Mated

Four

To humans, this whole throwing your daughter at a guy she just met and letting her dropout of college thing would probably sound a little deranged. Good thing we aren't human.

The going away ceremony was the equivalent of a 'hey you got our girl pregnant out of wedlock and to make things right you're getting married' kind of thing. Except in our world, it wasn't considered a marriage until sealed with the Mating Ceremony and followed by consummation.

With a shaking hand, I clasped the railing as I descended the steps. I tugged at the hem of the lilac dress I wore. Below me stood and sat a few members of our pack. The women who were part of the crowd gathered on one side of the room, but I spotted my sister Tami with our mother standing a few feet away from our father, who waited at the bottom of the stairs.

All eyes were on me as I took my father's hand and he turned to speak to everyone. "My youngest daughter, Malia Pierce. The last-born Luna of our bloodline." He looked to my left and I noticed James had made his way to stand next to me, his crisp button up brushing against my bare arm.

My heart skipped a beat at his proximity, and I felt my wolf prick up, noticing it too. He was so close, the satisfying smell of him and his wolf made me want to lean into him. My father stepped between us and planted a hand on his shoulder.

"James Evers, and his mate, Malia. I announce your unity." Some people clapped while others whooped and cheered. And with that, my dad stepped back and pushed us toward each other—literally.

"Oomph." I immediately clamped my hands on James' arms to steady myself which instinctively wrapped around me. I tried to ignore the unexpected flutter in my heart. Mom rushed over and snapped a picture of us before he had a chance to push me away. Which he did. Still my arms tingled where his fingers had been.

"Congrats, Alpha," someone said, patting him on the back and smiling at us. James glanced down at me and turned his back to speak to my parents. Thankfully, Raquel made her way toward me and pulled me away from the crowd.

"I got you something," she smiled, handing me a white box. The ceremony itself was over and transitioned into a reception, though people were already leaving. My mind went to the bags I had packed, knowing I would be leaving shortly. Yet another rule I was expected to follow. There can't be more than one Alpha in a pack anyway, so I would be the one to leave.

"I told you not to get me anything," I said but lifted the lid to the box. I quickly placed it back over the opening when I saw its contents: lace panties and bras expertly tucked inside. "What is this?!"

"Abuela told me that they were the greatest gift I could give you."

"Your grandma is crazy," I hissed, remembering that Ray's grandmother gave me a jar of claws for my birthday once. She was a palm reader who claimed to have premonitions of future events. She told me it was a gift of protection. I was a terrified six year old that day

"Hey! I was just doing what she asked, she said they'd come in handy. Don't shoot the messenger." She held up a hand in surrender but I could tell she was enjoying the moment.

"Just tell her I said thank you." It was my birthday after all.

Ray's mate, Rich, came up to us, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Malia, congratulations," he nodded.

"Thanks," I mumbled, looking around. More people slowly cleared out of the tight space of the foyer while others hung back and snagged more of the bite-sized hor d'oeuvres decorating the kitchen table and counters. I noticed my parents still stood with James. My dad looked stern and was deep in conversation. Mom caught me looking their way and shot me a quick, reassuring smile. James nodded his head respectfully at every word my dad said but I could tell by his stiffness that he was uncomfortable with the conversation. I knew I shouldn't but I let my ears pick up his response to something my father asked.