3

I felt a pang of jealousy in my chest, but I quickly pushed it down. I was happy for my sister. She deserved to find her mate.

"That's great, Lynn. I'm so happy for you," I said, forcing a smile.

She grinned and bounced on my bed. "You have to come with me! I don't want to go alone!"

I hesitated, not sure if I wanted to go. I didn't want to watch everyone else find their mates while I was still alone. But I couldn't say no to my sister. She was so excited, and I didn't want to ruin her happiness.

"Okay, I'll go," I said, sighing.

She squealed again and threw her arms around me. "Thank you, Tarra! You're the best sister ever!"

I hugged her back, trying to ignore the ache in my chest. I was happy for her, but I couldn't help but feel a little bit of resentment. Why couldn't I have what she had? Why couldn't I find my mate?

***

The days leading up to the mating ball were a blur of excitement and anticipation. Lynn was practically bouncing off the walls, and I was just trying to keep up. My parents were thrilled that their precious daughter might find her mate, and they didn't seem to care that I was still alone. They were too focused on Lynn to notice how much I was hurting.

I tried to push my feelings aside and focus on the positive. I was going to a mating ball. Maybe I would meet someone there. Maybe I would find my mate. It was a long shot, but I had to hold onto that hope. Maybe I would still be able to scent them without my wolf, I did still have a great sense of smell.

The day of the ball finally arrived, and Lynn and I spent hours getting ready. She wore a beautiful, flowing gown that made her look like a princess, while I wore a simple, brown dress that hugged my curves. I didn't want to stand out. I just wanted to blend in.

We arrived at the ball just as the sun was setting, and I couldn't help but feel a little bit of awe as I took in the scene before me. The ballroom was decorated with flowers and candles, and the air was filled with the sound of music and laughter. It was beautiful.

Lynn grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the dance floor, her eyes shining with excitement. I followed her, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what to expect, but I was ready for anything.

We danced for hours, laughing and having fun. I forgot about my problems and just enjoyed the moment. But as the night went on, I couldn't help but feel a little bit of loneliness creep in. I watched as couples paired off, their scents intertwining as they realized they were mates. I wanted that. I needed that.

I excused myself from the dance floor and made my way towards the balcony, needing some fresh air. I leaned against the railing and closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath of the cool night air.

I was lost in my thoughts when I smelled it. The most delicious, intoxicating scent I had ever experienced. It was like a combination of cinnamon and pine, with a hint of something else I couldn't quite place. It was mouthwatering, and I felt a pull towards it that I couldn't resist.

I opened my eyes and looked around, trying to find the source of the scent. My eyes landed on a tall, dark-haired man standing across the balcony. He was dressed in a black suit, and his eyes were a piercing blue. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen.

He turned his head and our eyes met, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. It was like a spark had ignited between us, and I knew in that moment that he was my mate. He was the black wolf from my dreams.

He started walking towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. I couldn't move. I was frozen in place, my heart pounding in my chest.

He stopped in front of me and reached out, gently cupping my face in his hands. "You're mine," he whispered, his voice deep and husky.

I let out a soft gasp, my body trembling at his touch. I wanted to lean into him, to feel his arms around me. I wanted to be his.

"What's your name?" he asked, his thumb gently stroking my cheek.

"Tarra," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Tarra," he repeated, his lips curling into a smile. "I'm Cassian. And you're my mate."

I felt tears prickle at the corners of my eyes, and I couldn't help but smile. I had found him. I had found my mate.

Cassian leaned down and pressed his lips to mine, and I felt like I was floating. His kiss was gentle but firm, and I could feel the love and passion he had for me in that one simple gesture. It was amazing.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, my body pressed against his. I never wanted this moment to end. I never wanted to let him go.

When we finally pulled away, Cassian rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my skin.

"I've been looking for you for so long," he whispered. "I'm never letting you go."

"I don't want you to," I replied, my voice full of emotion.

He smiled and took my hand, leading me off the balcony and into the ballroom. We danced together for the rest of the night, our bodies pressed close as we moved to the music. I felt like I was in a dream, and I never wanted it to end.