6

It's been one week since I attended Luke's party.

That night, I cried for no reason. I asked myself why I started to feel something for a boy who did not even have any idea about my feelings.

I could not forget his kiss and his closeness. Abigail had come to pick me up from my house the next day. She noticed a hickey on my neck and looked shocked. When I told her everything, she became very angry with Ian.

But I asked her for a promise. I told her not to talk to anyone about it, not even Luke or Debra. She at first did not agree with it since he wanted to teach a lesson to Ian, but later I insisted, and she had no choice but to agree. She even helped me cover the hickey with makeup.

"Where are you lost, Ava?"

I heard my mother, and I looked at her. We were eating breakfast together.

"Nothing, Mom."

“Are you sure? I have been observing you all week. You look a little lost to me. Is everything alright?”

"Yeah, Mom. I am fine. Don't worry."

My mother gave me a smile and a nod. I stared at my mother for a long time. She appeared very happy today.

It was because I was turning eighteen tomorrow. She was more excited than me.

Everything was going to change tomorrow. I would find my mate.

I was afraid of who it would be.

Because whenever I closed my eyes, I saw someone I should not have thought of.

Throughout the week, he ignored me as if I were invisible. It was true that I also wanted that. I wanted to be away from him. But what he did that night was something I could never forget. How could he forget that so easily?

He did not even come to explain or apologize to me for what he did.

Overall, my mind was completely messed up.

After breakfast, my mother left for the hospital, and I went to my bedroom. I decided not to go to the university today. I wanted to stay at home alone. Even though I knew I had a few assignments to complete today, I did not want to go. I was upset for no reason.

I spent the whole day watching dramas. My friends called to inquire why I did not attend any classes. I said that I was not feeling well, and that was why. I didn't tell them about my birthday. My mother would never let me host a party like them or invite them to my house.

My mother returned at night and made dinner for us. I helped her in the kitchen. We talked about some memories and laughed. She brightened my mood without my knowing it.

I just loved my mother. What a strong woman she was! Why could I not be just like her? I was not strong, not at least emotionally.

After a late dinner, I hugged my mother and said goodnight before retiring to my room.

An hour later, just as I was ready to head to bed, there was a knock on the door.

I opened the door and was stunned.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

To my surprise, Abigail and Debra were holding a gorgeous chocolate cake together. Luke was standing behind them with a bouquet of flowers. My gaze moved to the mother behind them all. She smiled at me and nodded.

My eyes turned teary. This was the first time my mother had allowed my friends to surprise me like this. Now I understand why she always told me, 'When you'll turn eighteen, you'll get your mate. I'll never stop you from doing anything from then on.'

Abigail and Debra placed the cake on the bed, hugged me, and wished me a happy birthday. Luke gave me the flower bouquet and hugged me. I cast a glance at my mother.

She raised her eyebrows. I chuckled, shook my head, and mouthed,

"Just a friend."

She nodded her head in response.

"Thank you." I told my friends and walked to my mother. I embraced her and sobbed.

She patted me on the back. "Come on. Let's cut the cake."

I blew out the candles, praying that all of my mother's wishes would come true. I promised myself that I would be loyal to my mate and would not think about anyone else.

I cut the cake and fed everyone.

My friends stayed until one at night. My mother prepared late-night snacks for them, and we all had a great time enjoying my little birthday celebrations.

I went out to say goodbye to my friends as they were leaving the house.

"You are so beautiful without glasses and with open hair. You look completely different. Why don't you go out like this?" Luke asked while looking at me.

I was stunned. I realized I was wearing my long pajamas. I did not have my glasses on, and my hair was down, too.

"Actually, my eyesight is fine. I use it outside because I am allergic to dust."

“What are you saying? Your mom is a doctor. Ask her to recommend some eye drops for you,” Abigail said from behind Luke and winked at me.

"Yeah, she's right." Debra joined the conversation.

"I'll tell her later." I muttered to them.

They all got into Luke's car and left. Luke promised them to drop them off.

I went inside my house and hugged my mother again. We gossiped for another hour. She said she was eager to see her future son-in-law. She expected me to settle down with my mate within two to three years. I laughed as I saw her eyes light up with excitement while talking about it.

Her words captivated my heart.

"Your mate will love you and fight for you with the entire world, Ava."

The next day,

I walked up late in the morning to get ready for university. I missed my classes yesterday, so I was afraid of missing my classes today.

I left my house after giving my mother a kiss on the cheek. I said I would have my breakfast at my university.

When I arrived at the university, I started feeling strange. I was feeling anxious.

I had no idea why I was feeling so weird. I walked into the lobby. People were casting derisive glances at me. I could see a few students who were like me, busy with their studies while looking at their books.

I got a text from Abigail saying that she was in the class. So I hurried to the locker room to retrieve my books.

But before I could open my locker, my hands stopped in the middle. I caught a whiff of something addictive. It smelled like rain, as if it were raining outside.

At that moment, I heard a loud growl.

I turned around and gasped when I realized who was standing near me.

His glowing red eyes met mine. My wolf began to jump inside with joy.

My wolf started to chant the same word again and again.

My lips quivered as I looked intoi hs eyes. My voice came out in a low whisper.

“Ian? M-Mate!”