Chapter 5: Mate?

"I-I remember you!" I exclaim, hand flying to cover my mouth in shock. He smiles.

"I told you I'd be back, Ember," he squeezes me into a hug as tears prick my eyes.

"I forgot you. How did you remember me? How did you find me? Why'd you come back?" I bombard him with questions, sitting down on a tree stump. He laughs.

"How could I forget my first best friend? My first love? I found you by your scent. I came back because I never break a promise." He sits down next to me on the tree stump.

My heart rate sky rockets at the thought of being his first love.

"Y-Your first love?" I squeak out, blushing. His hand covers mine.

"Yes," he says simply, gazing into my eyes. I suddenly feel the urge to hold him, and never let go. The thought terrifies me.

"I-I have to go," I stand up too quickly, wobbling a little.

"Will you be back?" He steps forward, eyes pleading.

"Of course. Tomorrow at 12:45, don't be late." I give him a flirty smile as I run off, shifting.

◼◼◼

I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. What did all of this mean? Who was Harley? Was he my destined mate? Oh Moon Goddess, please tell me what Harley's roll is within my life.

I contemplated telling Remi, but she would probably tell my parents. Then I thought about telling Axel, but it may be awkward since he's a guy. Everest lastly drifted into my mind and I immediately pushed that thought away. I couldn't tell Everest.

I smiled at my next idea. I'll tell aunt Angie! She's cool enough to not tell dad or mom, and will still give me reasonable advice.

I bounce towards the door after jumping off of my bed. I skip down the hall and down the stairs, looking for my aunt. I find her lounging on the couch in the living room.

"Aunt Angie!" I squeal, throwing open my arms for a hug. She jumps up and gladly accepts my hug.

"Oh Ember, you look gorgeous!" She smiles lovingly at me. I blush at her compliment.

"Thank you, Angie," I pause, wondering how to word my next thought.
"I need your advice."

"Go ahead kiddo."

"Well," I start. We sit in the couch together as she watches my face as I explain everything.

"Ember," she says softly. "You've found your mate."

◼◼◼

I lean against the frame of my closet door. I need to find the perfect dress for the party tonight. Father is having another pack over tonight, for a meeting. After the meeting, Remi, Axel and I are sneaking over to a party at the other pack's house. He said something about how they'll be signing a paper for an alliance.

My heart flutters at the thought of Harley again. He's been running through my head all day.

I tear through my closet, looking for an appropriate party dress. Not that my dresses aren't appropriate, because my father would never let me wear such items.

Its a good thing I have such cool aunts.

My hand flies through all my options, quickly rejecting most. My hand settles on an emerald green dress. A smile instantly spreads across my face.

Its classy enough for a formal meeting and cute enough for a party. I gently pull it off my hanger and slip it onto my body. I turn towards my full length mirror and smile. I had to admit, I looked hot.

I slip a simple silver bracelet into my left wrist and slide into a pair of nude colored pump heels. I do a small twirl in my mirror. My dress flies up slightly, and settles softly against my sides.

My door suddenly squeaks open, a short Remi walking nervously through it.

She's wearing a tight navy blue dress, paired with a pair of white wedges that nicely compliments her dark brown hair and pale complexion. I nod my head approvingly, causing a genuine smile to spread across her lightly freckled face.

"You look gorgeous, Rem!" I exclaim, rushing over to her. She beams up at me, clearly pleased with her appearance.

"Thanks, and you too," she gushes over my dress selection.

My mom and dad are already in the conference room, waiting for the other pack's arrival.

"You look beautiful, sweetie," my mother compliments me. I smile up at her.

"Very pretty Ember, but you should really wear a jacket. I don't want you to attract attention from the unmated males." My dad states, not looking at me directly. I roll my eyes.

"My dress is fine, dad." I argue. My mother sighs and hands me a white cardigan to wear over it. I snatch from her and put it on, while glaring at my father.

"Its nice to see you dress like a lady for once, Ember." He states, looking down at me.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I growl, my wolf getting angry at his hidden insult.

"Its about time that you start acting like a girl, and not trying to be a warrior is all I'm saying," he says, earning a huff from mom.

"Oh so its not lady like to be strong? Its not lady like to be brave? To stand up for myself? For my pack?" I say angrily, tears threatening to ruin my mascara.

"We are not talking about this now!" He says through gritted teeth.

"Your the one that said I wasn't lady like!" I yell at him. He raises his eyebrows at me. He's clearly getting mad.

"Ember Elise Cast, don't you raise your voice at me," he warns.

"Because its not lady like to be passionate about a productive and rewarding job that'll protect the pack. Makes perfect sense." I say sarcastically, attitude thick in my voice.

"I don't want you two arguing about this right now," my mom rests hands on both of our shoulders. I shake her off and stomp over to a free chair.

"Let's just get this meeting over and one with." I say, attitude dripping like acid in my voice.

◼◼◼

"You ready for the party?" I ask, applying a small touch of lip gloss. She nods her head and grabs me hand, pulling me out of the bedroom.

Most people are in their respective rooms, others are still in the living room, watching a movie and eating snacks.

Remi and I sneak into the kitchen, stealing a bottle of Vodka, smuggling it into her purse. Axel finally rushes down the stairs, not even trying to be remotely quiet.

"Shhhhh!" Remi giggles, shoving him playfully. I grab both of their wrist and pull them out the door with me.

The cold breeze makes my hair stand on end, making me regret leaving behind the cardigan previously given to me by my mom.

We climb into Axel's car, since he's the oldest, and begin to drive out of our territory, and into the other pack's.

◼◼◼

Author's Note:

This chapter was starting to get waaaaay too long, so I had to cut it in half.

Sorrrrrry.

Word count: 1,201

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Ily!

~Galaxy Potato ❤❤❤