Chapter 1

The mating ceremony was mandatory for all unmated wolves between the ages of 18 and 22. Every pack in the country sent their young wolves to the ceremony. I still had one year before I was able to go but at least I would know what to expect after Santana goes this year. This will be Xander’s second year at the ceremony but the process is different for men. Men did the choosing and if they chose not to take a mate then they left and came back the next year.  Women, on the other hand, could not turn down a mate that chose them.  If there were multiple men who chose the same woman they would traditionally fight for her, although nowadays women were able to choose which one of the men they wanted to be their mate. The only time it came to fight now is when one of the male wolves refused to accept the females choice. 

Xander had chosen not to take a mate last year and would be returning with his sister this year. I knew Santana would find her mate. I only hoped it would be someone from our pack so that she didn't have to move to a new pack. Santana was my only real friend and I wast sure what I would do if she left.

We had spent months shopping for the perfect dress for her to wear to the ceremony.  I knew she was very excited. As long as I had known Santana she had dreamed of finding her mate, she was always talking about how great he would be and how powerful he would be. I, on the other hand, couldn't imagine having a mate. I had always been shy and more of a loner. I couldn't even talk to guys without stumbling over my words and looking like a fool.

There was one guy in school that I have had a crush on since we were about twelve. His name was Kassius Keene. He was the son of the new Beta. Kassius was tall with an athletic build, sandy brown hair and dark eyes. I had sat behind him in class for several years, he smelled like an ocean breeze and I was fairly sure he had no idea I even existed.

Kassius had a brother who was one year older than us. His name was Kade. He was almost more handsome than Kassius. He was the quiet brooding type. I had only had a few run-ins with Kade but he seemed nice, he once helped me pick up my books from the floor of school after someone had run into me. Kade and Kassius were at the pack house often as their father was now the pack’s Beta and Kassius was best friends with the soon to be Alpha, Kai. I assumed Kassius would be named Beta once Kai took over and I foolishly allowed myself to daydream about what it might be like to be mated to the Beta. I had spent the first nine years of my life in the Beta family and knew the luxuries and special accommodations the title afforded the entire family. I shook the thought out of my head that life wasn't for me. I wasn't the same girl I'm sure my parents had hoped I would become. Years of living with uncle Laurence made sure of that. The only title I would ever hold in the pack house was that of housekeeper.

I arrived at work that day and Boris, the butler, immediately told me I was to report to Luna Turner in her office.  I checked my watch to make sure that I hadn't been late. I was right on time. I got a sick feeling in my stomach wondering what I may have done to warrant a meeting with Luna Turner. She had always been nice to me because of her past with my parents, but she was the type of woman who expected perfection. I was terrified I had done something to let her down. I needed this job if I was going to be able to move away from uncle Laurence. I made my way up the grand staircase of the pack house, the nerves making my knees shake with each step. I knocked on the large mahogany door of the Luna’s office. 

“Come in.” She said flatly. I wiped the sweat from my palms on my dress and slowly entered the room.  Luna Turner was sitting behind the large desk imposingly. Kai and Kassius were sitting in chairs directly across from her. They all had serious looks on their faces and I questioned what this could possibly have to do with me. My eyes shifted between Kai and Kassius. Kai looked nervous running a hand through his hair but Kassius seemed more relaxed as he flashed a grin in my direction. I had known Kassius for five years, this was the first time he had noticed me and it had to be in my housekeeping uniform. I felt a blush creep up on my cheeks when the Luna cleared her throat. I was thankful for it as the guys turned their attention to her once more. 

“Fallon, I am sure you know my son and his friend.” she began. “As you are aware Kai will be taking over as Alpha. The plan was to have him take over when he turned 18, however I would like to step back from my duties as Luna. Kai will be taking over now. We will be hosting the binding ceremony in two weeks time. I tell you this as my most trusted housekeeper. I have many other duties to attend to and I will need you to work with Kai and Kassius to plan the ceremony and the pack party that follows. I know you will not let me down” She stood up and left the room, leaving me alone with both Kai and Kassius. 

The binding ceremony was typically held on the new Alpha’s 18th birthday when the old Alpha would hand over his title to the new Alpha. There would be a quick ceremony under the moon that would bind the new Alpha to the pack allowing him direct access to mind link anyone in the pack or the entire pack at the same time. This was also the time the Alpha would announce his choice for the new Beta. I bowed to Kai and turned to leave the room. 

“Not so fast kitten,” I felt Kassius’ warm hand on my wrist. “We have a lot of work to do if we are going to make this party epic. I for one cannot wait to work with you.”

I looked toward Kai and noticed his unamused look. “With all due respect, I work for the Alpha family which means when Alpha Kai needs my assistance he will ask for it.” I told him flatly, trying to mask my desire to hear him call me kitten just one more time.

“You wouldn't want to hurt my feelings now would you kitten?”  he gave his best smirk “Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that, Kai and I have an agreement. He plans the ceremony and I plan the party. Which means you and I will be working very closely for the next two weeks, kitten. Aren't we lucky?”

I felt a blush heat up my cheeks, I turned to leave so that he wouldn't see. I stopped in my tracks as I heard Kai speak for the first time since I had entered the room.

“Fallon, I wish to get this planning over with. Meet me back here in one hour.” Kai ordered. I bowed to him and left the room. 

I closed the door softly behind me, I hadn't made it more than a few steps when I heard the door open and close again. I kept my head down waiting for the men to pass me by but instead someone stopped directly in front of me. I stiffened as a hand gently tilted my head up and I noticed I was staring directly into the eyes of Kassius. “I know how you feel about me kitten, I can sense it in you everytime you are near me. Why has it taken you so long to speak to me?” he whispered in my ear.

“I am not like the other girls you have dated, you wouldn’t be interested in me. I didn’t even think you knew I existed.” I answered honestly.

“You are right you aren't like the other, Maybe that is why I like you. You don't throw yourself at me and Kai. I want to take you out kitten, please meet me when you are done planning with Kai. I promise you won't regret it.” He grabbed my hand, placing a kiss on top of it and flashing me an amazing smile before walking away. I wasn’t sure what he was up to but I knew without a doubt I would be meeting him anywhere he wanted.

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