Chapter 3

Ava’s pov

‘No, no, I see you, stop!’ Another bad dream, I woke up drenched in sweat and the urgent need to gulp a glass of water. This was the third time I had such a terrifying dream. It was the middle of the night, and everywhere was quiet. The only sound being made was the sound of a distant wolf guard.

There are always three Delta wolves stationed at the gate of the pack mansion every night. It was for precaution, I guess.

Delta wolves are high-ranking and are trusted with the protection of the pack house. They are mostly guards because of their strength and agility, but some of them aid in being commandant or serve a higher purpose.

I have never been to the pack mansion before. All that I know about it is simply from the stories I was told. I had no intention of going there, but it wouldn't be bad to see it for myself and to see if the tales were true. I tried to sleep back and what seemed like forever. After turning and tossing on the bed, I finally fell asleep.

“Ava, wake up, wake up, there's news” My mother screamed my name. She came into my room to get me out of bed but that was different. I'd never heard

her shrieking before.

“Coming Mother”, I leaped out of bed and headed downstairs. My head was pondering exactly what could make my mother this excited.

“We've been invited to the pack mansion,” My mother packed with excitement, I could see how her demeanor changed.

The pack mansion? Was I still dreaming? This was new and I didn't know how to react.

“That's great news.” I had to say something. I didn't want to get her mad.

“Dear, it’s just a ball,” my father said. I wasn't sure if he was excited about it or if he felt indifferent. He always had a fixed expression either way. My Mother obviously couldn't contain her joy.

“It’s not just a ball,” my mother replied to my father.

“Whatever you say my dear”, my father said, without looking at her. He continued eating his breakfast.

She turned and walked over to where I was standing.

“We needed new dresses. We can't wear our old clothes,” My mother told me, holding my hands.

I did want to see the pack mansion but I certainly did not want to dress up for a ball and I was curious as to why we were invited in the first place.

“Why were we invited to a ball?” I asked.

“What do you mean dear?” My mother inquired.

“We’ve never been invited before, why now?” This time my question got the attention of my father. My mother tried waving it off.

“The Alpha twins noticed the lower-class people. He invited others too.” My mother was trying to avoid the question.

“We need the perfect outfits, we need to go to the dressmaker,” my mother said.

“Mom, it’s too early” My mother has always been quixotic about going to the pack mansion now that an opportunity has surfaced. She didn't want to waste any time, but I couldn't care less.

“I'm sure lots of women will be there already” My mother worried, pacing up and down.

“I don't think so”, I tried to reassure her.

“Go get ready, we will leave immediately”. I quickly freshened up and followed her lead.

There was veracity in what my mother said. After all, the shop was filled with women pushing and yelling for the right dress. No one wanted to wait their turn, so it seemed.

After a while, it began to clear and my mom made her way to the dressmaker's table.

“Good day Sir, I need two new dresses,” My mom asked firmly yet sounding excited and enthusiastic.

“Go to the back and check,” the already exhausted dressmaker said.

We walked to the back and there were only a few dresses hanging there. “I told you we should've left early,” My mom said in anger.

“I'm sure we will still find some nice dresses,” I said.

We started analyzing dresses. I saw a lavender dress, and I couldn't help but take my eyes off it. Looking pristine, it radiated a captivating charm. It was long and had pearls dangling from the top to the waist of the dress, it was elegant. My mother picked a yellow dress that was just perfect. We made our way to the dressmaker's.

“How much for these two?” My mother asked while laying the dresses on the counter.

“30 shillings for the lavender and 20 for the yellow dress,” the dressmaker said pridefully.

50 shillings was way out of our budget. I wanted to tell her it was better we leave these dresses and wear our old ones and, to my surprise, I heard something else.

“Okay, wrap it nicely,” My Mom told the dressmaker.

I couldn't decide if the excitement this ball was giving my mother was good or pernicious. I couldn't say a word.

We made our way out of the shop, and as we were walking back to the house I stumbled and tripped on a rock. I bruised the side of my hand but, to my amazement, the bruise cleared off, leaving no traces behind. It healed even before I could react.

“Are you okay?” My mom asked, but I was completely fine even though I had a bruise a few seconds ago.

“I’m fine, nothing to worry about”, I smiled and got up. The realization struck me, I still needed to understand my abilities. Whether this is from the moon goddess or not and I can't think of mating with any other person now, I had to reject Lorcan.

“Mother, you can take the dresses home, I'll be home soon,” I said while handing over the dresses to her.

“Where are you off to?” My mother asked suspiciously.

“I will be back soon”, I gave her a peck on the cheek and hurried off. She yelled.

“Be safe” As I made my way to Lorcan’s house

I got to his house, and a feeling of nervousness filled me. I knew this feeling well, so I marched to his door and knocked soundly. I decided not to waste any time. I went straight to the point. The door opened, and his handsome face revealed itself. I took a deep breath.

“I can't be your mate.”