As soon as I walked through the long corridor, that amazing scent got stronger and stronger as I went forward. It eventually led me to the other side of the campus. I turned on the last corner and finally stopped in front of a classroom where I surprisingly saw Lief.
Lief was one of the two candidates of the next Alpha in this pack. He had fair skin, amber-brown eyes, and wavy blonde hair. He also had a fantastic, friendly personality and a smile that could make anyone’s day. At 6’2, he towered over most kids at our school. He was one of the nicest guys I had ever met. He was kind and helpful to everyone, even to me this exotic werewolf. He was a god among men, and every girl wanted him so bad. I also liked him, since he was one of the few guys who were willing to treat me friendly. I was already content with that. I dared not ask for more, having extravagant hopes such as wanting him to be my mate, even in imagination. All the girls at school would kill me if I mated with this heartthrob.
With a bulk of girls surrounding him, Lief was talking to several girls. I cautiously moved forward with my head focusing on my feet as I didn't want to be noticed by them. As I got closer to the giggling and talking crowds, the smell became so strong that I thought I would choke on it. Especially when I walked past Lief, that scent became strongest and blew against my face, which almost made me dizzy. My legs were trembling and weakened. I was ready for the crash of the cold concrete floor, but it didn't come as I predicted. A pair of warm and powerful hands held my shoulder. It felt like an electric tingle running through my spine.
I hesitantly turned around and looked at the owners of these hands. As soon as my stare contacted a pair of intense blue eyes, I couldn't help but gasp, frozen in place as I gazed at him. Sparked burst against my skin where he touched.
“Watch out, Ethel.”He helped me steady my body, dragging me back into reality.
“Thank you, Lief.”My eyes kept focused on my feet. I was overwhelmed by his scent. When I looked into his beautiful blue orbs I was sure that he was the one I had been looking for. I finally found my mate!! My wolf was howling with joy. It was just too amazing to be real. I had never imagined Lief would be my mate. He belonged to the royal family, outstanding and brilliant. Meanwhile, I was just a normal girl who came from another pack. We were like two parallel lines that would never intersect. Now that the Moon Goddess brought him to me, I decided to seize this valuable opportunity.
“Can I talk to you?”I took a deep breath and pluck up courage before looking up at his eyes again.
“Sure, but I don’t think there is a good place for conversation.” He turned around giving me a sign to follow him.
I could hear the girls whispering. I knew they were talking about me. They must be jealous of me talking to Lief alone. I chose to ignore them and followed behind Lief.
Lief stopped at the empty playground, taking us away from all the curious eyes and ears. I plucked up all my courage and said.
“Today is my 18th birthday.”
“Happy birthday Ethel.”He sincerely congratulated me. Then he seemed to realize something.
“So...Do you find your mate?”He was aware of what the 18th birthday meant to a werewolf.
“Yes.”I gazed at him. I could see expectation and caution shown in his eyes.
“Who’s that?”He walked closer to me.
“It’s...you.”I hesitated for a moment before I replied.
Then I could see a smile frozen on his face. He was about to open his mouth but stopped, gazing at my eyes for seconds.
“Look, Ethel. I’m happy to know that I’m your mate. I like you.”He slowly started his words.
I didn’t expect happiness would come such a sudden. I was dazzled by this and didn’t realize what Lief said next would make me down in the dumps.
“But I can’t be your mate. I’m so sorry.”He sighed.
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.”That didn’t make sense. How could a werewolf reject its mate?
He released a deep sigh before he said “Ethel, you know I’m supposed to be the next Alpha of our pack. And I’m not allowed to mate with a werewolf from another pack.”
His words delivered a direct blow to me. I nearly forgot it. Blue Moon Pack would not permit any exotic werewolves to be one of their Alpha successors' mates. They should ensure the purity of this pack. That was why I was unwelcome here.
Lief raised his right hand and was attempted to place it on my shoulder. I knew he could see disappointment washed over my face. He was trying to comfort me. But I stepped backward. His hand stopped in the air awkwardly.
“I see. Anyway, thank you for telling me that.”I could hear my voice trembling. I turned around and ran away before he said a word. I didn’t want him to see tears spilling out of my eyes.
I felt something cold drop in my face. It was snowing, claiming the coming of the coldest days around the year. I felt no hope for my dream coming into reality. I knew my dream finally shattered. I dared say that there was nothing worse than being rejected by your mate on your birthday. I didn’t realize that I was wrong so far. As the saying goes, It never rains but it pours.