Chapter 2

It had been over a week since I turned eighteen, I took a stroll round the territory after much persuasion from Lexa in hopes of sniffing out my mate. It was useless just I had expected, if my mate was within the pack, I would've known by now. Lexa pouted as we went back to the pack house like she was the one who couldn't find her mate.

Mum asked me to help her write some of the invitations for the ball. We sat in her office all through, talking as we worked.

"Do you think they'll all attend? You know the BloodMoon Alpha hardly attends these sort of functions" I said to mum "even the FireMountain"

"We can only hope" she replied "who knows, maybe things would change"

Everything was done when father walked in his gaze focused on mum as he gravitated towards her and kissed her passionately. It was like they hadn't seen each other in months but it had only been two hours.

"Gross" I said laughing

"When you find your mate you'll be much worse, trust me" replied mum holding onto dad's arm and resting her head against it.

"You can't resist the mate bond Aela" said father "it's like finding half of yourself" he was stroking mum's hair and staring at her lovingly

"So you say" I said giving them privacy and going to my room. I bumped into Liam on the way

"Are you okay?" I asked

"I'm fine, it's just...my wolf has been agitated or should I say anxious. It's quite unnerving, I don't know what it is" he said

"I'm sure everything is fine. You're probably worried about becoming Alpha soon" I rubbed his shoulder "You'll make a great Alpha Liam. I believe in you, you're smart, you care about your people and you listen. Besides, you've got all of dad's training to back you up."

His face lit up "wow. That's the nicest thing I've heard from you in a long time. You're not getting soft on me are you?"

"Shut up" I punched his arm

"I appreciate it Aela. I really do, thank you" He said

Weeks seemed to move quickly and the day Liam became Alpha arrived, the ball was the next evening.

The whole pack were at the ceremonial grounds, the place was lit with candles giving it an enchanted glow. The Alpha and Luna stood at the front, the Beta stood by the side. Lexa and I stood at a corner in front. Liam and Jake were on their knees facing them, a knife was given to them which they used to cut their palms and blood dripped into a bowl. Father cut his palm too letting his blood go in the bowl,mother followed suit then the Beta. Father lifted the bowl to the sky before pouring the blood into the fire. At that moment a surge of energy went through the field and we all felt the shift in hierarchy.

"Rise, Jake Glenwood, Beta of the DarkMoon Pack. May the moon goddess give you the strength to support your Alpha and protect your pack"

"Rise, Liam McLaren, Alpha of the DarkMoon Pack. May the moon goddess bless and guide your reign, and brighten your dark days with her light" Father looked proud as he finished and Liam was on his feet. They hugged finally and the pack cheered and howled, when things had quieted down, father spoke again

"And now, our first run with our new Alpha" he announced "shift"

At that, everyone shifted into their wolves, Liam was at the head then mum and dad alongside me with The rest of the pack behind us. We let Liam's dark brown wolf lead us through the forest, when we had gone round the territory we headed back to the pack house before finally dispersing.

The ball had come and I was sitting at the mirror in my Blue dress as Lexa took out the last pin in my hair, letting it fall in waves down my back. She wore a peach dress that graced her figure. Taking one last look at ourselves we went to the grand hall where most occasions where held. People were standing in groups and talking while they drank. The buffet caught our attention as Lexa and I gave mischievous looks and dashed straight for it, both of us taking tiny slices of cake.

People wished Liam well as he moved around trying to mingle, Jake was with him. I had met a few Alphas trying to associate like father requested, I had Lexa accompany me. I was surprised some pack leaders came but as I had anticipated the BloodMoon Alpha wasn't here.

Lexa and I were separated then I decided to have another slice of chocolate cake. I swallowed a piece in my mouth and was filled with disappointment; the cake suddenly wasn't sweet enough, it was missing something.

Suddenly my wolf perked up in my mind, the most amazing scent teased my nostrils, chocolate and a hint of pine. I felt like I was in a trance as I traced the scent pushing a few people out of my way, I glanced in my parents direction and saw they looked worried. Ignoring them, I made my way towards a balcony when I saw him, he was well built and had black hair. His blue eyes seemed to pierce through my soul, he looked like a god. Power oozed out of him but still not enough to make me submit. I felt an irresistible pull to him, my suspicions were confirmed when he opened his mouth

"Mate" He said

My wolf was now active and trying to push forward Mate! Mate!! She pranced about, the smell of chocolate felt way sweeter than anything I'd tasted.

I was in his arms in a second as he nuzzled my neck inhaling my scent "you smell so wonderful" he whispered

He led us to a more private corner at the balcony "I'm Troy Morgan. What's your name mate?"

"Aela McLaren" I said

"Aela" he repeated, it sounded better when he said it. I was ogling at him when his hand touching my face brought me back to reality. Sparks erupted where our skin touched, his scent was intoxicating and I couldn't get enough.

"Aela" Lexa's voice called out "you have to come see" she pulled me away from Troy in excitement and led me back into the hall, Liam was holding onto a girl with red hair he looked possessive. We approached him excitedly as mother and father congratulated them.

"Aela, this is my mate Pearl" he looked so in love

"Welcome to the family" I hugged her

"Honey, you looked distressed earlier are you okay?" asked mum

I was about to answer when a familiar deep voice spoke from behind me "Victor McLaren"

"Alpha Troy" dad smiled "what a pleasure to have you, I didn't think BloodMoon would show up. Hope you're enjoying your evening?"

I was surprised, I didn't know my mate was the BloodMoon Alpha.

"I am. Thank you" He said before growling and pulling me close "Don't run off like that again" he was sniffing me again

Everyone's eyes widened in realization as my face heated up under the attention.

"You found your mate Aela. Why didn't you say so?" squealed Lexa

Mother and Father were grinning ear to ear as they watched me snuggle closer to Troy. I couldn't believe myself either, I felt so safe and attached to him. I was beginning to understand what all the fuss about having a mate was about.