Their Christmas Gift

Holiday Ball

Ariah pov

"Ariah.....Ariah."

I sit up in bed, panic taking over. Who was calling my name?

" Ariah...... It's me, Lila, your wolf."

My wolf! I know it can take time for you to get your wolf after you turn eighteen, so I hadn't really been stressing about it. But now she's here, calling me.

Looking over at the clock on my bedside table, I see it's only three a.m.

" It's nice to meet you, Lila, but why did you wake me? I didn't expect you to come yet."

It's strange feeling her stir within me.

" I'm sorry, but I couldn't wait to meet you. I feel a great energy around you and felt you needed me with you."

" What do you mean, great energy?" I ask nervously.

" I'm not sure yet, but something tells me you need to be strong as you are destined for something special." Lila says, with pride in her voice. " Now, go back to sleep, I am here with you now."

Something in the way she says those words brings me comfort, closing my eyes I feel myself slipping back to sleep.

'Buzz...Buzz...Buzz'

Ugh, I roll over and turn off my alarm. Sitting up, I rub the sleep from my eyes, suddenly the memory of last night returns.

' Lila! are you there?' I think to myself, wondering if it was all a dream.

" I'm here, and yes, I'm very real." She replies sleepily.

Excitement taking over, I jump out of bed and make my way down to the kitchen where I find my parents in the kitchen and Aiden and his mate, Casey sitting at the table.

I make my way over to my mum and give her a kiss on the cheek as she hands me a plate stacked with bacon, eggs, and sausage.

" Someone's in a good mood." Dad chuckles as I take my seat at the table.

" Of course I am dad. I mean, it is the holiday ball tonight, and now that I've got my wolf, I'm not feeling so bad about being ditched by my date!"

" WHAT!?" My dad and brother yell at the same time.

" You got your wolf! Pumpkin, that's fantastic news!" dad beams at me.

Aiden, on the other hand, looks furious. " What do you mean, ditched? Alex gave me his word." I can hear the anger in his voice.

" It's ok, big bro, I mean, I was upset when he told me he found his mate, but now I really don't mind. Besides, it's going to be amazing just to attend, and I've got Kate and Sarah to look after me."

I watch as Casey puts a hand on my brothers shoulder, and he lets out a defeated sigh.

" Fine. Just remember, we will all be there, so if anyone tries anything funny, I won't hesitate to tear them apart." He gives me look, waiting for me to argue.

" Of course, Aiden. I can't imagine anyone approaching me with you and dad playing bodyguard." I see my brother and dad roll their eyes as mum and Casey let out loud bouts of laughter.

Not wanting to start an actual argument with the overprotective pair, I quickly start stuffing my face with eggs, hoping I can get back to my room soon to start getting ready.

As five o'clock draws near, I feel the butterflies in my stomach get bigger. I look in the mirror and add a last swipe of mascara to my long, black lashes, a quick spritz of hairspray to my long blonde hair, and I feel ready.

As I make my way down the stairs, I am met with the loving looks of my family. Dad and Aiden are both in crisp black tuxes, Mum is in a silver A-line dress, and Casey is in a figure hugging crimson gown, which contrasts well with her long black curls.

" Oh, pumpkin, you look stunning." Dad chokes out.

" Thanks, Dad, although I think it's mostly this incredible dress mum made."

" Don't be silly, baby! My dresses only help to highlight the beauty of the woman wearing them, and you definitely look like an incredible young woman. Men will be tripping over themselves, looking at you." Mum beams with pride.

Before anyone can say anything else, there is a loud knock at the door.

Dad opens the door and in bursts Kate and Sarah, excitement radiating off them. Both girls are in knee-length satin gowns, one in blue and one in yellow.

" Oh my gosh! you guys look great!"

We give each other a hug and head out to the limousine, waiting for us out front.

Pulling up at the pack house, I am in awe. Big green garlands wrap around the entrance with holly dotted across them.

Fairy lights are strung across the archway leading into the big building, making it look magical.

Kate and Sarah stand either side of me, our arms looped together as we make our way in.

The grand ballroom is illuminated by candles and fairy lights twikling across the roof. Deep crimson table cloths are accompanied by green wreaths as a magnificent banquet is laid out in a buffet style for all the guests.

This is more than I could have ever imagined, a string quartet playing in the corner while couples dance in the centre of the room. I squeeze my friends arms as the excitement becomes almost overwhelming, a warmth rising through my body.

The feeling becomes more intense, and I start to sense Lila stirring inside me.

' Lila, what's going on? Are we ok?' I think as the warmth becomes more and I begin to panic.

'Mate' is the only response she gives me, and suddenly I hear a loud shout.

"MATE!" Three deep voices growl out right as everything turns black.