Violet’s mate bond anticipation.

Violets POV

I’ve been pacing my bedroom for over an hour. My wolf has not settled for the past two days, and she’s wily at the best of times. I have been up since 4am because she would not settle. Damn stupid wolf and her constant jiggling. She’s supposed to be a Beta wolf, yet she acts like an excited chihuahua!

‘I freaking heard that Vi! I’m a damn wolf, not a tiny yappy dog!’ Aspen barks in my mind.

‘Stop freaking acting like one then! What has gotten into you! Today is supposed to be a good day and you’re ruining it!’ I bark back. Arguments between us are not uncommon. She wants out constantly. I want to remain human and poised. I could not have been matched with a more opposing wolf for my personality.

Today, me and my best friend Lilly turn eighteen. We grew up together. We have lived in the same house since birth. Although we live on the floor below her, the pack house is where we played together as toddlers. Where we had sleepovers and ate junk food. Where we cried and laughed together. She’s going to be the next Alpha, and me, her Beta. It was ‘written in the stars’ our parents say. They were pregnant together, mated at the same time, and raised us as one big family. Me being her Beta is destiny. It’s my one purpose in this life. The one thing I value above all else.

“Trouble with As again?” My brothers deep baritone comes from my door. Leaning against the doorframe like a damn bodyguard, a playful smile on his face as he witnesses my struggle.

“She won’t shut up! Why didn’t I get a wolf like yours? A quiet beef cake would be heaven in comparison to this constant chatter!” I blurt out. Knowing full well Aspen is listening in. She hates him calling her ‘As’, and hates even more that I would wish for a different wolf. I hear a menacing growl in the back of my mind, causing a throbbing to start in my temples. Cedar straightens his posture in the doorframe, taken aback by my outbursts.

“I love you sis but you need to chill and not let her get you this way. Maintain her. Build a relationship with her. She’s half of who you are. She may be annoying, but she’s yours. Questioning the goddess wouldn’t be good for any of us. Come here.” Cedar replies, holding his arms out to embrace me. He’s right. He knows it and so do I. Sometimes I wonder how I could be older than him. I stride into his arms, being embraced in his huge arms in a brotherly hug. He is my safe place. He rests his chin on my my head, his stubble velcroing itself to the roots of my blond hair. I inhale his deep rich scent of forest rain and relax.

“Feel better?” He asks.

“Of course. What’s got you in here anyway? It’s only just seven?” I reply, my cheek still resting on my brothers chest, not ready to pull away.

“Oh! Family breakfast. Can’t start without the birthday girl” he replies, and from his tone, I can almost hear his smile.

“Damn. And here I thought I could hide in here and ware a hole in my flooring all day!” I reply. His deep laughter fills the room. I pull back and smile.

“Thanks Ce. I needed that” I say. He’s smiles proudly. As he won’t become beta, but a warrior, he’s always very closed off with emotion. But with me, he gains happiness knowing he can calm and centre me. Everyone should be gifted a brother like mine.

I spin around and gather up my phone from my nightstand. It lights up as it’s lifted. How had I not heard three messages come through? Was I really that tuned out!

Lilly: Happy birthday!

Lilly: no happy birthday back? Or you oversleeping?

I snort. How could I possibly oversleep with my wolf! I haven’t slept in since I turned at sixteen.

Lilly: on my way down for this “family breakfast”. The parents sent Forrest to get me. Tackled the damn fool trying to jump me. Meet you there?

I sigh. Damn Forrest and his antics. It’s seven in the morning and the fool has already pulled one of his infamous attempts. I shoot her a quick message back so she knows I’m at least awake.

Violet: Ce just came to get me. Happy birthday babe! Today we take over our pack! We will remember this day for the rest of our lives. Pancakes… then we will run the world. See you there!

Hopefully that plays off much sunnier than I’m feeling. I can feel a dread forming in my gut. Since gaining my wolf I have dreading getting a mate. As a Beta, my mate will most likely be male. Not that I’m opposed to men, but it’s unlikely he will enjoy taking up the traditional secondary role of ‘Beta Female ‘ or ‘Beta Mate’ in our pack. He and whoever become Luna will have to work together to maintain pack moral, the standard of living for the elderly and children, as well as the care and love of those who serve our pack. In the olden days… they were female jobs. Although my father is our ‘Beta Mate’ and has taken the job, along with Luna, very gracefully and with great respect, what if my mate won’t?

‘Don’t start! You don’t know who our mate is and I’m not telling you shit until you move your ass!’ My wolf screeches. Perfect.

I decide not to change. I’ve been running all morning, and am still in my workout shorts and vest top. Family breakfast will only be us and the Alpha and gamma families anyway. Who would I even be dressing up for?

I look up, seeing my younger brother still there. Silent as always. He would make a perfect Beta. His chiselled arms, his imposing presence, his aura of dominance… he screams Beta. Although I am a warrior, and have trained all my life, no one commands respect like Cedar. Will I ever be enough compared to him? With the control and patience he has… I will always fall short in comparison.

Well… right now… all I need to do is get breakfast out of the way. Then hide in here until my wolf calms down. Maybe she’s excited to be sworn is as Beta? Must be. Damn wolf! The ceremony isn’t until sunset so she better chill her chihuahua ways until then or we will be attending the ceremony with a blinding headache. I walk toward the door as my brother tucks me under his arm.

“Come on. Everything will work out. I’ll make sure of it” he says in his soothing voice. No one… and I mean NO one can ease my worry and doubt like him.