The Sigma's Reluctant Mate novel Chapter 3

“What do you think your wolf will look like, Zara?” Sylvie turns around and asks, her brown eyes sparkling in the evening light.

“Oh, I hadn’t even thought about it.” I put my finger to my lip, contemplating the idea. Mom’s wolf is dark russet brown and Dad’s wolf is a dark gray, “I guess she will be a dark color, but I’m not worried about that. I just want her to be nice.”

“Don’t worry, Z. The Moon Goddess chooses the wolf that’s right for each of us.” Liam takes my hand and kisses it reassuringly. “Whatever she looks like, I’m sure she’ll be as beautiful as you.”

My concerns about yesterday and this morning fade away as we get closer to Emerald Mountain pack territory. I can’t believe after six years of dating, we are finally on our way to our pack’s Mating Gathering to find out if we’re destined mates. There’s no way we’re not. I can’t imagine being with anyone other than Liam.

“Z, in less than three hours, you’re gonna be eighteen. How does it feel?” Mark looks back at me, trying to put the incident from earlier behind us.

“Will you guys ever let it go that I’m the youngest?” I try to sound offended, but I can’t help myself and laugh.

“No!” They all respond in unison and laugh playfully.

“And we’ll never let you forget that you’re the shortest, either.” Sylvie winks at me.

“Or the smartest, Miss Valedictorian.” Mark holds up his finger in the air like he has an idea.

“Or the hardest working, Miss Full Ride Scholarship.” Liam leans in and nudges me.

We continue chatting for the half-hour walk to the gate. The guard checks our names off the list and lets us through. He points to a path through the woods that is lit by pretty little twinkle lights and soft music playing in the distance. Combined with a gentle warm breeze in the late July evening, it creates a romantic ambiance.

Mark and Sylvie walk ahead of us, playfully pawing at each other, laughing, and giving each other little kisses. Liam and I walk hand-in-hand, in comfortable silence, until we reach a large meadow with tables set up under hundreds of twinkle lights. Sylvie and Mark wave us over to their table.

“Smile you two!” Sylvie says, holding up a Polaroid camera. Before the picture fully develops, Liam picks up a pen and writes in the little white space: ‘destined mates. can’t wait to be w/ u forever’. I look at the developing picture. I’m looking at the camera, but Liam is looking at me. He takes a picture with his phone and sends it to me as a text.

“In case we forget to come back for it later.” Liam whispers against my ear. “Who knows what will happen at midnight?”

I can’t stop smiling at the picture until Liam pokes me in the side and points to a stage where Alpha and Luna Williams are standing. Everyone else takes notice and quiets down, giving them our full attention.

“Hello Everyone, welcome to the Emerald Mountain Mating Gathering. With the kickoff of this event and with the blessings of the Moon Goddess, we are looking forward to the beginning of fruitful mating season.” Alpha Williams greets us with a warm smile. He and Luna Williams give us instructions on where to stand when dinner finishes and tell us all what to expect at midnight when the moon is at its peak.