Chapter 3

• VICTORIA POV
• As I returned to the pack house, the outside garden was already being decorated for today's mating ball, I could hear the faint sound of music playing in the distance, and the air was filled with anticipation and excitement.
• The scent of flowers wafted through the air, adding a touch of natural beauty to the surroundings. The pack members bustled about, hanging streamers and arranging tables, creating an enchanting atmosphere for the evening's festivities.
• As I made my way through the garden, my eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the grand centerpiece—an intricately decorated gazebo adorned with colorful ribbons and delicate fairy lights. It stood tall and proud, symbolizing the unity and strength of our pack.
• I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness mixed with excitement deep within my chest.
• Tonight was not just any ordinary night; it was the culmination of a long-standing tradition, the opportunity for us to find our mates.
• For a fact that I was of the age of finding a mate, the pressure was even greater on me to make a good impression and find a suitable partner.
• I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the evening ahead. Walking past the pack members diligently working on the decorations, I made my way into the pack house to hand over the herbs to the gammal. The halls were alive with chatter and laughter as pack members exchanged stories and shared their hopes for the night.
• As I reached the gamma's office, I knocked on the door and entered. Gamma Josephine, an elderly and wise wolf, looked up from her desk with a warm smile.
• "Did you find the herbs for the Alpha?" She questioned instantly.
• "Yes, Gamma Josephine," I replied, offering her a small bag filled with the carefully gathered herbs.
• "How did you get them, they are so rare in the market and I had lost little hope!" She said with a bright smile.
• "Lucky charm!" I said.
• Gamma Josephine nodded approvingly and took the bag from my hands. "Indeed, Thank you, Victoria. I'm sure the Alpha will appreciate your dedication. Now, tell me, how are you feeling about tonight's mating ball?"
• A mix of emotions swirled within me as I met her gaze. "Excited, yet nervous, Gamma. This is a big moment for all of us, and I can't help but feel the weight of expectations. I hope to find a mate who will not only compliment me but also love me so dearly,"
• She smiled warmly. "You have grown into a remarkable young wolf, Victoria. You were just a baby when I took you in but you have grown so fast!" She said with a wider smile.
• "I want you to take the day off to prepare yourself for the big day, take this money and get yourself to look more gorgeous!" She said handing me a few amounts.
• I gratefully accepted the money from Gamma Josephine, touched by her generosity and belief in me, I hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Gamma Josephine. Your support means the world to me."
• She patted my paw gently. "You deserve it, Victoria. Now, go and pamper yourself. Remember, true beauty comes from within, so let your inner radiance shine tonight."
• With fresh excitement and a sense of purpose, I left Gamma Josephine's office and made my way to my room. The thought of preparing for the mating ball filled me with anticipation and a touch of nervousness.
• I spent the afternoon carefully selecting a dress that made me feel confident and elegant. The gown was a deep shade of midnight blue, with intricate lacework that accentuated my features.
• It was a birthday gift from Gamma Josephine and had never been worn.
• I let my fur shine with a gentle grooming, ensuring it was smooth and lustrous.
• As the evening approached, I adorned myself with delicate jewelry, choosing pieces that reflected my personality and highlighted my best qualities. I wanted to present my authentic self to potential mates, allowing them to see the real me.
• With a final glance in the mirror, I smiled at my reflection. I felt a surge of confidence and excitement of course through me. I was ready to step into the garden, join the festivities, and let fate guide me toward my destined mate.
• As I walked through the pack house towards the garden, the sound of music grew louder, beckoning me closer. I could hear the laughter and conversations of my fellow pack members, their excitement contagious.
• Stepping into the garden, I marveled at the transformation that had taken place. The lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow upon the gathering. The scent of delicious food filled the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of flowers.
• I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the present moment. Tonight was about connection, about finding that special someone who would understand and cherish me. I vowed to approach each interaction with an open heart and an open mind, trusting that destiny would guide me to where I needed to be.
• The mating ball was about to begin, and I took my place among the other wolves, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
• I watched as Alpha Magnus and his parents sauntered into the mating garden, I felt a little out of place but I reminded myself of Gamma Josephine's advice and took a moment to ground myself.
• I straightened my posture, letting confidence radiate from within, and prepared to open my heart to the possibilities that lay ahead.
• I watched as Alpha Magnus' parents were the first to open the dance floor as the music swelled. They danced under the gazebo and afterward, a few couples joined in, swirling and twirling to the rhythmic melodies.
• The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement coursing through my veins.
• As the night progressed, I engaged in conversations with different wolves, getting to know them on a deeper level. Each interaction brought a sense of connection and possibility, but none sparked that undeniable feeling of being with my destined mate.
• I noticed a few curious glances directed my way, and I reciprocated with warm smiles, eager to explore the potential connections that awaited me.
• As the moon reached its apex, casting a soft glow over the garden, I found myself standing near the grand gazebo.
• The music had slowed down, and couples were swaying gently to the romantic tunes. I closed my eyes, allowing the enchanting melodies to seep into my soul.
• When I opened my eyes, I saw a figure approaching me. It was a handsome wolf with piercing blue eyes and a gentle smile. His presence exuded strength and kindness, but instead he walked past me to a wolf who might have been his mate.
• I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as I watched the interaction unfold. It seemed that fate had different plans for me tonight.
• However, I reminded myself to stay open-minded and continue embracing the possibilities that awaited me.
• I took a deep breath, regaining my composure, and decided to join a group of fellow pack members who were engaged in a lively conversation. Laughter filled the air as we shared stories and anecdotes, momentarily distracting me from the fleeting moment of disappointment.
• As the night progressed, I found myself engrossed in the vibrant energy of the mating ball. I danced and laughed, enjoying the company of my packmates and the enchanting atmosphere that surrounded us. While I hadn't yet found my destined mate,
• Hours passed, and the night began to wind down. The moon started its descent, and the music softened to a gentle melody, I decided to head towards the kitchen to get some ice when my attention and my whole body froze.
• As I turned towards the source of my sudden stillness, my eyes met the gaze of a striking Alpha Magnus, he was standing at the entrance of the kitchen.
• His fur was a rich shade of chocolate brown, and his eyes held a depth that seemed to draw me in. There was a flicker of recognition in his gaze, as if he too had felt the undeniable pull of fate.
• I was so confused at the pull and surprise I felt but he didn't seem surprised.
• Alpha Magnus approached me with a confident stride, his eyes never leaving mine. The air crackled with an unspoken energy, and my heart raced in my chest. He stopped in front of me, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
• "We finally met." he said, his voice smooth and captivating and yet tipsy.
• there was something about him that felt inexplicably right. It was as if we were two pieces of a puzzle that had finally found their match.
• "Alpha Magnus," I greeted him, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's an honor to meet you."
• He was going to say something but he almost lost his balance but I held his hands before he could perhaps fall. As our paws touched, a jolt of electricity surged through me, sending shivers down my spine.
• I held my breath because I hated the smell of alcohol but nonetheless, he still smelled so nice and I couldn't deny the powerful connection that seemed to bind us together.
• It was as if everything else faded into the background, leaving only the two of us in that moment. I wrapped his arms around my neck while I took him to his room.
• "Where are we headed?" He asked in his drunken state.
• "You need to rest, Alpha!" I responded as I fought my way through the stairs.