hought getting ready had taken forever, I hadn't seen anything yet. Raven and I continued to chat, her excitemen

I really hope he has blue eyes. I've always had a thing for blue-

r mate, after all," I replied, infusing my voice with as

M):** Ready

for hours. Mom insisted I get rea

mission with makeup and a curling

I'm sure it's worth it

en's still getting ready. We'l

** Sounds good, gor

leave. She'd been tired of our pack's traditional views on women for a long time, and I couldn't blame her. The idea of women being mere servants to their m

e baby pink dress draped elegantly to the floor, the low neckline highlighting her figure. Her black hair, skillfully curled and pinned back wi

complimented her, determined no

nks anyway!" Raven gr

a groan, I stood up and grabbed the small purse Raven had given me. I knew my mother wouldn't app

eautiful Aria looked. Valen and Astrid were snuggled up on the sofa

exclaimed with a smile, while even

n my dress, her eyes lingering on the ex

want," I replied with a shrug, turnin

cream-colored dress, though modest, flattered her slim figure. "You look beautiful, Aria,"

of that dress, Raven," my mother remarke

that?" Raven quipped sweetly,

we left, his arms wrapped tightly around Astrid in a way that made me uncomfortable. The depth of their connection, th

ve, the knot of anxiety in my stomach grew, turning into something sticky and overwhelming. No matter

road, I realized the ball was being held outside this

, the girls spent weeks setting th

ng to calm myself. When we finally arrived at the dirt lot, I was confused not to see the ball in sight. But as

than I had anticipated. A huge canopy tent covered the area, with white flowers and vines cascadi

breathed, cle

job," I agreed, takin

tonight seemed slim, and the fear coursed through me as I realized just how vast the gathering was. The tables laden with food and the glass-topped seating areas

. Some seemed to grimace in concentration, while others sniffed the air, as if hoping to catch an elusive scent. Curiosity got the better of me as I scanned the crowd of unmated men and women,

Gideon greeted us with a wink,

one in not wanting a mate. Gideon, for reasons of his own, seemed to

y unruly sandy hair was styled neatly, and the green in his tie made his

music playing in the background. I turned to Raven, noticing

fled a laugh, knowing how much she had longed to find her mate, only to now

g for something to happen. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what was going on

pproached us with a wide smile. I turned to find Raven, bu

would sneak away to the woods or let our wolves run free. I had never been attracted to Draven or an

once round face had become more angular, and his lanky frame had filled

I greeted him

smirking down at me. In one swift movement, he lifted me off my feet, encasi

that," I grumbled, kicking my feet i

e watched the exchange. Normally, he and Dra

arina?" Draven asked hurr

ighed, explaining that he needed to keep an eye on his younger sister.

Draven scoffed, his eyes follo

to Draven, confusio

en trailed off, raising an eyebr

iends," I replied, feeling my cheeks hea

Katarina," Draven emphasized

he can tell me himself. Now,

music, I made sure to keep some distance between us. I couldn't help but notice how close some of the other couples w

collect my thoughts. Finally, I found an empty table near the back of the tent, close to a large table laden with food and drinks. I grabbed a soda and a small plate of colorful pastries before sitting do

the pastries, I caught a

of citrus. The smell of

the intoxicating aroma. Nothing in my life had ever smelled as good as this. My brain tried to rationalize what it

ell silent, people began looking around in confusion. Breathing in the scent de

man before, but my g

" Rose rejoiced as my w

er everyone in his path. The people around us stared at me

ix feet tall, with a frame that dwarfed mine. His hands were as large as my face, and I suppressed a shudder, thinking a

others, he wasn't in a suit but wore a deep blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, paired with black slacks. His face was sharp, with a chiseled jawline, full lips, and deep gray ey

as crushed the

oice growled, leavi