Rick Ronan.
My desperation to talk to Eva started like a wildfire that wouldn't be tamed until it consumed every part of my inside. At the speed of light I pulled out my phone and searched for her contact, hoping that I could get to speak with her. Watching the phone ring without any response from her was quite agonizing. I started to feel pangs of regret for all the years I had abandoned her. I could still recall her innocent looks and how swiftly she had come to my help on the very first day I set my eyes on her.
She definitely will receive and read my text, I thought as I began to type a message.
HOW ARE YOU, AND HOW IS LIFE WITH YOU LATELY? ~Rick Ronan.
If I needed one thing in this life at this moment and for the rest of my life, it would be that I reunite with Eva soonest, and whatever my father's reaction would be, I was definitely ready for it. Even though it felt selfish of me that my interest for Eva had returned just when I saw her in that newspaper, I equally felt justified knowing that my leaving her was due to my fear for my father.
I left the newspapers in the sitting area and dashed to my room.
In the next two days before the day of the Yearly Major Gathering, I deliberately avoided contact with Alpha Ronan, because I knew how adept he could be at finding clues from one's facial expression. I had remained in my room for hours and only reached out for Beta Chase when the need be.
"Congratulations in advance," Said Chase, after bringing me a cup of water in my room.
"Congratulations over what?" My voice thickened.
"Tomorrow is going to be about you. You will get your wolf and your…."
"You can leave now." I said, shutting him up. "Leave!"
Chase maintained careful steps until he shut the door behind him.
On the day of the Yearly Major Gathering, my father summoned me to his room very early in the morning, and just when I stepped inside the room, he gestured me over to sit on the bed.
"I know you are as excited as I am for today's event" He said certainly.
"Yes, father."
"So…" He cleared his throat before speaking further. "I shall reveal your chosen bride to you during the event today." He said, forcing a smile.
"Alright, sir."
Turning to take my leave, I froze at the sound of my father's voice.
"Rick, be prepared, first shifting can be painful and bone cracking."
"I am prepared, sir." I said and walked away.
At the event ground the inflow of people was massive as different Alphas and their Lunas arrived in groups, and soon the goddess arrived in an epic entrance, bearing strange items in her hands.
"Shall we begin already?" She announced, tilting her head toward the direction where I and my father sat. "Rick Ronan, today is the day."
I and other shifters gathered before the crowd, as we followed every order given to us by the goddess.
"Now, bear your nakedness, y'all." She ordered, and I felt a rush of shame in me.
Well, this was the tradition, every Alpha here had gone through the same experience.
Just as soon as our clothes came undone, the goddess started muttering words, and in a flash of light I felt my bone start to go out of place, twisting. My body stopped being mine as every bit of it was taking new form. I finally shifted along with others, and in my wolf form I felt so empowered and energized. I snarled and strutted around for a while, before I shifted back to my human form.
My father was obviously beaming in pride, even though he tried so much to conceal it.
"Congratulations to you all," the goddess said. "Now, you are at liberty to scent your mates, choose or reject them. Goodluck!"
As soon as the goddess exited the stage, my father stood and walked majestically to the front stage. "I'm the proudest father today," My father said, reclaiming the audience. "Rick Ronan, my only heir, shifted for the first time, and soon I shall introduce to him the mate I have solely chosen for him."
The crowd cheered him, but I remained indifferent.
"Chase, come with me." My father summoned his Beta and together they exited the occasion ground, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation of their return
I remained unfazed, not a tiny part of me was interested in what mate my father had chosen for me.
As soon as the attention of the crowd was shifted toward one direction, I knew that the chosen mate was in sight, and then I began to mentally prepare for my intentions.
"Rick Ronan," Said my father. "Can you come forward, and come to unveil your mate by yourself?"
I remained unmoved, making no attempt.
"Rick! Are your ears blocked?" .
"Father, I have no interest in your chosen mate for me." I blurted and started to retreat in my steps.
The atmosphere started to swell with noise from the crowd, and before I knew it my father had shifted, strutting aggressively towards me.
"Father!" Was the last thing I said before I felt his claws on my face.