Page 2 of Amaris Rejected

"If you meet your mate, he’ll be informed of your latent condition immediately. He’ll have the legal right to refuse to mate with you because of it," he sighs. "However, don't let that discourage you. If that happens, there are many paths to move forward, and second-chance mates and choice mates are always possible. So, what do you think?"

I look at the three of them. Dr. Shannon beams at me. "I think this is a wonderful opportunity for you, sweetie," she says, "and I hope you’ll take it."

Alpha Black adds, "If you find your mate and move to his pack, you'll get an economical car and a generous monthly stipend that will be direct deposited into your bank account for one year. This is something we offer to all new matings. It ensures that you remain independent and safe in case you encounter any issues and need to return home. If he decides to come here with you, you both will work here, and we’ll handle everything as usual. What do you think, Amaris? Are you ready for an adventure?"

"Why not?" I swallow hard. "It seems I have nothing to lose." Famous last words?

Chapter 2 - Mate

Amaris

The annual All Packs Mating Meet-and-Greet is a highly anticipated event for the shifters in the Northern Territories. Each year, the packs take turns hosting the weekend gathering. Hundreds of singles are introduced to one another in hopes of finding their mates. Each Alpha pair and a small contingent also attend to keep the peace and strengthen relations among the packs.

Lyra, my wolf, appears to be excited. I am currently driving one of the new cars from our pack to the Meet-and-Greet; my heart is pounding with anticipation. As the small, economical car hums beneath me, the thought spins through my head that I could actually find my mate this weekend. If I do, this car will be mine. Since successful matchups are greater than 75%, I was told to pack all my belongings in it. They have my bank information, so I’m all set. Let's just hope I find my mate.

The event spans two days. Participants arrive on Saturday morning and are assigned to rooms for the night. Various activities are scheduled for Saturday, including a midnight run, hiking, kayaking, dinner, dancing, bonfires, and more. Participants are encouraged to meet up and engage in activities throughout the day.

If I meet my mate, we’ll be assigned to rooms where we can get to know each other and complete the paperwork. If we are compatible, we can choose to mate. There’s no formal ceremony on the grounds; the mates sign the legal marriage bonds with their respective Alphas and later hold the ceremony at their chosen home pack. By Saturday night, most individuals destined to find their mate will have done so.

I arrive on-site around 10:00 a.m. Hundreds of wolves are here, excitedly talking and laughing. Event organizers, wearing matching yellow T-shirts, direct us to a table where we receive information about the activities, our room cards, and meal tickets. We also receive stick-on name tags. Throughout the day, I keep hearing people shout, "Mate."

I enjoy many of the activities throughout the day. Just after dinner, I sit by one of the bonfires. I’m quietly staring into the embers when a group of young males approach the fire. While most of them chat with the females around me, I notice one guy who stands silently, staring at me. I look up into his chocolate-brown eyes. That's when Lyra jumps up and says, "Mate."

"Mate," he mouths. He walks over to me and asks, "Can I sit next to you?"

"Yes," I whisper, smiling.

"I'm Devon." His voice is deep and husky. "I'm the future Alpha of the Still Waters Pack."

He reaches for my hand and sparks race up my arm. "My name is Amaris, from the Silver Creek Pack," I reply.

We talk for the next couple of hours. Lyra and I are enamored with Devon and his wolf, Rue. Nervously, he sweeps his light blonde hair out of his eyes. He must be at least a foot taller than my 5’5” with a strong jaw and broad, muscular shoulders.

"You’re beautiful, Amaris. Your eyes are the color of moss, and your hair is like black silk," he sighs, brushing his fingers through my tresses, the tendrils sliding across his skin. I blush at his sweet words, and a soft smile spreads across my face as I shyly peek at him through my lashes.

My hair is one of my best features; it’s glossy, black, and falls to my waist. "Why don't we talk to our Alphas, my lovely mate?" His voice is a mere whisper in my ear.

My Alpha and Luna, Black, meet with the three Little Silver Creek Pack females who found their mates, including me.

Since it was decided that we would go to our mates' respective packs, the cars are signed over to each of us, and the bank account deposits have been authorized with the first stipend payments.

"Ladies, congratulations on finding your mates. Luna Black and I will release you from the pack tomorrow as we leave. A formal ceremony is not needed; I’ll simply say the words. Then, your new Alpha will have you swear allegiance to your new pack at his convenience."

Devon and I were given the keycard to our new suite. Here, we will meet with our Alphas and Lunas one final time for the marriage bond execution. Carrying our bags into the room, Devon drops them by the bed and reaches for me.

"Can I kiss you before the Alphas arrive?" he breathes, his mouth so close that I can already feel his breath.

I timidly tilt my head up to him in permission. He touches his lips to mine; his tongue presses for entrance. Taking advantage of my gasp, he plunders my mouth as desire and heat invade. Our breaths quicken as I clutch his biceps as if my life depended upon it.

I’m giddy. I’ve never been this happy to have found my mate. He is incredibly gorgeous and kisses like an angel.

He gently pushes me against the wall as we tangle, no longer struggling to keep our hands to ourselves. But then, a knock at the door jolts us back to the present. We quickly pull away from each other, both slightly breathless.

Alpha and Luna Black enter, followed by Devon's Alpha and Luna Wright, who are also his parents. Luna Wright smiles warmly at me, and I return her smile.

After the introductions, we all sit at the dining table. Devon keeps touching me, running his hands sneakily down my knees and thighs. It’s incredibly distracting.

Alpha Black is explaining the marriage bond paperwork we are to sign. "Alpha, Luna, Devon," he begins. "As part of Amaris's participation in this event, we were told we need to disclose a slight medical anomaly."

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