A Ball to Remember

Stepping into my walk-in closet, I ran my fingers along the beautiful gowns hanging there, trying to decide which one would be perfect for the ball tonight. Beats me why I am always indecisive at the eleventh hour.

As I stood in front of the rows of dresses, my mind began to wander. I wondered what my life would be like now that I was officially an adult. Would I find my handsome, happily-ever-after mate and start my own family? Would I finally step up as an Alpha, following in my father’s footsteps?

Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by a knock at the door.

I opened the door with a smile, letting Eira into my bedroom. She bustled in with her usual whirlwind of excitement and warm hugs, a package tucked under her arm.

“Happy birthday, Bella!” she exclaimed, engulfing me in a big hug. “I can’t believe you’re finally eighteen! Can't believe the toddler who's been giving me sleepless nights is finally a gorgeous young woman. And you’re having the ball of the century tonight! Are you excited?”

I laughed at her enthusiasm, warmth filling my heart. Eira, the family house helper, had been my best friend since childhood, and she always knew how to brighten my mood. She's like the mother I never had.

Of course I’m excited!” I replied, taking the package from her. “But I still have no idea what to wear tonight.”

Eira raised her eyebrows in mock shock. “Bella, this is your moment. You have to wear something show-stopping, something that screams 'I found my mate,' coz I'm sure you're going to meet him tonight. And I’m here to help.”

With that, she began rummaging through my closet, pulling out a variety of dazzling gowns.

Finally, we headed downstairs, we were both laughing and giggling, the excitement of the day ahead making us happy.

As we entered the dining room, the delicious aroma of freshly cooked pancakes and bacon wafted over us, making my mouth water. Luna Arissa was already seated at the head of the table, a cup of coffee in her hand and the other holding today's newspaper.

“Good morning, Bella. Happy birthday!” she said casually without taking her eyes off the newspaper. I smiled and thanked her, though she had never openly expressed love to me like other mothers do, I knew she loved me.

“You’d better eat up. You’ll need your strength for tonight,” she added.

I nodded, taking a seat next to my mother and helping myself to a stack of pancakes. “Thank you, Mom,” I replied, smiling. “I’m so excited for tonight. It’s going to be the best night ever!”

Luna Arissa chuckled. “Well, your father has gone all out to make sure it’s a memorable occasion. There'll be many dignitaries tonight so behave. Just don't cause any unnecessary problems tonight, be responsible.”

I couldn’t help but smile with joy. “Of course, Mom, don't worry.”

Hours passed in a flurry of activities, from the last-minute preparations to the countless well-wishes from random pack members. For some exciting fate, there was a full moon which was a promising beacon for my special night. Yet, I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that something wasn’t quite right. The rush of activities masked the mounting anxiety I felt especially since my father was still nowhere to be found. I even lost count of the many times I tried calling him.

I then stood in my bedroom, freshly showered and dressed in my dazzling silver gown. My hair was curled and pinned in a curly updo, and a light dusting of makeup flexed my natural beauty. I looked every inch the princess that I thought I was.

As the ball time neared, I took a deep breath, anxiously smoothing out the folds of my gown. I had expected my father to be back from his errand by now, but he was nowhere to be seen. A hint of worry flickered in my mind, but I pushed it away, trying to focus on the night ahead.

“It’s time, Bella,” Luna Arissa said, her voice calm but firm as she swept into the room, her own dress glistening with gems. “Your father will be here soon.”

I nodded, trying to ignore the knot of anxiety in her stomach. “You’re right, Mom. I shouldn’t keep everyone waiting. Let’s go.”

As we made our way down the spiral staircase, I caught glimpses of the grand ballroom through the tall windows. It was a sea of colour and light, elegant men and women dressed in their finest attire. The chandeliers twinkled and the orchestra played a beautiful melody, filling the hall with soothing music.

I stepped into the ballroom, my eyes wide with wonder and appreciation. The crowd parted as I made my way to the front, grateful for my mother's presence by my side. We occasionally stopped to greet and wave to dignitaries as we passed.

As we reached the stage, the partygoers let out a resounding cheer, raising their glasses in my honour.

“Happy birthday, Bella!” they shouted.

I smiled and waved, my heart fluttering with gratitude and nerves. I searched the crowd for my father, but he was nowhere to be seen.

I struggled to mask my concern, my smile faltering slightly. “Where is he?” I whispered to my mother, my eyes darting around the room.

Luna Arissa squeezed my hand, offering me a reassuring smile. “He’ll be here soon, my dear. It’s his surprise, after all.”

As she spoke, the doors swung open and a group of dignitaries entered, each dressed in the finest robes and jewels. My mother took over the proceedings with grace and charm, she gave a welcoming address and gave the attendees freedom to dance and celebrate with me. She passed on the authority to Beta Brian and excused herself from the ball. At this point, I knew that she too was worried about my father's absence.

I was pulled in a wave of introductions, shaking many hands and giving hugs to dignitaries, from there I was swept off my feet into a whirlwind of dances with every dignitary vying for my attention. Hours seemed to blur into one, the electrifying music of the orchestra melding with the laughter and chatter of the crowd, drowning out any sense of time or place.

Just as I thought I'll never get a chance to breathe, finally, I managed to slip away, gasping for air as I rushed outside.

As I stepped into the cool night air, a sweet aroma greeted me. The scent was like nothing I had ever experienced before—an intoxicating blend of vanilla and strawberries that sent my senses into overdrive. My heart beat faster as my breathing quickened.

I knew that this fragrance was more than just a passing whim; it was paradise.

Without a second thought, I allowed the scent to guide me through the pack garden, my feet quickly carrying me deeper into the garden.

I felt as if I were in a trance, my entire being consumed by the hunt for this new scent. Each step brought me closer to it, the scent growing stronger and more irresistible with each passing moment.

Just as I turned a corner, I bumped into a stranger full force. Our eyes met and the world seemed to stand still. A handsome stranger stood before me, his gaze penetrating me to my core. As if on instinct, he pulled me into a tight hug our bodies fitting together as if they had always been meant to be.

Our lips found each other in a passionate deep kiss, as if we had known each other for a lifetime, our hearts beating in rhythm. As we pulled away, breathless and beaming with excitement, he murmured into my ear, his voice a gentle caress to my already thirsty body.

“Hey, my gorgeous mate. I have been waiting for this moment. I’m so excited to finally meet you.”

My breath caught in my throat, we just stood there, my face inches from his as our eyes locked in a wordless exchange that seemed to stretch on forever until our lips met once more, leaving us both breathless and wanting more.

As we pulled apart, our eyes still locked in a silent conversation, and I smiled shyly as I hid my face in his chest. He gently caressed my back and gave me a forehead kiss that sent the butterflies in my tummy wild.

My mate was tall, super fine, and exuding an air of command, he seemed to radiate power. As I lifted my eyes to look at him again I found his eyes fixed on me, a faint, sexy smile tugging at his lips.

“My Bella,” he said, “I am Alpha Marcus, ruler of the neighbouring kingdom. I've been waiting forever to meet you and I'm not leaving here without you.”

I blinked in surprise, unsure of how to respond to my handsome mate. I'm gon be a Luna??