Chapter 1
The champagne seemed to be the only thing that kept my nerves calm.
The only thing that could keep my mind clear enough to remember the basic etiquette of social gatherings.
back straight. shoulders rounded, and feet to glide. never stomp.
Simple instructions always felt hard to complete when the room feels stuffy and my back muscle’s burn.
I pinch a forced, pleasant smile on my face. The neighbouring pack members notice, they show no evidence as they Make their way passed me. to the side table, where we house the Small Bite sized Pieces of food.
Introduction's were made, and yet all their names are forgotten. No need to learn the Names to the faces I would never have to lay my eyes on once the Twelve strikes of the Grandfather clock chimes late onto the night.
I never understood my fathers liking of these events. When something should be small, conservative. he invites the neighbouring Packs. and when I had asked him why. once, long ago. his only response was a wave of the hand and a short. ‘building new alliances.’
Perhaps he hopes each of his daughters to have a mate. one from each, pack.
I had hopped too, years ago That the moon goddess would give me a mate. where I wouldn’t be alone. but the moon Goddess doesn’t wish to have me one. Not as I reach 20, the Mating age passes by longer and longer.
I fear, My sisters will have their happy carefree mated life. and I will be here. with my father planning the tiresome celebrations.
Lingering scents Forge Together. some, intertwine in the harmony of mates. other linger together in arousal - in the recognition of young, unmated love.
my heels click against the black and white chequered marbled floor. The sound, however small, before to long. lingers with the soft clink of glasses Toasting together. and the loud, happy chatter.
A new mated couple. brings a newer generation. brings new hope, new alliances.
I tap my Hand against the Glass, the Bubble golden colour contrasting against the light. I had walked around the ball room three times already. sipping slowly at the Glass, only small mouthfuls. not enough to make me drunk.
only enough to forget the ache of my feet, tomorrow morning I already know my ankles will be swollen with fluid. walking will be a challenge. and I am already Grateful for no training.
and although The celebration is going smoothly. I find myself wanting to walk around once more. double checking the Centuries out front, and making sure the food stay's piled high.
we have a few hours until midnight. it's only six o'clock. six more hours until then and I doubt the one glass of champagne in my hand will last me another hour.
My temples Pulsate. as I click the top of my heel against the floor.
I had been telling myself all morning everything would be okay. and I find myself repeating it again, as I sweep the bottom of my ball gown into my free hand. weaving through the gathered pack members as they tightly move in closer together. talking in hushed tones.
their faces, pale. and hands, shaking slightly.
I walk away, to the isolated shadowed corner. everyone's eyes are on the newly mated couple. their eyes, shining as they dance. their mating marks, shining with dried blood.
if i stay here in this corner, at least i will be un noticed. but my eyes, see everything. ears hear even the smallest, creak of the wooden floor. as the young, omega's clean the mess in the guest rooms.
"everything is going well." Rosabell side steps beside me. staying away from the dark shadows instead staying in the embrace of the light. and it almost favour her. the way she looks as her silver Bracelet's sparkle like a thousand small Dimond's where placed with intent.
My Muscles knot. and my Jaw Clenches. "Don't say that. The moon goddess might just Snatch her good graces from us." I hiss.
"don't stress, Papa is making sure Everything is still going smoothly. no one will be able to ruin this day for her." Her Gaze lingers across the room. to Mabel and her Mate. She looks beautiful in her white, laced Gown. the Daisy, woven crown nestled in her hair.
She looked like a royal Wolf. Beautiful and Elegant. Everything I aimed to be and more.
If one thing was certain she would make a good Luna.
she was everything A Luna should be. Kind, Understanding. Patient. a mother figure.
Being the oldest sister made it come to her like second nature.
I sip the Champaign. the After taste lingering, and only a fraction does it calm my nerves. Rosabell - Smiles at me. her hand wrapping around my forearm. as she leans close, her perfume Lingering around my Nostril's.
"He is making sure no rouges will get through the tree line. it's not your job to worry about that. your job now is to have fun." she presses her Lips to the side of my Cheek. The simple action mimicking actions made from my childhood.
"And Audrey, You did amazing." her eyes softened. as she walks away. Her golden hair only a colour one could achieve from a box. yet it still somehow looks natural on her. it complements her slightly tanned skin, her sweetheart face. all my older sisters where everything I wanted to be, both Physically and mentally. yet I knew I couldn't be anything like them.
Though the ballroom is lively with chatter and a buzz I could never explain. I feel my mind melt away in Silence.
I allow myself only a moment to rest. the cool breeze the shadows offer more then addicting. I had chosen this material for the very reason of keeping my skin from clamming up, and the Material from sticking to it.
though the choice seems to be pointless.
I drink the rest of the Contents in my glass. the Liquid warm, unpleasant. and I can't help but Scrunch my face up in discomfort.
Before I can slip away. Mabel begins making her way over to me.
her skin radiates a glow, only found in newly mated Females. My Mouth begins to feel dry, and I ache for the buzz Alcohol would bring to me right now. I loved her with all my heart, if not more. but in these moments I felt nothing but envious.
I prayed to the moon goddess above that she couldn't see it.
Prayed that she couldn't smell it in my scent. or feel it in the way I carried myself.
"come Dance Audrey." Mabel, grins as approaches. the bite on her neck, almost mocking me. I flicker my eyes close. taking a deep breath. the warmth, doing nothing to calm my nerves.
Regardless of my petty, envious thoughts. I force a smile to pinch my lips on my Nude Painted lips and take her Out stretched delicate hand.
With quick steps, we are in the middle of the room. surrounded by men and women dancing together. some bare mating marks, others bare nothing. only - the feeling of love as it rolls of their beings.
without a moment to process the sudden movement. She spins me, the room Blurs. faces become Lost and scents become undistinguishable. as she Keeps my body rotating. the air in my lungs, catches. and my eyes swell with water. the Fabric of my Dress spread out, a see of green catching my eyes beneath me.
and when she let's me stop. she supports my Body. "See? isn't this better them brooding in the corner all night." her words are light, and her eyes shine.
"Well." I begin. "I was more then happy being by myself." I pointed out. but she only smiles. shaking her head. "not at one of my celebrations."
I raised a brow. "Shouldn't you be with your mate?"
she interlaces our fingers. her eyes gleaming as the tear drop chandelier sway's with the slight, breeze. "No, I'm here where I'm supposed to be. with my baby sister."
"Your mate is more important." I countered. "It's both of yours celebration."
Mabel stops dancing. "Me and him have our whole, lives to be together. he can spare a dance or two." her voice is hush and my heart swells. Guilt for leaving her family, to be with is family. his pack. to be the next Luna.
I step away from her. I needed air, needed to put distance between me and all these people. I didn't want to be here, in these moments around Mabel. I was going to be alone. no mate, no family. . I felt it saw it in my dreams, and my heart Ached about it.
"Excuse me." I didn't look back, not as I swept the skirt of my dress of the floor. walking out to the, ajar opened doors. no ceintures out back. But my mind is too Hazy to care. not as I suck in a breath, walking over to the cobbled wall.
my hands hold onto the stone. seeking it's support as I lean forward. my hair, falling forward. each strand, sticking to the sides of my face. my tears, wetting them instantly.
it only took one moment of silence. of Quiet, for my walls to shatter and break. the four walls of my bedroom seem more then appealing right now.
I don't know how long I've hidden away from the guest's. from my family. but the Wind becomes colder, and my arm hair's rise. my tears run dry. And somehow the sky becomes a shade of black, so dark. it seems like I am surrounded by a void of nothingness.
a snap, to my left. and a thud above me. sounding from the roof - makes my back muscles tense. I may be an Alpha's daughter. but I have never fully learned how to fight.
I open my mouth, ready to alert the others to the sudden - unwelcomed intruders. but immediately. a hand circles my head. Covering my mouth. forcing it shut, any noise I Make turns out muffled and Un-recognisable.
"Stay Quiet or die."
