Chapter 8

Today was the day of the mating ceremony I was on my way to Santana and Xander’s house to say goodbye before we left for the next couple days. At the ceremony female wolves are given rankings based on their strength and likelihood to be a good match for an alpha. The best rankings were a 10, the weakest wolves were ranked as a one. Female wolves were to stay with those that were ranked the same as them so I very well may be split from my friend. It may be the last time I see them as unmated wolves. I was excited to see who their mates would be, but I was also sad at the thought that my friend may end up leaving our pack. It was tradition for newly mated couples to live with the male wolves pack. 

As I walked into the house I found Xander looking less than thrilled. I made my way up the stairs to Santana’s room. She was dressed in a skin tight white dress that left little to the imagination. White was the traditional color for women at the mating ceremony; it was supposed to represent purity. The dress Santana was currently wearing gave off any vibe but purity. 

“So I hear that Alpha Kai will be attending the mating ceremony a year early because he is taking over now and an alpha is stronger when he has his Luna. It is unprecedented. I can't wait to see all the girls falling over themselves to get him to choose them.” Santana gushed. I wondered why no one had mentioned to her that not only Kai would be participating in the mating ceremony. “They say he wants to find his mate before the binding ceremony so that he would be able to crown his Luna there as well.”

“Well Kai announced all wolves seventeen and older can attend. I guess the Alpha council thought it would be best if he had a chance to choose a mate his own age.” I told her. Her eyes went wide.

I sat quietly watching Santana fix her makeup and finish packing her bags for the trip. I silently hoped Kai would choose someone so that he would be too preoccupied to worry about my relationship with Kassius. 

“What if he chooses you?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“Do you think he really would? I wouldn't be opposed to being the Luna. That would also mean I would get to stay here with you.”  she said in deep thought. “Although, he seems a little uptight for me. He would need to learn to loosen up and enjoy life a little more if we were going to be together.”

Santana finished up her packing and dragged her unusually large suitcase down the stairs. I thought about reminding her that she was only going for a couple days and that she didn't really need all of this. Then I remembered that Santana may not be coming back to our pack after the ceremony. The thought alone terrified me. I really hadn't had many other friends. I was starting to get along with some of the people Kassius was friends with. Echo and Aries both seemed very nice and they were easy to talk to but there was no replacing a best friend, No replacing Santana. Warm tears began to roll down my cheek at the thought this may be the last time I would see my best friend. 

“Hey,” Santana shouted, pulling me from my own thoughts. “Don't forget we said no ugly crying. This will not be goodbye. I will be coming back to this pack as soon as the ceremony is over.  No one is taking me away from here. Once Kassius picks you, you will be the mate of the beta and we will still be best friends”

I gave both Santana and Xander hugs and wished them well before starting on my way home. Before I could make it very far, The scent of Kassius’ cologne filled the air. I inhaled sharply savoring the long lasting scent that I had grown so fond of. I smiled when Kassius’ car pulled up next to me. 

“Hey, Kitten.” His deep husky voice made my heartbeat race. “Hope in, I will give you a ride.” I gave him a sideways look. “Oh stop I didn’t mean it that way. Unless you were interested.” He said, raising his eyebrows. I got in the car and leaned over to give him a kiss. 

“So is that a no on the Kassius ride?” He laughed.

“Maybe next time.” I smiled.

“Sure thing, Kitten. We have the rest of our lives for that. It will only be a few hours and it will be official.” He grabbed my hand in his and ran his thumb over my knuckles soothingly. 

Before I knew it, we were pulling into the driveway at the pack house. I felt dread knowing I would have to go in the house and leave Kassius and our own little world where everything was perfect while we were together. Kassius turned to me with a serious look on his face.

“Hey, Kitten. So I have been thinking, I think I know why Kai has been so set against us being together. I think he intends to choose you as his mate today. You have to promise me you wont go with him.” He was staring in my eyes intently. I placed my hand on the side of his face, he leaned into my touch.

“Kass, you have nothing to worry about. There is no way Kai is planning on choosing me. I am sure he is planning on choosing Amara. All you have to do is choose me when the time comes and the rest will be easy.” I reminded him.

“I wish it were that simple, Kitten. Just remember what I said. When he chooses you, you will have a chance to choose who you want to be with. When that time comes, please remember that I love you.” His serious expression sent a shudder through my body. I wasn’t sure where all of this was coming from but I did know that I had to help him feel better. I leaned in and kissed him, pouring all my love and emotion into the kiss. I was willing him to know how I felt about him. He pulled away before I was really ready, resting his forehead against mine. 

“I will see you later.” I told him as I got out of the car and headed into the pack house. 

As I entered the house Kai was standing at the door waiting for me. The look on his face had goosebumps spreading all over me. He was angry. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he stared at me. I averted my eyes, not wanting to make him any angrier by staring him down. 

“I asked you to do one thing while living here, Fallon. Why is it so hard for you to listen to me?” He asked with a deep, gruff voice.

“Why do you want me to stay away from Kassius so badly? He is supposed to be your best friend. Why are you treating him like an enemy?” I growled back at him.

“Look, Fallon. There are things you don't know about him. I know you think he is this great guy and that you will live happily ever after, but it just isn’t that easy. I am just trying to keep you safe. Why can’t you see that and just listen to me for once. Kassius isn’t the wonderful guy you think he is.” I pushed past him to go get ready for the ceremony.

I made it to my room and slammed the door shut behind me. My chest was heaving with anger. Once I finally caught my breath I went to my closet to find something to wear for the ceremony. Female wolves were supposed to wear a white dress, however being that I had just learned I would be able to go I wasn't sure I had anything to wear. When I opened the closet my jaw dropped. Hanging right in front of me was the most beautiful white dress I had ever seen. I was long and figure hugging. It was covered in jewels that shined like a rainbow when the light hit them. It had a gorgeous halter cut that I absolutely loved. I couldn’t wait to try it on. Pulling it out of the closet I noticed a note pinned to it.

Thought you might need this. Sorry for the last minute surprise. I know you will look amazing. Try not to break too many hearts today. Kai.

I wanted to stay angry at him, but then he goes and does things like this.  I quickly put the dress on, it fit perfectly. I wondered how he knew my size and quickly concluded he must have had the staff check my other clothes while doing laundry. I did my best to fix my hair and makeup. I looked in the mirror satisfied with my look and ran out the door as not to be late for the caravan heading to the mating ceremony. Today was the day I would finally start the rest of my life with my mate. I was much more excited than I thought I would be. I couldn’t wait for Kassius to see me in this dress.