Two

It was almost lunchtime before I decided I needed to go for a run and let my wolf roam around. Jax and Kels were far too busy with their tongues down each other's throats, playing their favourite game of tonsil tennis. They were obsessed with each other; it was cute, but being like that with someone made me want to throw up in my hands and clap. I would much rather skip that part of life. My father was adamant that I would soon find my mate, and my mother was excited about throwing a grand ball. The whole thing was just a pointless load of rubbish, in my opinion.

I was excited for my brother to come home from alpha training; we had always been close. I suppose that might be because he and he were close in age. Veronica was all right, but she was sometimes so whiny and irritating. For example, when my mother would try to discuss pretty dresses, I would get bored, but Veronica would squeal with excitement and overreact. She liked to be the centre of attention.

“Hallie, wait up.” I turned around, surprised to see my mother calling me across the car park. Frowning, I waited for her to catch me up.

“What is it?” I asked curiously, and she waved a piece of paper in my face with a daft grin.

“What’s this?” I took it and scanned it.

“Well, what do you think?” She was eager to hear my response. I could not believe my eyes. I read it over and over again to make sure that I was correct the first time.

“Well?” She repeated.

“Whose idea was this?” I demanded with a low growl as my wolf started to surface, but I forced her back down, knowing fully that she would approve of this nonsense.

“I told you and father that I do not want a mate. Training is my main priority. Surely you know that?”

My mother sighed and shook her head. I was so fed up with them not getting it. Yet she was trying to coax me into agreeing to such a sham!

“Please, just give it a think. It would be amazing.” She took my hand and grinned from ear to ear. I loved my mother dearly, but this was becoming unbelievable now.

“George! He’s back!” Veronica yelled; she rushed over to us with her arms flapping above her head like a loon.

We rushed to greet him, and I was so happy to see him back earlier than expected, but then, when he stepped out of the car, he walked around to the other side and opened the door. I was surprised to see a female slowly get out of the vehicle; then, I noticed the small bump she had.

“Mother, Veronica, Hallie, meet Grace. She is my mate.” I watched as my brother held this girl to his chest and beamed proudly at her. She was beautiful, but something about her seemed slightly off. I could not put my finger on it.

“We’re having a baby.” He was bursting with pride, and she protectively rubbed at her belly. I could not take my eyes off that bump.

“Oh my goddess, this is fantastic news.” Our mother leapt up and fist-pumped the air.

“Congratulations. I’m going to be an auntie.” Veronica exclaimed while I just stood open-mouthed like an idiot.

This was a lot to take in.

As my family celebrated the news of my brother's mate and impending baby, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Finding my mate and settling down was the last thing on my mind. I glanced at Grace, my brother's mate, and tried to shake off my strange feeling about her.

“Hi, can I have a word?”Grace approached me, and I shrugged.

“Grace, congratulations on your pregnancy," I finally said, breaking the silence. "I hope you and my brother are happy together."She nodded a slight hint of sadness in her eyes. "Thank you, Hallie. I can tell you're not quite on board with all of this, and I understand it is probably a huge shock to you all."I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's not that I'm not happy for my brother, it's just... I don't know if this life is for me. I don't want to be tied down, forced into this predetermined path."Grace reached out and placed a hand on mine. "Hallie, you have the right to choose your path. You don't have to follow in anyone's footsteps, not even your brother's. Finding a mate doesn't have to be your priority, and you shouldn't let anyone force that onto you."Her words resonated with me, and relief washed over me. It was like she understood exactly how I was feeling, the pressure I had been under. Suddenly, I felt a sense of hope and freedom I hadn't felt in a long time."Thank you, Grace," I whispered, a genuine smile forming. "I needed to hear that. I needed someone to validate my feelings and remind me that it's okay to be different."She smiled back, a warm and understanding expression. "You're welcome, Hallie. Just remember, you deserve to live a life that brings you happiness, whatever that may look like. I understand what you are feeling, trust me. I do.” she said before turning back to George. Perhaps she wasn't as bad as I first thought. However, I wondered what she meant by that, but I didn't let it bother me as Jax and Kels came rushing over to see if I wanted to join them for a run in the woods. Of course, I would never turn down an invitation like that. I loved to run and let my Wolf side out, and she deserved as much freedom as I could give her. Especially after all the training I put her through.

“Sure, let's go.” I chucked as Kels whispered something about wanting the gossip.