“I am not sure,” I say. “I am looking forward to meeting him, but I am not stressing myself out over it. It’s definitely no one from my pack, unless he isn’t eighteen yet.”
“I am glad you weren’t mated to Terry,” Marilou whispers.
“For real,” I exclaim. “That would have been messed up. I doubt the Goddess would fuck us over like that.”
“What if he isn’t my mate?” Marilou asks.
“Maybe you could take each other as chosen mates, instead,” Jazz says. “It’s an option, too, and there is nothing shallow about it. Your fated mates would be set free then, and a new bond would form.”
“We’ll see,” Marilou says, but doesn’t sound too convinced.
“What about you, Tori?” Jazz asks.
Tori shrugs. “I haven’t been thinking about it,” she says.
Well, that’s new. Ever since she and I have been interested in boys, she’s talked about her future mate. Maybe something happened for her to change her mind… maybe she met a guy she likes. Dread settles in me for a moment. She didn’t get rejected, did she? She turned eighteen recently, so maybe…
No, I shake my head.
She would have told us, wouldn’t she, Maxima?
Probably.My wolf, the ever-so-graceful beast, paces around in my mind before resting her beautiful head on her paws.And if she hadn’t told us, she would probably look more devastated had she been rejected.
It’s probably something else,I say.Maybe she has a crush on someone, but he doesn’t reciprocate.
She also could have had a one-night stand with someone,Maxima adds.She is not the type for that, so maybe it hurt her.
Good points, I think. I am not sure what happened with Tori, but I know I will keep an eye on her and make sure no one hurts her.
Chapter four
Winter Solstice
*AURELIA*
“My girls look fantastic as usual,” Dad compliments both Mom and me. His eyes linger on Mom, though, something dark flashing in them. I knew the black dress would be a good idea. It’s out of Mom’s usual comfort zone, but she seems to enjoy the attention.
Freya and Finn went ahead, to spend some time with Liam and Annie and their twin girls. So, my parents, my twin brothers, and I drive together. The winter solstice is a huge event, and I am so happy my whole family can attend it.
We arrive at the same time my brother Marius and his mate Celine do. Marius grins at us when he sees us. “Oh, my lovely family!” He pauses when he sees me. “You look too beautiful foryour own good,” he comments. “Dad, why do you let her look so good?”
“If you want to try and stop her,” Dad says, “good luck.”
Marius looks at me while I return his gaze with furrowed brows. “No, better not.”
We both laugh, and I give him a hug. “Hey, silly man.” Not everyone finds his jokes funny, but I do. Also, I know he would never tell me what to wear, and if anyone actually did, he would be the first to get angry.
I let go of him when Mom’s tiny frame pushes me away to hug Marius, too. “All my babies in one place.” Mom giggles while squeezing him. “Seeing you all so grown up, I almost wish we could make another one!” Her eyes light up at her own words, and she turns to Dad. “Elden! I want a baby!”
Dad is used to Mom’s antics by now, but even he looks horrified at her words.
I take advantage of the distraction to catch up with Celine. She is the alpha of Moon Blood, with Marius being her lune. It’s an uncommon match, but Marius has never cared for titles or what society wants to push him into. It’s what makes him so amazing. In the short time he has been lune, he has already achieved a lot for his pack.
Meanwhile, Celine is the born alpha. She is strong and intelligent, a hybrid with witch powers.
“You look fantastic, Celine,” I say.
“She does,” Marius says while hugging her from behind. “Albeit a bit tired.”