Chapter 2: Unexpected

Emily’s POV

Hannah and I go downstairs, ignoring whatever nonsense Kate is saying now. We see Kate’s mate Tyler as we approach the front door, and he makes some comment about nobody wanting us. We just roll our eyes and walk out the door.

I tell Hannah we can just take my car. She happily exclaims that her mate can bring her for her car tomorrow. She’s too optimistic for me sometimes, but I guess one of us should stay positive.

The event venue is only a ten minute drive. Hannah is chatting the whole drive, pondering what her mate is like.

“I hope his favorite cereal is different than mine. I’d hate to fight over the last bowl of Fruit Prbbles. I would love if he’s blonde and not too tall.” I lightly chuckle at that because she has a point there. Hannah is only 5’2” and most wolves still tower over her when she’s wearing heels. She’d get a permanent neck ache having to look up to a tall guy all the time.

She then asks, “Em, what do you think your mate is like?” Before I even think I reply sarcastically, “Nonexistent.” I groan internally because I know she’s about to lecture me about my pessimism.

Luckily, we pull up to the venue just as she begins. The cars in the valet line quickly distract her. I pull up and we get out of the car as the valet approaches. Before I can finish greeting him, Hannah has pulled me away to enter the gala.

I honestly don’t know why we call it a gala. It’s not some grand, sophisticated event. It’s basically a frat party with formal wear and expensive food and drinks.

As soon as we walk in we head to the bar. So far, most of the guests are those from our pack so we sit at the bar looking around at the huge room. My mother really outdid herself with this one. Fairy lights are woven around blue and silver deco mesh and strung from the ceiling. She’s even managed to find blue tulips for all the table centerpieces. Everything is just sparkling with blue and silver. She uses blue for everything since we’re the Blue Moon pack, but I’m surprised to see she included silver instead of white this time.

We’re sitting at the bar when we see him come in. Jake. He’s a warrior from the Conecuh Forest pack. He’s always been annoying and full of himself. Several she-wolves start whispering and staring, and a few try to approach him. We try to quickly look away and avoid eye contact, but his brown eyes just stay focused on Hannah and me, and I don’t miss the devilish gleam in his eyes or the small smirk on his face as he strides towards the bar.

“Ladies, how wonderful it is to see you here!” He says as he saunters up and snakes an arm around each of us.

“Go away, Jake,” we both say in unison. I don’t know why he insists on speaking to us whenever he sees us. Guys like him are just another reason for me to avoid these events. They ignore me until they find out my dad is the Alpha Adam Lyons of Blue Moon. If they knew how little he cares about me, they would continue to ignore me. I could be mated to a human and my parents wouldn’t care.

Jake pretends to be hurt by our words. “If I go away, who will entertain you two? Surely you aren’t expecting another man to glance your way tonight.” I roll my eyes at his statement.

“Of course I don’t expect anyone to look my way, Jake. But that doesn’t mean I want to hear your voice grating my nerves or have your disgusting scent in my nose.” I grit out while standing.

Jake quickly looks me up and down before commenting. “Well I don’t know, Emily, with that dress you may actually have a chance tonight.” With that he flashes a small mischievous smile before turning and walking off.

Hannah stands up beside me. “Em, let’s go out back for a bit.” I sigh and turn to go out. The back lawn of the venue is decorated even more extravagantly than the ball room. There are so many lanterns and fairy lights that it’s hard to believe it’s night, especially with the full moon tonight.

Hannah and I are walking around looking for others to mingle with when she suddenly freezes. I turn to look at her and notice her eyes are wide and have turned to the green of her wolf. Just as I realize what’s going on, I hear her whisper, “MATE!” I follow her gaze across the pool and see him. He is almost just as she described on the way here. It’s almost hilarious.

My wolf grumbles to me. ‘Fan-freaking-tastic. Another night alone.’ This will be my cue to leave early.

“Well then, I guess you should go ask him his favorite cereal.” I jokingly tell her. She briefly looks at me with a smile, and I nod at her to go ahead before she turns and walks to her newly found mate.