Page 25

Scarlett

I look at my makeup bag, where I’ve already put in my freshly cleaned brushes. Eyeliner, check. Lippy, check.

I’m doing a once-over to make sure everything is packed. We will be staying the night there tonight, and it will already be past midnight by the time we arrive, as Elijah seems to really dislike the Alpha heir of the pack. We are all going together, but where the rest of the group will be in a few cars, Elijah and I will be alone in his car.

Tomorrow we’ll have the entire day free until the ball tomorrow night, which will start around ten, when the moon will be at its peak. It’s when the Blood Moon is at its peak that the mate bond will have a chance to snap into place. That is, if your mate is there, of course. The thought makes me nervous yet excited at the same time.

It’s definitely going to be a long day tomorrow, but I know Elijah and I are ready for whatever comes our way.

Angela’s already booked us in for the whole makeover and hoopla that we’ll do when we get there. This is the one event that the pack funds, your first Mating Ball. The outfit, the nails, the hair – everything is covered by the pack.

This is pretty much the equivalent of a marriage, if you find your mate you’re together for life, and it also symbolises your coming of age.

The door opens and I’m about to tell Indigo that no, I’m not done yet, as we’re planning to squeeze in a movie, but I realise it’s Angela.

“Wow, why are you not ready yet?”

“I am. I’m just putting away the last few items,” I say, raising an eyebrow as I look at her. My brow furrows when I realise her eyes are red. “Whoa… what happened?”

“Girl, nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Your eyes.”

She gives me a smirk. “Oh that, I was just doing a wash regime. They get a little red. I’ll be fine soon.”

I cock a brow. Something about that doesn’t really feel believable at all. She rolls her eyes. “Ok fine, it is the eye serum and stuff I used on my lashes, but I am a little grumpy too. Haru and I had an argument.”

“Haru is always a jerk to you.”

“Siblings.” She pulls a face. I feel for her, Indigo and I argue a lot, but other than her, I don’t think anyone has an issue with him. Yeah, he’s a super grumpy guy, but at times I feel he can be harsh on Angela. Like too harsh.

“He’s an asshole. What was he saying now?”

“Nothing much, I guess I kind of got pissed off quicker than normal.” She plops onto the bed and drops onto her back, staring at the ceiling. “What are you worried about?”

It’s something. I know Angela enough to realise that.

She sighs as she sits up. “I guess… I’m worried about what kind of mate I could get. I mean, what if it’s someone my parents don’t approve of?” she mutters.

I frown. “Why wouldn’t they approve? Besides, who cares what they think?” I say, crossing my arms as I look down at her.

She shakes her head. “I don’t know, I’m just… I just….”

I quirk an eyebrow. What is it that is worrying her?

Tilting my head, I place my hand on her shoulder. “Whoever you’re mated to, he’ll be exactly right for you. If you like him, that’s all that matters. You don’t need to have anyone’s approval. I mean, I don’t think Dad’s still one hundred percent down with me and Elijah.”

She looks up at me, and for a moment I think she’s about to say something, but then she slaps her thighs and jumps up. “Right, I just came to check on you, babe. Now I am going to go home and make sure I get a nap in before we leave.”

“Hey, you sure? I mean you can stay here, Indy and I are gonna watch a movie. We could leave together from here,” I offer, but she simply shakes her head.

“Na, Mom and Dad want me to have dinner with them before I leave. Probably give me the whole ‘family honour talk’,” she scoffs.

I smirk, “I mean, if you don’t find your mate, there’ll be plenty of guys who won’t have either.” I wink at her.

She chuckles. “True, so I can still have fun. These Mating Balls are just fuck fests really,” she whispers before we both burst out laughing.

“Honestly, you’re not wrong. And our parents just send us to go find a random stranger and hump,” I snicker.

We both double over laughing when there’s a light knock on the open door. We both quickly stand straight, trying to look innocent as Mama stands there with a Tupperware tub in her hand.

“Am I interrupting?” she asks.

“Oh, not at all, Aunty! Me and Scarlett were just laughing at a joke. Sooo, what do you have there!” Angela rushes over to her.

“Oh, I packed some cupcakes and brownies for the journey. Here, you take these. I’ll pack some more for Scarlett and Elijah. I made plenty,” Mama says.

Angela smiles. “Oh no, it’s ok, I feel bad.”

“Not at all! I even asked if you were travelling with them!” Mama smiles at her as she forces the tub into her hand.

“Thanks…” Angela says before winking at me. “No, although I wasn’t invited… I don’t think I want to third wheel.”

“Hey, I invited you.” I frown.

She sticks her tongue out at me. “Well, like I said, I don’t want to third wheel.”

I simply stick my tongue out at her, folding my arms defiantly.

“I’ll see you later then!” I call after her as she blows Mama a kiss and runs off.

“All ready?” Mama asks.

I nod as I toss the last few things into my suitcase and zip it up. “Yeah, I am.”

We’re halfway through the movie, Elijah is sitting in the centre of the sofa with one arm around Indigo and I am on his other side, with my legs draped over one of his, his hand resting firmly on my thigh, occasionally giving it a squeeze.

“You know, if Dad saw you now, he’d beat you,” Indigo says, taking some candy from Elijah.

“He won’t be able to. I’m stronger than him,” Elijah replies arrogantly.

I smile. “Dad isn’t home, plus I think he’s coming around,” I say, remembering our conversation.

“I don’t get this movie,” Indigo complains, glaring at the TV screen. “Why is she not listening? Stupid girl!”

“Because if she did, there would be no movie,” I point out.

“Fair point,” Indigo snickers until I place a finger to my lips, looking at Mama, who has fallen asleep on the other sofa. She’s been running around all day; she had another cake order to complete.

“So, are either of you nervous?” Indigo asks, raising an eyebrow as she looks at Elijah first and then at me.

“Not at all,” Elijah answers without hesitation.

“Nope,” I say at the same time.

Indigo nods. “Great confidence. By the way, did you know that tattooed alpha is only fifteen, like he’s my age,” she says suddenly, making Elijah’s head snap towards her faster than mine. Damn, that must have hurt.

“What about him?” he asks sharply, his eyes flickering.

Indigo groans, rolling her eyes. “Bloody hell, and you say Dad has issues. Look at you!” she hisses.

“I don’t think Rafael would like to hear you say that,” I add.

“Stay away from him. He’s nothing but trouble,” Elijah growls.

“And if I don’t?” she challenges. I can see she’s just trying to rile him up.

“Stay away from him, Pixie,” he orders firmly.

“He’s not even here anymore.” I roll my eyes as Elijah looks at me and cocks a brow as Indigo snickers, but he simply gives her a calculating look.

“I know how the minds of hormonal teens work, where there’s a will there’s a way. So stay away from him. Sometimes I wonder how he and Raf are brothers.” He frowns.

Indigo simply smirks, but I think she knows if she pisses him off more, he will really lose his shit.

“Like father like son, I do agree,” I hum.

Elijah taps my ass, cocking a brow. “Are we really going to do this?” He leans in, “I wouldn’t mind punishing you…”

I blush, shoving him back, and poke my eyes out at him. “Behave.”

“Eww, can you two stop flirting!” Indigo shudders, jumping away from Elijah only for him to smirk as he kisses my forehead, and then turns to her and pulls her back down next to him.

“Ok, promise, Pixie. For now, anyway.” He winks at her, making her give him a disgusted look.

“Old people are gross.”

“Hey, I’m only four years older than you,” I remind her.

“Yeah, like I said, old.”

I shake my head as Elijah looks at her, amused. We continue to watch the movie until I hear Mama’s heart rate quicken, and by the look on Elijah’s face, he’s noticed too. I’m about to get up, but he’s already on his feet.

He goes over to the sofa as both Indigo and I watch, now realising she’s having a nightmare, she’s shaking, and I can smell the fear from her. A nightmare of the past…

“Jessica,” Elijah calls, crouching down beside the sofa. “Jessica!”

Mama gasps as she jerks up, looking around at us and the room before she realises where she is and takes a deep breath, brushing her hair off her face.

“Mama, you ok?” I ask, getting up and walking over towards her.

She looks at me and then at Elijah, who is crouching beside the sofa before she offers him a gentle smile, and then turns to me and hugs me. “Yes, of course. Just memories. I am fine, truly.”

I nod, proud of her for admitting the truth, rather than brushing it off. “Well, we’re safe here, and soon we’ll be safe anywhere,” I say, wrapping my arms around one of hers and resting my head on her shoulder. Indigo nods in full agreement as Elijah stands.

“I’ll get you some water,” he says before he leaves the room. Mama looks at me with wide eyes.

“What is it?” I ask.

She smiles and shakes her head. Elijah returns, offering her the glass of water.

“Thank you, Elijah.”

He gives her a small nod, and she takes a sip as he returns to his seat, and that’s when I realise it’s probably the most concern Elijah has ever shown Mama.

Maybe our love will only strengthen our family.

A girl can hope.