Chapter 2 The banquet

Hailey was the daughter and only child of Diane's adoptive parents. One could say she's born with a silver spoon. Things go her way, she controlled her parents, gets what she wanted, whenever she wishes. In one word, Hailey Crooks is a spoilt, pompous, brat. She was lucky enough to have discovered her wolf when she was sixteen but her made was still out of reach.

Hours went by swiftly and it was almost an hour to the banquet, as predicted, Hailey turned her down, leaving Diane with no option than to wear the ones she had. Everyone was ready to go.

Just at the door, Her adopted father, Stewart Crooks, turned to face her. 'You must find your mate today, Diane. I don't need to remind you of the repercussions, if you don't. Do I?'

Diane shook her head. 'Of course not, Father'

Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Hailey and her mother wearing a malicious smirk..

'She's such a low life. I wonder why you took her off the streets in the first place...' Hailey's last words before she stepped out of the house.

Diane followed suit, keeping her distance from them. As she walked down the road, people stared disdainfully, whispering all sorts to each other. Most of the pack members hated her because of the fact that she's an orphan and not an original member of the Crescent pack. Just few more minutes to reach her destination, she heard a desperate scream.

'It's an attack! An Ambush' someone cried

She glanced around, noticing the tension that grew thick in the air within seconds. Her eyes darted as she searched for her parents and sister but they were no where to be seen. In a matter of minutes, the street was eerily quiet. Torn between running back home or risking it to the banquet, Diane decided to do the latter. No matter what, she must make it to the event and find her mate. She took to her heels, running down with as much speed she could summon. A loud growl erupted from behind her. Beads of sweat broke on her forehead. It was after her..

Adrenaline shot through her like a lightening bolt, panic settled and the fear of losing her life made her almost break down. She couldn't die. Not now. Not when she promised her father she'd do whatever to survive,. not When she is yet to get her revenge on that wolf that killed him that day. Anger, Frustration, Anxiety, Dread burst through every part of her body as she ran for survival. Suddenly, she heard a bloodcurdling scream from a nearby alleyway. She risked a glance to the back. What she saw when she did made her blood run cold. Standing over her was the rogue wolf. It was one the pack had always talked about, one they put a huge reward on for whoever catches it. It had been serving as a great threat for almost two years now. Moves swift as a cheetah, stealthily as a leopard and quietly as the air.

Diane knew she had to act fast, run before it catches up with her. And that moment, was when something steered within her. She felt it.. how the transformation begin to take hold. She suddenly felt weak, an excruciating pain shot through her. Bones cracked and shifted, muscles bulged and fur sprouted from every inch of her skin. Diane let out an anguish cry. She had always dreamed of this day, always wanted it but what she didn't expect was this level of pain. The rogue was already close enough, snarling and poised for attack. Diane could not move, escape or act. She simply laid there, panting hard and waited for what's to come. Just at the last moment, it turned away and left, disappearing into thin air.

... The shock was still all over her when she got to the banquet. Strangely, everywhere seemed normal. They smiled, drank, conversed. It was as though nothing really happened and if not for the shock she still felt, Diane would have concluded it all happened in her head. She was able to catch sight of her parents and sister not long after. They also seemed unfazed and appeared to be enjoying the event.

Every young person In attendance looked their best and Diane could tell it isn't just her who is desperate for a mate. Colorfully decorated, the food laid out were mouthwatering and anyone can have whatever it is they wanted.

Since there was nobody to talk to at the banquet, unlike the others whose friends had gotten a hold of them, Diane made way to the food table. She could feel heated glares on her and the quiet murmurs reached her ears. She didn't let that bother her. Her first stop was the desert table, her belly growled in excitement at the sight. Reaching out for a plate, a sudden sweet smell filled her nostrils. Rather, Diane ignored it and placed a cake in her plate.

Things didn't go the way she wanted when the smell came stronger again. Diane sensed the awakening of her wolf within, goosebumps rose at their peak and she became restless. Her eyes searched the room hurriedly. She dropped the plate she placed her cake on earlier and rubbed her upper arm, the feeling intensifying every passing second. Her hair stood on ends and her wolf panted. 'Mate!'

A gasp escaped Diane's lips when she registered her wolf's call. Her mate is actually here, she's going to be free soon. Her mate is calling out to her. Excitement surged through her. Following the smell, she walked past the crowd standing in the way. Anxious to meet the one person who would help her live freely and maybe she would eventually have a dream then.

It felt like her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. For a moment, she guessed he was looking for her too. Locking eyes with the tall handsome blonde haired man, with an obvious dimple. Diane knew for a fact that she does not want anyone else. He moved with a proud gait and his attire looks expensive. It was obvious he was a person from a noble back ground.

"Mate?" He asked, his voice sounded like music to her ears.