Chapter 4 Mate

I sprang up and ran out of the house, ignoring Abuela's worried shouts for me. I ran down the walkway through the familiar paths.

The pack members cursed as I passed, scrunching their faces in disgust but I couldn't care less.

Goosebumps pricked my skin as I ran, it was the visions again, but like always I never remember any part of it, except the chill that ran through my spine anytime it happened.

Getting to the familiar lake side I finally gave in, letting go, I bawled my heart out.

"Whyyy" the sound came out from me. Raw. Guttural. I almost couldn't recognize it.

"Why did you curse me?" I questioned the one above, "I don't deserve this" I whispered.

I felt better after letting loose, a strange calm washed over me, I sat on my favorite spot watching the waves clash against each other.

Howls sounded in the distance, no doubt they must be celebrating Lilith engagement, I scoffed. "I had better leave this pack"

A leaf crunched, I turned instantly to find a huge black wolf staring at me. Its red eyes shone brightly, brighter than the sun itself.

"You're beautiful." I whispered, looking at it, it was several times huger than Crux's wolf, my feet moved of its own volition to it, against my better judgement.

My mind screamed at my stupidity, what if it was a rogue, but I just couldn't stop, it's eyes called out to me. I got to where it was, rooted to the spots, its eyes following my every movement.

I touched its forehead softly, it purred, leaning into my touch and scrubbing his soft fur against me, "Mate" I heard a loud growl in my head.

I froze, taking a step back from him, the pull was from the mate bond, I couldn't believe it. I've heard of second chance mates but it was a one in a million chance encounter, that's how rare it was.

I didn't know if to laugh or cry, howls sounded once more, this time it was more of a searching howl, they were looking for someone or something. I didn't care.

It stood up fully on its paws, its massive frame almost engulfed me, it looked at me one last time, before turning and running off into the distance, "no, wait" I called after it, "I'll be back" it's voice rang out in my head once more.

I heard only strong males could send their voice into the thoughts of their fated mates. Does he know that I don't have my wolf yet? Would he reject me when he finds out?

I sat by the river side waiting for his return, but by the time the soft glow of the moon reflected against the water, I sunk back into the harsh reality of my life.

Just like every other person, he wasn't coming. With a heavy heart I returned back to the mansion.

"When do you plan on telling Aella about our engagement?" I heard an oddly familiar voice, cold sweat sprang through my body as I stood rooted to my spot, my hand frozen on the handle of the door to my father's office.

"Soon, after Lilith engagement" my father's bass like voice sounded through the door, it had been my favourite sound at one time.

Rage clouded my vision, they just didn't know when to stop, banging the door open I barged into his office, "How could you" I seethed.

"AHH, Aella. Welcome, I was about to call for you, since you are here I would like for you to meet your future husband, Antares." My father said stiffly, like he didn't just drop a bombshell.

I searched his eyes for a clue that he was kidding or this was just an expensive prank but he only faced Antares and they went back to their discussion.

"You can't possibly expect me to get married to him" I said, looking at the person sitting by the side who was old enough to be, if not older than my father.

"And why is that?" his eyes bore holes into mine and he pushed his glasses down.

"He's old enough to birth me" I gritted out.

"That's not a problem, age is just a number. Antares here is not just my right hand man but also my best friend, he will treat you well. Now, if there's nothing else, close the door behind you." He waved me off dismissively.

"I will not marry him" I said quietly

"What?" He asked.

"I said," I began, my voice growing louder with each word, "I.Will.Not.Marry.Him."

He froze, stunned and taken aback, this was the first time I had ever said no to his face, but I have had enough of them pushing me around.

He chuckled softly, "excuse us, Antares, I need a word with my daughter." He said.

Antares stood, his eyes ran through my body, an uneasy feeling crept through my spine, as his gaze bore holes into me.

The door creaked shut and I faced father, my heart pounding in my chest, but I steadied my breathing knowing he could hear it.

"What gives you the impression that your opinion matters?" He asked, his face blank.

"Father, I'm also your daughter"

"Don't refer to me as your father, you disgrace" he spat out, visibly irritated.

"You will marry Antares, pop out his pups and be a good mate in his bedroom till he dies. Is that clear?" He growled his eyes going faintly yellow, a sign of his wolf.

I whimpered and ran out from the office, out the house and back to exactly where I came from. I needed to find my mate.

It doesn't matter who he is, we need to leave this pack now, we will figure things out as we go.

The moon followed me as I ran to the river, kneeling by the water I sobbed at my reflection, sinking my face into the river drowning out the world.

As I rose from the water, the back dye washing off from my silver hair, I finally asked the question that has been bugging me.

How do I find my mate?