Emperor's Pet

Mate Race

Doom. This is what it feels like this morning. When I went into the kitchen with my parents it was quiet. No one said a word to me or to each other. We all know what going on today and we all know I don't like it. But I just want Dad to put a stop to it all. He has that power to do so. Apparently I need to get a mate to join the packs together for more reinforcements against the vampires. The silence is killing me though because it's not normal for us. Is this really how it's going to be?

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" I proclaim, not looking up from the table. Silence.

"Why aren't you talking to me?" I asked. My eyes wander up to my parents eyes filled with guilt.

"We meant to honey, but we didn't know how. We're sincerely sorry we didn't tell you ahead of time" Dad apologized. I can't be mad at them for it. They want to keep everyone safe including me but they hurt me while doing so. So they can't win for losing.

"Its okay. I know you mean well", I sigh. Mom came over and hugs me from behind.

"Thanks, Sweety. But look on the bright side of things. They're both good looking for a beautiful girl like you. Also if you out run them and don't get caught by one of them within thirty minutes, you don't have to be mated to them. Right, Dean", Mom kissed my forehead. My face lit up at what my Mom was saying. Only if I don't get caught within thirty minutes. That's great. Now I know my goal for the race. Out running my two pursuers for thirty minutes.

"Well they didn't say nothing in the agreement about that. Just that there will be a Mate Race with its timing and callings. So I don't see why not. There doesn't have to be mates involved just a bond", Dad smiles at me. I smile too with happiness of having a way out of this.

......

Once ready for the Mate Race, we head out to the Evergreen Forest. It's pretty far away from our village compared to where our mud sliding hill is. So instead of going on foot, which would take longer, we shift to wolf form! I'm sorry for being all cheerful and all with everything happening. But seeing my parents wolf forms are making my inner wolf excited. I haven't seen them as a wolf for a very long time since they are busy taking care of our people. The wolves that are coming of our village is the guards and one of our finest Betas. Though we only have two and three guards coming along.

"Let's move out!" My Dad announced. We all start to run together as a little pack.

In a flash, we arrive at the Evergreen Forest. The most glorious place with many hiding places. Let me explain my reasoning for this statement. On the way here I've came up with a plan. Remember when I said speed isn't my advantage? Yeah. So I'm just gonna rely on my intelligence and strategies. Step one, cover up my scent by rolling in mud and leaves. Step two, hide in a secluded area where they wouldn't check twice to find me. It's bullet proof maybe even perfect if I say so myself. My wolf eyes widen at the number of mountain wolves there are. I don't know why I'm surprised they live close by from here. A small group of the swamp land wolves stand by waiting for the race to begin. They all stand there in human form making Slade and Nathaniel stick out. Their already in wolf form? Truly, I haven't ever been to a Mate Race. This is my first time experiencing this. But, I never imaged me being in one. I was about to shift back until someone's hand touched my back. It was my Mom in human form crouching next to me.

"Stay in this form until the end of the race. I wish you the bestest of luck, sweetie", she whispers to me. She pulled me into a hug before kissing me between my dark brown eyes. My Mom directed me to where I need to stand. I trotted over to my spot where all eyes were put on me. This is very awkward for me. It's not the normal take a look and blink. No, this is full on stare into your soul. Okay maybe I'm just exaggerating a little because I had never had that much attention.

"You feeling okay, Princess?" Slade's voice spoke. I turn my head to Slade that is sitting down next to Nathaniel.

"I'm fine and don't call me princess!" I rolled my eyes at him. He only laughed before standing up and walking off. Nathaniel hasn't said a word or even looked at me. His pitch black fur looked like the night sky with no stars. Just darkness....

"The sun is now high in the sky. We will now proceed with the Mate Race", My Dad informed,"To those who are new to the Mate Races. This is how it works. Once I've given the signal to start the race. The female gets a head start for twenty seconds before I let the males go. If the female gets captured by one of the males. There for she is now his mate for life til' death due them part. But if the males don't succeed to catch her in thirty minutes. She is not mated to either one and only a bond is left between the packs"

Everybody nodded there heads at each other except for this one scary looking guy. Apparently he isn't happy with this original tradition. It appears he is a swamp land wolf with his gloomy features. Wait. Could that be? No. It can't be him from my father's stories. The man totally looks like the description Dad told me. But how can this be? Is that the former Alpha of all wolves before they disbanded into four packs?!