"Are you ready?" I heard my mother ask me as I did the final touch-up on my hair, "Come on Sophia, the party is about to start" She continued when I didn't respond to her. This is probably the fifth time she is asking me the same question in the last fifteen minutes.
I had answered her the first two times but I know she will keep asking me the same question over and over again so I kept my lips pressed into a thin line.
Tonight was the last night before The King tied the knot with my good friend Elise and they were having a special party in a sign of gratitude for being well after recent incidents with vampires a few weeks ago. Everyone who is here in the castle right now is invited to go to that party.
My mind went back to that time Elise floated in the air, using her powers against the vampires and demons, ending the war easily with only a few casualties and injured wolves on our side. It was the most historic day in werewolf history.
A fox saving an entire werewolf race.
Also, every Alpha in the world along with their strongest warriors joined the war in support of the King, and at that moment, we knew, when we stand united together, no one can win us. That is how a pack works, that is how werewolves function.
"Sophia" I heard my mother say again.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, "Yes, I am coming" I said quickly when I saw her open her mouth again to nag me.
My mother rolled her eyes at me, "It is your friend's night, Sophia" She reminded me, "The best you can do is to attend it early"
I sighed and spun around to look at her, "Okay, I am ready. Let's go" I smiled, "They are having the party in the garden right?" I asked her to reconfirm the venue for tonight. From what I have heard, we are having a barbecue night today.
"Yes, let's go" My mother hooked her hand with mine and began to drag me away from the room. She looked so worried about what the King might think if we are late but the party only starts at eight in the evening but it is only seven now.
We passed through a few hallways and rooms and I could see some of the guests are still in their rooms, "Mom, no one is going to be there yet" I said, trying to slow her down but my words never fell on her ears or maybe she heard me but pretended to ignore it.
Once we stepped out from the castle and start towards the garden, I couldn't believe my eyes at what I was seeing. There were a few other people, gathering in the garden and it looked like they were here much earlier than we think. Why these people are being like this? The King clearly mentioned that the party will start at eight.
I looked at the side at my mother and found her looking at me pointedly, "We still have to wait an hour" I grumbled, shaking my head.
My mother scowled, "It is better for us to wait than to keep the King waiting for us" She said, "Come on, I can see some of my friends there. I will introduce you to them" She added making my eyes bulge.
I smiled nervously at her and shook my head, "Um, I think I am going to look for Nadine now. You can go on, go" I said, keeping my tone light and friendly so she wouldn't suspect me for being antisocial with her friends.
My mother didn't look like she approved of my behavior but she left me there to greet other Lunas from different packs. I watched her as she conversed animatedly, looking as lively as she can. No wonder my father always tells us my mother is a true Luna.
Being a Luna comes with a lot of responsibilities including being diplomatic with other Lunas. It might sound easy but a she-wolf will easily feel threatened with another powerful one. To earn a Luna's trust, one has to really take her heart first.
I sighed and looked away from my mother, averting my gaze to the sky, marveling at the pink and purple there. It was beautiful as always. The sun started to set and in a few minutes, it would be dark for us to get ready for another day.
I smiled to myself and looked down again, scanning through the crowd to spot my father, along with my brothers talking to a few Alphas with a smile on their faces. Only at times like this, they would find time to be social. Or else, Alphas are known for their brooding nature and immersing themselves in pack matters even on their free day.
Another smile found my lips when I took a deep breath. There was a scent in the air now and it was almost pulling me in a direction. It has a woodsy smell to it but for some reason, I found that sweet and addicting. I took another breath and smiled again, loving that the scent is still in the air.
Who might be blessed with such an amazing scent?
I was curious but I know that I probably wouldn't gain anything in knowing that. I also realized that I have been standing here rigidly for the past ten minutes, just watching my family members from where I was. I might look like a complete loner now.
"I didn't know you will be an early birdy" I heard Nadine say from behind me, "Are you here this early so you won't miss the chicken?" She grinned at me playfully when I turned around to face her.
"My mother insisted for us to come as early as we can" I rolled my eyes, "Where are others?" I looked around to see if Eleanor was here somewhere but there is no sign of her.
"She is helping Elise to get ready" She smiled at me, "So have you found anyone interesting here yet?" She asked me in a lower voice, looking around to see if anyone was listening to us.
I grinned, "Interesting or hot?" I asked her, giving her a pointed look.
"They will be definitely Interesting if they are hot" She answered me.
I opened my mouth to say something but the scent distracted me again. My wolf stirred inside of me and started to get excited us as well making me frown. What is this all about? What's happening?
My wolf seemed like she couldn't get enough of that scent. I know she liked the sweet smell but she never behaved like this before.
"Are you okay? You seem a little distracted" Nadine noted, waving her hand in front of me, "Hello, Sophia, earth to please" She chuckled when I blinked at her.
"Sorry, it is just my wolf. She feels different today" I smiled with a shake of my head, "So when do you think the King will be here to start the party?" I asked, distracting myself from getting more uncomfortable. I held my breath so I wouldn't sniff the air like a retard now and then.
"Exactly at eight," She said, nodding her head.
I looked back at everyone at the garden right now, "These people are too early" I shook my head in disapproval, "I mean I get it that no one wants to keep the King waiting but thirty minutes before the event is more than enough to be here"
"That's how they can show their loyalty towards the King" Nadine answered, smiling at the crowd, "They might be his close friends and trusted comrades but still, that doesn't change the fact that he is the Alpha King and they all should bow down to him" She finished looking at me.
I nodded my head at her, "Yeah" I smiled, agreeing with her, "But still it is a little too early" I chuckled softly making her chuckle with me.
"I suppose it is" She grinned, "So since we are here already, why don't we help ourselves with some drinks? We can have a sip or two while waiting for the Alpha King and the Luna Queen to make their grand entrance" She said, grabbing my hand and dragging me towards the garden as well.
We passed a few people and I could see they all looked my way in interest. Probably because of my fading crimson hair. It did look a little weird but I liked it so yeah, I never did anything about it yet. I am actually amazed the dye stayed this long on my hair, I vaguely remember someone saying it is semi-permanent or temporary...
Eventually, we made it to the buffet area and saw some drinks already lined up, ready to serve. Nadine took one for her and handed another one for me, "Here you go" She said, her eyes wandering around the area, "Now we just lookout for some hot guys here" She muttered under her breath, too low for anyone to hear except for me.
I sniggered, "You just wouldn't let that go, would you?" I shook my head, "I wonder how you didn't meet your mate yet"
Nadine's smile faltered and all the amusement in her eyes completely vanished as if it wasn't there in the first place, "I know. I just want to meet my mate already. When one live way too long...they tend to get alone if they do not have a life companion" She sighed.
Instantly, I regretted bringing up this subject, "I am sorry, Nadine. I didn't mean to touch such a sore subject" I apologized right away, looking at her worriedly.
Nadine shook her head, "It's okay" She smiled, masking up her emotions easily under a second, "I am sorry you had to see that" She apologized for a mistake she didn't do.
"There is nothing wrong in showing your emotions, Nadine. The more you bottle it, the more you will feel burdened" I told her, "If you feel like you need a friend to talk to, just now that I am here" I smiled at her.
Nadine's eyes light up, "Thank you" She smiled gratefully, "Alright, enough about me. Aren't you excited to meet your mate? You can find him any time now!" She squealed in delight, attracting a few heads to turn our way.
"Ugh, it is a sore spot for me too" I grumbled, "But not for the exact same reason. You want to find your mate as soon as you can but I want to find mine as late as I can" I said, taking a sip of my drink.
Nadine processed my words, "That doesn't make sense. Why you don't want to meet him now?" She inquired, narrowing her beautiful eyes on me.
I raised my shoulders to shrug, "There is a lot more to achieve than finding a mate. I want to contribute something to our kind before settling down with a mate" I replied.
She watched me incredulously, "Your best friend Elise there achieved something no one can after she found her mate" She reminded me.
I know it was the truth but still, Elise and I are different in many ways. Including this.
"I guess it is just the way I am" I smiled, "Oh, look!" I said pointing towards the entrance of the castle where Elise and The King walked out from the castle, hand in hand as they headed towards us, "They are here!" I grinned, happy to see my friend with a man like the King.
He wouldn't hurt her even accidentally.
"Gosh, they look so cute together. I wish I look like them with my mate when I find him" Nadine gushed, looking at the couple dreamily.
I thought about it for a second and smiled. I wish the same but hopefully, that will happen after another ten years.