The Designated Mate novel Chapter 15

Seconds later, the sensation had completely lifted and I was left gasping for breath.

"With no oppositions, I am proud to announce the addition of pack member Poppy Nicole!" The Alpha yelled out to the crowd while lifting our conjoined hands in the air. The pack erupted into loud cheers of excitement as they raised to their feet. A happy smile overtook my face as I laughed joyously. I scanned the crowd but stopped when I saw two glowing yellow eyes peering in from the surrounding trees. I squinted to try and get a better look, but the eyes disappeared.

"It's time to celebrate! There's a party being held, but don't feel pressured to stay the whole time. It may technically be fore you, but my mate uses any reason to throw a rager," The Alpha joked before giving my back and pat and helping me down off the stage.

"Ahhh! So exciting!" Grace screamed while running up and pulling me into a tight hug. I struggled for air while patting her back.

"You're going to suffocate her, baby," Jason laughed while pulling his mate off of me.

"So-" Grace started, but she was almost immediately cut off.

"Hi there, I was wondering if you wanted to dance?" A guy asked while approaching the three of us. He was cute with that boy-next-door appeal to him.

"Uh, I can't. Sorry," I stuttered out awkwardly. He gave me a skeptical look before before turning and leaving.

"What the hell was that, girl? He was cute!" Grace protested, earning her an annoyed growl from Jason behind her.

"I've never danced with a boy before. My father wasn't the nicest man, so guys were always too afraid to ask me," I explained with shame.

"Oh God, c'mon baby cakes. We're going to change this real quick," Grace stated with determination before grabbing my wrist and pulling me into the middle of the dance floor. "Just watch what I do," She yelled over the loud music. I watched the way she budded her body up next to Jason's, her back to his front, and ground her body against his own. Their movements seemed to flow naturally, but I wasn't sure if that was because they were mates, or because they were both really good dancers.

They looked like they were having a lot of fun, so - feeling momentarily brave - I purposely made direct eye contact with a handsome guy a few feet away. I gave him a flirtatious smile and internally patted myself on the back when he made a beeline for me seconds later.

"Welcome to the pack, we're glad to have you," He rasped out against the shell of my ear. His body was really close to mine due to the small space left on the dance floor, which allowed me to take in his natural smell mixed with the scent of his cologne.

"Whatever man. She's all yours." The guy spat angrily before disappearing into the sea of people. I felt my high disappear as Corbin roughly grabbed my body and pulled it against his own. Whereas the other man's hands were placed respectfully throughout the entirety of our interaction, Corbin's started to wander seconds after we started dancing. I felt my irritation grow as I struggled to keep his hands out from under my dress.

When I felt a certain something poking me in my back and his hot breath on the intimate area at the base of my throat, I elbowed him in the chest and jerked my body away from his own. Thankfully, Grace saw the entire situation and came to my aid in seconds.

"I'm tired, I think I'm ready to go home now," I told her, hoping my eyes conveyed how I was feeling about the situation with the Alpha's son.

"Jason and I were just thinking the same thing. C'mon, you can give us a ride home," Grace said pointedly while throwing a quick glare at Corbin.

"What? You're leaving?" Corbin questioned, looking slightly angry.

"Yes, I'm tired," I said, only offering that vague explanation before turning and practically sprinting from the dance floor. None of us spoke until we'd broke through the tree line and my car came into sight.