After the house tour, my father started explaining our pack's whole history and sharing facts about Red Moon Pack and Howling Sages Pack's friendship over the years. All in all, it was quite informative but also a bit boring, but dare I say that out loud.
We all proceeded downstairs to the gathering hall where we hold all important meetings and ceremonies. A little stage was set up and enough chairs were set up for both the packs to sit. The food was set up in the backyard with barbecue and all sorts of meats.
The stage was decorated with a red theme, the letters spelled out welcome and happy birthday in white across the big red curtain. There was a microphone and four grand chairs set up on the stage. Everybody started to gather inside the hall. We waited a few minutes for everyone to arrive and settle down in their seats. Both the Alphas and the Lunas had taken their seats on the stage.
My father stood up from his chair and walked to the microphone. He gave a smile before addressing the crowd.
"My dear pack members, today we have gathered here for two special occasions. The very first being the merger between our pack Howling Sages and the Red Moon pack from the west. Please put your hands together to welcome the newest members of our pack."
The crowd erupted in cheers. People were clapping, cheering, howling and some were even whistling. My father motioned for the pack to calm down and once they had he continued his speech.
"Here on the stage, I have with me the Alpha and the Luna of Red Moon pack, Alpha Richard and Luna May. I expect all of you to show them and their children Nick and Heather the same respect that you give me, Luna Bernice and Cooper. I expect the same from the Red Moon pack. We know that this whole transition must be a little difficult for both the packs but remember from today onwards we are one united pack and we stand for each other so, if you need anything we are all here for you. I would like to invite Alpha Richard to give you the second good news and say a few words."
After the round of applause, Alpha Richard began his speech. "First of all, I would like to thank Alpha Barry for this very warm welcome"
Another round of applause rang through the hall. "We are all one pack starting today and I expect everybody to show mutual trust and respect towards each other. We all need to stay united to fight our enemies. This might be a little difficult in the beginning but with a few compromises and adjustments and then we are good as new."
"The second news you were all waiting for is that today, we are celebrating the 18th birthday of our future Alphas. Can I please have Heather and Cooper on the stage please?" Alpha Richard said.
I groaned in annoyance. More attention on me or us. I don't know if Heather likes the attention or not but I certainly hate it. I lazily got up from my seat but stood straight before walking up on the stage. I extended a hand towards Heather to help her up since she was wearing a dress. Also, coincidentally we were both wearing red which I didn't notice this when she first arrived.
We both stood beside Alpha Richard while the packs cheered and sang us the birthday song. After the song was over we both thanked everyone. My parents and Heather's mother soon joined us. They all looked very excited especially both the Lunas.
I know why my mom was so excited, she is expecting me to reveal if I have met my mate or not and she thinks that I have. Which is true but then again, I was rejected so I certainly cannot say that to the crowd, especially when the one who rejected me is standing right beside me and in front of everyone. But I decided that if she says that she has found her mate then I will also do the same but won't say that I was rejected.
"As all of you know, the 18th birthday is very special for us werewolves because this is the day we find our soul mates. Today our daughters, your future Alphas have turned 18 and we want to know if they have found their mates or not. Who is excited to know?" Alpha Richard asked the crowd.
The crowd chanted "we want to know" together. The pack was very excited about this but I may have to disappoint them.
"Heather, why don't you go first" my father said. I sighed in relief, I wouldn't know what to say if I didn't know her answer first.
"Of course, Alpha Barry. Good evening everyone, first of all, thank you very much for always showing me love and support. I would like to extend a special thanks to the Howling Sages pack for making us all feel so welcomed. Now, to answer the question, yes. Yes, I have found my mate and I hope you all will love and support my mate the in the same way you do me." Heather said.
I looked at her in disbelief. First, she rejects me and then she tells the whole pack that she has found her mate. What does she expect me to do? Has she changed her mind about us?
"Is your mate present here today?" father asked and Heather nodded.
"Yes! Yes, my mate is here. Drake, come on up."
My heart broke all over again when she introduced Drake to our pack as her mate. It is one thing to reject me but calling someone else as her mate and introducing him to the pack is downright outrageous. My blood was boiling.
The sandy haired boy from earlier came up on the stage. He looked shy and a bit embarrassed. He wasn't even dressed formally. He came up on the stage and stood beside Heather like a loyal boyfriend. Before turning to look at the crowd he winked at Heather. He must think that he is very sly.
"Congratulations, Drake and Heather for finding each other. I hope you both have a great life together and will become strong leaders that our pack can depend on." Alpha Richard spoke.
"Cooper" father called and I stood straighter than I already was if that was even possible before turning to look at him. He had a serious face on and his very deep voice indicated that he wants my answer to be a yes.
"Have you met your mate?"
"I am afraid my answer is no, sir. I haven't found my mate yet but I am hopeful" I lied before looking at the crowd again. Gasps and murmurs erupted around the room. I could feel Heather's eyes on me but I didn't dare to look her way.
It's very rare for a werewolf to not find their mate on their 18th birthday because most of the times, the mate is from the same pack or from a pack from the surrounding regions. But there have been instances where people found their mates after years. I couldn't bare to look at my mom because I know she must be very disappointed. She was very excited to meet my mate.
"That is all for today, folks. Please enjoy the dinner and rest well"
I walked off the stage and was about to exit when a hand caught my wrist. I looked up to see my mom. She was nearly in tears.
"Mom, what's wrong?" I questioned.
"You didn't find you mate? Are you sure you looked everywhere?"
"Yes, ma, I am certain. Its not like my mate could have been standing right in front of me and I missed her. I am sure my wolf would have recognize her instantly. But don't worry, I am hopeful. I am sure that I will find her." I gave my mom some false assurance to hold onto.
"It's not good, honey. You must find your mate soon."
"Okay, but you should go eat now. Go on, I am pretty sure that father is waiting for you" I said because I know that my father never eats without my mom.
Mom went to the backyard to join my father. I on the other hand, had no appetite. I was about to head to my room before I remembered that Heather had asked me to find out Drake's room. I went out to search for Heather. I found her sitting at the last table with her friends. The leech was not around so this was the perfect opportunity to approach her. I don't want to see that asshole's face again.
I took a couple of long strides before I reached her table. I cleared my throat to grab her attention but unfortunately I caught everyone's attention.
"I am sorry to interrupt but Ms. Bloomingdale, do you have have a minute?" I asked ignoring the stares from her friends.
"Yes, why not?" Heather got up and I walked her to a quieter part of the backyard.
"I have found out your friend's room, it is the fourth one on the right side from the stairs on the second floor of course. It is about 8 room from yours but on the opposite side." I said before turning to leave.
"Wait!" I halted in my place.
"Yes? Anything else I can help you with?" I asked, unsure of what she could possibly want now.
"Thank you."
I gave her a confused look. "Thank you for saying that you haven't found your mate yet. I know us being mates must be some kind of a mistake. I am clearly not a lesbian and I have a feeling that Drake is my true mate. I am sure when his birthday comes around in a few months he will also know that I am his mate." she explained.
I cannot believe the guts this girl has. For fuck's sake! I don't even understand what she sees in that boy.
"Look, I didn't say no for you. I said it so that my mom is not heartbroken and as for you and that boy, when he finds out that he you are not his mate, I am sure you will have a good explanation for your parents." I tried to remain calm but my patience was running thin.
"Fuck you, bitch! Are you threatening me?" she snapped.
"I am merely stating facts, Heather" I said calmly.
"You know what? You are just sour because I rejected you. Other girls may like this tomboy butch kind of thing that you got going on but I am not into it. Learn to take a rejection like a grown ass adult" Heather sneered before storming out.
I watched her leave and before I could go back into the house, I made eye contact with my father. He had seen the whole ordeal. He is gonna get mad about the fight. Shit!
I quickly made my way out of the backyard and headed to the mini library where we have books on all the werewolf stuff. I want to understand why I keep experiencing this excruciating pain all of a sudden. I am sure these book must have some information about that. I started with the medical books. Being a werewolf and a bookworm has it's own perks since I can read books really fast. Any average human being can train themselves to be able to read an entire book in a couple of hours and I have trained myself to read one full book in an hour or two depending on the size of the book.
I barely finished one book when I was mind linked by my father to meet him in his office. I think the party is over and now it is judgment time. Sighing, I put the book back in its place before making my way to the office. I knocked twice before entering.
"Take a seat, Cooper. This is going to be a long one" father said.
I did as told before he began "So there are two issue we need to talk about. The first one is regarding your mate for which I require your mother's presence therefore I will address it when she arrives." I nodded to indicate that he can proceed further.
"The second issue pertains to your behavior. I saw you had engaged in a fight with the newest addition to our pack. Not only is she new to our pack but she is also the future alpha, she is your co-alpha. What were you thinking? Better yet, were you even thinking? As the future alpha of this pack, you should be leading everybody and setting examples for others but what are you doing? You are picking fights" father yelled.
"I am so-"
"Did I say you could speak?" father sneered.
"No, sir!" I replied quietly.
"Then do not open your mouth unless you are asked to, understood?"
"Yes sir!" I spoke.
"You do realize that the young bloods of the pack look up to the alphas for guidance. They follow what we do. If you do not set good examples then they will behave in the wrong manner and you cannot even call them out unless you want to be viewed as a hypocrite"
"Is that what you want to be, huh? Tell me damnit!" father yelled again.
The door opened, my mom entered the room with an unpleasant expression on her face. She seemed disappointed. She glared at my father before speaking.
"Barry, how many times have I told you not to yell at our daughter? She is not a soldier under your command. Treat her with some respect. Now what is all this fuss about?" mom inquired.
"Bernice, she started a fight with Heather. She is a leader and she is setting a bad example" father tried to counter.
"Did you even give her a chance to say her side?" Mom asked and father nodded his head in a no. "Thought so"
Mom turned to face me before asking me "What happened at the dinner, honey? Why did Heather storm off in anger?" mom asked.
"Heather enquired about something earlier and I went to let her know that the thing she needed help with was done. Just when I was about to leave she stated something and I just corrected her and told her the truth. She got angry, I think she is short tempered. But I assure you, I was very respectful towards her." I explained the situation.
"Do you mind telling me about this little disagreement? What was it about?" Mom asked.
" I am sorry but I cannot indulge you into details as the pertaining matter is of personal nature and it would be an invasion of her privacy" I replied.
"Very well then," mom turned to father and directed the next question to him. "I don't think she did anything wrong. What do you say?"
"We do not have full knowledge of the incident and based on what she says she has not done anything wrong but we do not know the whole truth" father turned to me. "You will give me 50 miles after this meeting and only then can you retire to your bed. And I will know if you do not follow the orders. Clear?"
"But honey, its already past 10. She must be tired from working all day" mom tried to protect me as usual.
"Bernice, please let me discipline her. I only want what is best for her." This always shuts mom up.
"Are we clear, I asked?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" I said loud and clear.
"Moving on, the first issue as we discussed required your mom's presence and since she is here, we can start. So, as you told us you haven't found your mate yet which is quite odd since most of the people find their mates in the same pack. You have until the last day of your break before college starts, exactly 10 months from today to find you mate otherwise you will have to accept Cheryl, daughter of my beta, George as you mate. Am I clear?" Father spoke.
"I am sorry, sir but I don't think it is a good idea to be doing that. There are so many other factors involved like-"
I was rudely interrupted by my father "I said, am I clear and it better be a 'yes sir'."
"I am afraid, I don't agree", I dared to say.
"Another 10 miles for back mouthing and disrespect. Am I clear now?"
"No, Sir", I dared to defy him again.
"It's 20 now. Maybe now we are clear?" Dad added another 10 miles to my punishment but I am not afraid of that. I don't like this deal he is trying to make. Not only is he ruining Cheryl's life but also her mate's.
"I am afraid, the answer is still a no", I whispered.
But before my father could say anything my mom interrupted him.
"Enough!" "Honey, you have only one year to find you mate and complete the mating ritual in order to be able to take the position of the alpha of this pack. The union ceremony should be performed in front of the entire pack where you and your mate will accept each other and unless that is done, you cannot become the alpha."
"But mom, what's the hurry?", I asked.
"If you do not find a mate and perform the union ceremony before you 19th birthday then by the pack rules, your father will have to choose another successor. You will not be able to qualify as an alpha which is why if you cannot find your mate then you may have to accept Cheryl as your mate and become the alpha" mom explained.
"But what if Cheryl finds her mate, then what?" I asked.
"If that happens, we may have to find someone else who is willing to be your mate and if that does not happen then you can never be an alpha. You will be serving as a Beta. And Cheryl is already 24 years old and she hasn't found her mate in the past 6 years, she may not have a mate."
"Fine! But I am not going to force anybody to be with me. If someone consents to being my mate without any duress then I agree.", I said.
"That is good enough", father said, pleased. "Don't forget your 80 miles in human form" with that said father and mother left the office.
Groaning, I got off of the chair to change into some sports wear. I opted for a sports bra and running shorts. I made my way to the training grounds and started my rounds. Some time after my 25 miles I started to experience the same kind of pain. I forced myself to stay on my feet and pushed myself to run. My speed slowed down but I managed to push through the pain and stay on my feet.
Once the pain subsided, I continued at my previous speed. 50 miles done, just a couple more to go. My thoughts drifted to a certain redhead. What is she doing right now? She must be asleep already since its past midnight. We have training at 4 in the morning like usual. I am sure the new pack members will also be attending the early morning training sessions.
"I thought the early morning training sessions started at 4 am, not 12 am" the voice that I have started to love tore through the silence of the night.
My heart sped up upon hearing her voice, I turned my head to find my lovely red head in black shorts and and a long blue shirt. My eyes traveled to her creamy long legs. I subconsciously licked my lips. I ought to admit, my mate is a real hottie.
"Eyes up, pervert! And I asked a question", she snapped.
"Sorry, I was thinking. Yes, the training starts at 4 am but I am completing this as my punishment", I replied huffing.
Just one more mile then I get to rest. I pumped my legs harder and in a matter of few seconds I was done. I fell to the ground in exhaustion and dehydration. I was trying to catch up my breath.
I tried to get up and reach for the bottle when perfectly manicured hands held the bottle towards me. I grabbed the bottle and gave a quick thank you before chugging the water.
"Punishment? What did you do?", Heather asked.
"Apparently, I picked up a fight with you. My father said that I was setting a bad example for my peers by initiating a fight with you. Since my dad used to be in the army he is used to issuing this type of physical torture as punishments."
"Brutal much! But I am glad you were punished. You made me pretty angry back there", Heather said.
"I wasn't rude to you or disrespectful in any way. I merely stated the truth and you got angry and stormed out. I think the punishment I received was not something I deserved seeing that I wasn't even wrong. I was not yelling profanities at you.", I retorted a bit irritated now.
"I know. How many miles did you have to run?"
"Initial punishment required 50 but I sort of disobeyed him on something and it went up to 80 miles".
"That is harsh. I know you got into trouble because of me. I hope this makes it okay", she said before she leaned in to kiss my cheek.
Tingles shot through my body. The part where her lips touched, burned. I was excited but as quickly as her lips came they were gone. The kiss lasted merely a second, it was a light peck. Without even giving me a chance to react, Heather bounced to her feet and ran into the pack house.