Save Me

CHAPTER 29: JAMES

Liam's POV

We've been at the mate ball for about forty minutes now, and a fated pair already found each other.

Immediately after my father's speech, there was a commotion on both ends of the tent. Twen jumped, clearly startled by the sudden noise. His breathing quickened as he scanned the area anxiously. I squeezed his hand, hoping to capture his attention and ease his nerves. "It's okay. Nothing bad is happening," I reassured him when he turned to me.

"Look," I whispered. He turned to where I pointed and saw a pack member of the Graybacks, his wolf instincts evident as he sniffed the air and scanned the area with urgency. Twen then looked on the opposite side and saw a girl named Lexi, whom I had seen in the kitchen a few times. She, too, was reacting the same. A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes followed their movements. We all understood what was happening. I looked around, and everyone was staring with a smile; some even had tears in their eyes.

To someone unfamiliar with our world, our reactions might appear exaggerated or even insane. If I were them, I'd probably feel the same way.

I glanced at Twen, and he no longer looked scared; instead, his eyes were wide open, filled with curiosity. His gaze darted between the two mates. I'm sure he questioned the scene unfolding before us and the reactions of those around us. When the two reached the edge of the dance floor, everyone gasped and shrieked with excitement. The pair held eye contact as they slowly closed the distance between them until they met at the center of the dance floor. The guy took Lexi's hand, intertwining their fingers. Laughter echoed between the two as they exchanged smiles, the joy of the moment plastered on their radiant expressions.

"Mate," they both said in unison. They embraced each other, inciting cheers and applause from their audience. Turning to Twen again, I sensed he finally knew what was happening. He stared at the couple with widened eyes and a slightly elevated breath; I could tell he realized the significance of the moment the pair had shared. Feeling my gaze on him, he turned and met my eyes, a smile forming on his lips and instantly looking away.

My father and Alpha Grayback both congratulated the new pair and each other. After finding one another, they will decide which pack they will live in. Though typically, the girl goes to their mate's pack. There have been a few occasions where the guy moved, but it rarely happens. We will likely be the ones to lose a pack member, but who knows, we may gain some new ones as well.

So far, the mate ball is going smoothly; there hasn't been a rogue sighting yet, and we already have a fated couple. In the last mate ball, there were no pairings. It was disappointing and devastating for those who attended, myself included. It's unsurprising, though; for some people, their fated mates won't always be close. Some have to go out into the world, outside their packs, and search for their fated mates.

I peeked over at Twen and cleared my throat to draw his attention. He turned toward me and stared with his head slightly tilted. "What do you think?" I asked. "T-There's so much to look at," he started as a smile formed on his face. "Silvermore hasn't stopped talking since we arrived."

I smiled, "Really? What is he saying?"

"Um...he thinks it's great...but a little crazy." He shifted his eyes and then looked back at me again. I stared at him, a little surprised, but then laughed. I think this was the first time he'd been so honestly unfiltered. I was happy to know he felt comfortable sharing his thoughts openly.

"Yeahhh, I told you my mother was going all out. Don't get me wrong; the Mate ball has always been a grand event, but this," I said as I looked into the event, "is even bigger than we've ever had before."

Before I could say anything else, a bell rang out. "What is that?" asked Twen. I sighed in relief, "That's to let us know we can get food and just in time because I'm starving. Are you ready to eat?" He vigorously nodded his head. "You just wait here, and I'll be back." I stood up, and as I was about to leave, I felt a tug on my suit. I turned around, and Twen had grabbed a hold of me and anxiously stared.