The lost mate

Chapter 139: A Whirlwind of Anticipation

The days leading up to the mating ceremony were a blur of activity for Anne. The guests began to arrive. Each morning, she awoke before dawn, her mind racing with thoughts of last-minute details that needed attention. The decorations had to be perfect, the seating arrangements flawless, and every guest was welcomed warmly.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow across the hall, Anne felt the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders. She dashed from one end of the hall to the other, issuing orders to the pack members who were helping her prepare. The long wooden tables were adorned with intricate centrepieces, and the scent of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, mingling with the more earthy scents of the forest outside.

Yet, amidst the chaos, one voice echoed in her mind—a voice she missed dearly. But each time, she had found herself too preoccupied to return his calls or messages, leaving her feeling guilty.

She spotted Falcon along with a young man, Malcolm, Liana’s brother, who had just arrived. She remembered Liana mentioning that he would be attending, and she felt a sense of curiosity.

Malcolm stood tall, his features strikingly similar to Liana’s: noble, with aquiline features and a strong jawline. He had the same intense brown eyes, sharp yet warm, and a presence that seemed to command respect without demanding it. There was an air of kindness about him.

"Anne," he greeted, approaching her with an outstretched hand. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Dad has spoken highly of you."

"Malcolm," Anne replied, shaking his hand. "It’s great to meet you too. I hope you didn’t have too much trouble getting here."

"Not at all," he said, glancing around the bustling hall. "The journey was smooth, and it’s nice to see the pack so vibrant and lively. Liana was worried about the preparations. She wanted everything to be perfect."

Anne chuckled, shaking her head. "It’s definitely been a whirlwind. But I can’t complain—it’s all coming together nicely, I think."

"If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. I want to support my sister and the pack."

"Thank you," Anne said, appreciating his willingness to lend a hand.

*****************************************************

The atmosphere in the grand hall was electric, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the lavish decorations. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, their deep crimson and gold hues complementing the theme of the evening: a celebration of love and unity.

Anne stood in front of the tall mirror, her heart racing as she adjusted her gold gown, the fabric shimmering like liquid sunlight. It hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her figure while flowing gracefully to the floor. She took a deep breath, trying to steady the nerves that twisted in her stomach. Tonight was significant—not just for her and Damien, but for the entire pack. This was the night they would officially announce their bond.

She brushed a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and glanced at her reflection. Her face glowed with a delicate makeup application, and her lips painted a soft rose that matched the blush on her cheeks.

With a final glance at her reflection, Anne stepped away from the mirror, adjusting the thin golden straps of her gown. As she approached the entrance, she caught glimpses of the guests milling about, laughter and chatter filling the air like a soft melody. The members of the Blood Moon Pack, dressed in their finest attire, mingled with guests from other packs, their faces alight with joy. Anne smiled at the sight, feeling a swell of pride for her pack and the community they had built together.

At the front of the hall, she spotted Damien, looking incredibly handsome in his tailored suit. His dark hair was slicked back, and his eyes shone with an intensity that took her breath away. He stood tall, exuding an air of confidence and pride that made her heart race. As their eyes locked, she felt an unspoken connection, a pull that tethered them together across the distance.

Anne’s steps quickened as she approached him, her nerves melting away in the warmth of his gaze. He smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his face and made her heart flutter.

"You look stunning," he said, his voice low and sincere.

"Thank you," she replied, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks.

As the guests resumed their conversations, Anne and Damien shared a moment, their eyes locked in a gaze that spoke volumes.

Alpha Richard’s voice, echoing through the hall. "Welcome, honoured guests, to the Blood Moon Pack’s mating ceremony! Tonight, we gather to celebrate the union of our future Luna, Anne, and her mate, Damien."

The hall erupted into applause, the sound resonating in Anne’s ears like a heartbeat. She exchanged a glance with Damien, both of them grinning at the overwhelming support surrounding them.

She looked around and whispered to Damien,Where is Jessica ?"

*******************************************

Inside Jessica’s cabin, Elara looked at the potion shimmering in her hand like a dark promise, while Jessica sat on the edge of her couch, staring at the amber liquid.

"What is that?" Jessica asked, her voice trembling slightly. The potion glowed ominously.

Elara’s violet eyes narrowed, a flicker of something inscrutable crossing her face. "It’s a potion designed to kick off your heat," she stated matter-of-factly, as if she were discussing the weather. "The male wolves won’t be able to resist you. It’s a simple, albeit potent, solution."

"Why would I want that? You can’t just force me to go into heat!"

Her father wasn’t done with this potion business, even though it failed every time.

"Because," Elara continued, unfazed by Jessica’s protest, "we need to call Damien to you. He’ll be drawn to you, compelled to mate."

"Are you serious?" Jessica shot back, her anger bubbling to the surface. "You think turning me into some sort of bait is going to solve anything? This isn’t the way to get his attention!"

Elara stepped closer, the potion still glimmering in her grasp. "You don’t have a choice. This is about more than just you; it’s about your future. Trust me, this will work. It’s the most effective way to ensure he comes to you."

With that, Elara pulled something from her pocket—a sleek, black phone. Jessica’s eyes widened in disbelief as Elara flipped it open.

"And this is how we’ll make it happen," Elara said, a smirk playing on her lips. "Once you’re in heat, we’ll use this phone to summon Damien. He won’t be able to resist you, and then we can deal with Anne and the others later."

"Did you steal that from Anne ?" Jessica asked, incredulous.

Elara shrugged, the nonchalance in her demeanour unnerving Jessica. "It’s a small price to pay for what we need to achieve. Besides, the ends justify the means. Now, are you going to drink it or not?"

Jessica hesitated, the weight of the decision hanging heavily in the air.

"What if he doesn’t come?" Jessica whispered, her voice barely audible. "What if this doesn’t work?"

Elara’s gaze softened for a brief moment, as if seeing Jessica for the first time. "It will work. It has to work."

Jessica chewed her lip, contemplating the weight of Elara’s words.

"Alright," she said, determination hardening her voice. "I’ll do it."

"Good," Elara replied, her expression shifting from manipulative to supportive in an instant. "Now, drink up, and let’s get ready for the party."

"But what if you call Damien when Anne is with him? Won’t that be suspicious?" Jessica still didn’t trust this ridiculous plan.

Elara’s eyes narrowed.

"Don’t worry, I have a plan for that too," she assured Jessica before handing her the vial. "Trust me, everything will go according to plan."