Mating Ball...

Anaya's POV

"Baby, what is this bitch doing here? Answer me!" Sarah pouted, clutching onto Duke's arm.

"Ignore her. She'll be staying with us for a little while to honor her father's death or something." Duke said nonchalantly, causing my insides to stir from rage. How could he speak about me like that??

I couldn't stand and watch so I lowered my gaze and was about to disappear from their midst, but Donna, Darius's girlfriend pushed me back. "Where do you think you're going to?"

This was an opportunity for all of them to bully me again, I knew it. And I was trying everything to avoid it!

"You think you matter now, huh? Seeing how you're swinging arms walking side by side with our Academy's sweethearts?" This was coming from the last of them, Maria.

"That's ridiculous, Maria. She knows her place, I'm sure of that." Darius said.

"She better do. Because if not, you'll be in some serious trouble, you hear me??" Sarah gripped my hair tight and I fought back, yanking her hands off me. One thing about these shity people, you have to learn to fight back at some point.

"You've made your point!" I frowned, standing my ground. She looked like she was about to burst from her anger and raised her hand up but suddenly stopped as a teacher walked past us. I used that opportunity to leave their midst. It wasn't as if any of the brothers were going to have my back anyway!

I hadn't realized I'd been heading straight to my locker. A figure gripped my hand tight and I turned quickly in defense.

"Slow down, girl." May said, her hands raised up in surrender. It felt nice to see a familiar face again, one that actually cared for me. May was my friend of barely three months when she just moved to town, but she was the best.

Her long hair was shorter now barely touching her shoulders. She had her eye liner long, giving her the sexy Cleopatra diva look. She pulled me closer in a hug. "Are you okay?"

I hugged her back, glad someone in this cruel world actually still cared. "I am." I sighed, hoping I wasn't lying to myself.

When she pulled free, I observed the burst of excitement in her eyes but she tried hard to hide it. "What is it, May?"

"Nothing. But you know that today is the school's mating ball? I understand if you've completely forgotten about it." She said.

It was true. I didn't even have the energy for anything extra. Still being in mourning mode, I wanted to enjoy at least a little bit of peace. What was the point of finding a mate when I knew he would straight up reject me, the very sad and pathetic loser of Moonshine Academy.

Every year, the academy would host a ball where everyone just turning eighteen from several different packs would go and find their mates. This was going to be our first since we were both turning eighteen. Apparently, the devil triplet should be attending as well since they would turn eighteen this year too, according to Luna Freya.

I knew May was super persuasive so I didn't bother to argue. I didn't want to go anywhere, so I just would lie I was sick or something.

"I have our outfits ready. You should trust me on that." May noticed my disinterest and sighed. "Listen, I'll respect whatever you say. But I just think that it's really important that you at least come around. It's what your father would have wanted, Ali."

She was right. Before his death, he would always tease me asking if I had been crushing on any boy. And I would always dodge that question, complaining he was embarrassing me. What I would give to hear his voice again…It was May's soft, kind voice that always did it for me. I made a mental note to rethink going with her.

The day was faster than it normally should, and I didn't know whether it was because the time for the ball was fast approaching or maybe the day was just a really fast one. The school would close earlier than usual to get people prepared for the ball.

May had approached me the moment the final bell rang, and together we made our way to her house. It wasn't my first time, so I was getting used to her lovely surroundings.

She had laid down our dresses, hers being a green sleeveless V neck split gown while mine was a mini ruffle one shoulder red dress. Our transformation took a couple of hours with both of us laughing through the process, and I was glad I didn't have to get ready back at the Alpha's place with the trio.

I glanced at myself at the tall mirror after we had been done, and I couldn't help but admire the sexy lady smiling back at me. I was pretty, in my own little way. I didn't deserve to be tormented and bullied in school just because of what happened to my mother. I was very glad for May stepping into my life, reminding me every time of how powerful I could be when I started standing up for myself.

My long deep reddish brown hair was styled in a neat bun that sat at the nape of my neck, and light makeup accentuated my looks making my lips fuller and eyes more beautiful.

"I look good, May." I found myself muttering.

"That's right, girl. Now, you stand your ground no matter what. And go find your mate." May comforted in her usual soft motherly tone.

I felt a lot more proud and ready for that night. Stepping out of the car that brought May and I to school, I felt my walking step a little bolder. Nothing was going to stop me now.

The moon made a proud stance, flaunting its beauty that night. It was a full moon. Heaving in a deep sigh, I took a big step together with May as we stepped inside the grand hall. Immediately, the loud bubbling of loud songs filled my ears. People gyrated, twirling happily on the dance floor, vibing loudly to the music.

It didn't take too long before I realized I didn't want to be there at the party. I wanted to go back home and just lay in my bed till morning. Plus I was starving!. I noticed that the triplet were nowhere to be found, but their girlfriends proudly took over the dance floor with their sexy dance moves and praises. Sarah sighted me and this instant hatred could be seen all over her eyes. I ignored and continued pretending to May like I was enjoying myself.

A while later, I decided to step out for some fresh air. Very funny that May had left my side and was now dancing with a tall blonde dude, because just like that she had found her mate. I shook my head, actually chuckling at my pathetic self.

This was the more reason I headed out, was that a pang or jealousy? No. I loved May and was happy for her. I just wished I too could have...

Just then, a powerful scent hit me so hard that it sent my wolf leaping in delight. It was intoxicating, something I'd felt when I was with Duke's jacket earlier, only, this was ten times stronger. I made a mental note to remember to take back Duke's jacket as it was still at May's.

I followed this rousing scent and found myself in a corner, just at the backyard of the Academy. Was that possible? Could it be my mate lurking around the corners waiting for me to find him?? Excitement filled me just by thinking of that. Maybe my night could still be better.

Muffling voices could be heard now as I stepped further, until I was standing right in front of...

"Anaya?" Duke called out, being the first to sight me. The others turned to look at me.

I blinked. My mates...the devil brothers were my mates??