It all happened so fast like a baby boom.....everyone in my pack started to turn 17. Well technically just 5 of us and and at 17 you find your mate. It the year when all female shifters dream about, some male shifters as well, but mostly the women.
Eeep! - the girly girl in me squealed. I have always dreamed of who my mate would be....would he be cute, sexy, ugly, dorky, but non of that really cared to me, as long as he loved me.
But that's off topic, sorry.
Oh but you don't know who I am, sorry again. My name is Ella Heart, Daughter or Brandon Heart Alpha of Brass Bay Pack. His Luna my mother is Raven Heart, the two of them have been together for years, centuries even. It common knowledge that shifters don't age like people do, we age at half the rate. My father is currently 100 and he barley looks like he's in his late 50's early 60's. Picture this, every ten years you find a new wrinkle, that's how we age. Every five to ten years you look a little older.
But that's besides the point. Our pack is made up of 260 + member's give or take some here and there. It was said we had more but when the former alpha of the pack died, some people didn't except my father as their new alpha so they left the pack. Most of the pack live under the same house, we all live on a 200 acer property that smaller homes, and multiple large farm style homes each with about 30 - 40 rooms including bathrooms for each room. My parents are the exception though, they have a house adjacent to the main pack house, to be accurate they live 5 minutes from the main pack house. The main pack house holds about 25 rooms along with the gym, game rooms, activity center, and theater. The smaller homes consist of pack members barley starting their family's. Our pack was pretty much a self operating, self sustaining village. Everyone knew everyone, we had parks, multiple gyms apart from the main pack house, stores for everything, except clothing, most pack members went out in groups to get cloths. But that's deside the point.
I currently live at the main pack house with 15 other kids around my age, once you turn 14 you are moved to the pack house to start to live on your own, and hopefully make connections with someone who will eventually be our mate. If by the time you turn 17 and don't find your mate, you are given 3 years to wait, then you move out to your own smaller home on pack land. Regard less if you find a mate though you eventually move out, to either a smaller home, or another one of the multiple homes on the property.
But on to better things, today was my best friends birthday, Tanya Rallie. She is my all, this girl was the devil in an angels body. She was drop dead gorgeous and she knew it, she hard caramel skin that glistened, with light brown curly hair, and eyes like a doe, big and a golden brown, she was everything I wished I could be.
I had raven black hair, hazel eyes and light skin. You could say I was average. I don't know though, I don't pay attention to myself. I hardly cared about my self to notice, always putting my straight black hair up in a bun and jeans and a shirt, my mother said I should have been born a boy, maybe she was right.
I was so lost in thought that I never heard the hard fast footsteps coming down the hall before my bedroom door was thrown open like the cops came for a surprise inspection.
"Ugh!!!" Tanya came trenching in my room with a bag full of cloths. I don't know why she even bothers, she always ends up borrowing my cloths. I sighed to myself shaking my head, she looked at me with confusion and I smiled at her as she dumped her bags onto my bed. "What's so funny?" She eyed me up and down before returning to her bags of cloths.
I shook my head again, standing up from my desk in the corner, and walked over to my walk in my closet pulling a lavender dress out with some wedges I knew she would automatically love. And sure enough...
"Oh my god, Ella!! They are so beautiful." She practically ran to me jumping up and down and grabbed the cloths from my hand as I just smiled at her, she was like a child when it came to cloths.
"I got your back, no worries Tay." She gave me a quick hug before running to my bathroom to change. I sighed, and sat at the edge of my bed, pushing the back further up as I did. I hoped the dress would fit her perfectly, when I bought it I knew it was meant for her. I tried not to pick at the bags on the bed but being as nosey as I was, I couldn't help but sneak a peak inside them.
Panties, bras, negligee, jeans, make up...a whole lot of make up. I heard a loud knock at my door, and jumped a little startled. Quickly replacing the items back in the bag, I moved most of them to the floor so I had more room on the bed, with more room to sit more comfortably.
"Come in," I yelled out, while sitting at the end of my bed watching my door open slowly, revealing a man that even the gods would bow down before.
"Miss Heart, is Miss Mason with you?" His deep voice asked, making me shiver with joy. I knew instantly who it was, his voice was just something so sweet you could never forget. Like milk and honey so smooth and rich. To top it all off he was sexy as he was sinful. Olive tan skin, dark brown hair, bright green eyes that could make your knees shake....god he was so sexy. It was hard to concentrate around him.
I felt a tug deep in my chest just like I always did, even as kids, there was something different about him, he wasn't like the other boys. My wolf stirred in me like a yippy puppy.
His names was Lorenzo Martine, he is only 20 years old, doesn't have a mate, and did I mention he is my fathers beta? Oh yea, actually he's been my fathers beta ever since he turned 17. Ever since his father stepped down he said and I quote "Im old, though I may not look i am old. I cant keep up with all the young kids anymore, so I step down and give my son to you instead." So that's how its been the past few years. And I-.
"Ella?" His voice broke my mental rambling, and I looked back over to him, only to be taken back by how close he was now standing in front of me with a worried expression.
"I'm sorry Enzo what?" God Ella, I need to stop the inter monologue.
"Are you ok?" He stepped closer kneeled down in front of me and placed a palm against my forehead as if checking to see if I had a fever. Even with such small contact from him my skin burned where he touched. I couldn't help but sigh, it was a wonderful feeling him being so close. His eyes searched my face for something, what...I had no idea.
"I'm fine Enzo," I chuckled to myself half-hearted "No need to worry." I pulled away from his touch, and couldn't help but notice the frown on his face when I did so. He was so close to me, and yet he felt so far from my reach. All the women in our pack loved him, everyone found him attractive and I could see why. He was sweet, and caring, on top of being so damn sexy, when the Goddess put him on this earth she should have sent him with a warming sign.
He stood up and took a step back putting distance between us again, which only made me frown. Lately he had been putting distance between us but it wasn't always like that. He use to be my best friend growing up, but then he moved into the main pack building, turned 17, didn't find his mate, took the beta position from his father, and then moved back out of the pack house into his own home. I hardly saw, him anymore, other then when I saw my father, or if I saw him on patrol.
"I'm glad you're ok, I came here because Miss Mason in needed down at the ceremony, your father would like to hurry it up." He turned to the door and took a few more steps, more distance between us, before turning back to me.
"Oh yea, she is here and almost done. We'll be down in a few, thanks Enzo." I smiled and his eyes brightened as he watched me. He nodded his head and made to leave but stopped before he left turning to me one more time. He looked awkward to say the least, his brows were drawn tight almost like he was looking for what to say.
"Oh and um....happy....uh....early birthday Miss Heart." I looked at him a little odd, why would he tell me this now not tomorrow, on my birthday? "If your wondering, I wont be here tomorrow your fathers making me run patrol during your ceremony. So I'm saying it now for tomorrow." Wow i forgot how blunt and straight to the point her was, not to mention he must have read my mind. Wait.....did he read my thoughts? He couldn't have unless I wanted him to....Maybe. All pack members have a connection that allows them to communicate telepathically to each other. Which made it supper convenient when you wanted to gossip, but if you weren't paying attention you could broadcast your thought to those in the same area as you.
I smiled back happily, but he won't have seen it, his back was to me already leaving. "Thanks Enzo." I saw what looked like a nod just before he closed the door. I couldn't help but feel an emptiness when he left. He's just so damn good looking....ugh I can't bare it. -Sigh-
Off that note Tay busted out looking gorgeous as ever. I cat called at her playfully, as she giggled and blushed.
"Oh stop," she said smiling ear to ear. The dress fell around her like one of the gowns in the roman movies, except this had an open back, and slit openings around the waist. She was gorges, I knew the dress was perfect for her, not to toot my own horn but when it came to getting cloths for everyone else, Ha, Toot toot. I grabbed her had and lead her out of my room.
"Come on miss sexy its your turn for the ceremony." I smiled at her as I dragged her down the hall and down the flight of stairs.
"Thank god I miss all the testosterone," She pretended to faint as she fanned herself with her hand playfully. I knew what she meant. The day a girls turns 17 we get locked in the pack house and all the men have to leave for the day. We have no contact with the opposite sex until we reach the ceremony, in the late afternoon.
I sighed again, tomorrow this would be me....no male contact, not even my own brother, who by the way is 15, turning 11.
I heard Tay call my name which pulled me out of my thoughts once again. "Hmm?" I asked looking at her. We had finally made it down the 2 flights of stairs, and had now stopped at the door that led to the back yard, where the ceremony was being held.
"Are you ready?" She asked me, though I knew that question was more for herself, then her asking me.
"You ready?" I asked back, she looked at me nervously, I rubbed her arms to comfort her then she nodded her head. He eyes were bright with both excitement and nervousness.
"Then lets do this thing shall we?" I gave her a reassuring smile and opened the door.
Walking through the door to the back yard with Tay following me hot on my heels. I grabbed her hand and dragged her on stage, where my father stood in the middle, my mother to his left, and his beta Lorenzo to her left. He stood tall an muscular I couldn't help but get that butterfly affect when I saw him. As if he could sense me looking at him, he turned his head, looked at me, and smiled. I blushed knowing I had been caught staring at him, god he must think I'm a creep. I turned my head, and found Tanya watching Lorenzo also. I knew she had a crush on him, but if they weren't all over each other now they sure weren't mates.
She looked back at me, breathing heavy, her face was completely beet red, even her ears were red, which was new for her. I shook my head and pushed her towards my father trying to get her to hurry up with the ceremony. Giving her a winning wink and a blown kiss for luck, she giggled "Its ok love you'll find him." I reassured her.
She turned back to my father and stood by his side, she was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Tanya," my father spoke, his voice was firm and loud like a command. I stood a few feet behind her watching the whole thing play out, tomorrow would be my time and I was excited for that. I snuck a quick glance at Lorenzo and notice he was watching me as well, he gave me a wink then turned back to the rest for the pack. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I turned back to Tanya, she stepped closer to my father. "Tanya, today is your 17th birthday, today you are a full adult wolf, and moving forward you will find your mate. Happy hunting." He gestured to the crowded and they all screamed, hooted, hollard, and yelled.
I swooped loudly for my best friend, she would find her mate if not tonight then soon. Watching from behind gave me a full view of the crowd and my bestfriend, she tucked her hair behind her ear nervously as she waved out to the crowd of gathered single mate worthy people. Tanya smiled, and looked around carefully, I knew she was looking for her mate.. hopefully later she would find him.
Few hours later I found myself with a beer in my right hand and my left hand on my knee. I was bent over in front of some guy named Durk. Yes I was drunk, and yes I knew what I was doing, well sort of, and no I didn't care. I was having fun, living my life the way I wanted.
"Yea baby, " I heard him say as I grind my ass against his member, there was a slight sting as I felt him grip a fist full of my hair in his hand, and pulled my head back exposing my neck.
I played along and moaned, loud enough so he could hear over the music as we continued to dance. I was having fun and no one was going to ruin that for me, or so I thought when I felt someone watching me.
I turned my head to the right and saw Enzo standing off to the side by the tree line. His eyes glowed a bright green and I wondered why. Smirking at him, I gave him what I hope was a eat your heart out wink, but I wasn't so sure in my drunk state. If he wants to dance with me then why not just ask instead of just standing there like a sore thumb. Turning around so I was now facing Durk, I rolled my body against his, knowing Enzo was still watching. Durks leg was between mine as I ground against his body moving to the beat of the music and his body was in the perfect position causing enough friction in the perfect between my legs, I let out a small gasp as my body started to heat from the tension building in my body.
In the next moment a deep low growl could be heard over the music, even the people dancing around us stopped to look around. Durk immediately back away from me. Coming to my senses and looking around, I wondering where the growl had come from. It wasn't till Lorenzo was next to me did i realize it came from him, I jumped back surprise he was next to me but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him, pressing my face and body into his chest.
"Mind if I cut in Miss Heart?" he asked looking down at me, his face was pinched tight, and his eyes were still bright, practically glowing.
Giving him a winning smile, I nodded my head, the motion made me a little dizzy, as I turned back around so my back was to him, and he behind me. He seemed awkward at first, I still had my beer in my hand, taking small sips here and there as I swayed to the music. Turning my head to watch him, I frowned at the distance between us. "You could get closed Enzo. Its ok." I yelled over the music and giggled, the beer was going straight to my head, he just nodded and took a step closer. Dear lord this man, yea he might be 20, but he don't act his age, he acted more like a old man then a man of 20.
I took another sip of my beer, filled with liquid courage I used my free hand to grab is hand and pulled him closer. This time I felt him right behind me, my back was pressed against his chest, every curve his body fit perfectly with mine. I slowly swayed my hips, the music had changed to something slower as he mimicked my movement. I giggled to myself, and leaned back so my head was on his shoulder close to his ear so he could hear me if I spoke. I felt his nose graze along my exposed throat, his breath was warm on my neck causing me to shiver. If he continued his soft touches I was bound to melt right there into him. I felt his lips softly press the soft spot between my neck and collar making my body convulse against him.
A loud moan escaped my lips, if I let him continue I was bound to jump him. I leaned forward pressing my ass into his hips, and twerked in front of him. In an instant my beer was ripped from my hand, and quickly turning back to look at him, he was now chugging what was left in my cup like it was water. I smiled, this wasn't a sight I had seen from him before.
He tossed the now empty cup on the floor and I could feel both his hands on my waist now. His hands felt warm, and where he touched it tingled. I bent low, touching my toes practically, then came back up again body rolling a step forward, when his hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me back except this time we were facing each other. I couldn't help but feel a shock of want for him. Our body's pressed together caused little tingles were our bare skin touched, my breathing was labored from the beer and his proximity. Putting my hands around his neck for support, I swayed grinded myself on him. He groaned and gripped my tighter, his hand was on my lower back, and one leg between mine as he held me close. I felt comfortable dancing with him, nothing was better then this.
I started to get thirst for more beer, so I pulled him closer to speak in his ear. "I'm thirsty Enzo." My lips grazed his ear and I felt him shutter, he to look at me still so close, our breathing mingles as he look at me. "I'll be right back, I want another beer." I started to pull back from him but he stopped me.
"Don't worry about it Miss Heart, I'll get it." But he didn't let go.
I looked at him frowning, ugh I hate him calling me Miss Heart. "Enzo, you don't have to call me Miss Heart." I chuckled, twirled my finger in my hair talking to him "I don't like you calling me Miss." I may be drunk or buzzing it but I still had my mental faculties, all be it they were working somewhat slow right now.
We had stopped dancing as we talked, his hand was still on my lower back and I was still pressed against his chest, my arms hand around his neck. God he was tall, I hadn't noticed it till now. He was a whole head taller then me, I was practically on my tiptoes just to be able to put my arms around his neck. Not to mention he was built like a house, a nice fine ass house.
He leaned down, his lips at my ear, warm breath tickled my neck....Had he always smelt like Apple cinnamon? My mouth was starting to water. No he smelt like the woods, ocean...no something. He smelt like pine, and water. That was it, fresh pine and clean water.
"I'll get you something, stay here." Then he was gone, the warmth I had been feeling was gone and replaced with a cold lonely feeling. I rubbed my arms as I looked around the dance floor, no one had been paying attention to us. Thank god. I had been practically dry humping Enzo on the dance floor with all these people around. I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
Looking around dazed and confused, a hand grabbed mine, and I turned to look only to find a smiling Tay.
"Omg, Ella!!! I've been looking for you!" She yelled over the music. Her face showed all she was about to tell me. She was flushed, breathing deep, and holding someones hand, practically vibrating with excitment. "I found my Mate!!" she squealed and turned the guy around so I could see who he was.
He was normal, nothing special, at least to me he wasn't. He did look familiar though....I know I have seen him some where.....Thats it!
"Drake Tamse!" He was in my chemistry class last year, he sits by himself, wears a hoody to cover his face, doesn't talk much, but he is on the wrestling team, and his father is my fathers best warrior wolf.
"I know!" She squealed again, he looked at her lovingly. Which made my heart melt. I was jelly in that moment, tomorrow couldn't come soon enough...I wanted what she had, she currently had a man that loved her, and would love her for the rest of their lives.
I felt an arm go around my waist and a hard wall on my back, the light tingling feeling was back. I turned my head to see Lorenzo, and man was he in a good mood. I mean don't get me wrong when I said to let loose I meant have a drink or 2 but I think he had like 8 just now. Lorenzo's face was red, and his eyes were squinted as he smiled. He normally had was serious and never really smiled or let loose. Lorenzo held 3 glass beer bottles in his hand.
"Why, hello!" I yelled out over the roar of music. He just smiled and nodded handing me a beer, before chugging one down and babysitting the next. Tanya eyed us up and down before giggling and giving me a wink. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I looked away. Enzo just smiled as he congratulated them before pulling me back on to the dance floor.
WE started dancing again, with Lorenzo leaning over on my back. I looked back to Tay and she gave me an eyebrow wag, and I laughed. And there we were dancing Tay and her Mate Drake, Lorenzo and me.
2am
"No Enzo! Put mesh dawn!" I wailed, and flailed. Lorenzo had me over his shoulder carrying me up the stairs of the main pack house.
"Ella, your drunk, you need sleep tomorrow you can party again on your birthday." He grumbled, as he carried me cave man style on his shoulder, banging on his back wasn't do anything so I just hung there like a bag of potato's.
"Parshy poopy." I was tired but I wanted to party to my hearts content. What an old man, what a buzz kill, I only had what 9 beers...plus the one me and Tay shot gunned, plus the 3 shots, and that fizzy thing....okay maybe I drank a lot. Enzo opened the door to my room, walked over to my bed and laid me down. As soon as my head touched the pillow, sleepiness consumed me, I rolled to my side, as Lorenzo covered me with my bedding. Was it me or did he smell amazing. His scent was stronger then it normally was, it felt like he was enveloping me in...well...him.
"Thans chu." I whispered to him as my eyes sagged and felt heavy. "Gos...you smef so so good."
Something heavy was on my bed close to my face since the bed dipped a little, then I felt it, something warm, then a bust of tingle against my forehead. The smell of pine and ocean, filled my room, as I slept peacefully.