Her Fate, His Mate

Chapter 2

I sat in the chair and looked at myself in the mirror. I hardly recognized myself, Gabby had out done herself. "Oh my Goddess Gabby! Is that really me? Wow!"

"Yes ma'am thats you!" She smiled down at me and stepped over to the side of my chair. "You're beautiful the makeup just helps. Wait until tomorrow for the birthday party! I have to go now though. Oh congratulations on graduating today."

Thank you Gabby, so very much." I continued to look at myself in the mirror. My make up wasn't too over the top with a soft smokey eye that made my blue eyes really pop. My lipstick was a deep red color and appeared to me to be a little on the seductive side. I couldn't stop looking at myself. She had my hair pulled back into a low messy bun and had small strand curled to frame my face.

"Amazing and beautiful." I whispered to myself standing up out of the chair. I pulled the bag my dress was in off. I unzipped the side of my dress and took it off the hanger. I looked at it for a moment before sliding it on. It was a fitted dress that hung onto ever curve that I thought I never had. I stood bare foot in front of my mirror and turned slowly left then slowly right looking at myself. I couldn't believe the difference in myself.

Just then a soft knock came on the door and in walked my mother and I could see she was on the verge of crying.

"Mom, are you okay?" I walked over to her giving her a comforting hug.

"Oh yes baby, well I guess you aren't my baby anymore. You look so grown up and so beautiful!" She then beamed with pride, hugging me tightly. "You're mate, whoever he may be, is going to be one lucky wolf."

I let her go and picked up my black heels "It could be a few years before I find him mom. Not everyone is as lucky as you to find their mate as soon as they turn 18." I laughed.

She smiled and said "Your father and I are so proud of you. Get your shoes on and your cap and gown and meet me and him in the lobby for photos. You look absolutely stunning my little Annabelle." And she was out the door.

I put on my cap and gown, making sure not to mess up Gabby's masterpiece with the placement of the cap. I put my heels on and took a deep breath before walking down the steps.

Walking down the stairs I noticed there were wolves here not from this pack. Must be family members or something. I noticed someone who looked like Grant but his hair was lighter in color. He had a similar build from what I could tell from the side view I had of him. He was laughing and talking to a few pack memebers when suddenly everyone turned to look at me.

I panicked and turned my head away to look behind me, thinking there was someone behind me, like Grant. I was preparing to move out of his way quickly and thats right when my foot missed the step and I fell forward. Just as I was for sure going to hit the ground I was caught by the mystery man at the stairs. He smiled and I felt myself melt. He was so handsome. That smile felt exciting and dangerous. My wolf, Amethyst, perked up and enjoyed that smile as well.

"Oh! Thank you! I-I thought someone was behind me and went to look behind me. Next thing I know I have fallen and was caught by you." I took a step back from him and smoothed put my dress and gown.

His eyes were a light green, he had a tan complexion, and dimples when he smiled. I could feel myself swooning right there with a nervous energy. He was nearly a full head taller than I with broad muscled shoulders.

"No worries there, little wolf. I will gladly catch you whenever, wherever, and any time of day. Remember that." He gave a wide smile and took my hand a placed a soft kiss across my knuckles.

"Oh well. Uhm. Thank you again." I stopped and realized I was nearly drooling over someone I didn't even know.

"You may call me Ryker. Alpha of Grey Woodland Territories." He released my hand then.

"Thank you Ryker." I did probably the worst cmhalf curtsey and stepped back turning away. "I must be going."

"Oh and congrats on today, little wolf. Be careful across that stage." He laughed.

I walked off and I could feel his eyes on me until I turned the corner and began looking for Gracie. Of course she was with Grant and Liam. As I walked up behind her I noticed both Liam and Grant look up at me and as Liams eyes widened at me Grants hazel eyes turned to a dark green. "Uhm hey Gracie."

She turned around and her mouth dropped open for a moment. "Oh my Goddess! You look amazing!"

I felt the heat rising in my cheeks as Grants gaze burned through my soul. "Thanks, you'll never guess what-"

I was interrupted by an announcement "All graduating students please make your way to the foyer and line up."

As I walked to the foyer I zipped up my gown and waited for them to lead us to our seats. After about fifteen minutes we were seated and whispers around us. I looked up into the stands and looked around for my parents. Finding them I gave them a small wave. My dad looked so proud and my mom was smiling and waving back at me.

Alpha Duncan approached the stage and walked onto it. Raising his hands in the air his Alpha tone booming across the stage "Good evening Graduates!" The room instantly fell silent as we all listened to his speech. He spoke about how proud he was, the exciting future that lays ahead, and destiny brought to us by our Moon Goddess.

I waited for my name to be called and walked across the stage. Smiled for the photo, took my diploma and walked back to my seat. Thank you for not letting me make a complete fool of myself two times in one evening. We waited for the congratulations and tossed our caps up into the air. I looked for my parents and soon found them and gave them a big hug each. "Hey mom, dad!"

My father hugged me tight "Proud of ya kid. So very proud, no matter what. I want you to always remember that."

"Thanks dad." I smiled.

We had a couple photos taken. Some serious, happy, and funny. We had some taken with Gracie and her family. My parents left us be and told us to have fun. Honestly all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and lay down. Things couldn't be that simple, I had already promised to go to the packhouse graduation party. There was going to be everyone there and it would look bad if the Betas daughter ditched out on the pack thrown party. I walked down the hall arm linked with Gracie and she was self absorbed and talking about everything she did to get ready. I looked around and found myself thinking about the way Grant was looking at me, as if he starving and I was the perfect meal to satisfy him. Gross.

We walked into the hall and music was blasting, people were dancing all around the room and I walked over to where the food table was located grabbing a bottle of water.

I felt someone behind me and turned around and Grant was starring down at me, "Congratulations Annabelle."

"Thank you, Grant. Congratulations to you as well. I know you're going to be doing great things with our pack." I looked up to him.

He gave a slight nod, "An Alpha is strong, but stronger when he has his Luna."

I nodded "Absolutely, I hope you find our Luna as soon as possible after you turn 18."

He looked at me once again and smiled, "I may reject her if I don't think she's up to par."

I gasped in shock, "What, why? The moon goddess knows what she's doing."

He stepped closer and leaned down to my ear "She wouldn't be you." He stepped back, turned around and walked away.

Well sh**. I don't want him, he's lost his mind. I'm so plain and ordinary. He needs someone like Gracie. She's beautiful, strong willed, stubborn, and a natural leader. She would be perfect on leading our pack.