Anna
My name is Anna Carroll, and I am the daughter of the alpha of the Night Shadow Wolf Pack. Today is my 20th birthday. Just thinking about it makes my heart start racing with excitement.
Today is the day I find my mate. Many leaders from neighboring wolf packs and their eligible sons have been invited to the gathering, but I only want Noah. He is also my father's adopted son, whom my father brought to our pack when he was on the brink of death at the pack's border. I believe he shares the same thoughts as me.
I looked at myself in the mirror, my emerald green eyes and heart-shaped face gazing back at me. Noa always said my eyes captivated him. The dress I wore was an A-line thin-strapped gown in a deep red hue, almost crimson like a ruby. The tight bodice hugged my ample bosom perfectly, adorned with hundreds of sparkling gemstones.
The entirety of the sky seemed to have been fitted on my body for it glistened and shone under the bright lights of my room like star-studded heavens.
Everything was in place, the lined eyeliner, glossy lipstick and a small tear-shaped ruby necklace he had given me on my last birthday. I just had to go find him now.
I know deep down that he is my destined mate. We grew up together, and we know each other's every habit; a strong bond has formed between us. Of course, my other best friend Ruby Hayden joins us whenever she visits from her pack, and the three of us enjoy going out together.
I couldn't wait to show Ruby my dress and share with her the news of my mate. It was slightly strange that she hadn't dashed into my room to help me dress up but maybe she was running late. I was so engrossed in getting ready that I didn't even bother checking my phone. Not even sure where I had put the damn thing.
As I exited my room to make it down to the grand hall where the party was being held, I almost ran into my father.
He lightly chuckled as his strong arms steadied me so I wouldn't fall.
“Easy there my beautiful girl, you look lovely. Someone is going to be a very lucky young man today,” he told me with a heartwarming smile that made the sides of his eyes crinkle.
“Thank you, Father.” A blush crept up on my cheeks as I tried to keep my embarrassment at bay.But when I think about what is going to happen next, I know I will cherish our last embrace.
“Go, have fun. It's your night,” he encouraged and I needn't be told twice. Picking up my gown from the sides, I ran down the stairs so as not to trip.
The party was just getting started and only a few guests had arrived. I glanced around looking for my boyfriend and best friend but they were nowhere to be seen.
Omegas were serving champagne and miscellaneous delicacies. So I got hold of one and impatiently asked.
“Have you seen Noah and Ruby?”
She smiled, stars visible in her eyes as she replied.
“They were in the garden a while back.”
“Thank you!” My feet were already rushing towards the main door which opened into our vast gardens.
I stepped out into the crisp wind of the cold night. Like the flimsy delicate wings of an ephemeral butterfly, I felt the tingling sensations swirling in my gut at the mother-watering scent that permeated through the air and reached my flared nostrils.
The scent of my mate.
My wolf perked up inside me. Knowing our fated was near.
I trudged along the path, sniffing and looking for the source. It grew stronger near the redwood tree.
Excitedly I went around the thick red trunk of the tree and skidded to a halt at the sight that almost made my eyes bleed.
A holy grail of woody citrus scents enveloped my entire being. The ones belonging to Noah Carrol, my boyfriend. But another scent clung to him, the scent of betrayal and heartbreak in the form of my best friend, Ruby.
Mingled together it turned putrid and I wanted to puke. That fragile organ in my chest seemed to have been pierced with a sharp shard of glass.
My wolf, Sable howled in pain and woundedly paced within me.
Their lips were locked and their bodies conjoined. So lost in smooching each other that they were unable to acknowledge my presence. My body started trembling uncontrollably. Why?! My mate and my best friend?! I have never been the type to tolerate this. I immediately went forward and angrily pulled Noa away.
"I need an explanation," I said, trying to suppress my pain and anger as calmly as possible.
"The truth is what you saw. I don't want you as my mate," Noa said calmly, without a hint of guilt, while Ruby stood by his side with her arms linked, grinning foolishly.
They looked at me as if I were a clown.
"Why?" I knew it was stupid to ask why, but I couldn't control myself. I blinked hard, trying not to let my tears ruin my makeup, which would make me look even more like a clown.
"Because your father is the man who killed my father! Today is the day I take my revenge!" Noa roared at me.
My mind was in chaos. Was Noa serious? No, my father was the one who saved him. I need to find my father! I immediately turned around, but Noa immediately ordered his men to stop me.
"Grab her!" Noa commanded swiftly.