Chosen

1

When I woke up on my eighteenth birthday, I waited for the feeling of excitement to die down before I got out of bed. Today would be the start of a new life for me. Starting today, I would be able to sense my Mate. According to Lycan science, once the body reaches the proper age for reproduction -usually eighteen, but sometimes as young as sixteen - the Lycan gene will search out for its Mate, its perfect match. I hadn't felt any significant change when I'd turned sixteen, but this morning I could feel my blood thrumming, searching, calling out for someone else. I was finally ready to meet my Mate.

Because the genes purpose is to promote reproduction while the Lycan was young and fertile, it was very easy to find one's Mate. Unless a Lycan was prone to moving around a lot -I had never left my hometown- their mate could usually be found within a week. Lycans that traveled a lot could have a harder time, as their destined match was most likely back where that Lycan had first been born. But as I had never moved from my childhood home, I knew my Mate was either in this pack, or in the neighboring one. Either way, it wouldn't be too hard to find him.

As I got ready, brushing my waist-length red hair, I took a hard look at myself in the mirror. I was small, standing at five-two on a good day, and as thin as a waif, no matter how much I ate. My father had always been terrified for me due to my size and stature, so he'd always argued against training me. This left me weak, another strike against me. And since I'd been forbidden to train, I'd had little in common with the other kids growing up, and thus spent most of my time indoors, reading, sewing, painting, or baking. I would have made a good pack cook if there wasn't already one. As it was, I usually helped Mrs. Reed prepare the meals at the pack house, but the woman was a control freak and usually gave me the most mundane, simplest tasks to complete. Nothing very fulfilling.

I could only hope that when I met my mate, I would finally feel like I had a purpose.

The smell of waffles coaxed me out into the kitchen, where I found Mrs. Reed cooking up a storm. If I was a bit more self-centered, I'd think the spread was for me.

"Are we expecting company?"

Mrs. Reed gave a start. "Cheese and crackers! Girl, you gave me a fright!" She took a moment to steady her heart before answering. "Yes, yes, there are supposed to be visitors from the Black Moon pack coming today. Alpha Reynolds didn't give me a definitive time, but I figured I should have something out if they decide to come early." She shot me a reproachful look. "I would've enjoyed some help, but someone was sleeping. I know it's your birthday, but it doesn't mean you get to slack off."

I apologized and promised to help as soon as I finished my breakfast. I made to grab an apple and a glass of water, but Mrs. Reed pushed those away and placed a plate of waffles, bacon, and eggs along with a cup of hot chocolate in front of me. I knew better than to acknowledge the kind gesture, but I sent a smile towards the older woman anyway. A slight twitch of the lips was the only response I got.

When I finished, I placed my utensils in one of three dishwashers and grabbed my apron. It was something I'd fashioned myself and included detachable sleeves and a million pockets. At first, Mrs. Reed had scoffed at the thing, but as time went on, I'd noticed the older woman eyeing the thing in a different light. When I had made a custom apron for her last Christmas, the woman hadn't shown any indication of being pleased with her gift, but she'd worn it every day since.

I got to work on the desserts, knowing that Mrs. Reed at least trusted me with that task. By noon I had made two cheesecakes, three different batches of cupcakes, a sour dough pound cake, and was just finishing a batch of chocolate chip cookies when my father came in.

"Lily-bug! I was wondering where you were; should've known I'd find you here. Happy birthday!" My father enveloped me in a massive bear hug, squeezing the air out of my lungs. I'd only just muttered out a thank you before father was off again. "You can't stay cooped up in here all day! Come, your mother has prepared a lovely gathering at home for you." I nodded and went to ask Mrs. Reed if it was alright that I left. The woman only nodded me off, saying I needed some social interaction. 

A/N: So, apparently I can't finish one story without starting another. I've been writing this one for a while and it's pretty simple and it may be a little short, but it's sweet and I liked it, so I wanted to share it. Hope you like it!