The Mate Dance part One

The mate dance part One

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I never imagined that in this lifetime I would witness the RedSand pack buzzing with such activity. The preparation for the Mate Dance was treated as if the president of the country or the Alpha King himself was gracing our presence.

Alpha Samuel spared no expense to ensure that the Mate Dance Ceremony would go flawlessly. Pack workers scurried around in a frenzy, creating a chaotic scene. Fortunately, as Diana's appointed personal servant, I was spared the burden of working on the preparations for the grand event. Instead, I utilized whatever free time I had from attending to Diana's needs to plan my escape from this place.

Although Diana rarely assigned me tasks, I had to create them for myself to avoid arousing suspicion among the pack members. Diana was kind, but the rest of the pack was not, and I refused to let her generosity lead me to greater harm in the future—assuming I didn't succeed in escaping on the night of the event.

I struggled hard to push away thoughts of what might happen to me if I were caught. My brain screamed at me to stay put, but my heart yearned for freedom. I knew that if I were apprehended, I would be thrown back into the dungeon, and this time, the consequences would be even more severe. There would be more suffering and punishment, and perhaps this time, Sean would finally have his way with me. No amount of pleading from Diana to spare me would save me this time.

Was this a risk I was willing to take? Yes. Maybe in the past, I had endured torture and a life of slavery, but this time, if I were caught, I would choose freedom—even if it meant not being free from the pack but finding solace in the embrace of death, joining my parents in the heavenly abode.

I had already packed a small bag for my departure: two dresses, two pairs of shoes, a blouse, trousers, and some undergarments. Diana had gifted me some snacks days ago, which I had set aside for my escape. The problem was that I had no money, and once I ran out of food, I would have to rely on my hunting skills until I reached a human society where I could blend in and find employment. I knew it wouldn't be easy, and there would be hardships ahead, but anything would be better than staying here. Now, all I had to do was wait for the opportune moment to arise, and then I would make my escape.

Diana always made sure I was at arm's length, her attempt to protect me, which I was grateful for. If I was not doing chores around her house, I was by her side, standing meekly or trailing after her every movement.

Diana was given the task of ensuring that the preparations were proper and perfect, or rather, in this case, we could say that she was the event planner. It was strange watching Diana give orders and coordinate the work crew. It showed strength and courage that I wished I had at the moment. If I am able to escape, would the human people respect me just as the wolves in my pack respected Diana?

I watched silently in envy while taking notes, but there was no bitterness or resentfulness in my heart. I was jealous, but I was still proud of the woman she had become. Hopefully, this mate dance brings her mate to her, and she finally gets to be completely happy. I wished I would be there to see her belly round with her pups or even help her out in raising them, but I couldn't stay. Even the love Diana had for me would not change my mind. I have lost so much in the past three years, and I need to regain or at least have the chance to, rather than wallow in pity and eternal suffering in a pack that would never see my worth and would never treat me with respect.

If only the hands of time could change, I would go back and save my father from his madness, or better still, I would save my mother by any means possible. People say dwelling on the past means nothing, but when the past is all you have got at the moment, there is nothing left to do but dwell.

"Anna! Are you taking notes of the things that we would need to get?" Diana's voice snaps me out of my train of thoughts, and I nod in response. "That is good, Anna. I know you must be tired from having to follow me around. I never expected the preparation for the ceremony to take this much energy and time."

"I am fine, Diana," I assure her. She need not worry about my well-being. Following her around is much better than being stuck in the dungeon, better than being molested by Sean, better than being used and teased by Vera and every other pack member that fancies my pain. At least by Diana's side, I get to breathe fresh air and admire how beautiful my pack surroundings have grown to become over the years. By Diana's side, the pack members do not disturb me. Rather, they treat me like I don't even exist in the first place, and I am not complaining one bit. I just hope that they keep up the same energy on the day I execute my escape plans.

Diana spares me a sad glance. "Do you think you would be up for shopping?"

"Shopping?" I ask, confused.

"Yes, dear. I was thinking that we would go shopping for our dresses," she explains.

"Oh!" I respond weakly. Our dresses? Was Diana thinking of dressing me up for the event, an event I had no wish of attending or participating in? But Diana has no idea of my plans to run away, or else she would not have suggested that I buy a dress.

Diana caresses my arm lightly. "Honey, I know that you don't want a mate, but that doesn't mean you should not enjoy the party. And it has been a long time since you have done anything to enjoy yourself. Anna, you deserve to be happy, regardless of what others may think. You should be happy."