Love often finds us at the most unexpected times.
"Do you think my uncle will find a mate tonight?" I mused out loud, addressing my best friend, Rebecca. We were both getting ready for a party which I hoped would be unforgettable, as I had put a lot of time and energy into preparing it.
I checked my make-up which had taken longer than it should have, considering I only applied mascara, blush, and some lipstick. But no wonder there really, for I was clumsy when it came to make-up… and for a perfectionist like me, it could be an issue.
Rebecca was trying – and might I said, struggling even – to get into a rather tight dress, when her gaze focused on me for a split-second, before she answered me, "I don't know, but I wouldn't say no to us finding a mate. I already can't wait to have someone to call mine."
I heaved a discreet sigh, more concerned about my uncle finding his second-chance mate, as Rebecca and I had our lives ahead of us. Kane Hickman wasn't just my uncle, he was also the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, a proud and fair leader. And I would hate to see him remain alone eternally.
Admittedly, he wasn't exactly into any kind of celebrations – he hated them with a passion that rivaled his hatred for rogues – but I figured that a small party wouldn't hurt.
And thus, I organized one, in the hopes to help him find someone worthy of him.
Besides, tonight marked the tenth anniversary since he took over the position of Alpha, and it should be celebrated if one were to ask me.
I was more determined than anyone to help him find a good match. After all, he had helped me greatly over the years, taking me under his wing when my father passed away. Indeed, 7 years ago, my father died protecting him, in one of the most gruesome wars known to our kind, and entrusted me to him. In memory of his late beta – my father – our Alpha brought me to his palace, and I grew up calling him uncle.
Truth be told, I used to hate how absurdly domineering he could be. But then, growing up, I learnt from some servants that he had lost his mate. Overcome with a desire to lessen his burden, I tried to behave, and be as discreet as I could be. Now, it felt like a duty to help him find a second-chance mate. I would hate to find my own, and leave him alone in this somewhat austere palace.
I had intended for the party to be a small one. Yet, lo and behold, it turned into a full-blown pack celebration, which I could have never expected. I overheard some fellow pack members saying they were eager to find their mates, and I understood at once that this felt like a golden opportunity to everyone.
I knew a party of this scale might land me into trouble, but I refused to backtrack. I was really hoping to help my uncle find love again.
Then, my sworn enemy, Vivian Sanders, walked in with her group of look-alikes. As the previous gamma's eldest daughter, she was admired, envied even… But all I could see in her was a spoiled brat of 19 years old, who never failed to belittle me.
"Well if it isn't our ugly orphan," she sneered, and her crowd snickered. "Make yourself useful and get me something to drink."
"You're not disabled, are you?" I shot back at her in my most saccharine tone of voice – which was fooling no one.
"Aren't you worried I might become your Luna, you little brat?" She smirked at me, and I wanted to wipe the smugness right off her face.
But I had no intention to ruin the party – or my make-up – by getting into a fight with her. Thus, I chose to simply roll my eyes at her, "Keep dreaming."
I promptly left her fuming, and went to talk to Rebecca.
"We need to welcome the guests," I let out, even as I worried my bottom lip.
"Sure thing," she nodded at me, and was all smiles at the arriving pack members.
It wasn't long before I mindliked Beta Paul, who was basically like a brother to me, and wasn't one for formalities – not with me anyway.
"Beta Paul, please tell me the Alpha is done with his patrol," I let out, even as I anxiously watched the people flooding in. It was like there was no end to them.
"What are you planning?" He asked, his tone full of suspicions.
I explained my idea for the party, and his answer wasn't as encouraging as I would have liked.
"You know that this isn't a good idea, right?" I could almost hear him sigh. "He doesn't even celebrate his birthday, Lolita."
"Please," I implored him. "Just bring him to the party. I'll take care of the rest."
"If he gets angry, I'll tell him I had no clue," he retorted, giving in to my request at last.
"I'm sure it'll be fine," I said dismissively, even though I had my doubts.
"See you in a few," he retorted, and then put an end to your mindlink.
I was fairly confident that uncle Kane wouldn't be mad. Not only had I organized this party for him, with the best intentions in mind… But we also hadn't seen one another in two months, not to mention that I finally got my wolf, Mia, a month ago. I was sure he wouldn't get mad. Hell, I even wished he would be happy.
Mia and I excitedly discussed how uncle would react to the party, and dreamed of him finding his second chance mate, when a refreshing scent I had never smelled before made its way to my nose. It was a mixture of cedar and cypress, and I would have found it heady, had I not found it arousing beyond words.
Mia and I both understood at once what it meant, and were undeniably surprised and elated at the same time.
"Mate!" Mia exclaimed excitedly in my mind, and I could only smile indulgently at her, while I waited with bated breath for my mate to make his way to me.
Looking at the door, with no doubt stars in my eyes, I was surprised to see uncle stepping in. Our eyes locked, and we both froze.
This could not be, could it?