My Step-Dad Is My Mate novel Chapter 3

I hopped out of the shower and walked into my bedroom.

Checking the time, I realized I only had about 30 minutes before the clock struck 12:00; indicating my birthday, the beginning of my party and finding out who my mate is.

I couldn't wait to find my mate and be rid of these feelings for Richard once and for all. It was becoming too much. Surprisingly I was able to ignore it- scratch that- avoid it for two years but now I can't. It's too much and eventually, I can see myself giving in and doing something I know I'll regret.

I slipped on my bra and panties, not really caring whether it matched or not, then went digging around my closet for an outfit.

Oh boy, this is going to be a while.

20 minutes later I double checked my outfit in the mirror and nodded in confirmation, it was alright.

I put on a black Midi dress that ended just above my knees, some gold bangles on each hand, my black studs and my 5in black heels.

Dresses aren't really my thing, although I owned a lot of them, I never wear them simply because I find them uncomfortable and irritating to walk in.

I sprayed some perfume on me and grabbed my phone, stuffing it into my purse then left my room and made my way downstairs.

The party was outside, because the inside of my house didn't have enough room to fit my pack plus two other ones. Can you imagine how messy that would be?

I stood in front of the front door, hesitant to open it.

I checked the time on the wall clock.

60 seconds before 12:00.

To say I was nervous was an understatement. Meeting my mate for the first time, if I even find him that is but I have a strong feeling he's here. My wolf side is feeling more powerful than my human side, indicating to me my mate is in fact, present tonight.

Will he like me? I sure hope so. I don't think I'd survive being rejected.

5

Deep breaths Danica, no need to be afraid.

4

You've been waiting forever for this.

3

Just remember...

2

That no matter what happens tonight. Mate or no mate, or rejected or not.

I won't run and I won't back down.

~•~

I pushed open the front door and was greeted by hundreds of smiling faces.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANICA!"

A grin found it's way onto my face and I ran into the large swarm of people and attempted a group hug but failed miserably because of my short arms.

"Happy birthday sweetie." I heard a voice say behind me and I turned around to see my mom has the tears in her eyes.

"Thank you mommy." I said and went over to her, engulfing her in a hug.

"This party looks awesome." I added as I pulled away.

"I'm glad you like it Dani. It took some work, but you know I'll do anything for you. I was just thinking...." Mom said with a sad smile as the tears she was obviously holding back came down on her cheeks.

"H-how proud your father would be to see you right now." She finished after a while then broke out in a sob.

"I know...I miss him too." I added sadly and rapidly blinked my tears away.

Every day I thought about Daddy and what things would be like if he was here.

Mom would be with her rightful mate, and we'd be a real family instead of Richard being here and me having these uncontrollable f- Wait, where is Richard?

"I'll be back in a bit sweetie. Don't worry about me, I'll go clean up and be down soon. Go have fun. Find your mate." Mom said with a wink at 'mate' and I blushed.

I couldn't sense my mate that strongly anymore, so that means he probably went to the other side of the yard. I'm sure he is still here; I feel it even if it is faint.

Despite my excitement to find my mate and enjoy the party, I couldn't help but wonder about Richard. I haven't seen him yet since I came out and I didn't see him in the house.

You know what? Fuck him, this is my night and I'm going to make the best of it.

~•~

Grinding my lower body against him, I felt him push back against me, our bodies syncing together in our movements.

"You can dance." The guy whispered in my ear while he wrapped his arm around my waist and I chuckled.

"You'd be surprised." I replied back and continued my grind.

"Do you-" the guy was cut off as he was yanked away from me abruptly. I spun around fast enough just to see who pulled him off, and when I locked eyes with the stranger, my entire world came crashing down around me.

Richard looked away from our gaze and glared at the guy I was dancing with, who I identified as the Beta of one of the packs who came for my party.

I watched in shock as Richard speeded into the house, the door slamming behind him.

Rage flooded my system and I swear I could see red.

I can't believe this son of a bitch!

"I'm sorry, my step-dad is a little over protective. I'm gonna go talk to him, have fun, find your mate maybe." I said, adding a wink to the last part and he nodded while laughing.

I stomped to the house and opened the door then closed it.

"RICHARD!" I yelled. The music was loud outside and since about 99% of the wolves here are drunk, they're heightened senses are bound to be a little off.

With hearing no reply from him, I tracked his scent to the guest bedroom upstairs.

"Dammit!" I heard his voice yell from the room as I walked up the stairs, followed by the crashing sound of something breaking.

What the hell? Is he mad? This asshole has no reason to be freaking mad.

I took a few calming breaths, then pushed open the door to the room, ignoring the obvious mess on the floor.

"You knew didn't you?" I asked, awaiting his answer.

Richard paced the room, avoiding eye contact with me and muttering to himself.

"Richard." He wasn't answering me, so I repeated his name once again, but still no answer. I felt my anger flare and my claws started to grow longer from my rage.

"RICHARD!" I yelled and his head snapped up to face me, looking me directly in the eyes and the pull from our bond made itself very much known.

"WHY THE F*CK DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE MY MATE?"