only seen him twice, but each time I have seen him, I see something different. And it is breathtaking.

In the middle of shaking my hand, his eyes suddenly shifted and he promptly let go of my hand. Feeling uncertain, I put my head down and clasped my hands together. Worried that I may have done something wrong, when out of nowhere a voice interjected with reassurance, "You didn't do anything wrong." Startled, I looked up to see who had spoken with a bewildered expression on my face. And noticing that no one else at the table gave off the impression that they heard this voice too, the only conclusion I could come up with was that the voice was in my head.

With most of the guests, including our table, finished eating, it was time to hit the dance floor. A few guests had already started dancing. I sat there and watched the guests dancing. I can’t help but feel a bit nervous about hitting the dance floor myself. However, seeing the joy on everyone’s faces as they move to the beat, I am reminded that the point of the evening is to have fun and celebrate. With that in mind, I decided to join in on the fun and make my way to the dance floor. Mel and Rain are right behind me.

As I start moving to the music, I feel a sense of liberation wash over me. The energy in the room is infectious, and soon enough, we find ourselves lost in the music, dancing like nobody's watching. As I dance, I notice that the other guests are also having a great time, and it's amazing to see how music can bring people together. The dance floor becomes a place of celebration and connection, and I am grateful to be a part of it. The song that we are dancing to starts to come to an end.

The next song that is played is a slow song. And it happened to be Heath and I’s song. The girls and I started to make our way back to the table, when I was gently tapped on my shoulder. I turned around to see none other than Heath standing there. Heath has a gentle smile on his face as he holds out his hand to me. Without hesitation, I took his hand and he led me back to the dance floor. The music starts to play,and Heath pulls me close and we start to sway to the rhythm of the song.

As we dance, I am transported back to the night when we first heard this song together. It was like it was just yesterday that we had just started dating. Heath had taken my hand that night at the 9th grade dance and asked me to dance with him, and from that moment on, we knew that this was our song. As we dance, I am lost in the moment and I can feel the love between us. The world around us fades away and it feels like we are the only two people in the room.

Our song was almost over and that meant so was our dance. As Heath spins me around, he is tapped on his shoulder by Daniel.

Daniel- Mind if I cut in and dance with the birthday girl?

He had no clue that this song meant so much to Heath and I. However, Heath completely shocked me when he agreed to allow him to dance with me for the remainder of this song. As soon as Daniel and I start dancing, he pulls me in closer to him. I can feel heat radiating off of his body and I have no clue why.

As Daniel takes me in his arms, I notice that he smells like Savage cologne, which is a pleasant surprise. However, I can't shake the feeling and wonder why Heath was so willing to let him cut in. And then the thought vanishes, like it wasn't even there to begin with. As we move to the beat of the music, I feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside me. For a brief moment, it is like I forgot about everything and everyone except for Daniel and I and this dance.

After the dance, I thanked Daniel for the dance and headed back to our table feeling a little off-centered. Mel and Rain were already sitting down at the table. Once I take my seat, the girls hand me a cold Shirley Temple. My favorite drink. I had already broken out into a sweat from all the dancing.

My Aunts, Malia, Elle and Desiree all stood on the stage. Everyone started to quiet down again.

Malia- Ladies and gentleman. I hope that everyone is having a great time so far.

Elle- I remember when all these kiddos were just babies, and now they are high school graduates.

Desiree- It is with great pleasure to congratulate everyone from the class of 2023 on a happy graduation! Now can all of the graduates, please head to the stage. We want to take a picture of all of you with the cake. And then we will cut it.

We all headed to the stage to stand by the cake. Heath stood by me and even put his arm around my waist. I don't know what is going on with him, or what is going through his head. I smile brightly in the picture because I truly am happy to be finished with high school. And very excited about future adventures. The pictures are done and the crowd congratulates us yet again and we cut the cake. Everyone who wanted a piece had already formed a line to get it.

I, on the other hand, did not want a piece. Don't get me wrong. I love sweets, but right now I am just not in the mood for any. I know that after everyone has cake, there will be some more dancing for a bit and then it will be time for me to take the stage. The closer that time gets, the more nervous I get. Mel and Rain had gotten themselves some cake and I would not have expected anything less. Once they were back at the table, I told them that I was going to go and change into something a little easier to shift in, and that I wasn't too upset about getting messed up when I shifted.

Then I linked my mother to let her know what I was doing, in case she went looking for me. Then I got up and headed to my room to get changed. As I walked into the castle it gave off a very eerie feeling. It was completely empty, except for the wise women who were watching some of the younger pups. I took my heels off and ran up the stairs, skipping every other step. It was a bit difficult to do with the dress I was wearing, but I didn't care. That was one of the smaller things in life that I really liked to do when I was younger. I got into my bedroom and went right to my closet. I took my dress off and hung it up. I put on a pair of shorts as well as a tank top. It was nothing glamorous but it was going to do its job for when I shift. The only reason I know so much about it is because of my parents. They made sure that however tonight goes I would be prepared for it.

Once I was done changing, I made my way back outside and to where my parents were. I had about 30 minutes or so left before it was midnight. I sit next to my mother feeling very anxious about what is about to happen. My mother could tell what I was feeling and grabbed hold of my hand. I looked at her and she smiled at me. Her smile reminded me that everything was going to be just fine.