Hi! This is my first story and I hope you like. I would also like to give a special thank you and shout out to my editor and friend Jillbelina97!
Leila's Pov
"Just keep breathing", I reminded myself. It's finally happening. I have been getting ready all day. I've been preparing for weeks, since I got the letter. No matter what I do to try and relax, my nerves seem to intensify.
Before I go any further I should probably explain a few things. First my name is Leila Moore, I'm 18. I come from a small town in the state New York. The town I come from isn't filled with the taxies, skyscrapers, or New Year's Eve celebrations that you are probably thinking about. Instead there are lakes, lots of trees, and ma and pa shops. Right now it would seem like I'm in a combination of the two. It seems like I couldn't be any farther from home, but that possibly could be the jetlag talking. Right now I'm in a castle somewhere in the middle of Colorado. Ok, so maybe it's not a castle but it's pretty darn close. It's massive. When we first got here I thought it must have been a mix up. But, after reminding myself why I'm here, I guess I should have expected it. Ok I'm not your normal girl, I'm a werewolf. The reason why I'm here, along with eleven other girls, is to find are mates. But, the guys who are supposedly our mates aren't exactly your normal werewolf either, but rather alphas. There a lot of packs on the continent of North America and not just one pack where the alpha reigns supreme. Now, some packs are stronger or have more members than others, but it's pretty regulated. Sorry back to why I'm here. So, basically, the twelve girls and I are supposedly the mates of the twelve alphas that are either about to take over the Alpha position from their fathers or just started and need their mate. Now you probably have an idea why I'm so nervous. "Fifth teen minute's girls!" called a woman from outside my door. Great fifth teen minutes until I have to walk into a room filled with the alphas. The funny thing is that I thought I could classify what I was feeling before as fear, what that women just said makes me want to run and hide. Now, yes I could meet my mate, the love of my life but, what if he rejects me? That would be so humiliating! Right now I'm just standing in front of the full length mirror just scrutinizing every detail from my shoes, to the lilac color dress I'm wearing, even the way my hair falls down my shoulders. I'm in a gown because this event is very formal. I guess I should try that deep breathing thing again.
Colton's Pov
I was in the room with all the other alphas. They figured we would all talk and get to know each other. Well, they were completely wrong. Literally, apart from three guys who were talking because their packs' territories neighbor one another, which I only found out because of my wolf hearing, we're just standing here. Every one of us is trying to look tougher than the next. By standing tall and having their arms over their chest as attempt to flex their muscles. I just rolled my eyes at how childish there acting. Then again I'm naturally intimidating with me having a taller than six foot frame and strong build. Although, I have to admit I am still a bit nervous. In a matter of minutes, I might be about to meet the women who I'm destined to be with. I'm not scared she will reject me, but that I will have to reject her. Yes, that did just sound really cocky. Being an alpha I have standards and a reputation I need to up hold. I can't have a mate who is a skank or some whiney brat. All of us guys are dressed in suits; some you can tell have never worn one before. Again I find myself rolling my eyes. I want my mate. That's why I'm here. It feels weird thinking that thought, because not too long ago I couldn't have cared less if I found her or not. It wasn't until my younger siblings found their mates that I realized I needed her. I wanted someone to love, protect, and care for. Someone I could trust and vice versa. That's why I want them to hurry up. I want to start my life already. "They will be down shortly", announced one of the hosts. "About time", I thought to myself. On that note we all got up and made a line in the middle of the room. Once the doors opened you could smell the fear radiating off the girls. I almost let out a growl. I was about to ask my wolf what his problem is until it hits me. This lovely aroma of lavender and vanilla fills my nostrils. In my head I heard the word "mates". So she is here! And the reason why my wolf is mad is because she is scared. To put it bluntly he didn't like that thought, which I naturally agreed with. Even though I know she isn't in any danger, I still keep getting the urge to find the girl with the best scent I have ever smelled. Even though I still haven't seen her, I just want to run up and wrap my arms around her to calm her down. Well, I guess that escalated rather quickly. The girls were still filling in, and I could tell none of them were her. I lowered my head waiting until she entered. She was going to be the last one in, I could tell. The scent became even stronger and I couldn't stop myself before my eyes had darted up and immediately found hers. She had the lightest green eyes that sparkled from the several candles and lights around us. I slowly started taking her in. She had fair skin with lightly red tinted lips. They were in the shape of a smile, but you could tell it wasn't fully genuine and it only proved when I looked back in her eyes. We hadn't made eye contact yet it seemed like she was sizing me up as well. She had light brown hair that seems to cascade down her shoulders ending slightly before the middle of her back. She was a little on the petite side, probably around five feet five inches. I couldn't be happier. She was like and angel, my angel. I then realized how big my smile was. Well, so much for looking intimidating.
Leila's Pov
When they first opened the doors I got the trace of his scent. Being at the back of the line and not even in the room yet, he smelled like the forest, but in a good way. It reminded me of home as well. His smell alone would have calmed me down, and it almost worked too, if I hadn't heard what I presumed was growl. I almost didn't hear it even with my advanced hearing. I knew it came from him even though I hadn't even laid eyes on him, yet. That growl just opened up a floodgate to even more worries in my mind. I guess he could smell me from here, but I don't really know what my scent is. And I'm so nervous, who knows what he's smelling at this point? There's no way he could have seen me either, so why is he upset? Maybe he isn't patient? I guess I could get over that flaw. Great I'm next to walk through the door, where's the nearest exit? "Deep breaths," I kept reminding myself. Never mind this isn't working. "Just do what your mom said before you left", commented my wolf, who was about to burst with anticipation and was trying to take control. Once I realized what she was trying to do, I wasn't going to give her that chance. But, I did take her advice and followed what my mom had instructed and smiled. Well, it wasn't genuine because of all the nerves, but it's the best I can do. When my turn finally came I quickly lowered my eyes to avoid falling or tripping. Luck was on my side and I took my place next to another girl. I could feel his eyes on me, but I kept my gaze on nothing in particular. Well, that was until I couldn't bear it anymore and looked at him. To put it simply he was a god. He had somewhat long dark brown hair with matching eyes. But to me they weren't intimidating rather welcoming. I somehow was able to look away from his eyes and I then noticed he had slightly tanned skin, but what really grabbed my attention was how tall he was. He has to be at least six five. But he also looked strong and toned. My wolf and I were ecstatic to have such a god-like creature as a mate! Then my mind started to wonder and fill with questions. "Would he feel the same way about me?" "Does he like my dress?" I also couldn't stop wondering about the growl from earlier. I stopped gazing and turned my attention to the floor. I could hear one of the hosts announcing all of us, but I just wanted to run like earlier. I knew he wouldn't pick me in the end. I was just going to stand here and have to wait for him to reject me. My wolf was whimpering, luckily no one was able to hear it. They had just said my name when I saw him move a little out of the corner of my eye. It was like he was snapped back into reality. They then started reading the alphas' names off, but I zoned out for most of them. I just wanted to get this over with.
Colton's Pov
She was stunning! We, my wolf and I, couldn't believe how beautiful our little mate was, but, something was bothering her, I could tell. She wouldn't make eye contact with me and I don't think she even noticed my smile. "Did she not like me?" a voice in my head asked. Something told me it wasn't about my appearance though. When I saw her look down at the ground, it was like a stab to the chest. I wanted her to be happy and I am going to do everything in my power to make her happy regardless of what it is. They started reading off names in the order of were the girls were standing. "Leila Moore" was read off the list by one of the hosts. When I heard her name it only seemed to make my smile bigger. I love her name. It seems it would suit her well. I shifted though, trying to keep my wolf from running over there and seeing what was wrong. I would have let him, but it would not have been appropriate if I had. We'd figure out soon enough. Eventually they started calling the guys names off and they came to mine. I saw her shift a little, but she kept her eyes on the floor. Once they finished the names and some other reminders we could go introduce ourselves. That moment seemed to become further and further away because they kept talking. When they did finish though it seemed like a matter of milliseconds before almost all the guys were on the other side of the room with their mates. Because I was so much taller than her, my shadow seemed to cover her small frame. She was oblivious to me when I was in front of her. She looked like she was lost in thought, so I put my hand under her chin lightly, slowly bringing her gaze to mine. It was impossible to ignore the tingles shooting through my hand, which only caused the smile from earlier to return to my face.
Leila's Pov
After I heard his name I zoned out completely. I didn't know what happened after the announcements and names. I only knew that my mate was going to reject me as soon as he could. So I was grateful when there seemed to be a large amount of announcements. But, they still seemed to end too quickly. I was snapped back to reality by the feeling of tingles and a warm hand under my chin, slowly bringing my gaze up. I obviously knew who it was right away because of the tingles. When our eyes met though, I saw emotions in his eyes that I wasn't expecting to see. Happiness and joy also there was a little concern, but mostly love? I must be losing it. But, before I could protest anymore he spoke. "Hello, I think we're mates". I then noticed his warm smile.
