I never knew shopping could be so exhausting. Valerie had me try on over 40 outfits. Every time I went out, she would have a new one for me.
“Our school doesn’t do uniforms,” Valerie said. “However, we want you to look your best. You will be hanging out with my group after all.”
I nodded my head and looked down at the mini skirt she just handed me. “Really? I’m going to school and not a party, right?”
Valerie broke out laughing. “Everyday is a party with me. Now go try it on. Your legs will look amazing.”
I smiled and tried it on. It did look good, just not my style. I would conform to her outfits for now, but I needed to be me too. “I will the do the mini skirt with the sweater and the tank with the leggings?”
“Not what I would do, but you have an eye for fashion,” Valerie said, smiling. “Now my turn.”
We ended up buying 20 outfits and jewelry. Fillian’s Luna dress was low cut but covered the rest with a beautiful empire waste. She will look amazing in it. Valerie got a beautiful orange flowing dress that highlighted her amazing skin tone. It was low cut and had a high slit. It fit her perfectly. I chose a more covered princess dress in blue. I always loved blue.
Val and I were becoming fast friends. This blossoming friendship grew on Monday when she held up her promises and introduced me to her friends Megan and Talia. They were from the Alpha and Beta’s families that also went to our school. I could tell that Val was their leader.
She eluded power with everything she did. When she introduced me, it was like she dared them to say something. They, of course, did. The look between them did not go unnoticed. With Val in my corner, the first few days flew by.
Classes were easy for me, which allowed me more time to train. I even agreed to tutor Val in Chemistry as I had taken it online last year. Before I knew it, the big day was here. It was Friday. This evening, I would be introduced and Fillian would become the official Luna.
I have to admit, I have felt a bit off since Wednesday. Maybe it was the anticipation. The first of the packs began to arrive on Wednesday and Skia was running in my mind over and over. Something was off, but she didn’t know what. She felt a pull towards something, but she didn’t know what the pull was, and it was making us both crazy.
I was so busy making sure everything was perfect for the Luna ceremony. I spent all my available time triple checking lists and going over menus. With so many guests, I chose to eat in the kitchen with the staff most nights. I also felt most comfortable here. I helped run meals to rooms or clean up after the cooking was done. Many tried to shoo me away, but after I declined for the 10th time, they gave up.
School was closed on Friday to allow everyone to get ready. Fillian allowed me to skip Thursday to assist her with everything. She seemed as nervous as me.
I was working on Katie's hair before I would leave to do my own. Fillian came in to give us a quick smile before she got ready.
It would be my first dinner sitting with the upper pack members and I was worried. I would be seated between Fillian and Valerie. This was helpful as Val and I had really hit it off. We were like Ying and Yang.
She was bold and loud. I prefer to take my surroundings in and think before speaking. During the ceremony, Skia was running in my mind. “I can sense our mate,” she said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Val cut in a whisper “Are you talking to your wolf?” she gave me a shove to pay attention.
It was a good thing she did as Fillian was introducing me to the pack as their ward and invited me onstage. I was overcome by nerves and surprise. I started to tear up as I made it to the stage and pledged myself to the pack.
“I promise I will not let you down.” I said with a bow and gave them both the biggest hug I had even given or gotten.
“We have a pack now,” I said to Skia.
“Yes, and our mate is here.” She said, irritated.
“OK,” I responded. “How do I find him?”
“I don’t know,” Skia responded. “I can pick up his scent but it is weak. I guess you need to dance?”
“Dance?” I questioned.
“It is the only way to confirm it. Physical touch. If I can sense him, his touch should send sparks or at least tingles.”
“Millie!” Val shouted. It was time for the pack run. It was fun to run with the pack. Everyone was surprised that I had shifted early but no one treated me differently. Running was freeing and Skia was keeping up with the Alpha pack. There was a solid grey wolf that kept turning to me. He was a large wolf and not in my pack as far as I could tell. This is my mate. I know it. His blue eyes really shown against his grey fur.
When we split to shift back, I lost him. I was changing and looking around when Val came up. “Millie! Have you heard anything I have said?”
I looked at her and shook my head. “Sorry.”
“It is fine,” she said. “ You looked great out there. I wish I could have gotten my wolf early. Did you notice Blaine the future Alpha of the Crimson Moon is here, and he is even cuter than I remember. Granted, we were six the last time I saw him. He was with you for a bit during the run. He is going to be such a great Alpha.”
“So, you like him?” I could tell that at least she was interested in him.
“Duh! He is an Alpha and so gorgeous!” She gushed. “I bet we will be mates.”
“Can your wolf sense your mate too?” I asked.
“No, but he will be. It is my dream future.” She said, totally glancing over what I had said too. I just wanted to tell someone that my mate was here, but she was still going on about him. The only thing that stopped her was the fact he came over.
“Would you like to dance?” he asked Val. He smelt so good. Like fall leaves right before they fall off the trees and apples.
“Yes, I would.” Val responded, taking his hand and they were gone. They looked beautiful together.
I sat still in my spot as I watched. Suddenly, a boy around 18 came over and asked me to dance. He said he was Blaine’s Beta and would like to get to know me better. I agreed and we took to the floor. In the middle of the song, Blaine twirled Val and David spun me to switch.
As I reached and took his hand, I could feel the tingles and looked into the bluest eyes. He was the grey wolf.
“Mate,” Skia said. Blaine just kept spinning us and turned us back to David. A large growl ripped through the crowd, and everyone stopped. Alpha Vincent was holding a letter and Fillian looked scared.
Mates will have to wait. Everyone went back to try to enjoy the party. Everyone but me. I had to ensure the safety of my new pack. I assisted Reagan with running the boundary for the next two days. I will not lose this family.