Fainted

My body stiffened in the chair as another alphas in the conference room called for me, confusion evident in their voices. I couldn’t respond but deep down I sensed they knew I had found my mate. Their eyes were filled with questions particularly about Ruth who was or perhaps still is my mate.

The pull I felt was irresistible and my wolf incessantly echoed the word 'mate' in my mind. Without hesitating I made a beeline for the door.

As I passed through the crowd of werewolves mingling at the party many were engaged in the pursuit of their own mates. I could see that some had already found theirs, judging by the way they were lost in each other’s embrace.

I headed directly for the ballroom where the scent was overwhelmingly strong compelling me to claim her instantly.

The intoxicating blend of mint and coffee hit me like a wave.

While searching for the source of that alluring scent I spotted her standing at the bar with Italia her best friend. She was sipping something that resembled wine but my focus was solely on my daughter or rather my mate.

She was stunning, exuding elegance and grace.

Her long vibrant red dress flowed beautifully, with an open back that added a touch of allure. A sparkling silver diamond necklace adorned her neck perfectly complementing her purse and her straight long black hair was elegantly pulled back.

My mind was a whirlwind as I took a couple of steps forward only to see her stiffen and glance my way. Our eyes locked my electric blue meeting her deep green.

“Mate?” was all Claire could utter before she collapsed.

Gasps of astonishment filled the air  and I could feel the weight of everyone’s gaze as if they thought I had lost my mind. Their expressions mirrored the countless questions I had grappled with for years questions that remained unanswered until this very moment.

Italia looking as pale as a ghost exclaimed. “What? No! It can’t be!” before she too fainted.

While waiting at the pack hospital for the girls to regain consciousness my beta and gamma arrived finding me standing in the hallway. They informed me that they had asked the pack members and other wolves to leave declaring the party is over. I thanked them and they inquired about what had transpired.

I recounted everything to them in detail.

If they were weak, I’m certain they would have fainted right there in the hospital.

My name is Claire.

Today, Italia and I are celebrating our birthdays. We chose to mark the occasion with other packs,our family and members of the Black Moon pack.

Over the years, I have felt my father’s mutual disdain towards me. He often seemed more occupied with his office or other so-called ‘business matters.’

It’s peculiar because whenever he is home, he consistently finds excuses to avoid spending time with me.

This behavior hurt me deeply; I would often lie awake at night crying myself to sleep with Italia trying to comfort me.

“Do you blame me?” I would ask myself.

Italia has the best dad in the world. He actively participates in her life engaging in typical father-daughter activities and even teaching her about becoming the next beta.

In contrast, I received acceptance and love only from my mother. She trained me to harness my witch powers teaching me how to use them for my own protection.

Flashback

I overheard a conversation between my parents in the library, thanks to my heightened wolf hearing.

“Michael, what is wrong with you? After giving birth to our daughter you have changed drastically. For the past sixteen years, I’ve taken care of her while you’ve been consumed by pack duties and your businesses never making time for her." my mother said.

She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. “Don’t you love her? Just look at how Jayden treats Italia; it breaks Claire’s heart to see that contrast.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I listened to my mother’s words.

I always made sure to keep my feelings hidden, especially from her, as she had shown me nothing but affection.

My father replied. “Ruth, you don’t understand… I’m… I’m sorry, I can’t do this.” His voice rose in frustration.

I quickly retreated to my room as I heard him approaching.

Flashback end

Present Day

A knock on my bedroom door interrupted my thoughts as I stood before the mirror, finalizing my makeup.

I looked radiant in my bright red dress, and my makeup was simple yet striking.

“Come in.” I called, beaming at the thought of Italia entering.

“HEY, LOOK AT YOU! OMG! CLAIRE, YOU ALWAYS LOOK ELEGANT IN EVERYTHING! Even with that simple makeup, you’re still sensational.” Italia exclaimed, her voice ringing in my ears.

I rolled my eyes, chuckling at her enthusiasm.

My affection for her is truly remarkable.

I wore a long backless bright red silk dress paired with a silver diamond necklace a matching silver purse and sleek silver pencil heels.

“Damn girl, You are so lucky you’re my bestie. I’d use my witch powers to silence that sweet mouth of yours and thank you.You look HOT, glittering and sexy in that dress too.” I said, smiling brightly.

Italia was dressed in a flawless long gown that hugged her perfectly a bright green that complemented her smokey grey eyeshadow and black pencil heels.

With sparkles in her dark brown eyes and a wide grin, Italia said.“Oh, come on.You with your sweet words I'm the lucky one for having you as my bestie.” 

With a playful pout and a smirk she added. “Now, let’s not ruin our makeup and go have the best day of our lives!”

“ And  let’s not forget the drinks we’ve been waiting 17 years to enjoy!” We hugged and laughed heartily.

Italia is the kind of friend anyone would cherish; she’s always been there for me during both good and bad times. Even when I missed my father she would ask her dad to come and spend time with us.

We made our way to the ballroom to celebrate our birthday together.

As we walked, a familiar scent of rain-soaked in the soil enveloped me signaling that my mate was near.

My heart raced and my stomach fluttered.

I didn’t want Italia to notice my sudden change so I tried to maintain my composure albeit nervously.

But she did notice and asked what was wrong. I chuckled uneasily and brushed it off claiming I was just nervous about meeting my mate today.

Even though she seemed unconvinced she reassured me that it was normal to feel anxious.

To calm my nerves she filled the air with lighthearted chatter that made me laugh.

As we passed the conference room the scent intensified nearly overwhelming me yet I managed to stay composed until we reached the ballroom.

Once inside, we decided to grab glasses of wine before kicking off the celebrations.

While enjoying our drinks that familiar scent of rain in the soil hit my nostrils again.

In that moment I realized my mate was nearby. My body betrayed me stiffening involuntarily as I turned to see my father standing behind me.

When our eyes met and everything else faded away.

“Mate, mate, mate,” my wolf sang joyfully within me.

Yes, I am a witch but I inherited my father’s wolf who despite being restrained remained robust within me.

My mother always claimed I was special but I dismissed it believing I was just an ordinary witch until the day I heard my wolf.

She was powerful and resilient.

“Mate?” I said, astonished.

How could this be?

Overwhelmed, I fainted.