Chapter 3

"Thank Goddess we're taking separate cars" Katie told Emma. "I really can't stand your brother. I will say calling me weirdo is a new one. I don't know how in the world you could ever think we would be mated. But, enough about all of that. Tonight is all about you. I just know your mate is at the party. You've waited so long I don't know how you did it." Emma had decided many years ago that she would never have a boyfriend, sure she had guy friends but never even a date, not one. She said that she wouldn't have her heart unnecessarily broken by someone she wasn't mated with. Even her mom tried to convince her that dating was all a part of growing up but she would have none of it. 

Emma smiled at her friend as the realization that tonight really could be the night that would change her life forever. As they turned the corner and the party venue was in sight Emma thought aloud, "I'm going to be sick." "Oh no you're not." Katie said. "You are going to be engaged." 

All of Emma's nerves were replaced by excitement at Katie's words. "I just wish you would hold off the wedding for fifty-three days. You and your mate could then marry alongside Brian and I." Emma smiled at the confidence in Katie's words. "Maybe we should make sure I find my mate first." She giggled, I have waited this long...what's two more months?"

As they pulled in front of the venue Emma's dark chocolate eyes lit up with wonder. "Oh Katie, do you think he's here?" Katie seemed to think about it for a second, wanting to choose her words wisely, "There's only one way to find out." She finally replied. "Just remember though, your father has one of the biggest packs in this hemisphere. It stretches from Toronto to Chicago to Pittsburgh, there just has to be a mate for you." She was almost as excited as her friend but also wanted to help her avoid heartache if he wasn't at tonight’s party. Katie continued, "My grandmother has always told me mates have a unique smell that Goddess bestows only on them to draw them to each other. I can hardly wait for you to tell me all about it. Now let's go inside."

Katie didn't have to tell Emma twice. Emma's parents had rented a limo for their children to enter their party, Ethan still chose to drive himself. As soon as the driver opened the Emma she took a step out and took a very deep breath. She looked at Katie and said, I smell cigars and car exhaust. Do you think that's my mate?" Katie laughed as she looked at the circle of elder men greeting each other as they smoked and at the line of idling cars waiting to into the parking garage. "No, I'm pretty sure Goddess will have a more pleasant smell for you and your mate."

Just then Katie's phone was ringing and she saw on the screen it was Brian. She answered, "Hello." excitedly. "Hey there Katie-girl." She heard affectionately through the phone. "I'm so sorry, it seems I'm going to be a little late. I'm stuck in a line in the parking garage and we haven't moved in at least ten minutes. I'll be there as soon as I can.

Katie tried to hide the disappointment in her voice and said, "It's okay. We were lucky enough to get dropped off at the door, I understand and I'll see you as soon as you can find a space. It does seem like half the pack showed up." He replied, "I don't want to keep you from the party, I'll find you soon Katie-girl." At that they hung-up.

"Who was that?" Emma asked her friend. "Oh, it was Brian. He's got a bit of a traffic issue but he'll be here soon. Let's go find your mate."

When they entered the venue, they were both struck by the absolute beauty of the decor. Catherine Reid had outdone herself. She was known to host classy parties but this one took the cake. Speaking of cake there was a seven-tier cake just to the side of the dancefloor, trimmed in pinks and blues. It had always been a tradition of theirs for both the traditional girl/boy colors. It almost brought a tear to Emma's eyes and would have if she wasn't so overwhelmed with excitement. Looking around she was moved by the decorations that fit the personalities of both her and her brother. The elegance and ambience seemed not typical foe an eighteenth birthday yet fit them to a tee.

Katie broke the silence asking Emma, "Do you smell anything?" "Yes", she replied. "Chicken Marsala. It's Ethan's favorite dish." Both girls laughed as they both understood that wasn't what Katie meant. Emma looked at her friend and said with all seriousness, "Let's forget about the mate stuff for tonight. This room is one of the most beautiful things I've ever saw and the music is perfect. Let's just dance, mingle and have some fun." Katie gave Emma a puzzled look then said, "It's your night and I love you, if you want to dance...let's dance."

By this time, the venue was really starting to get packed. Emma greeted guest after guest on their way to the dance floor. It seemed like it took forever to get there but Katie didn't care. She was just so happy for her best friend and relieved to know she wasn’t going to be too disappointed if tonight wasn't the night. 

The DJ was on great. He played a mix of songs that really got the crowd into a party spirit. Katie could feel her blood pumping as they wriggled to the music. She was so looking forward to when she too reached her majority and was in Emma's shoes. Emma was laughing and dancing all around the dance floor.

Suddenly, Emma stopped dancing and had a look on her face that Katie had never seen before. "What's wrong Emma?" Katie asked concern shining through in her voice. "Do you smell that Katie?" She asked while looking as if she were in a trance. "It smells like vanilla and cinnamon." 

The realization of what was happening hit Katie before Emma as she looked up to see Emma's mate had the same look on his face as Emma.

"Brian!"