Chapter 2

Marnie lived a few streets away from me. Her home was modest and clean but full of warmth. Marnie was an only child and her parents were both hard workers, but somehow always had time for their girl. They had always made me feel welcome over the years, going so far as to call me their second child. 

The house was empty which wasn't unusual so we strolled down the hall to Marnies bedroom, I confessed that I was aware of the BBQ my mum had planned. While she looked slightly disappointed in losing the element of surprise, she also noticeably relaxed as she explained how we would save getting all dolled up for later on tonight. I think the real source of her relaxation is seeing that I am ok with celebrating tonight, I can tell she would be crushed if I was ungrateful or not interested in going. 

After a quick shower Marnie pulled out an overnight bag and in it was a black and white striped t-shirt dress and my favorite pair of converse for me to wear. I was relieved she had chosen such casual clothes for me as that meant the BBQ was going to be a relaxed affair. I dried my long hair and kept it down and I was instructed to only put on the briefest amount of makeup if any so that my my skin would still be fresh enough for later tonight.

Marnie was especially talented in picking out clothes and assisting with hair and makeup, and she promised me she would help me later on as she slipped on a white cropped blouse and maxi skirt before brushing out her wavy hair and applying the lightest coat of makeup. 

As we pulled up to the pack house I could hear the gentle hum of music and smelt cooked meat wafting around my nostrils... it lured me in with its seductive scent. I walked through the front door and was immediately greeted by my family, my mum pulled my hand excitedly as she lead me to the backyard. As I approached the sliding door that leads outside I was greeted by the sound of 'Watermelon Sugar' by Harry Styles, a song I am currently obsessed with, and I could see strings of fairy lights lighting up the outdoor area. There were piles of food placed upon tables that were lined up in a row, all of my favorites were there; Red velvet cupcakes, creamy potato bake, chicken skewers, to name a few, and an impressive looking cake that had been decorated with fresh flowers. 

"Do you smell our mate?", Amara asked as she paced around restlessly. 

I looked around anxiously, acknowledging the familiar faces around me. Some of the guys I had grown up with or even briefly dated were looking on at me, anticipation lighting up their faces.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but no". 

While I half expected her to wallow in a corner, Amara simply shrugged it off and continued to remain hopeful that we would meet our mate tonight. 

"So, what do you think?", my mum and Marnie both looked at me with an uncertain expression. 

"Honestly? I'm obsessed! It has everything I love, it's low key, there's great music and amazing food. I couldn't have asked for anything better". I gave them both a hug and wiped a tear away from my mum's cheek. 

As my mum left to check on all of the guests, and hide the rest of her tears, I danced under the fairy lights with my best friend. All thoughts of finding a mate were pushed to the back of my mind as let myself enjoy the company of everyone I loved. 

Beta Luke waltzed over to where we were dancing, his blonde shaggy hair was brushed back as he smiled brightly down on his mate. Luke, like most wolves, was tall and well built, yet somehow despite his size, Marnie always looked like the perfect puzzle piece that fit into his embrace. I left the two of them to dance as I mingled with the rest of the guests.

"Hey, Laila!", a familiar voice called out to me.

"Oh, hey Sean!, I didn't think I'd see you here", I said as a tall figure pulled my body into an embrace.

Sean is my ex. Though I've had my fair share of flings and crushes, Sean was the only one who came close to being considered serious. After our break up I barely saw him around town anymore and his friends would give me one-worded responses when I asked how he was doing. As I pulled back to take a look at him I realized just how much he had grown since I last saw him. His light brown hair had grown out, just barely touching his shoulders, the length added a little curl to it. His chin had a kiss of stubble going up to his cheeks and his eyes held a serious gaze. 

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for anything". Though he tried to keep his voice as serious as his eyes, I could hear the note of sadness in it. Sean had believed we were mates, and it was clear he came tonight to find out if he was right. Once I had realized how deep our relationship had gotten I pumped the brakes. I hadn't thought of the consequences if we fell in love and found other mates, though it was too late for Sean. He feel and he fell hard. It wasn't easy to break his heart, I knew it was the right thing to do for both of us, I was only relieved I hadn't given him my virginity. I'm no prude, that's for sure, but I know how mad wolves can get when they find something of theirs has been taken, and although I'm all for living my own life and not being controlled, I understood that is something you can never take back. 

"Well, you look great!" I said, trying to ease the slight awkwardness that had begun to settle.

"Laila let's cut the small talk". The tone of his voice had become firm, and I suddenly caught a whiff of alcohol. Although wolves are not immune to the effects of liquor, it takes ALOT to get us even the slightest bit tipsy. 

"I know that we aren't mates ok, I know that now. But I don't care! Don't you understand that you can love someone who isn't your mate?"

I took a step towards Sean, "Sean you need to have some water and maybe some bread to soak up what you've had to drink. You aren't thinking straight".

"No Laila!" Sean raised his voice and I could see the curious gazes of an audience in my peripheral vision. "We could run away together, we could live out on some farm and not have to worry about anything or anyone bothering us".

While he struggled to get the rest of his words out, Sean's friends guided him away, offering words of apology as they ushered themselves out.

As the party started up again, I couldn't help but feel bad for Sean. I promised to warn any future children I might have against dating and took a mental note of tonight's incident as a cautionary tale to share with them.

My brothers came to save me from any pitying thoughts, they both took turns dancing with me, even dad left the grill long enough to get through one song with me, promising to save the last dance for my mum. Though I would never admit this to anyone other than Amara, I was secretly happy that my family and friends had put on a celebration tonight. I was surrounded by love and food, and as I blew the candles out on my cake I silently wished for this night and feeling of contentedness to never end. 

As I sat eating my cake I remembered Marnie had plans to take us out tonight, I quickly scoffed down the rest of my piece and thanked everyone for coming. I couldn't explain it but there was something bubbling inside me, and it wasn't indigestion. I was excited to go out, it was as if the night was calling to me. Amara seemed to perk up as she too felt this sense of giddiness, she rushed me to find Marnie and pushed some of her strength forward to hurry me out of the door.

As the sun was setting a warm summer breeze caressed my cheek, the wind felt full of promise, a stark contrast to the warnings of danger I had felt it carry only yesterday. 

As we walked back into Marnie's room I couldn't shake the excited butterflies from my stomach. While Marnie chattered away, curling my hair and deciding what shade of eyeshadow to  use, I wondered what was coming, and  I wondered if I would find out tonight.