SEVEN

AUBURON

 Today is the day that I either find my mate or I select a chosen mate. With every she-wolf and lycan headed to the kingdom today, I couldn’t help but dread what was coming. My mother has come to my quarters five different times just to check to see if I'm here and didn’t run off anywhere. She even placed guards at every possible exit. “I don't know why she acts like we wouldn’t be able to rip them to shreds without so much as lifting a finger,” Carro says.

 “You’re right,” I respond chuckling at his honesty. Both my mother and father know that If me and Carro want to do something we will. It's the reason a lot of people fear us. Even in my human form no man or warrior is a match for me. 

There were about two hours till this stupid ball and the only thing I wanted to do was go and visit my sister. “Mother,” I say sternly through the mind link. “What is it Auburon?” she asks. “I’m going to visit Layla,” I say. “Auburon, do you think that’s a good idea? Tonight is an important night and we need you present.” She says. I know she would never deny me visiting Layla, and I know that she wishes she could too. But, with all the last-minute preparations she has to do, there’s no way she could visit. “I’ll be present Mom,” I say. I know she can hear the dread in my voice.

 “Okay, take a guard. And Auburon?” she says. “Yes?” I reply. “Tell your sister I love her and to keep fighting,” she says. My heart tightens at those words. “Will do, Mom,” I say. “Oh and before I forget your brothers will be back tonight! They’ll be at the ball.” “Great!” I say sarcastically. Two more extra pains in my ass tonight. My twin brothers Kayden and Finn were just five years younger than Layla and me. They’re just immature little shits. I groan as I think about how they’re going to mock me tonight. 

 “Brandon, let’s go,” I say. Brandon was a loyal guard that has worked for my family for years. If there’s anyone I trust more outside of Dorian it would be him. As we approached the hospital doors I took a deep breath and whispered “You can do this.” 

 “Hey, sis. It's me again. I’m about to have the longest night of my life and I just wish you could be there. I know that you would help lighten the mood while I have to deal with all these women. I also know that you would want me to look for my mate and enjoy this evening… but, I can't do that, not now, not while you’re in this coma state. Oh, and Dorian told me about you guys being mates. I’m happy for you sis! I’m disappointed that you kept it from me, but I can understand why you did. Nevertheless, you guys have my support. Always.” I get up to leave and I swear I felt Layla squeeze my hand. It was very light almost like she didn’t do it at all. “Keep fighting sis, we love you,” I say before leaving out the door. 

 When I got back to the palace I see cars have already started arriving and dread fills me to my core. “Let’s just get this shit over with” I whisper to myself. I avoid walking through the front doors to avoid people trying to converse with me. I didn’t want to entertain this ball for any longer than I had to. I went to take a quick shower and I come out to see the suit that my mom picked out it was a dark royal blue color with a white shirt next to it. Of course, she would choose Royal Blue. It was the colors of our Kingdom. After I finished getting dressed and played with my hair till I felt that it looked fine, I took my leave to greet everyone. 

 I walked into the ballroom on the second floor being able to take a look at the ballroom from the balcony and I have to say that my mom did an amazing job. The ballroom walls were gold with royal blue decorations and accents. There were wolves mingling amongst themselves and lycans mingling with their own kind. It annoys me how there’s still this separation among my people. I  was so lost in thought that I didn’t see my parents or brothers walk up behind me. 

 “Aubie!” Kayden yells trying to piss me off. My father and I both glare at him because this is not the time or the place. He gets the memo almost immediately and looks down at the ground trying not to laugh. Finn was going to say something until the master of ceremonies took his place downstairs right above the balcony and said “Ladies and Gentleman, Wolves and Lycans, Thank you from everyone here at the palace including the royal family for attending tonight. Please help yourselves to any food or drinks you may see. Also, once every pack has arrived we will do formal introductions.” I heard gasps all throughout the ballroom. George, the master of ceremonies smiles before he continues “Yes, everyone here will have a chance to introduce themselves to the royal family, including Prince Auburon.” I grimace at the thought that I’m going to have to meet EVERY person in attendance.