CHAPTER 2

SIERRA'S POV

I am almost ready for Asher's birthday party. Since he is the Alpha's son, all of us in the pack need to be there to witness his shift. And since it is my birthday also, Alpha and Luna are willing to share the celebration with me.

It's already 5:30 in the afternoon. The party will start at 6 pm, and the moon will light the sky at 7:00 in the evening. Once the moon shines, Asher and I will shift into our wolf form.

I quickly grabbed my phone when it suddenly rang. I frowned when I saw the name of Shelly on the screen. I wasn't expecting a call from her since we decided to meet at the packhouse later.

"Shelly," I said as I answered her call.

"Sierra, I am really sorry. I think I can't make it in time. I have a lot of things that I need to finish here," she answered in a disappointed tone.

Shelly is working part-time in a restaurant in the city. She said that she needed to go somewhere from time to time, so she could meet her mate. And doing part-time in different restaurants is one of those. She's been doing this for one year already, but until now, she hasn't met her mate.

"I understand. But at least, be there as soon as possible," I said in a serious tone.

This evening is one of my precious moments, and I want my best friend to be there.

"I hope I can make it before you shift. I will see you later, huh? Happy birthday, my best friend!"

"Thank you, Shelly."

When Shelly hung up, I once again checked myself in the mirror. I was wearing a plain white above-the-knee dress paired with flat white strap sandals. I just let my long curly hair reach my waist loose. I am also not wearing any make-up because it is not my thing. My sapphire blue eyes were shouting nervousness and I couldn't hide it.

"Are you ready?"

I turned my gaze on my mother who was standing at the front door. She's looking straight at me wearing the biggest smile she had.

"I think so," I jokingly said.

I am ready as I have already prepared myself for this night. But I can't seem to understand where this nervousness came from. Maybe because there are so many things running in my mind right now.

"Don't be nervous, my daughter. Everything will be alright," my mother said as she approached me and gave me a tight hug.

I smiled. "Thank you, Mom, for everything."

My mother smiled and she caressed my hair. "Asher talked to your father and I. He's asking for our permission. He wants to marry you as soon as you mated to each other."

I want to shout and giggle, but my mind says the opposite. Instead of a smile, I let out a heavy sigh that my mother wasn't expecting. She looked at me confused.

"Aren't you happy that Asher is looking forward to marrying you?" she asked.

I looked away and chose to sit in my bed. I even let out again a heavy sigh.

"I don't know, Mom. What if I am not his mate? What if the Moon Goddess has another plan for us?" I said in a low tone.

Those questions have kept bothering me for days now. My parents taught me how to become optimistic. But this one is different. I want to spend the rest of my life with Asher, but I am not sure if the Moon Goddess will allow me.

"Sierra, whatever happens, me and your father will always be at your side. For now, you should stop thinking about you and Asher. You should be focusing on meeting your wolf," my mother said in a serious tone.

I nodded. In this phase of my life, I should be focussing on my shifting later, and not on my love life. Shifting is one of the best moments of our race. But I can't help but think. I think I am not ready for the possible heartbreak I might experience later.

"Mom, how does it feel shifting for the first time?" I curiously asked.

My mother smiled. "It was the most wonderful thing that ever happened in my life, my dear. It feels like the other side of me gets the freedom she's been waiting for. After I shifted, my wolf and I just ran and ran into the forest until we became exhausted. And that's one of the happiest moments I had."

"I am excited to meet my wolf, Mom," I happily said.

"I know you are. And for sure, your wolf is one of the most beautiful creatures we will ever meet."

"But could you please delay for a few years before marrying Asher?"

We turned our gazes at the door when we heard the voice of my father. He was standing there looking at us intently.

"Dad."

He walked towards us and gave me a peck on my forehead.

"You are a grown woman now, Sierra. But you will stay as our baby. So please, don't marry too soon," he said seriously.

I chuckled. "Of course, Dad. Maybe, we can marry after 2 years?" I jokingly said.

"Too soon. It should be 5 years from now. But seriously, whatever happens, we always got your back, baby. Always remember that. We love you, our princess."