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Ezra

I sat at the breakfast table, my mother sat rambling about how excited she was. I watched as she grinned before filling her plate with more fresh pineapple and melons.

I'd agreed to the whole contest thing for her. I'd been abit of a party boy, when my mate rejected me at 18, I threw caution to the wind. Not being the heir, I had no obligation to the crown. I spent years of my life jetting around, collecting fake friends and drinking myself silly. When I turned 22 I thought about slowing down. It just so happened that day my mother also came to me with the idea of the contest.

I had thought about it for a few days... surely it wouldn't be too bad... spending a few weeks surrounded by pretty girls...

"Ezra darling" my mother broke my thought "you need to eat darling." she stood by my side, her hand on my shoulder.

"of course mother" I smiled before grabbing a croissant and a pile of strawberries. She smiled in satisfaction as she stroked my head softly.

"how did I get such handsome sons" she laughed.

"mother stop being soppy and finish your melon" Theo interjected.

My mother sat back down at her chair, kissing Theo on the cheek on her way past. "You've got a busy day Ezra"

"yes... my first chance to meet the ladies" I replied.

"What are you looking for brother?" Theo spoke

I stopped to think about it for a moment "well... all of the girls are pretty so that's already a bonus... I suppose someone who is fun. Life is hard already... I'd want someone who is my best friend"

"aww Ezra wants a friend... that'd be your first one right?" Theo teased. My mother scowled at him causing him to stop the chuckling.

"What about you then baby Theo" I asked.

Theo was 3 years my junior. Even though he was only 19, he was desperate to fall in love. He was the kind of boy who didn't mind being soppy, he wanted to be married and have children... sooner rather than later.

Theo smiled, his eyes almost turning to hearts "a nice girl who I fall in love with"

Grey scoffed, normally keeping quiet at our breakfast meetings. "something funny Greyson?" Theo asked.

"you two are such saps" he rolled his eyes.

"Grey I know you didn't want to be here... but please try for your mother" My father spoke.

"sorry father... mother..." Grey spoke. Grey was hard, he'd never wanted love, but when it came to our parents he wanted to make them proud. "good luck today Ezra... I'm going to go for a run I think later... my wolf has been hiding for too long"

"What time? I'll join you?" I asked.

"me too!" Theo added.

"let's say 12. Out by the old sycamore tree where Theo gave himself concussion?" Grey responded before standing from the table "lovely breakfast. Mother I have a meeting to attend... Father..." he bowed his head before leaving the room.

---

The morning was full of introductions. It was a long day..

Groups of girls met me in different garden locations, I didn't want to sit in one spot all day. I waited for our run, my wolf ready to sprint free.

We ran for an hour, Theo playfully knocking into my occasionally. After a quick dip in the lake, I redressed before making my way to afternoon tea. The gazebo was covered in pink climbing roses, the large round table set for afternoon tea for 11. As I approached, I took in the 10 girls. All were pretty, of course they were... But there was one... one that stood out.

She had deeply tanned skin, her caramel curls pulled into a ponytail, complimented by a pink bow. She didn't seem like most the girls, she didn't seem too bothered by it all. Her eyes shone brightly as her eyes caught mine, a small smile appearing on her plump lips.

Amelia...

Such a pretty name. But she was so much more than a beautiful girl with a pretty name. She was skilled and funny... She could light up any room... After I had talked to her I had to rejoin the main group. But my eyes watched her, her laugh filling the area. She snorted slightly, before covering her face in embarrassment.

I have to get to know her... She was perfect.