Chapter 5: Maybe Next Year

After Leo left, I took a minute to regain myself and then snuck out of the building in the same manner I had gotten in. When I returned to the festivities, everyone was still in full swing, moving their bodies in tandem with the music—new and old mates alike. I leaned against one of the pavilion pillars and smiled. It was a beautiful sight to see and I felt my wolf whine at the desire for that to be me and Leo.

But as soon as the thought popped into my head, I shook it free. Keep focused. This is Leo I was talking about. The same Leo who, when I was 4 years old, chased me around the forest grounds at full speed just to incite fear. The same Leo who, once I turned 12, read my journal out loud to all of the children of Bloodmoon Pack detailing all of my private secrets, including the crush I had on one of his friends.

That was Leo. The obnoxious, self-centered, egotistical b*stard that made growing up even harder than it needed to be. Not the one who stood in front of me, toned, and chiseled, like training had grown something other than his ego. I groaned and banged my head lightly against the wood when a voice broke me from my trance.

"Whoa, Whoa. Slow down there, killer. Someone might think you're having too much fun."

I gave a sideways glance to the person it came from and a smile formed on my lips.

"You know me. The ritual is my favourite time of year."

The figure took a stand beside me and giggled, giving me a sip of her already half drank water bottle.

"No luck again this year?"

I shook my head, handing her back the drink. Malissa was my closest friend—actually, my only friend—but I wasn't ready to share details quite yet. Not even when I wasn't sure of my emotions.

"Not yet," I replied and then huffed. "You?"

She shook her head. "No, but there's always next year."

Malissa gasped slightly and set down her drink, as if she realized what she had just said. She had next year, I didn't.

"Crap, I didn't mean it like that. Don't worry, Ni," she began, staring at me with hopeful, almond-coloured eyes. "I have faith in you. Maybe you'll meet randomly and not through this ritual. It's happened before. We still have time."

Time. It was something I had been so concerned about over the past few years. I was running out of time. For those who don't mate by 25, they have a month after the ritual to gather their affairs and prepare to leave. This is one thing in my life where my status didn't matter.

"I know," I smiled softly. "And that only happened once."

"But still, odds. And who knows? Maybe your mate isn't even from this pack."

I stopped for a beat and then forced a smile at her, followed by a light laugh.

"Maybe…" I answered, cautious not to make too much eye contact. From her point of view, it was easy for her to say; she still had two years to mate.

Suddenly, my father's voice cut through the chatter and music, commanding the attention of the pack to where he stood in the pavilion. He looked regal and pertinent. Authoritative yet approachable.

"My fellow friends," he began, placing a smile on his face. "I'm sure you're aware we have a guest within our midst. My old friend, Ronan's son, Leo Mortenson has come to visit."

Whispers broke out in the audience as people began to look at Leo with uncertainty and curiosity, but my father was quick to hush them with the continuation of his speech.

"Leo will be staying with us for a few days while I help him with a task. Now, I understand there has been strife in the past between us and the Bloodmoon pack, but I owe it to Leo and his family to help him in this. I trust and know you will all do your part in making sure he is welcomed and respected, just like anyone else. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Alpha," the pack responded in unison, although a lot less enthusiastic than usual.

It was an odd sound—like they were supportive of their Alpha's decision, but unsure of the repercussions of it. I couldn't blame them. My father nodded and thanked the crowd before signalling for the music to return and retreating into the audience to shake hands and mingle.

In the distance, a figure caught my eye; it was Leo, and he was speaking to my mother. Despite my father and Ronan's differences and despite mine and Leo's dislike for one another, our mothers always remained neutral, taking neither side and continuing to make the other side feel welcome.

It was the job of a Luna, to put yourself aside and show a continued and unified front for the masses. It was an envied position, but not by me.

I observed Leo as he talked to my mother. It looked like a pleasant enough conversation. He tossed his head back when he chuckled and I noticed the corners of his eyes crinkle as he spoke with a sense of vigor. Probably recounting his many accomplishments.

Then, their eyes darted to me and I quickly looked away, the flustering feeling returned.

"Ugh," Malissa cut in. "I can't believe he's here. I could do another decade without him."

"Yeah, right?" I lightly laughed.

I glanced back to see my mother pat Leo on the shoulder and head off in another direction, leaving him alone for a minute. Leo's gaze turned back to me and I felt the burning sensation within. Something was yearning for me to approach him, wrap my arms around him, and claim him. And instinctively, I lifted my foot to take action on it…only to be stopped by an older man approaching him and pulling his attention away from me.

I paused and observed them talk in hushed tones and then retreat without so much as another look in this direction. I sighed and looked out into the crowd, who were still partying—newly mated individuals were either chatting and getting to know one another, or kissing as if they had just found the piece of them that had been missing.

I wondered what it felt like…to be so free and not have any expectations attached to you upon finding your mate. You could just live together in harmony, and grow old together, unbothered and ignorant to the rest of the world.

"Hey," Malissa interjected, pushing lightly into my shoulder. "You doing okay?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah, just watching the couples. It's sweet."

She looked to the audience and smiled softly, the moonlight reflecting off her red hair. "It is, isn't it?"

Then, I felt her eyes address me, but I tried to keep my gaze fixed forward. If I looked at her, I was going to spill. I was sh*t at hiding my emotions.

"Nia, I know you. Something's bugging you."

I turned to look at her and she raised an eyebrow at me. F*ck, she did know me.

I sighed and grabbed her hand, pulling her from the crowd toward one of the buildings closer to town. I backed her against the siding and looked around us to make sure the coast was clear before speaking.

"I lied earlier," I started.

Malissa rolled her eyes. "No sh*t, I already know that."

"I know," I hushed her, checking around us again. "But what I'm about to tell you, you can't tell anyone, alright? Swear?"

"Nia, seriously?"

"Swear it, Mal," I repeated, this time more sternly.

"Fine, fine." She sighed. "I swear. What is it?"

I took one final glance around and when I was sure we were alone, I leaned into her ear and whispered, "I mated."

When I pulled back, I saw her eyes. They had grown three times in size, and the freckles that kissed her face rose with them. She opened her mouth to squeal, but I quickly covered it with my hands.

"Shh!" I silently yelled. I only let go of her mouth once I saw her eyes lower back to normal and she relaxed. "Goddess, you have such a loud mouth. Anyone could've heard us!"

"Holy sh*t, Nia, this is crazy! I'm so happy for you!"

She squealed again—albeit quieter this time—and pulled me into a tight hug. I was tense at first, but after realizing no one was around, I eased into it and chuckled lightly.

Despite my defiance in becoming the next Luna, I had pictured this moment for as long as I could remember; my friends and family gathered around me as I told them I mated, showering me and my partner with hugs, drinks, and many congratulations. It was a fever dream, and one,after the past four years,I didn't think was going to come true.

It still hadn't in a way. I mean, yes, I was mated, and yes, I was getting squeezed to death by my best friend out of excitement. But it was different. No one else knew besides Malissa, and with the tension between our families and even ourselves, I wasn't sure it was wise to tell anyone for a long time.

She pulled back and stared at me in amazement. "You have to tell me everything," she demanded. "Starting with the most important part. Who the h*ll is it?!"

I clenched my hands into fists and let them go loose again, continuously flexing the joints. She looked at me with expectant eyes, and I could see the smile growing larger on her face, showcasing her perfect set of teeth and matching canines.

This was it; the first time I was saying it out loud, thus cementing it and writing it in stone. It was all real after I told her.

I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. Then, I exhaled, letting the words fumble out of my mouth without reservation.

"Leo Mortenson."