One

ARABELLA. 

“You slept with your best friend’s boyfriend?! You should be ashamed of yourself!” I yelled at Lily as I rummage through my wardrobe. She laughed, finding what I said funny but I didn't. My best friend was a cheat and I didn't know until now. 

“That guy is my mate now, you should be happy for me.” Lily laughed again. 

“Josh has liked me since second grade!” I countered, still rummaging. Today was a special day for me. A day that I would be with the love of my life forever. After today, I will be happy forever. 

“And now he is a grown man that's in love with me, stupid girl!” Lily laughed again. She was just telling me about her mating experience and how it had been the best thing so far in her life. I am happy for Lily, she was my best friend and so was Josh. 

“Tell me you are not looking for the purple dress we bought yesterday?” Lily asked, and I nodded. 

“You took it to the bathroom this morning, remember?” Lily asked, putting me off my misery. I groaned and quickly went to get it. Thirty minutes later, I was done dressing with the help of Lily. 

Perhaps I shouldn't be happy like this, I should be scared and sad and filled with anxiety but after meeting with Rhys yesterday, he assured me he will choose me as his mate no mother what. We had sex and he enjoyed it like I did. Today, nothing will ruin my happiness. 

We got out and Josh was already waiting for us with his Lexus car. Everyone on the street was ready for the moon goddess festival, they were all happy and giddy like me. Our happiness was different though. Alpha Rhys was going to choose me even though I was only seventeen. He said he didn't care if I wasn't his mate, he loves me and would choose me over and over again. 

In remembrance of his words and the way his eyes glistened as he spoke the words, goosebumps grew on my body. 

“You look stunning, girl.” Josh turned to the both of us before igniting the car. Then I saw Lily frown beside me. 

“I am your mate, you should compliment me differently!” She tapped his shoulder and I laughed. 

“And I am his childhood girlfriend.” I chipped in, 

“Crush!” She corrected with a playful grunt. 

Soon, Josh rode us to the venue. The venue was the town square. The Alpha wanted a venue that could fit everyone without anyone crashing into another. The place was quite large and I did not expect to bump into my sister and her best friend. 

Just like my sister, her best friend Rose did not like me at all. 

“Where did you get your dress?” She asked with an eye roll. However, I wasn't in the mood to respond to her. My eyes were scanning everywhere for Rhys, I wanted to see his handsome face before he announced me as his mate by evening. 

“Probably from the two cents store.” My sister, Mia, mocked me. Lily who was beside me glared at them, she was ready to fight for me anytime and day. Every day I wondered why Lily wasn't my sister instead of Mia. 

“I need some fruit wine, I don't want my perfect day to be ruined,” Mia started and then dragged her friend away with her. 

“Thank God they are gone, I cannot spend another second looking at her!” Lily groaned and I laughed. 

“What perfect day was she talking about?” Lily asked. I heard her as well but whatever perfect day she was having, it could never ruin mine. 

Mine was the perfect Cinderella fairytale. A life every maiden in a frostbite pack would kill for. 

An opportunity presented to me and me alone. There was no doubt that I was the perfect Barbie in every fairytale - that got everything everyone wishes for. 

“Nothing can ruin a day like this. Not Mia. And on a brighter note, I will soon be free from her.” I twirled around and Lily giggled, running to me, 

The ceremony began soon, everyone was excited to see the Alpha. He was a handsome and strong man, every woman wanted him. He announced the beginning of the ceremony and we all jubilated. 

I looked at his eyes, hoping he’d share with me a beautiful glance like he always did even before he became Alpha but he didn't. 

There was a gloomy expression behind his eyes each time, it sent hot shivers down my spine. I wondered what was wrong with my Alpha Charming. Pack duties must be worrying him again. I cannot wait to be by his side and help him. Later in the evening, it was time for Alpha Rhys to make the special announcement. 

My heart bubbled with so much joy but at the same time, I was anxious. Lily wasn't back from getting fruit wine with Josh. I know he was making her fruit blossom somewhere. My cheeks heat up at the thought of I and Rhys doing the same tonight in his gigantic room. I'm a lucky little she-wolf. 

I can shift ever since I was a little, I'm different from everyone else because werewolves shift at age eighteen. The thing was that I wasn't eighteen yet but as much as I wanted to be eighteen and find out if he was truly my mate, I didn't want it. 

The fear of him not being my mate eats me up each time but knowing he hasn't found his mate yet and his assurance has kept me this far. even though maybe the moon goddess kept him waiting for me until I turned eighteen. Eventually, he came on stage, every woman looked at him but he looked at me alone. 

“Today, I am going to introduce to you all, my mate and your Luna. You all should accord her the same respect that you owe to me.” He started, his voice nourishing my insides. Blood rushed up to my cheeks and I began to blush stupidly. 

“Her name is Mia Wolfhart!” He yelled and then my sister walked past me - toward the stage. 

It felt like my eardrum was damaged. Perhaps I was dreaming. It was the name he mentioned, right? My blood streamed as I saw Mia walk to the stage and then Rhys took her hand. 

What is happening? 

Am I dreaming? This has to be a dream. 

I punched the side of my arm hard, so hard my nails burst my skin open. I saw blood on my finger and it showed me this was reality. 

No. No. No. 

It can't be. I fidgeted.