01

Amy's POV

I didn't want to go to this party. Why did I accept to go again? It's not like anyone respects me or something. They ridiculously make fun of me every single time. I know this isn't going to be different. My so-called friends aren't going to let me be.

"Fuck it. Can't I just stay at home and avoid going to this party?" I muttered in anger, searching for a good dress.

But I have to go because I don't have a choice. It's the pack's mating ceremony again this year and I still don't have a mate. Considering the fact that I am the Gamma's daughter, everyone in the Red Moon pack has high expectations for me.

My father is the most powerful gamma known in this country. He's almost as strong as an alpha and has remarkable experiences. But he's very loyal to the pack so he is very respected. Not just by wolves but humans too.

He is a great businessman and the best father in the world. He doesn't pressure or make me feel bad that I don't have my mate yet. Instead, he tells me encouraging things.

"You don't have to worry about things. Just live happily and whenever you find someone you want, let me know." He told me.

I'm lucky to have him as my father considering the fact that someone like me would be hated by my family in most situations but my family loves me. They also help in shielding my secret from the world.

The secret that I don't have a wolf. Yes. I don't have one and have never felt it before. I had to go abroad many times just to avoid the coming of age ceremonies. I don't know why my wolf hasn't appeared yet, I was just hidden to avoid being bullied.

This is why I can't really do anything since I'm still getting bullied for not having a mate. But it's just some random people talking behind my back, and my friends teasing me.

I took a deep breath as I stopped in front of the huge hall where the party was being held. I could hear music from inside and people chattering inside. I took a cab because my parents already came to the party. My older brother Caleb doesn't live with us, he's already married to the alpha's daughter Amira.

They found out they were mates since teenage years, they've always loved each other so they got lucky. They got married a few years ago after graduation from college. I'm still the only unlucky one.

"Amelia! What are you doing right now?" Someone familiar asked me.

I turned to see Stacy, my best friend and the beta's daughter walk up to me.

She stopped in front of me, scanning me frantically. "Is something wrong? You've been standing here like a statue without coming in."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not interested in this party Stacy. Why do I have to come to a mating ceremony every year?"

She playfully hit my shoulder, "Don't be such a party popper! This is a great opportunity for you to finally find your mate!"

Stacy is also one of the people who knows my secrets and she is supportive and kind. She's the only friend I can open up to because she's sincere. She also used to bs like me for a few years until she finally found her mate.

"You know I can't even sense him if I meet him. What am I supposed to do?" I complained.

"Don't be like this. You're going to find him, mate with him and get your wolf just like I got mine!"

I've been told this was the only solution for me since I could have a special wolf that can only be awakened by my mate. The question is, who the fuck is he and why hasn't he found me?

"I don't care anymore. It used to mean a lot to me but I've gotten used to thinking it's not going to happen."

"Shut up and come with me. You might find him today." She gripped my hand and pulled me to the party.

"Why do you keep saying that Stacy? Is something special going on in today's mating ceremony?" I questioned.

"Yes. This is why you should read the pack news. The Alpha invited people from other packs, including the Flaming Moon Pack." She explained.

I stopped her at the mention of that pack. "The Flaming Moon Pack?"

She nodded, "Yes, I don't know if Alpha is trying to form an alliance with them or something."

"What? Isn't that pack's leader notorious and psychopathic? I heard he kills on a whim and fights other packs all the time. Why would anyone invite them?"

She shrugged, "I don't know too. All I know is, let's enjoy the party. You can find your mate there too."

"Fuck no!" I immediately protested.

Hell no. There's no way I would want my mate to be someone from the Flaming Moon Pack. They are already influenced by their alpha. They're just like him. Their pack leader is the worst person in the world.

We heard he's very rich and powerful. He was also rumoured to have some mafia gang and does underground work around. He also kills anyone who doesn't do what he wants. I've never met him before and I never want to.

She raised her hand in surrender, "Fine. Let's just say hi to our parents and enjoy the party."

I nodded, "Let's go."

But I saw someone looking at me as we left. He had been standing around us with his back turned to us. Maybe he was listening to our conversation? I don't care! If he's from that pack, he should just tell his alpha to be a better person!

After going around to greet people, including the alpha and others, I finally decided to stay away from people. I was going to quietly sit at a corner and enjoy the party. That was until my other friends found me. Stacy was busy dancing with her boyfriend.

"Here we go again, Sarah and her witty boyfriend Timmy, with the annoying prima Donna, Ellie." I rolled my eyes thinking inwardly.

Sarah, with a big smile, teased me, "Hey, Amy! When are you going to find a mate? You don't want to be alone and get kicked out of the group, do you?"

Timmy joined in, laughing loudly. "Yeah, Amy! You need to find someone quick! Otherwise, they might not want you around anymore."

Instead of saying hi, they just went straight to the point. I felt embarrassed and hurt by their words. I didn't want to be left out or feel like I didn't belong.

"Don't tell us you still don't have a mate. Even if you're the powerful gamma's daughter, you can't escape getting sent out of the pack." Ellie added and they laughed again.

"Why is it such a big deal with finding a mate?" I finally gathered courage to ask them. "It's none of your business you know."

Elle scoffed, "You don't have a mate right? You know we can report you to the discipline committee for investigation. Maybe... you don't even have a wolf."

My eyes widened on hearing what they said. What are their on about? Do they know? Their playful glances and sly remarks made me self-conscious, and I longed for an escape from their teasing. So, I scanned the hall, searching for an opportunity to break free from the awkwardness.

"I have a mate." I blurted out and they all stopped laughing.

"What?" Ellie seemed very surprised.

"I said I have a mate. I just don't think telling you about my personal relationship is important." I defended.

They all looked at themselves before bursting into laughter. It still hurt me to see how they call themselves friends and love making fun of me.

"You have a mate? And you just decided to hide him?" Sarah questioned.

"Then why didn't you introduce him?" Timmy added.

Elle scoffed, "That's because there's no mate. She's just pretending to have one. Why not show us your mate? He must be here, right?"

I nervously gulped seeing how they cornered me. I should have stayed at home.

"Amy? Are you there?"

"Yes. He's right here. I'll go get him and introduce you to him." I blurted out.