I had never seen the Redmoon territory this beautiful. It was like it was Christmas or New Year's eve. The entire pack territory was decorated, even the remote places. The woods to the south of the pack, where the claiming would occur was taken care of too. Small cozy temporary huts were created in random exotic locations. They were lighted with small dim lights to give a romantic vibe. No two hut placed close to give the couples full freedom to explore each other. It was weird how s*x was celebrated here, but the romance was in the air and so was my heat. It was more than a hundred times, I had to now remind myself not to get too swayed away and take part in the claiming.
Also, I am pretty sure no one would want me. I was the pack's weird girl. Everything about me was weird - my clothes, my shoes and my make up skills. And I had extremely pale skin and weirder eyes. I sometimes feel I was crazy or I was really a product of some experiments done by rogues as some people think. But now this was my life and I wanted to make things right.
There were two ways. One, find a mate, and get accepted in his pack. Second, study so hard that I can officially leave the pack to live among humans in some distant city. I worked hard, really hard for my second way out but my heart yearns for my mate.
It was only a few days left and the omegas who were going to partook in the claiming had also stopped working, which is like almost everybody. The mated or marked werewolves generally stay away from this and I understand why. I too would not like my mate anywhere near this. The seniors too maintain their distance except for the last day where couples claim and mark each other. So, this was going to put a lot of pressure on me.
"Elsa?" Someone called me while I was folding the napkins and daydreaming. I flinched as if I was caught doing something suspecting but then quickly regained my composure.
It was Ryker. I am not sure why on earth he would want to talk to someone like me. But he was going to be the next alpha and I have to act my loyalty.
I bowed down showing a fake courtesy and inquired for his sudden uninformed intrusion in the best possible manner.
"Elsa, it's sad that you would not be taking part in the claiming even when you are of age. But that also is going to make you officially the senior-most in charge of the events when we are going to participate in the claiming. Like every year everyone else is eighteen and above who are taking part just to get the vibe of it and help us in a smooth flow." Ryker said seriously.
"I am sure there would be someone elder than me and single. Like Martha? I am barely 21." I tried to get away from this terrible responsibility. I did not want to be anywhere near the claiming. Especially when Rafael was going to be here. Due to some unbeknownst reasons, ever since that night, I was having a major crush on him. It's not like I had not known him from before. He is like a celebrity in our world. But like I said due to some uncanny unknown reason I am infatuated with the big bad wolf.
"Well, Martha is too old and might not approve of most. Also, do not forget we have the Redmoon Pack day. Seniors from other packs are coming and they would need attention and care too. So Martha is going to take care of that." He tried to reason. For once at least he was talking to me as if I was a person and not a thing to be used.
"Umm... Are you sure there is no one else who can take this role? I am only an omega and Elsa. I am sure the betas and all will not listen to me even if they are younger than me." I reminded him about the facts of our pack. Wasn't he one of my first bully?
"I know. So I am going to officially announce that tonight. No one would like to go behind me. And no matter how filthy you are, you are good at doing these chores and serving people. You can guide them to be just like you. Stay invisible and watch things from far or better not poke at all." And there it goes all his niceness. He thinks I am an invisible team leader that can make others invisible. Was he mad?
I know it is not advised for people to pursue anyone younger than 21 and also I know no one follows it, which leads to a lot of ruckuses. A few years back the last claiming day was officially canceled. So he does not want anything like that to happen. But entrusting me with that was a big mistake. For god sake, I am a nobody and no one was going to listen to me.
But like the dumb person I was, I agreed to it anyway. I am probably hardwired to never be able to say a No and then fail at things miserably. My life lessons needed a serious upgrade.
And just like that, I was welcoming a lot of "boos and thumbs downs" on the night before the Redmoon Pack day when Ryker announced the weirdest thing that anyone had imagined. The rules were clear. Follow me. By that, they meant, be invisible like me, be at everyone's service, never raise the voice, accept everything was your fault, and treat everyone with a giving and endless giving nature. And mostly, to stay away from them physically.
It was not an unknown fact that I was a virgin. I mean who would like to have s*x with me in the first place and invite all the drama that I carry. Being a virgin in a werewolf community was like being a w***e in the human world, I believe. It was the nastiest thing someone can call you. It has the ability to make you feel rip yourself apart. It's so humiliating that it makes you believe that you are not needed or desired. And mostly, it was true in my case. And that is the reason why I was so obsessed to find my mate.
The next day guests started arriving. Based on their ranks and titles, accommodation and hospitality were provided to them. But that was only restricted to the places of stay. They all were allowed to mingle near the gazebo. I was doing my own duty perfectly and failing as the team leader. No one really cared what I said and Bianca was the unofficial leader. Honestly, I was relieved. I was never a team player. So much for being a wolf.
But ever since the Blackmoon pack arrival news reached my ears, Ayla was acting crazy. She was jumping to go and have a peek at Rafael. But I was not allowed there. Angela and others were taking care of the arrangements for the most special guests, which meant we did everything in the back and they were just carrying it out on the main screen.
And just like that, the day passed and the coronation of Ryker was done. Everyone was celebrating and happy. I was the only one not finding any joy in any of that. I was hoping Rafael would be at least present in the coronation ceremony and I could get a glance at him, but he was nowhere to be seen. I was not able to understand my unreasonable desire, but I had this huge fan girl crush on him already that was getting too difficult to get rid of.
I lost all my hope and prepared for the evening gala. We were strictly asked not to make ourselves too obvious at the party. Even if Rafael would appear, it was going to be impossible to still glances at him where the crowd was free and unfocused on anything in particular, except maybe for Rafael. But what guarantee was there that he would come there in the first place.
The evening started in full fledged and there was no sign of Rafael even when I could see Jander and his wife. They were stuck to each other like glue. Somehow I was starting to believe it was only for my good. I don't want a Rafael breaking my resolution.
As I was trying to somewhat settle my erratic feelings, I went to the pack house to get some breather. No one would miss me for an hour. The party was going to go on the whole night maybe. And I needed a small break, a shower, and a change of clothes.
The pack house, for a change, seemed silent and quiet. It was the most peaceful place in the entire territory for once. I liked being alone, far from the crowd and who knew the pack house would come to my rescue this time!
I went near the staircase to go to my room on the first floor. It was small yet cozy. It was my heaven. But when I reached near the stairs, the pack house was no more silent like I expected it to be initially. I could hear a faint moaning sound coming from upstairs. I was not sure who would be upstairs having s*x while missing the party of the year. But it was not as surprising as I was thinking about it considering we are wolves. Or at least what I have seen all my life.
I just hoped it is not one of the younger ones, because otherwise I will be screwed big time. If Ryker finds out, he will not tolerate it. I quickly rushed upstairs, following the moaning sound. I finally spotted the room. It was the pack casual meeting c*m entertainment room for exclusive ones. Not everyone could enter inside it. Interestingly, I had access to most of the room because otherwise who would clean the trash after all the fun.
I was apprehensive to barge in and started fidgeting outside the door. The noise was loud and intense. It was like the girl inside was having the s*x of her life. But as I listened carefully, the voice sounded strangely familiar. I could not point out exactly, but I was getting nervous. What if it was one of the younger with whom I am interacting a lot these days over the past two weeks.
But I needed to be sure. What if it was some high ranking wolf. No matter what she was doing or the rules were, I would be the one landing in trouble. With no other option left, I peeped through the keyhole, something I never thought I would be doing in my entire life. But life has always the opposite in store for me.
After letting out a long sigh, I bent down to see who was inside the room. I felt like those spies from the movies. Boom... Thunder fell on me. It was no other than Angela getting nasty with some male. The male wolf was bare-bodied and had muscles to die for. I could feel my mouth watering at the sight. I gulped down my saliva. It was like I was frozen in my place. I could not stop but watch more.
Angela was completely naked and her legs wide apart sitting on top of the meeting table. The male wolf was standing in front of her and finger f*****g her roughly. She was moaning crazily. And that's when I could not help but feel mine arousal. Juices started flowing down and I was getting carried away.
But not long after, I could see the man stopping whatever he was doing disappointing Angela. He turned back and before I could see his face I got up and started running from the place. I would be dead if they find out me watching them. Also, Angela would not be throwing at any random guy no matter how handsome they were. Obviously, it was going to be someone powerful and influential. She has already started her game and I would be a fool to even have any kind of attraction towards her target.
I ran without even stopping for air till I reached my room. It was my sanctuary. I took a deep breath and quickly got inside the shower. I needed to remove every trace of my arousal. I took a hot shower. I even used shampoo and body wash twice. Then I changed into a fresh pair of clothes that were prepared for us for the royal party. I did a slight makeup by putting on lipstick and mascara, otherwise, Martha would have raised suspicion on why I was getting so late. I could lie that I was getting ready for the party.
Oh boy! I finally went to the party wearing my high pumps to face my demons and to face what the future has in store for me.