EDITED FOR RADISH JUNE 22nd, 2020

Talia's POV

The Meeting

The tension in the air is thick. The entire day we had spent waiting for when the clock hit four. All the Alphas had already met to discuss the final terms, the Lunas had already finished making sure the event was set up, and the rest of us got ready.

Lillian is in my room getting ready. Her dress isn't actually a dress but a high waisted, long skirt and crop top. It's nude with bright flowers covering the entire skirt. It fits her like a glove. Her hair is pinned back in a cute braid which wraps around her head. She looks beautiful.

My dress is black and lace. Lillian told me I look like I'm going to my "sugar daddy's funeral" . I just laughed except it kinda felt like I was going to a funeral. I'd be watching a hundred people today fall in love while I stayed in the background observing. I'd stay alone.

Because my dress was strapless, I bought a choker necklace. It didn't completely cover the mark so I tried covering the rest with some concealer. It didn't work that well but it was better than nothing.

"I'm going to throw up." Lillian is pacing the floor, heels clicking with every move she makes.

"Please don't. We just finished your makeup." I giggle at her and she gives me the finger.

"Don't joke. I'm nervous." She tells me, "What time is it?"

"3:45."

"Oh goddess. I'm not ready." I watch Lillian as she starts to shake her hands to get rid of her nerves.

I grab her by her shoulders, "Listen, everything is okay. You are okay. I am okay. We are both fine. Today, you are going to strut into that room and make the entire room watch you. You will feel that pull and you'll find the most gorgeous man of your life. Your mate will love you."

"Really?" She asks, biting her lip.

"Of course." I say and hug her. "Now, take a deep breath and grab your purse because we've got to head downstairs."

Lillian breaths deeply and so do I. Although I don't want to admit it, I am a bit nervous. It's possibly the first night that I'll be without Lillian. She's always been with me for my entire life. I can't stand the thought of losing her. but I'm excited for her. I want this for her.

Us and the rest of our pack met in the lobby. All the girls are dressed in dresses except a few in pant suits. And the guys are all in suits except for Oliver. He's in full drag and goddess dammit he looks better in a dress than I do.

There is chatter among all of us. Most of it is out of nervousness and excitement of course. No one can keep their mouth shut. But when Alpha Elijah walks towards us, we all stop.

"Ladies, gentlemen, tonight may be the start of the rest of your lives. Make sure to remember to contain your wolf until each pack has been announced. Also, do not worry if you can't smell your mate. Some people have strong scents like mint or lemon while others can smell like flowers. Sometimes you have to search. Other than that, good luck."

When we climb onto the bus, I start to feel sweaty. My heart is racing and now I feel like I might be sick. The ride was maybe five minutes but felt like an hour. We all step off and find ourselves in front of a mansion. My jaw drops at the sight of the Modish pack house. They really love to be glamorous.

- -

There is a water fountain in the center of the brick walkway. It's surrounded by cement wolves. There aren't a lot of flowers but it smells good here- like cinnamon. It is refreshing, calming my nerves down.

"Wow." I say out loud.

"Agreed." Lillian says. "Let's go."

Our pack walks in slowly and finds every other pack patiently waiting for us. We take our place directly across from the large stage. Other packs are on either side of the room, surrounding the empty space, creating hot air. I wasn't sure what to expect but I didn't expect this. The air around is electrifying. We are all close together, making the air around us warm. I watch as the people around start turning their heads frantically, trying to find out where the pull is coming from. Some are struggling to fight it. I feel myself wanting to explore as well yet, I stay put. We all stay quiet as the rest of the packs do, waiting until our Alpha's introduce us.

"I feel him." Lillian turns to me with wide eyes. "I feel him. He's here, I feel him."

I grin, "Really? From which direction?" I act excited but my stomach is turning. I try to ignore it for her.

"In front of us. Maybe the stage but I can't be sure." Her head is turning in all different directions. Meanwhile, I feel hot. Like really hot.

"Are you hot?" I ask her.

"What? No." She tells me.

"I feel like I'm burning up." I tell her and she places her hand on my forehead.

"Shít, you are hot. Is it the dress?" She asks, concerned.

"I don't know. I'll be okay." I tell her. I shouldn't have said anything. She should be focused on her mate.

"You sure?" She sounds weary.

"Yeah." I tell her but it's far from the truth.

I feel like I'm on fire. If I could, I'd rip this dress right off my body and jump into the fountain. The cinnamon in here seems to be more potent in here than outside. You would think it would cause me to feel worse but it's doing the exact opposite. I am drawn to it and I have to fight myself to go find it.

"Good afternoon everyone, I am Alpha Aaron of Modish. Thank you all for coming to this year's Spark." Everyone claps their hands except for me. I feel like I'm about to pass out.

"We will start introducing each pack first. Then you all can find your mate as calmly as possible. I know all of you are anxious but if you let your wolf take over, you'll regret it." He says meaning that sometimes we don't remember what happens when our wolfs take over our bodies. "Let us begin!"

They go from alphabetical order of each pack.

Adoration- the pack which believes in only one thing and that is love. Not even the Goddess herself.

Aura- The pack that believes in all things mystical. They like to meditate and find energy in all things. They too are also a first year entry in the Spark.

Bloom- A pack where they have a never ending summer and forest which surrounds them.

Creative- Where everyone has been raised to be a prodigy of some sort.

Desirable- The pack which sleeps around with everyone and anyone.

Graceful- My pack. Where we are taught that the Goddess is the only God and where we are taught to be good, conservative boys and girls.

Imperative- Without this pack, we'd be lost. It's here where all the smartest live. They've created different shots and vaccines to help us through sicknesses and heat.

Impulsive- Mostly they like to be nudists. They too live in the woods so as far as I know, they haven't gotten to many police reports.

Humble- Those of us who are honest and truly good in this world of wolves.

Modish- The exact opposite of Humble.

And lastly, Valor- the pack which is in charge of dealing with rogues. They are like the police of all wolves. They are the werewolf justice system.

When the last Alpha comes up to introduce himself and his pack, I'm nearly rolling on the floor dying. Lillian is helping hold my body up. I feel as if my skin is melting off of me. My head is pounding and I'm starting to shake. I have no clue what's happening but if I die, at least I am wearing the right dress.

"Good evening everyone." I hear him speak and my head shoots up. Every fiber in my body is telling me to run. Lillian grabs my arm giving me a confused look. "I am Alpha Ellison of Valor. It's a pleasure to meet you."

He looks around the room and his eyes set on me. My fire goes down just by looking at him. I don't dare to move, breathe or blink- fearing that if I do, he will just leave me. He's done it once already. I know who he is and by the look on his face, he's wishing I didn't.

I realize now that everyone is looking at us. My pack slowly puts the pieces together, figuring out the truth about him and I now. I wonder what's more confusing to them: that my mate is here, that he's an Alpha or if by chance I've been given a second mate. But in my heart, I know I only have one.

I want to run away from him and leave. I wanted to scream at him and tell everyone here what kind of Alpha he really is. To tell them every moment of my pain that had been caused by him. But right now, all I feel is this force pushing me towards him and a fire which is swallowing me.

"Please." I silently beg. I hate him with every piece of me but right now, I know he's the only one who can help me.

So, how was it? Leave comments and let me know! Those who leave my favorite comment will get a dedication next chapter.

Thanks for reading

Love ya

Aria