I am sorry.

Ingrid left as soon as I gave my answer. I didn't know what she was up to, and how she was going to pull this off, but the prospect of leaving here, chosen, brought a smile to my face.

Yes, once the fog passed a little I remembered her name.

I was a little anxious, but I couldn't wait to hear my name being called by the scary Beta. For the first time in six years, I looked forward to hearing his gruff voice.

Was I too optimistic? Should I leave room for disappointment Incase Igrid couldn't pull this off? I really wanted to, but for some reason I knew she would pull through for me, and was going to do as she promised.

Yeah, I was a little naive but I didn't care. This is the best hope I ever got. Once suitors heard 'cursed girl' they looked the other way, but this Igrid girl and whoever she was working for, didn't care.

Which was the cause for the hope that rose in me.

After our talk, I finally relaxed and sat back down not minding the whispers anymore. Fuck them right? Imagine how they're going to be astonished when my name is being called?

Now, I was more excited thinking about the shock on everyone's faces, especially my father's. I was wondering one thing though.

How was Ingrid going to pull this off? How was she going to make sure I was chosen today? What happens when the person changes their mind upon seeing me? Are they here?

Now, I was nervous again and I hope whatever she was planning on that young mind of hers works out for both of us. I was so desperate at this point, I was willing to take anybody who asked, which should have been my first red flag. Everyone knew this, and would use it to their advantage but for some reason even at that thought being chosen was the only thing I wanted.

Damn the consequences right?

I was a smart girl, I could easily adjust to any situation. Yep, I was going to stay optimistic tonight.

"Five minutes to the selection. Whoever didn't choose yet, please do so at this moment. If you like her, choose her right?" The voice said.

It was a pre-recorded announcement that said the same joke each year, but before I could panic like each year. Throwing away the optimistic facade I was trying to portray, Ingrid came past the double wooden doors in a rush to my table.

Shit, this didn't look good at all.

"What is it?" I asked before she even reached the table, panic already filling my heart. I should have known better than to hope.

"Sorry, but we don't have much time, and the person I am working on their behalf is afraid you may change your mind after being chosen, and can't take that chance."

"I won't." I said confidently before she could say more. I was ready for this. Been ready for the last couple of years already.

"We both know that, but they don't. They are a little sceptical about all of this, that's why they want a signed contract beforehand. I hope you understand this right?

They don't want you to feel like they're forcing you into this, you can back out the moment you feel this is not right for you, but we only have.." she checked the ladder watch on her wrist. "about three, and a half minutes before the selection closes.

Your choice." She gave me her sweet smile.

Panic rose in me, when she placed the tablet on my hand, and there was a document application opened with a contract. It was about five pages long, and each page required a signature.

I didn't have time to read any of this tonight, but I didn't care. Time was running out, and if I wanted this torture to end today, I had to sign, and that's what I did.

I didn't even bother to read the first line of the contract. Second mistake, but desperation will make you stupid.

I felt like I was accepting the terms on condition on all the apps on my phone without reading them, and nothing ever came back to bite me on my ass right?

"You didn't even glance at it. If not for me but for you to know what you're getting yourself into. I don't like this." Ingrid, who didn't know how it felt to be me, at this moment pouted.

"I know, and I am fine with what happens next. It's my decision to do this, not yours. I don't mean to be ungrateful but Ingrid you can scold me later if you like, but for me time is running out. Please go submit it." She nodded disappointment written all over her face or was it regret? I couldn't tell or I didn't want to at that moment.

I only cared about one thing, and one thing only, being chosen.

Two minutes felt like a lifetime before the music stopped and the Beta came on stage with his own table, and a forced smile on his face. It didn't suit him. I liked it better when he frowned.

That seemed like his thing.

"Ladies, and gentlemen. Fasten your seatbelt and swallow your regret. If you didn't choose her, and someone did, it's not our fault right? Again no fighting for a she-wolf. The first man to choose her, won even though it's not a competition.

"Now, I will start with the anonymous selections, and when I call your name, go say goodbye to your chaperone and go to the private room behind the garden to meet your future family." My eyes went to my father who was sitting with other chaperone's at the back.

His jaw was clenched, fist in balls turning white as snow from the lack of blood flow. He was trying to calm himself down. He hated this as much as I did, if not more. At that moment, I knew signing that document was the right thing to do.

Given a choice, I would do it again. Not only for me but my family.

"Lauren Martha Bloomington, from Redstone pack." The Beta called, and her name showed on the screen with big bold letters.

"Sophia Kathlyn Stademan" Even I couldn't believe it, when I saw my name being called, and I was number two, fucken number two on the list.

The shock in the hall was palpable. My father even stood on his feet while mine was rooted on the floor refusing to move. I didn't even realise I was crying until I felt my father's hug.

He stood from where he was, and actually ran to me, to me. I couldn't hold it anymore, and didn't care if people were watching but I hugged my father tight, and silently cried on his shoulder.

I did it. I ended my family's suffering.

"Don't mess up your makeup. We still have to meet your mate." My father cooed, but I could also hear the crack in his voice.

"I am not wearing any." I giggled, which in return he chuckled. It warmed my heart to hear him laugh again. It's been a while, and I am happy it's because of me, he can smile again.

"Now, let's go before my son in law changes his mind." He made it as a joke but damn it, I got scared a little. Can he do that?

"Let's hope not, because my father will kick his ass." I joked too.

"Language young lady!" He scolded me and I laughed. I really missed this, more than anything.

"Daddy, I am twenty five. I can swear now." I whined while we left the hall to the garden.

"Age doesn't matter. You will always be little Sophia to me. My intelligent daughter." Those words brought tears back to my eyes.

I haven't heard that name in forever. He called me little Sophia again.

"I am sorry!" My father said, as we reached the doors to the private rooms.

"What?" I asked, surprised. I thought I didn't hear him right.

"I am sorry for taking my frustrations on you, I am sorry for not being the father you needed for the past four years. You didn't deserve it, but I couldn't hear you and watch you suffer anymore. I know I should have been there for you but seeing that misery broke me." I had many things to say to him, but this was not the right time for this.

This was a happy moment for both of us. I won't let anything spoil it, even my own feelings.

"I get it, and I forgive you. it was hard for us all." Especially me, but again this was not the right time.

Now that I was chosen, my question was to whom. Was he a good person?

Most of all. Why did he choose me, but let someone else do it on his behalf?

I stood at the black door that had my name on it, and a smile graced my lips. This was it.

I was going to meet my mate.

"Knock or do you want me to do it?" My father asked but I shook my head no. I was ready for this.

"I can do this." I said with an actual smile. Not forced, not a facade but an actual happy relieved smile.

I held the gold round handle and twisted it, but I was not ready for what I saw in there, and my head bowed automatically at sight.

"Luna Queen."