Fiery Ginger Hair

Sebastian's POV

The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow on the translucent white curtain. I lay in my bed, half asleep, positioned with my back to the door. A subtle creak signaled the door's slow swing open, accompanied by the sound of my name filling the room. "Wake up, Sebastian," my roommate called, tossing a pillow in my direction. 

I grumble and let out a low growl. 'Why does he always have to do that?' I muttered. 

"What is it, Tyler?" I asked, retaliating by flinging the pillow back in his direction. Tyler has been my childhood friend and a candidate for my beta when I eventually become an Alpha in my pack. Maybe then, the pillow-throwing antics might stop."I am trying to sleep. Why can't you see that?" 

Tyler let out an unabashed chuckle. "You can't be serious, Sebastian," he teased. "We have a flight to catch by 11 p.m. and a gathering to attend in two days. Remember?"  

I snapped to full alertness, smacking my forehead. 'How did I forget that?' I muttered to myself. Argh! "Oh shit! I set an alarm, why didn't it snooze?" I blurted out. 

"Your phone has always been on silent," Oliver, my wolf hissed. 

"Fuck!" I cursed under my breath.  

"Calm down, Sebastian," Tyler giggled. "In case you might be wondering. We still have time."

I rush to sit up, reaching for my vintage shirt hanging in the open closet. "How much longer?" I asked, a hint of panic in my voice. 

"An hour," Tyler replied, his playful smirk still intact. 

"Oh fuck!" I cursed. I couldn't afford to miss this flight to Washington; my mother would be furious. She had been reminding me now and then that the only son of Alpha Lorgan of the Midnight Lake Pack must attend every gathering event. Well, this couldn't possibly be my unlucky day, I thought as I scrambled to get dressed. I have attended every gathering since I was 17 and this was going to be the fifth event. It was a choice I had made myself - to complete my final year in college here in London before ascending the role of an Alpha. Now, at 22 years old, I stood at the cusp of leadership, but with a glaring void in my life - the absence of a mate.  

'Maybe we could meet our mate,' Oliver whiffed. 

'I don't think so, you know how unlucky we have been over the years,' I replied. 

'Maybe unlucky, what if she's the special one the Moon Goddess is saving for us?'

I couldn't help but chuckle.'Now, this is the funniest thing I have heard today.'

'Well. You're welcome because I have you to keep in company,' Oliver quipped. 

'Not for too long, Oliver,' I replied playfully as I blocked him.  

While I adjusted my wavy chestnut hair in the mirror, Tyler chimed in. "You know, as a soon-to-be alpha, maybe you will find your luna," he suggested. I rolled my eyes, thinking. 'An Oliver in the flesh!' 

"I wish, Tyler. I have been at it forever," I replied to him with a smirk. "But I will play by her rules when I do get one," I added, a mischievous twinkle in my eye.

"Yes!! I can't wait!" Oliver screamed out. 

"Shut it! Perverted wolf," I giggled. 

Tyler raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Her rules? So, that means you won't be rejecting her?"

I let out a hearty laugh. "Hell no!" I replied emphatically. "How long has it been now? Rejection is out of the question. I have faith she will be perfect," I mused, getting lost in a daydream.

"Of course, beautiful and sexy," Oliver whined. 

"Here we go again!" I sighed as I cut the link. 

Turning my attention to Tyler, I raised an eyebrow with a sly smirk. "What about you, Tyler? No plans for a mate?" 

He picked up his jacket, considering the question. "Not really on my mind," he replied casually. 

Tyler was my complete opposite, a contrast that had persisted for as long as I could remember. So, his response didn't come as a surprise. Even his father acknowledged it. Tyler's father was my father's Beta, and their friendship dated back to their childhood, setting the stage for me to follow in their footsteps.

Ready to go?" Tyler asked as he shouldered his leather bag and suitcase in preparation for the ceremony.

"Absolutely," I answered, rolling out my medium-sized travel case. I had planned to stay for a few days. The flight from London to Washington DC stretched for a grueling 8 hours, which would be exhausting for my wolf side to endure. Besides, I was clueless about how to navigate the map. So, I resigned myself to a long sit and prepared to rely on my headphones to pass the time.

___

Arriving in Forks at 8 a.m., I couldn't help but feel relieved after the long flight, thanks to my trusty headphones and, perhaps, my wolf's presence. Stepping out of the car, I let out a contented sigh. It was truly wonderful to be back home. I looked around at the enchanting combination of ancient stone walls and modern steel structures. Majestic turrets adorned with silvered symbols rose above, while the expansive windows provided stunning views of the wilderness. Inhaling the sweet floral and fruity scent that filled the air, I couldn't help but smile.

"When did mother start gardening?" I wondered aloud, a light smile dancing on my lips as Oliver, my inner wolf, seemed to react.

"Mate! Mate! Mate!" He exclaimed. 

"No fucking way. Stop joking," I replied. 

"I'm dead serious, Sebastian. Mate is here."

"Oh shit! It's turning out to be a good day after all," I replied, my grin widened. "Finally!"

As I headed inside, one of the maids greeted me."Good morning sir. Welcome home, Alpha Sebastian."

"Not her," Oliver whimpered.

I acknowledged the maid with a smile and ventured further into the house, following the pull of the mate bond. Oliver urged me to trace the source, and I was equally curious. It led us to the dining room.

"Mate!" Oliver announced excitedly.

"Oh my! She's beautiful, Oliver," I replied.

Captivated by her as she turned toward me, She had fiery ginger hair tied up in a ponytail, a petite stature, probably a 5 '3 I wasn't certain. A timeless beauty about her. Gosh! Her emerald green eyes held an enigmatic charm that drew me in, and her lips were naturally rosy. I yearned to kiss her and hold onto this feeling that had ignited within me.

"Go on and talk to her," Oliver suggested. 

"Definitely," I agreed, but before I could make a move, my mother's voice filled the air. 

Sebastian, you're home! How was your flight?" she asked, approaching me. I tore my gaze away from my mate, uncertain if I should reveal this to my mother. "Hey Mother," I greeted her with a friendly kiss on both cheeks.

"Welcome home, son. Your daddy will be thrilled to see you," Luna Leah said, sounding smug. She then turned to Tyler. "How are you, Tyler?"

"I'm fine, Luna Leah. It's nice to see you again," Tyler replied with a soft smile.

I overheard Luna Leah's comment. "See who's still cleaning," she remarked, clearly displeased. "Alina, I told you to clean up before their arrival. Hurry up, unless you won't eat today." I followed her gaze to see my mate, whose name was Alina. 'Alina, beautiful name.'

"I... am sorry... Luna Leah," Alina stammered, appearing quite intimidated.

'Oh, why would she be a maid?' I asked Oliver. 

'It doesn't matter. I don't care,' Oliver whimpered. 

I shared the sentiment; the Moon Goddess had her plans. Alina's discomfort was evident, and I could feel her pain. I decided to intervene to spare her from further humiliation. "Mother, what if I update you on my journey and we go see Father?" I suggested turning on my best baby-face expression.

My mother wore a warm smile. "Of course, darling. Let's get going then," she agreed, and we walked away from the dining room, leaving Alina behind.