Chapter 3

As Ava and I walk home, she’s going on about some pack drama when I decide to cut in.

"So, I ran into the new transfer student today," I say, glancing over at her.

Ava stops in her tracks, eyes wide. “Wait—what? New transfer student? You didn’t tell me this earlier! Spill!”

I shrug. “His name’s Carter. We bumped into each other behind the science wing during lunch.”

“Oh my god,” Ava squeals, grabbing my arm. “Is he hot? Please tell me he’s hot.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help a smile. “I mean, yeah, I guess. Dark hair, leather jacket, that whole 'bad boy' vibe. Definitely not your typical pack guy.”

Ava’s eyes light up, and she shakes her head in disbelief. “I swear, you have all the luck! And he talked to you?”

“Yeah,” I say, kicking a pebble down the sidewalk. “He’s doesn’t really do the whole mate thing.”

“What’s his deal?”Ava gives me a weird look

I shrug again. “Didn’t get much out of him, honestly. Just seemed like he’s not into all the pack traditions. But who knows?”

Ava sighs dramatically, putting her arm through mine as we keep walking. “Okay, but seriously, Carter drama aside, what are you gonna wear for the ball tomorrow?”

“Do we have to talk about the ball?” i groan, rolling my eyes.

“Yes, Maeve, we do,” Ava insists. “You’re going, right?”

“I don’t know… it just feels like a waste of time. Everyone’s gonna be pairing off and pretending it’s all magical, but let’s be real—half of them are just desperate.”

"Maybe, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. Plus, you never know. You could meet someone.”Ava laughs.

“I doubt it,” I mutter.

Ava smiles clearly not letting me off the hook. "Come on, Maeve. Even if the whole 'mate' thing isn’t your vibe, at least go for the party. We’ll dance, laugh at everyone trying too hard, and maybe you’ll even enjoy yourself. Worst case, we ditch early and grab some ice cream."

I sigh, knowing she won’t drop it. "Fine. But if it’s awkward and miserable, I’m holding you to the ice cream plan."

"Deal!" Ava says, her eyes lighting up. "Plus, I’m dying to see the look on Jaxon’s face when we walk in looking like absolute queens."

I raise an eyebrow. "You’re really set on making Jaxon miserable, aren’t you?"

"Someone has to put him in his place. And let’s be honest, he deserves it."Ava shrugs.

I can’t argue with that. Jaxon’s been on my nerves for as long as I can remember, and the idea of ignoring his idiotic ass for a night sounds tempting.

"Okay, okay," I say, giving in. "I’ll figure out something to wear. But don’t expect me to be all in about this whole mate ball nonsense."

Ava gives me a quick side hug. "That’s my girl! We’ll make it fun, promise."

As we near my house, I start to feel a little more relaxed about it. Maybe the ball won’t be the worst thing ever. Especially with Ava by my side to make sure it stays interesting.

"Alright, I’m heading in," I say, stopping at my front gate. "I’ll see you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Ava replies with a wink. "We’re going to slay. Just wait."

I wave goodbye to her heading inside.

------------ Mating ball day-------------

Damn it.

I know I told Ava I wasn’t going to get all worked up about the ball, but I forgot one tiny detail—Mom. She’s been praying for this day since forever. No way I can just blow it off like it doesn’t matter.

Mom is beside me, her eyes scanning every inch of me like she’s waiting for something to be out of place. "Hold still," she says gently, adjusting the strap of my dress. The dress is a beautiful silver color, long and flowing with a nice waistline.

"You look beautiful, Maeve," she says, softly, stepping back to admire her work. “ "Just perfect."

I catch her reflection in the mirror, her eyes are filled with tears . "Mom, don’t cry," I mumble.

"I can’t help it. I’ve been waiting for this for so long. You’re all grown up now." She smiles.

Dad steps in, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as my mom tries to hold back the tears. "They grow up too fast," he says.

I can’t help but feel guilty. I’ve been hating on this ball, rolling my eyes at all the mate nonsense, but to them... this is a big deal. The makeup and dress is making me feel like someone I’m not. But seeing the way they look at me, like I’m their little girl all grown up, I hold back my complaints.

The doorbell rings, and Lyle, my younger brother, rushes to open it. "Ava’s here!" he calls from the hallway.

Before I can blink, Ava bursts in. "Oh my God!" she exclaims, her eyes wide as she looks at me. "Maeve, you look so pretty!"

"I feel ridiculous."I smile awkwardly, smoothing down my dress again.

"Ridiculous? Girl, no way!" Ava grabs my hands, spinning me around to get a full view. She’s wearing a sleek black dress that hugs her curves,Her hair is done up in loose waves, and she looks stunning, as usual.

"You look amazing," I say, genuinely impressed.

Mom steps in, her phone already out. "Pictures! We need pictures!" she insists. I can see how much this moment means to her.

Ava and I stand side by side, posing awkwardly as Mom snaps a dozen pictures, wiping her tears every few seconds. Dad wraps his arm around her again, whispering something that makes her smile.

Finally, when we’ve taken enough photos to fill a whole album, Ava grabs my hand, pulling me toward the door. "Come on, we’re going to be late!"

As we step outside, my jaw drops. A sleek, black limo is parked, shining under the streetlights.

"Ava..." I start, turning to her in disbelief. "What the hell?"

She just laughs, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Dad insisted. Said if we’re going to go, we’re going in style."

We both burst out laughing, and as we head toward the limo, I can’t help but feel a little bit of excitement coming in. Maybe tonight won’t be so bad after all.

Behind us, I catch a glimpse of my parents and Lyle standing in the doorway, watching us with a proud look. I wave at them, and they wave back.

"Ready?" Ava asks as the limo door opens.

"Yeah," I reply, sliding in next to her. "Let’s do this."