Rutting Season

Tessa leaned against the kitchen counter and sipped her coffee while her mom and dad tried to convince her they were right. “Listen, honey; we’re not saying you must choose a mate this year. We just want you to go for the experience. Nothing we tell you will prepare you for what it's actually like,” her mom, Kyla, pleaded. Her dad, Tomas, followed up, “Exactly. Go. Have fun. Meet new people and see for yourself what it's like. Then, when you’re ready to choose a mate, you won’t be nervous and can focus on finding someone that suits you.” She shook her head, “I’m not interested. Having a bunch of horny, oh, sorry, dad, um. A bunch of men in rutting season chasing after me isn't how I want to celebrate my birthday. Can't we just do something at home? I swear I will go next year just to make you happy.” Her mom sighed and set her mug on the table. Her face was more serious. “Years ago, it wasn't optional; all females had to attend. Sometimes, I think it was better that way. I know you don't see its value right now, but please just go. You can hang out in the background and just observe. Then I’ll never ask you to go again.” Tessa looked at her dad, who held his hands in surrender, “I’m with your mom on this one. You're an adult now, and we can't make you go, but I would like it if you did. What if something happened to us and you had to go for the first time without us? We’re just trying to prepare you. Besides, it’s part of our Wapiti culture. What if you missed your mate because you didn't attend the ritual?” Her parents could be very traditional, and she knew this meant a lot to them, so she finally gave in. “Fine. I will attend this year, but having you there seems embarrassing. No hovering, and I don't want to discuss any of it. If I have questions, I will ask.” Their faces lit up as they nodded in unison. “Of course! It’s a long week of events, so let me look in your closet. We may need to buy you some new outfits,” Kyla told her before rushing off. Tomas looked much more relaxed now that she had agreed. “Wonderful. I’ll leave you and Mom to it. I'll just be around to ensure things don't get too out of hand. You know males in rut are intense.” Tessa made a face, and he chuckled as he went to the living room to watch his favorite show. “The first event is at noon, so you better prepare. I don't want to be late,” he called from his favorite recliner. Tessa mumbled a curse and went to the bathroom. Her mom could choose her outfit. She would show up in a tee shirt and jeans if left up to her. She rummaged around in the cabinet for her makeup bag and hair products. Taming her curls would take some time. Two hours later, she stood in front of the mirror in her room and tossed a skeptical look over her shoulder at her mom. “Are you sure this dress is necessary?” Kyla clapped her hands, “Isn’t it beautiful? You look amazing. Believe me. All the ladies will be dressed up. You don't want to be outdone.” Tessa rolled her eyes, “Mom, I'm trying to be a wallflower, not compete for all the male attention.” Kyla waved her hands, “Psshh. You will be fine. Now, let’s find your father. You know how grumpy he is if we’re late.” She checked her hair in the mirror, happy to see her hair wasn't frizzy. Her long, dark brown curls hung softly down to the middle of her back, covering some of the opening of the dress. She wore a blue satin halter dress and silver heels. A white gold necklace accentuated the deep plunging neckline, and diamond studs adorned her ears. It was simple but sensual and was nothing like how she usually dressed. As they joined her dad, he looked at her dress and shook his head. Her mom raised her eyebrows at him. “Well, I'm going to have to stay on my toes this week if you keep dressing her like that,” he told his wife, who laughed. He opened their doors and took the driver's seat. It was a short drive from their house to the ritual site, and before she was ready, they were in front of the large stone building. A valet took the keys, and Tomas offered his arm to his wife before offering his other arm to her. “Ready,” he asked, and she wondered what he would do if she said no. However, putting on a polite smile, she lied. “Yes. Let’s go see what male specimens are on display this year.” Tomas’ shoulders shook in silent laughter as he led them into the building. “Today, we will have lunch, and the men will be introduced. Then they will begin the competition.” Tessa was confused. “Competition?” Kyla huffed, “Didn’t you pay attention at all when we discussed this? Or at school? The men will fight to display their strength.” That sounded boring to her, “Goddess, this could take all night. How many men will be here?” Thomas joined in the conversation, “Hard to tell. We have quite a few from our pack this year, and I don't know how many will come from other packs. Last year, I think we had about 75 men.” Tessa groaned, “How many of them found mates?” he looked thoughtful. “I don't know, but I think it was around thirty.” Kyla’s whisper drew their attention, “Look, there are a few girls from your class. I told you, you wouldn't be the only one here your age.” Tessa ignored that and asked her dad another question. “Will most of the guys be close to my age?” He shook his head, “Hard to say. All the unmated men from our pack will be here unless they have a reason to be exempt. The ones that come from other packs may be older. Usually, the first years stay in their pack.” They found a table near the front, and a waiter brought them glasses of champagne. Alpha Ben began the night with a speech, “We are unique to the shifter community. Most are predatory, and their mating systems are different. For the Wapiti, women are the ones with the most power. Males are tasked with displaying their ability to be good mates while the women get the final choice. Finding the right partner can be a long process in a society with more males than females. So, tonight, let's toast everyone participating this year.” As his speech ended, he handed the mic over to his wife, who began to introduce the men. They had previously drawn numbers to decide their order and were brought out in groups of ten. Dressed in their finery, they were handsome and looked happy to be there. Some of them preened as Denise gave a short description. Tessa watched with disinterest and turned her attention to the crowd in the dining room. The tables were full of women; some, like her, had chaperons, others were seated with friends, and very few looked unhappy to be there. Most of them watched with full attention, admiring the men on display. “Our last group of men tonight are new to our area. Each came from a different pack in search of their special lady. Let me introduce….” Tessa turned her attention back to the stage, but the sound of Denise’s words faded. Standing directly in front of their table on stage, at the end of the group, was a man who screamed dominance. He had long white hair pulled up into a bun, startling gold eyes, and pale skin. His fair coloring didn't take away from his presence; he was huge. She guessed he had to be well over six feet tall, and thick muscles bulged beneath his suit jacket.