Chapter 6 (The Mating Ball)

Regina

"Regina….," I heard a knock on my door, and my heart skipped a beat. I quickly glanced at my reflection. I don't know if I look good or not. Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the door, hoping it was someone I wanted to see.

"We are getting late," Sam said from the other side of the door as I opened the door and saw him standing there, looking impatient.

"I don't know if I should go... or stay," I muttered under my breath, unsure of what to do at that moment.

"Why? What's holding you back?" Sam asked, his voice filled with concern.

"What if I don't find a mate, or what if he doesn't like me for who I am?" I questioned my insecurities. Sam placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and replied, "You are amazing just the way you are, and anyone would be lucky to have you. Don't let fear hold you back from finding happiness." His words gave me the reassurance I needed to take that leap of faith and step out of my comfort zone.

"And mates are not the only source of happiness," Sam added. "There are so many other things in life that can bring you joy and fulfillment. I mean, look, I am thirty and yet to find a mate, but I have found immense happiness in my career, my family, and a beautiful sister like you." I smiled, grateful for Sam's perspective.

I nodded my head in agreement, realizing that there was so much more to life than just romantic relationships. "You're right, and I will pray that you too find your mate today," I said sincerely.

Sam smiled, caressing my head gently. "Thank you," Sam replied, appreciating my support. "But even if I don't find a mate, I know that I will continue to find happiness in the other aspects of my life."

I shook my head. "No, there must be someone who made it for my handsome brother to share his life with. Love will find him when the time is right." Sam chuckled, grateful for my optimism. "Well, I appreciate your faith in me. Who knows, maybe I'll meet someone unexpected, and it will be the best thing that ever happened to me."

I nodded my head as we walked towards the party hall, and Sam handed me a mask to wear. "I think tonight is going to be a night of surprises," he said with a mischievous smile. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as we entered the party, wondering what the night had in store for both of us.

"How do I look?" I asked Sam, twirling around in my mask. "Do you think my mate will like me? Sam's eyes widened in surprise as he took in my appearance. "You look absolutely stunning!" he exclaimed, a hint of admiration in his voice. I couldn't help but blush at the compliment, feeling a surge of confidence for the night ahead.

"What about me?" Sam asked, adjusting his own mask. "Do I look mysterious enough to catch someone's attention?" I couldn't help but laugh at his playful question, knowing that with his charm and charisma, he would surely be the center of attention at the party.

"Handsome!" I replied, unable to hide my smile. "You always manage to turn heads wherever you go." Sam grinned, clearly pleased with my response, and we both headed out to the party, ready to make a lasting impression.

"Let's go now." As we walked into the party, the music pulsated through the air, adding to our excitement. The room was filled with an array of vibrant costumes and masked faces, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and anticipation. We knew that tonight would be a night to remember.

Everyone is in a mask, so it's very hard to recognize who is who, but the mystery only adds to the thrill of the evening. And that's the way to find your mate—not by look but by the connection you make through conversation and shared experiences. As we mingled with the crowd, engaging in lively conversations and laughter, it became clear that this party was a melting pot of diverse personalities and backgrounds. It was refreshing to connect with people solely based on genuine connections rather than superficial appearances.

I took a glass of wine while standing in the corner, watching my friends dance and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The energy in the room was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as I observed the genuine connections being formed all around me. It was a reminder that true connections are built on more than just physical attraction, and this masked party was a perfect example of that.

But I can't help but feel a little sad, as I have yet to find that kind of genuine connection myself. I couldn't help but wonder if I was missing out on something special because I had found my wolf-like friends who were twirling and laughing on the dance floor. As I watched them, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for a connection that goes beyond the surface level.

I wish I had a wolf; then maybe I would have recognized my mate in the crowd and finally experienced that deep, soulful connection that everyone seemed to be reveling in. But instead, I felt lost and alone in a sea of strangers. I am waiting for someone to come along and awaken the dormant wolf within me to guide me toward my destined mate. I yearned for that unspoken understanding, that electric connection that transcends words and defies explanation. It was a feeling I longed to experience, a bond I craved with every fiber of my being.

I sighed, taking a sip of my drink, feeling the weight of my longing settle in my chest. But just two arms wrapped around my waist and a warm voice whispered in my ear, "I've been searching for you too." Suddenly, the room faded away, and all that mattered was the person holding me, their presence igniting a spark within me that I had been desperately seeking.