I study myself in the mirror before me, my reflection staring back at me, taunting me. My electric blue eyes pierce right into my soul and seem to hypnotise even myself. The purple flecks seem to be growing, even I see that. Inside these two bright orbs, my emotions are held on display for anyone to see. Frustration. Annoyance. Wonder. Amazement. Fear.

Hope.

Today is my eighteenth birthday, the day I am destined to begin my search for my one true soulmate. My one true love. It is also the first day of my entire future.

To help me find my one true love, whether I want help or not, my mother decided to arrange a huge party. All of the strongest packs are invited and the event is to last an entire week. For the Beta family of one of the smallest packs in the world to throw an event like this for their youngest daughter, is unheard of. Many people within the pack see this as a huge waste of time, supplies and money.

They don’t know that, not only does my future rely in this to go as planned, but theirs does as well. My fate will set everyone’s lives back in motion.

I suck in a deep breath and shake my head, clearing it of my anxious thoughts. My eyes move over my body, ensuring I am suitable enough to go downstairs and begin the huge facade of excitement.

Beginning at the top, my almost platinum blonde hair is up in a braided “crown” with small curled tendrils hanging around my face here and there, giving it a slightly messy look instead of a pristine and neat appearance. I might as well party and have fun while I can because soon, all ill be is pristine and neat. Some pins with crystal ends are placed strategically within my hair to make it look more elegant. They help reflect some light in beautiful patterns, the ends of the light sources falling on the floor and gliding along the ceiling.

My cheeks hold my bright, natural blush, and my lips are a plush pink, which is enhanced with a clear lip-gloss. My slender button nose is covered in light freckles which slowly spread over the tops of my cheeks. To keep my natural appearance, I’ve only applied mascara to my already long lashes, and a little bit of eyeliner to make my eyes pop. Everything else is bare.

Around my neck hangs a silver chain with a silver wolf pendant. The pendant is a side view of a howling wolf. Inside its “chest cavity” sits a beautiful ruby crystal, which represents its heart. It’s a necklace I’ve had since I was born and have worn it everyday since. My mother is unsure of where it came from and what its importance is but knows that it is important in some way, and has always encouraged me to wear it, even though it reminds her that I’m not truly hers.

My slim shoulders are bare while a strapless black dress covers my figure. It is slim in the torso and has a straight neckline, making sure it doesn’t shape my chest too much. The dress continues as a slim fitting skirt, reaching mid-thigh, and has a royal blue tulle layer over the top. This layer is a wider skirt and has silver beads and rhinestones randomly placed all over it.

Absentmindedly, my fingers play with the hem of my dress, constantly pulling and straightening it out. The material looks as though it should be rough and scratchy, when in reality, it is silky smooth and lightly caresses my skin.

My long legs end with a pair of closed toe, shiny black stilettos. They are plain and simple but allow my dress to be the main part of the show. I do a quick twirl, examining every inch of my outfit and making sure nothing is stuck where it shouldn’t be.

‘Athena! You were supposed to be down here an hour ago. Mum’s on her way up to drag you out.’

My brother’s voice sounds through our mind link. A groan escapes my lips as I move away from the mirror and grab my phone off of my bed. As soon as I open my door, I come face to face with my mother mid knock.

She looks like she’s ready to drag me downstairs by my ear, with a mixed look of surprise as well. I roll my eyes and sneak past her, walking down the hallway and then heading downstairs.

“Come on mum, we have party plans to execute.” My voice sounds bored but I can feel the excitement radiating from her body. Nerves fill my own stomach and yet mum is practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. It’s almost like she doesn’t understand what finding my mate will mean. It’s almost as if she doesn’t realise she will lose her only daughter forever.

“It’s about time, Missy. You were supposed to be down and ready at three o’clock to help me finalise some details. Everyone is expected to begin arriving in thirty minutes. There’s nothing left for you to help me with now.” I smile and spin around, resulting in my olive-skinned mother to almost run right into me.

“Great! So I can go back to bed right?” I point upstairs but only receive a scowl from her before being turned back around and gently shoved down the last few steps. I groan and sulk into the kitchen, which is where I find my brother Damon. A wide grin is spread across his god-like face as he looks me up and down.

“You can go to bed, but it would be a shame to waste such a rare beauty. I mean, every other day you look like a swamp monster.” He laughs when a gasp escapes my lips but cries out in pain when I throw a nearby banana at him. He shoots me an incredulous look before mum interferes. I cant help the fit of giggles that manage escape my mouth.

“Enough. Athena, I know you don’t want today to arrive, I get that. But you need to suck it up. It’s an important birthday and we need to celebrate it. You can sulk all you like before hand but I expect you to present yourself with the biggest smile once our guests arrive and the party begins. No exceptions. I’m going to finish off some final details in the kitchen. You two can finish stringing up the fairy lights in the courtyard.” And with that she leaves the room. I roll my eyes and pick up another banana before motioning for Damon to follow me outside. If I have to have this party, I might as well get it over and done with.

We silently walk outside, greeting pack members as we go. Some glare at me while others offer soft smiles. I find it’s easier if I just ignore them where possible and stay polite when need be. Most of them are not worth the fight.

Behind me, Damon growls every now and then, showing the other pack members that their disrespect towards me is not appreciated it. He does this all the time but it doesn’t help. They still see me as a nobody. A waste of space. A worthless “human”. And honestly, at this point, I don’t even think I care. The years of abuse and torment that I have been through have helped me become the person I am today. They’ll know they have wronged me soon enough and their punishment will come not too far after.

We finally reach the courtyard which has already been filled with black and white balloons. Confetti also covers the floor, the different colours standing out between the balloons. Some fairy lights have already been weaved up all the beams that hold up the ceiling. There are five, one in each corner and one in the middle as a support beam. The ceiling is still bare, either having been forgotten or left for Damon and I to complete.

“So I guess we will need a ladder.” I say simply as I take off my heels and walk over to one corner of the courtyard. I sense Damon’s absence and allow my emotions to take over for a minute. I know I am to be Queen and in order for me to ascend to the throne, I need to find my mate, but I’m not ready to leave the family that has raised me. I’m not ready to rule over all supernatural beings. I’m not ready to have a court full of all the beings that walk among us and to have to consult with our closest enemies. I’m not ready for this responsibility. I allow the lights to wrap around my fingers and slip through them, over and over again as my mind gets lost among my future until Damon returns with a ladder and clears his throat, bringing me back to reality.

“You ready?” He says as he looks at me expectantly. I nod as he gets the ladder into position and then helps me get on. Damon holds it steady as I climb up with the string of fairy lights in my hand. I get to the top and begin winding the lights through the lattice ceiling. Wedding day roses have climbed on top of it, creating a beautiful covering above us. I have to be careful not to scratch my hands on the thorns or destroy the fairy lights as I weave them below the roses.

A thorn nicks my finger as I almost finish this corner. I hiss in pain before sucking on my finger to ease the pain and stop the blood. I sigh and look down at Damon who is lightly chuckling at me.

“You know, I could finish this task with the flick of my wrist. Then we would be done. I could even zap us into next week so we don’t have to go through this torment.” He sighs and his eyes begin to show the sadness that hides behind his curtain of happiness. I know he’s dreading this week as much as I am. If I find my mate, it’ll be a reminder that he lost his and will never get what I will have.

“You know we can’t do that, Thena. If someone sees…” His voice trails off once I flick my wrist and the lights are up. He sighs and helps me down.

“Oh, look at that, we’re done. Want some ice cream?” I say with the biggest grin. He shakes his head before grabbing the ladder in one hand and putting his other hand on my lower back as we head back to the main house.

“You know you could get yourself into some serious danger if you keep doing that.” I shake my head at the worry in his voice. I understand the danger and the risks. I understand everything that’s going to happen to me. If I’m blessed with powers because I’m the last royal, I might as well use them. They’re there to protect me anyway.

“I know but you don’t need to worry. I’ll be fi...” My voice dies off as my body begins to tingle, almost like a light electric current pules through me. I involuntarily take in a deep breath through my nose and catch the delicious smell of Pine Trees and Vanilla. My eyes move to the front of the pack house where I see the edge of a black Mercedes Benz parked in our driveway.

‘Athena! He’s here! Our mate is here!’ I suck in a deep breath as Venus’ voice fills my head. Her excitement courses through my body while my own anxiety sits in my stomach. I feel like I’m going to be sick. It’s too soon. I can’t find him now. This isn’t how it was supposed to go.

“Athena? Are you ok? You look really pale.” My head snaps to Damon’s face. Concern covers his face as he looks me over. I manage to nod animatedly but can’t seem to push any words through my lips. I take in another deep breath, my mate’s scent filling my nasal cavity once again. The mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement become too much, and the bile begins to rise in my throat. I manage to turn away from Damon just In time to throw up on the grass next me.

“Shit, Athena!” Damon says as he rubs my back and makes sure no hair gets in my face. I empty the contents of my stomach and take a few deep breaths through my mouth, avoiding smelling the air. “Are you ok?” I nod at Damon’s question.

“Yea, I just need to lie down.” The lie rolls off my tongue with ease. Damon nods before continuing to guide me back to the house. My mind wanders to the though of mate with the unwanted help from Venus. I can’t help but wonder what he looks like and if he would accept me. I also can’t help but think about me becoming Queen as a result. I’m not ready.

As much as I want to find him, I need to avoid him at all costs.