“Hurry up Katie!” A voice sounded from downstairs. “We’re going to be late!”
My sister Bee was excited for this year’s mate courting ball. She was two years older than me and was yet to meet her mate. I was a little excited to, I had just turned 18 two months ago. I was excited but mostly nervous. I didn’t want to be like Bee, sitting on the benches near the dance floor, ever hopeful to catch a whiff of her mate. Secretly, I had dreamed of this day for so long.
Vix, my wolf, yipped in my head excitedly. She was just as nervous as I was but the prospect of meeting our mate kept her excitement alight. I turned and looked at myself in the mirror. The purple floor length, satin dress showed off my healthy hips, plump bum and my crowning glory, my D cup sized breasts. My blue eyes glinted with happiness as I twisted the loose strands of my chocolate brown hair. The dress hugged every important aspect of my body and I loved it.
“You look hot Kay” Vix purred.
“Don’t you mean, we.” I giggled.
This year’s ball was special. It was the 50th anniversary and it was rumoured packs from all over the country would be coming to find their mate. Usually, confined to just neighbouring packs some chose not to attend but this year was very special, and every unmated wolf was going to be there.
I took one last glance at myself before exiting my bedroom making my way hurriedly downstairs. Waiting at the front door was Brian my Dad, Bee in her white chiffon halter dress, and Kim my Mum. They all looked up at me as I trotted down the stairs as quickly as I could.
“Oh, my baby!” Mum started wailing, holding a tissue up to her eye.
“It’s about time sis. Man, I LOVE that dress.” She cocked her hip to one side wiggling her eyebrows.
“Now girls, remember it doesn’t matter if you don’t find your mate. And I’m only a phone call away.” He grinned and put an arm around each of our shoulders before walking us out towards the car.
Dad would drive us there, but he wasn’t allowed in. It was still comforting to know we could call him if we needed. Some parents and mated chaperons often went to local bars or all-night diners nearby, just in case, but not Dad. He knew we could handle anything; his reassurance was only there to please our hysterical mother.
After I seated myself in the backseat of Dad’s BMW, I looked back towards our house. Mum was standing in the doorway still sobbing into her tissue. I waved to her and gave her a reassuring smile which only made her cry more.
“I love the woman, but boy can she be dramatic.” Dad mumbled as we reversed out of the driveway.
I smiled. Mum and Dad were head over heals in love. They are what I could only describe as perfect mates. The grew up together, went to school together, even dated a little before they declared each other mates. I wanted that. So did Bee but we weren’t as lucky as them. The only boys we grew up around were our cousins Sam and Freddy and none of their friends ever liked us hanging around.
In no time at all, we approached the pack house gates. My heat beat raced as I got out of the car. Bee’s hand found mine and she pulled me close to her.
“This is it. Tonight we will find our mates and our happy ever after.” She beamed at me before we waved goodbye to Dad.
“Have fun girls.” He called through an open window.
We both exhaled as we watched him drive off. We both squealed with excitement and quickly walked through the gates. We had to ‘check-in’ with a woman at a desk who gave us a name badge and a friendly smile. Following my sister, we walked down and around the outside of the pack house. The ball, if held at our pack, took place in the pack house gardens. Rows of intimate tables flanked one side of the house. Some wolves were lucky enough to already have found their mate. Their eyes glued to each other as they got to know one another. In the centre there was an open marquee where a makeshift dance floor had been constructed. We stopped at looked around. On the other side of the dancefloor was a DJ. Many wolves were enjoying grinding against each other to the beat of the music and I wondered if they were found mates or just having fun.
“What do we do now?” I asked Bee who had her head high in the air.
“I don’t know about you but I’m finding my mate.” She grinned.
“But it could be ages before he’s here.” I scoff before I see the colour change in her eyes. She whirled around and took off towards the dancefloor.
She continued sniffing the air almost stalking forward. In the distance I saw a tall man with sandy blonde hair react similarly to her. Their eyes met and they ran to each other before calling out ‘mate’ and holding each other. I was surprised. I never thought it would be that easy. They walked off together. Her head on his shoulder leaving me at the edge of dancefloor looking like a complete idiot. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy for my sister, she’s waited so long to be happy and now she was. I just felt stupid standing here by myself. I decided to take myself off to the buffet and bar. Food was always the answer.
After two hours of wating, I contemplated calling Dad to come pick me up. Most couples were now either on the dancefloor or sitting at the little tables, there were hardly any singles left. I had sniffed the air every so often to check but there was scent driving me wild. I sighed and decided it would be best to call it a night.
I got up and looked around at all the couples. I was hoping to see my sister but I couldn’t so I grabbed out my phone from my clutch purse. I began walking off when I slammed into what felt like a brick wall. It growled at me. I looked up and was met with the face of Alpha Rex. Known for being a ruthless warrior I backed up and bowed my head in submission. What was he doing here? He already had a mate.
“Apologies Alpha.” I said in a hushed tone. A red tinge ran over my cheeks before he stood back, laughing.
“MINE.” Growled another voice.
I looked up to see a tall, strong, and rugged man. His eyes burned with passion as he strode towards me.
“Mate!” Yapped Vix in happiness.