Chapter 3 - Mate

Chapter 3 - Mate

“You know what, we should just enjoy the party instead, rather than being wary of getting caught. If we get caught, then at least we enjoyed the night, right? Make the best out of this moment, Katherine. Come on.” Sandy said, giving her empty glass to a waiter and taking Katherine’s glass to put down as well. Katherine had been too anxious and wary of her surroundings, fearing that someone from her pack might recognize her and drag her out, and worse punish her once she returned to her basement, which she calls home. But she realized, Sandy’s words were right, she might as well enjoy it while it lasted, this was her first time attending the royal ball, and it might be her last time too, so she might as well make the best time out of it.

The former Alpha King Luciano Reeds and his son, the Alpha King of the Northern Region — Luther Reeds joined the crowd, acknowledging the presence of important guests, and most of the time discussing business, politics, and policies with important guests. They exude a powerful aura that radiated in the crowd, gaining obvious attention and several glances towards their way, subtly taking in their discussions or just getting glimpses of Luther Reeds, the Alpha King and the most sought bachelor in the region.

The masquerade ball went on with its usual traditions of cheers and toasts, everyone indulging themselves with food and wine, waves of laughter and gossip, and flirting, as well as partner arrangements and introductions from unexpected meetings. This was also a time for royal families and high ranking clans to find their mates or suitable partners for themselves or for their sons and daughters. The place reeked of power and influence, as well as wines, gold, and crystals that the poor could never afford. It was just a very different place to be in if one was not used to it. It was as if a different world, or the other side of the fence, or the top of a pyramid where only a few could fit in.

When the orchestra played the intro to a waltz, everyone’s ears perked up, it was time to dance and Sandy pulled Katherine to the crowd, but as the guests piled closer onto the royal ballroom, Katherine lost Sandy. She was sucked into nowhere and Katherine was left in the middle of people she does not know until she was pushed in front of the crowd which gave her access to watch the waltz forming in the middle of the hall. It started with one partner, then a second one joined in, then the third one, fourth, until it grew bigger and bigger as more and more joined. They were able to somehow form a circle and exchanged partners, going around, dancing, and before Katherine could realize it, she was already pulled by someone towards the dancefloor. She does not know him, and neither does he know her. 

“Hello.” the man greeted with a warm smile.

Even though she was still surprised, she let herself go with the flow.

“Hello to you too,” Katherine replied and even before they could talk more to each other, the dance required now to switch partners, and Katherine then was spun to the next man she also did not recognize. Katherine was in a panic but she immediately composed herself and grabbed her sanity to be able to dance the waltz properly. She knows this. She knew the dance, the waltz, she knew the royal curtsies and dances, for it was her dream to dance in it, so even though she did not know who the stranger who took and joined her in the circle, she was thankful for it. 

She synchronized with them, and moved along, as the circle got bigger, more partners joined, the music loudly playing, and she was passed and passed to another man as the dance required them all to spin and switch partners. She did not know who she was dancing with, but she was enjoying their company, a smile trying to break on her lips.

She reminded herself of what she had learned in books and some fairytale movies she had seen on t.v., and the few times she had practiced some steps with Sandy. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, gaining confidence knowing that she was wearing a mask and no one could recognize her just in case she embarrasses herself if she steps on someone’s foot. 

‘Alright. Let’s do this.’ she talked to herself and danced gracefully and correctly as if someone who had learned it growing up. As if someone was a royalty, or a high-ranking daughter, as if she was someone who truly belonged there, though far from her reality.

She switched partners, stepping correctly on the floor, and spinning properly with her dress; and luckily she has not yet stepped on anyone’s foot.

More spins and the violins became louder and livelier, the orchestra playing the right songs for the night.

Then Katherine ended on the touch of a man that sent sparks and a tingly sensation in her body. “Mate! Mate!” her wolf chanted in her head. She did not recognize him, the mask giving off a mystery around the man, but as she stared into the man’s eyes while they were dancing, she could see the anger, hatred, and disgust in them, towards her.

“Do not even expect. Now leave and never show yourself ever again if you do not want the pain of getting rejected.” the man uttered spitefully.

The excitement and joy had vanished in her, as the man immediately passed her to the next man as if he was disgusted at her as if he was trying to quickly remove a speck of dirt from his hands.

Rejection is a painful process that could cause a wolf to die, and it was said that it would be better to not meet your mate forever than to be rejected officially.

And thus, to save herself, Katherine did not protest, nor did she chase him or try to hold onto him. She just let her body be swayed in the arms of another man instead.