Strangers to Mates

Chapter 3: Midnight

We pulled into the first clearing as the sun set. Getting out of the jeep, Sadie's gray/blue eyes shone like they always did before a party. Yup, this was defiantly her scene. I watched as Sadie and Chris lock hands while I walked behind the pair. The three of us walked farther into the forest stopping at the second clearing. It was quite a bit farther into the forest than the first clearing but it was a massive area with no trees, perfect for a party.

It was dark in the forest by the time we got to the clearing, but the huge bonfire in the center, didn't make it hard to see, especially with our heightened sense. I saw two tables set up with snacks and drinks and beside the tables were, oh how shocking, three kegs and goddess knows what's in there, note the sarcasm. No doubt there were more somewhere. Someones had backed up their truck into the clearing and was playing loud music from the box. Another advantage to being way out here was we could be as loud as we want and there's no one to complain about it. Even though the party had just begun you could tell that almost everybody was here. Tons of people were dancing all around the fire in different spots in different groups. The three of us stood there waiting for someone to suggest where to start.

"Why don't we get drinks." Sadie offered.

"Good idea. Wait here, I'll go get them." Chris answered.

"Oh, being a gentlemen" I teased him.

I swear I had so much fun teasing him but he knew I did it out of love.

"I'm always a gentlemen" He said in a matter of fact tone before turning to get us drinks.

"So feel anything yet?" Sadie asked me, trying to sound causal, but failing miserably.

"No. Besides, even if my mate is here I won't know till midnight." I reply not even bothering to argue with her about me not wanting him to be.

I could tell she was looking over at me but my eyes were locked on the fire until I heard what she said next.

"Not true." I gave her questioning yet confused look.

"If he's older than you, if even by a week you'll feel something. But neither of you will really feel it till midnight, when you turn seventeen." She explained.

Wait, so now I'd kinda now who it is even before my times up, if he's already seventeen or older it'd make sense for his soul to already be looking for it's other half, but c'mon now I might not even get my five hours of freedom if he's here. Urge. Why moon goddess, why?

"Your lucky these parties go till two, three in the morning, you'll have lots of time to find him," Sadie added, saying the last part in a sing song voice.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes as Chris came back with three plastic red cups in hands.

"For the girls" he said handing us each one, "Oh, and happy birthday Erin. I know it's a few hours early but I thought why not." he added.

"Thanks Chris" I said smiling at the boy who's always been a brother to me.

It was actually pretty normal for people to wish me a happy birthday the day before my birthday and the actual day of because it was technically midnight.

"No offense" Sadie butted in, "But tomorrows the time to be sentimental. Now. Is the time to party. Let's dance!"

We all laughed as she dragged us closer to one of the dancing crowds. It must have been at least three hours that we danced for, drinks always in our hand, or always in mine at least. Hey I did say I was going to try and get drunk, it was hard for werewolves so I didn't know if I'd be drunk enough when midnight came, but here's hoping I'm drunk enough to calm my nerves.

By now it seemed that everyone was here, but that's when it hit me again. Just like last Sunday, at the meeting, and just like the first time, I still had no idea what it was. My wolf seemed to perk up a bit more though, becoming more present in my mind. I tuned my head, looking around for some reason. Did I actual think I'd be able to find the source in such a large crowd?

A few moments later my eyes caught on those unforgettable grass like green ones. We continued to stare back at each other when I finally tore my gaze from his. I tugged on Sadie's arm and leaned in so she could hear me,

"They're here." I pointed over to the four silverwood boys and a knowing smile crossed her face.

She poked Chris, getting his attention and yelled to be heard over the music,

"We should go see them. They don't know anyone else" When Chris didn't understand she turned his head so he could see the boys, and understanding crossed over his face as he nodded his head in agreement.

They started walking over to them, but when they saw that I was firmly planted where I stood Sadie mouthed 'do it' to Chris. Next thing I know I'm over his shoulder. He actually just threw me over his shoulder just so we could go talk to them.What the hell.

'Why?' I cried on the inside pounding on his back, but not hard enough to really hurt him. I didn't get why it was suck a big deal. Of course Sadie had to be the overly nice person she can be and insist that we go see them. And I'm sure she's got more crazy ideas in that head of hers to why I absolutely needed to be there as well. But Chris? She must've gotten to him before I could've.

Even when we came to a stop he didn't put me down and I heard Sadie say,

"Hey guys, James, Raymond."

I heard them great Chris and Sadie. Sighing I rested my head in my hands, my elbows pressed against Chris' back. In human form he was a lot stronger than me so I knew it'd be no use trying to get out. But hey I made up for in it in wolf form where we have pretty much the same strength. Oh how I wished I had that strength right now. I sighed again as I heard the two other guys introduced themselves. The one closest to Chris said his name was Derry and the other was Alexander, but everyone called him Alex. I had no clue what they looked like, since all I could see was Chris' back and the forest floor. I partly listened to what they were saying, learning that Alex was substituting for the next third in command. I didn't know why, or why the to be third in command needed a substitute when he wasn't even third in command yet. But what really caught my attention was that voice.

"So I'm guessing that that would be Erin, over your shoulder." Raymond said, the amusement clear in his voice.

I scoffed. I know they heard it because they all laughed. They started talking about god knows what, I was to busy grumbling to myself about how Chris wouldn't put me down, to even care, when suddenly someone stands in front of me. I only know this because the light from the fire is suddenly gone.

"Having fun there?"

I tilt my head up to see a smirking Raymond.

"Oh, just shut the hell up if you're not going to be helpful" I shot back, a little more than irritated at the moment.

He laughed but then said a little louder,

"Hey Chris. I don't think she's enjoying herself much"

"Alright. But you have to stay here" Chris said like he was talking to a child while setting me down.

I glared at him but he didn't care. I tended to glare at him quite a bit so he got used to it. But really, he was treating me like a little kid. Instead, he just wrapped his arm around Sadie, getting back into the conversation. I continued to stand there bored, not talking as they never stopped. Standing right beside the table I reached over for drink after drink. I was suddenly aware that Raymond was still standing beside me. I was instantly aware of how short my dress actually was I didn't know why I suddenly thought about it.

"Did you want something" I ask him the alcohol starting to effect me.

"No. Why do you ask" He says casually.

I just rolled my eyes and was thankful that that was when Sadie suggested that we dance again. I quickly grabbed a new drink and slipped off my shoes, wondering why I haven't already. Our group now bigger than before, moved back to where we were dancing. We must have done that for another hour, and with Raymond there, I must have consumed two to three times the beer. I told Chris, who was closest to me, that I was gonna go get a drink and take a break. I could tell he was worried that I was drinking quite a bit but he understood why I was. It wasn't that bad, I'd only really been drunk for an hour and it is hard for a werewolf to get drunk so I knew I'd be fine by morning. But I was so hot, dancing to no end right by a fire, not very smart.

I dug around in the box full of ice, finally choosing a lemonade cooler, not as strong as the beer I've been drinking but I was bored of that taste by now. I carried my shoes in one hand, drink in the other, and walked a bit out of the clearing. I didn't go very far in, the fire still illuminated my path. I opened the can in my hand, as I turned my back to the fire and leaned against the tree. I took a few big gulps before looking up at the sky. I could see a few stars, but sadly, through all the trees I couldn't see the moon. I averted my gaze to the trees in front of me as I finished half my drink and dropped my shoes down by my feet.

Suddenly, I heard a twig snap and put my can beside the tree, pushing off the tree and attempted to get low, expecting the worse, but failed, swaying from the little force I used to push off.

"Whoa, there. You okay?" Someone asked helping me lean back against the tree.

Okay so maybe I was a little more drunk than I thought, but that was my goal after all so hooray! It was a lot harder for werewolves to get drunk because of our high immune system but how can I complain when my plan is complete. I bent down to pick up my drink but someone grabbed it before I could.

"I think you've had enough of that" I looked up to the person who dared to try and take my drink.

Raymond. I grabbed it out of his hand with a glare and took another sip before saying,

"What do you want?"

I part of me felt bad for being so rude but I was going to use my drunkenness as an excuse.

"Nothing, I just saw you leave and didn't come back right away so I got worried" He replied not affected by the daggers my eyes were throwing at him.

"Oh that's good. I bet it works on all of the girls, that mock concern of yours" I said grinning, but it wasn't a real smile.

"I've never had a girlfriend so I wouldn't know. And it isn't fake" He says adding the last part with a gruff voice.

I could tell I hit something but I wasn't sure what.

"Oh, ya, I guess you wouldn't call one night flings a girlfriend" I say, feeling brave with alcohol running through my veins.

He stepped closer to me and said,

"I don't know what kinda guy you take me for, but I. Am. Not. Like that."

I could tell he was mad but in his eyes I also saw what looked like hurt. I felt a little guilty and turned my eyes away from his, finishing my drink instead.For some reason I couldn't stare into those eyes when filled with hurt.

"Well then what kinda guy are you?" I ask dropping the can by my feet carelessly.

I could almost feel something inside me shift, telling me that it was getting closer to midnight. That was the only thing it could mean.

"A nice one. A gentlemen, I'd like to believe" He said honestly before added, "If you don't want the company then I'll just head back"

And with that he turned on his heel to leave.

"Wait. How old are you?" I asked.

To be honest, I had no idea why I just asked that but it felt important, like it effected something, maybe it did.

"18" he replied without turning to look at me and took another step forward.

So he was a year older than me and still didn't have a mate. A part of me felt bad, they say your lucky to find your mate right away cause after a month your wolf starts to feel lonely, but another part of me thought he was lucky.

Suddenly it hit me. Stronger than anything before. And I knew he felt it to, he had stopped mid step then turned back around to me. That was it. I'd found my mate. And it was Raymond.

In a split second he was right in front of me and had me pressed against the tree.

"Mine" He growled in my ear before crashing his lips against mine.

I gasped in shock and he used the opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth. I melted into him against my own will. My wolf was purring in satisfaction. I raised my hands into his hair, tangling my fingers in the longer pieces. I felt his grip on my bare thighs and used the leverage the tree gave me to wrap my legs around his waist. I felt my dress raise slightly as I was pushed up and against the tree.

The need to breath brought me back into reality and and I broke away, moving my hands down to his chest and I pushed against him lightly, but he didn't budge. God, I swear I'd be tense right now but it was impossible with my mate so close.

Shit. My mate. Raymond was my mate.

I would have pushed him away but I knew that my drunk body would fall if I did, but he was still crazy close and it was hard to think. My body and my wolf wanted me to give in to him right here and now, but I wouldn't let it. I was surprised that I could control myself that much when my head was swaying from all the drinks. He trailed his hands up and down my arms, leaving trails of fire behind. It was officially impossible to think. He leaned forward again trailing kisses down my neck, but when he got to the crook I pushed him away, barely landing on my feet. I used the tree to steady myself but I couldn't let him continue. Even drunk I knew better, I knew how possessive some alpha's could be. I knew what he was gonna do and I wasn't gonna let him.

I wasn't going to let him mark me.