Evie

“Cheers” the ceremonial clinking of glasses ringing through the air. As I glanced around the room at old faces and new, I was reminded of my childhood with Penelope. We have known each other, well, our whole lives. Our mothers were in labor together. Pen was born exactly 3 minutes before me (a fact she would often remind me of) Every scraped knee, lost tooth, boy crush, school gossip, midnight snacks, late night calls, first kiss, boy tear memories were with her. Looking at Pen now, as a grown woman ready for her mating ceremony, all those moments came rushing back. She was always the most popular of our duo. She was the Alpha’s only daughter after all. Her long blonde hair cascading down her slender back. Her womanly body complimented by the red dress that hugged her curves. She was stunning. She walked through life with grace and an ease that would forever be foreign to me, but I never felt an ounce of jealousy. I loved her too damn much.

“Oh Ev, I’m so happy you’re here” she chimed, her mimosa laced lips kissing me on the cheek “I was so worried that you wouldn’t want to, umm you know, come back but I’m so glad you did” Her blue eyes beaming as she smiled at me.

“I wouldn’t miss this occasion for anything Pen” I smiled back. In all honesty, I wasn’t going to come. I’ve been away from home for a long time and come so far in my healing. It has been quite the journey of recovery, but I clawed my way back to some resemblance of sanity. I was lost for so long, treading water, in survival mode but now the prodigal daughter had returned.

“Jez was such a jerk, I wanted to kill him Ev for what he done to you” she continued as she slid on the seat next to me “I mean, how could he” “Pen, trust me, I wanted to kill him too, but it’s been 6 years, I’m over it.” I interrupted. I could see ears perk up around us. God knows I didn’t miss pack gossip. It’s not every day that a young Alpha in training rejects his mate, who happens to be his sister’s best friend, then said best friend flees the country, running from the shame of rejection, leaving her family and life behind to try and survive her broken heart. I’m sure I was hot topic news for quite some time “He would have a coronary if he seen you now though Ev” she gleamed, looking me up and down “You look like an absolute babe” I had changed a lot. From that day and the many that followed. I had found solace in working out and had the athletic build to prove it. I became a skilled fighter, having trained under many renowned warriors. I travelled the world, met amazing people, ate incredible food, and dedicated myself to getting stronger, both mentally and physically. The person I was then has long gone.

“Well, I think I’ll call it a night Pen. I’m pretty beat from my flight” I spoke, rising from my seat “Oh no Ev, the night is still young. Stay please” she whined, pouting her pretty red lips. The Evelyn of old would have crumbled under her wish but like I said, I had changed a lot “We’ll catch up tomorrow Pen” I announced as I kissed the top of her groaning head. I said my goodbyes and headed for the door. The place was crowded, forcing me to snake my way through the masses. A sudden flush came over my skin. My breathing hitched, my body trembling as I stumbled forward out the door, What the hell was that I thought as I hailed a cab. My skin was still tingling when I hopped in my ride. As we pulled away from the curb, I glanced over my shoulder where the silhouette of a man stood. His muscular frame was obvious, but it was his eyes that drew me in the most. They were identical to mine.