03

— Oh, come on, don't be a spoilsport. There's no way you're bored,” he drawled as he drank his beer.

—Yes, I am, actually. I'm only here because I'm the host,” I looked at him. — Have you found your partner yet? I want to end this party soon.

I regretted the question the moment it left my mouth. Max started crying and threw his arms around my shoulders.

- No! I'm starting to believe I don't have a date. Ah, Goddess of the Moon! Will it be my destiny to be a lone wolf forever? — he shouted, holding my arms.

— Let go of me, you idiot!

But he held me with an iron hand.

— No, you need to comfort me! I'm heartbroken, I can't find my partner.

— I told you to let go of me! — I stopped abruptly when a heavenly scent entered my nostrils. I pushed Max aside, trying to sniff the air for the source.

— What... hey! — Max started to whimper, but I stopped him.

— Do you smell that smell? I asked him.

- What a smell? Delancy asked. I completely forgot she was still there.

- Hmm? — Max sniffed the air. — I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to smell, man.

I ignored him. The smell was sweet and delicate, like vanilla and marshmallow.

Suddenly my wolf, Cronnos, was howling like crazy in my head. He jumped up and ran from side to side, also sniffing the air.

— Man... I can smell her. I smell my partner, Cronnos said inside my mind.

I froze. This couldn't be happening. I haven't been able to find my partner in eight years. Because now?

—Aaron? Are you well? Delancy asked.

- Yeah man. You turned very pale. It is good too? — Max asked. - Yes there is. I'm fine,” I said, still focused on that smell.

— Our partner is here, boy, finally. Go find her! I can smell her! — Cronnos shouted.

I snapped out of the trance.

— I need to use the bathroom. Sorry. — I walked away from Max and Delancy.

I had to find her. That scent was attracting me like a magnet.

I walked among the guests, not recognizing any of them.

All I had on mind was finding her. Cronnos was still screaming in my head.

I kept walking until my hand instinctively grabbed another, small, soft hand.

I looked forward and came face to face with none other than the gray-eyed maid I had seen before.

— Partner... — we both said at the same time.

** 

Chloe

— Partner... — we both said together.

And I looked into the most intense blue eyes I've ever seen in my life.

— It's him, Chloe! He is our companion! Rhea screamed in my head, doing cartwheels.

I looked at the person before me, holding my hand tightly but at the same time gently.

It was the alpha of the pack, Aaron.

We stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a few minutes. Suddenly he let go of my hand. I lost his warmth almost instantly.

He looked at me with a shocked expression.

- You?

His voice brimmed with disdain. Then he shook his head, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing, and turned to leave.

— Wait... — I grabbed his hand instinctively and felt a tingling sensation when my skin touched his.

But he pulled his hand back like mine was filthy. He looked at me.

- Never. More. Touch. In. Me. Maid,” he growled, teeth clenched. Then he turned once more and walked away.

I was in shock.

Tears threatened to fall. I felt like everyone was looking at me. They saw the whole scene.

I was dying of embarrassment. So, I turned around and ran as fast as I could.

Far from the hall...

Far from the whispers...

Far from shame...

— Chloe, what are you doing? Go after him! — — my wolf screamed in my head, but I ignored her.

I kept running until I was out the front door and into the open garden that led to the gates, but I didn't stop there.

I ran until I got home, no longer caring about work — not even about the uniform I forgot to take off.

—Chloe? And you? — I heard aunt call me from the living room.

I flew up the stairs, and entered my room, slammed the door and threw myself on the bed, hugging my pillow and crying.

A short time later, the bedroom door opened and Montana entered.

— I thought the party would end late. What happened?

I did not answer. I just kept crying.

— Chloe, what's the matter? — she asked in a worried voice.

“Just leave me alone,” I said through the pillow where my face was buried.

But, as usual, Montana ignored my wishes and I felt the bed sink as she sat down next to me. His cold hand stroked my head.

“There, calm down,” she said. — You shouldn't be crying right now, my dear. Not on your birthday. But I know what will cheer you up.

I felt the mattress move when Aunt got up. My curiosity got the better of me, so I peeked over the pillow and saw her holding an old envelope.

“Here,” she said, handing it to me. — Your father entrusted this to me here and asked me to give it to you only when you were **** years old.

I took the envelope and opened it, it was a handwritten letter. I recognized my father's handwriting.

Montana must have realized it was an intimate moment and quickly left the room.

Dear Ry,

I can't imagine how difficult it is for you to maintain your good nature and your character in this cruel world. But I know you will be the light in the darkness . The one who will not give in to negativity.

At this point, you have certainly found her beautiful and talented young woman, and at any time you may find your true and unique love.

Don't despair if it doesn't appear immediately. Only Goddess Moon knows what her decisions are.