Chapter 3 Beneath the Lights

"You clean up nice for someone who fights in the dirt all day."

Aria stood in front of her mirror, smoothing the emerald green dress one last time. She absolutely refused to spend the entirety of the evening stumbling about in heels, so she pulled on a pair of black flats instead.

Then she turned to find her father leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"Damn, thanks for the glowing review, Dad."

"I'm serious." Damon stepped into the room, his expression shifting to something softer. "You look beautiful, Aria. Your mother's probably crying in the hallway."

"She'd better not mess up her makeup. I refuse to be responsible for that disaster."

"I understand that I can be hard on you sometimes, but it's for the best. One day it will be you standing in my place, and I want you to be prepared when the time comes."

Aria adjusted her necklace and faced him. "Aren't you nervous? About me officially taking over?"

"Should I be?"

She considered this seriously. "Probably. I have... different opinions about how things should be run around here."

"I'd be worried if you didn't." Damon moved closer. "The pack needs a strong leader, Aria. Someone who isn't afraid to make hard choices."

"Even if those choices upset people?"

"Especially then."

A knock interrupted them. "Are you two having a heart-to-heart without me?" Celeste peeked in, her eyes already glassy.

"Mom, no crying," Aria warned. "I mean it."

"But you used to be so tiny, and now look at you, all grown up. " Her mother held Arias' face in her hands. "My perfect daughter, my pride and joy."

Lexi bounced through the door, announcing. "Ready to find your mate?"

Aria's stomach fluttered, but she kept her voice steady. "It's just a birthday party, Lexi. Don't take it so seriously."

"Ha! I bet you won't be singing that tune when you find him." Lexi grinned. "Come on, I can hear the music. And I may have already spotted three potential candidates from my bedroom window."

"Everyone give it up for Lexi Chen, future matchmaker to the supernatural community," Aria said dryly.

"Hey! Don't you dare mock my talents."

They headed downstairs together, Aria's parents standing beside them. The evening air was perfect, and the conference centre glowed with lights and music.

"Nervous?" Lexi asked quietly.

"Of course not." Aria rolled her eyes. Her Alpha bravado was coming back on as Kestra raised her head. She had everything under control, nothing could possibly go wrong.

"It's going to be amazing."

"I'm sure. It's definitely going to be something."

They reached the entrance, and Lexi practically vibrated beside her. "Okay, game plan. We walk in, you look stunning and mysterious, I scout for potential mates..."

"Lexi."

"...and we definitely avoid Jessica because she's been talking about her mate-finding strategy for weeks, and frankly, it's exhausting..."

"Lexi."

"What?"

"Breathe."

Lexi took a dramatic gulp of air. "Better?"

"Just calm down is all I'm saying."

They stepped through the doors, and even Aria had to admit the place looked incredible.

Twinkling lights created a canopy over the dance floor, the food spread was impressive, and the energy was electric.

"Wow, looks like your parents don't do anything halfway, do they?" Lexi murmured.

"We love a great party. Runs in the family."

"Speaking of which--" Lexi's nose twitched and she went still. "Oh. Oh wow."

"What?"

"I think I... excuse me." Lexi drifted away, following her nose through the crowd.

Aria watched her friend weave between groups of people, then abruptly stop and turn around, shoulders slumping.

"False alarm!" Lexi called out, trudging back.

Aria sighed and facepalmed.

"Story of my life. One month, Aria. One whole month of being eighteen and nothing."

"Patience isn't your strong suit."

"No one likes waiting too long," Lexi perked up as music shifted to something with a heavier beat. "Do you hear that? It's our song! Come on."

"I should probably mingle first, then thank people for coming."

"You should probably have fun first. It's your birthday, remember?"

Aria considered this. Lexi was right; when was the last time she'd just enjoyed herself without thinking about pack politics or training or responsibilities?

"Alright, fine. One dance," she decided.

Lexi let out a small scream and took Aria's hand, dragging her off through the crowd.

They made their way to the dance floor just as Jessica rushed over, practically glowing with a tall, dark-haired guy attached to her arm.

"Aria! Lexi! This is Derek!" Jessica's voice was breathless with excitement. "We just found each other!"

Derek looked like he'd been struck by lightning. "She's incredible," he said, never taking his eyes off Jessica.

"Congratulations," Aria said warmly. "You both look very happy."

"We are! Oh, Aria, when you find your mate, you'll understand. It's like... like everything just clicks into place."

"I'm sure it is."

As the new couple floated away, lost in their own world, Lexi sighed heavily, losing all her desire to dance.

"See that glow? That's what I want."

"You'll get it one day, Lexi. Everyone does eventually"

"But when?" Lexi whined.

"When you're supposed to."

Lexi shot her a look. "That's not helpful."

"What do you want me to say? At least it's honest, right?"

"I don't want honesty right now. I'd much rather be optimistic, thank you very much."

Aria smiled, the first genuine smile she'd had all evening. "Fine. You'll find your mate tonight, he'll be devastatingly handsome, and you'll live happily ever after."

"Thank you. Was that so hard?"

"Ehh... A little."

The music pulsed around them, and despite her nerves about the future, Aria found herself relaxing.

This was nice; just being eighteen, just being Lexi's best friend, just being herself for a few minutes before everything changed.

"So," Lexi said, scanning the room, "ready to meet your destiny?"

Aria followed her gaze across the crowded room. Somewhere in here might be the person who would stand beside her as she led the Silver Crest pack. They would understand the weight she carried and they would be strong enough to share it.

"As ready as I'll ever be."