Third Chance Mate

5. The Night Of Red Moon

Finally, the long-anticipated day had arrived, and I had spared no effort in preparing myself for it.

If this is the day I find my Mate, I want to look my best, I've read that no one can resist a mate link, and I have a feeling I'll find him today.

I wore a red dress since it is a tradition in our pack for all unmated she-wolves to wear red dresses and show up in the ground to glorify and give meaning to the night.

I let my hair down in its natural waves and put on some makeup to draw attention to my features.

I can boldly state that I look better even without makeup than those phony dolls in my pack, but I don't show it since I believe that only my Mate deserves to witness my inner beauty.

Well, I thought about Edward specifically, but right now I don't care who it is; whoever it is, I'm going to embrace him as my destined Mate, whom the moon goddess has chosen for me.

While I had initially envisioned Edward as my future Mate, the recent sightings of him with Charlotte and that one heart-wrenching kiss had cast doubts in my heart.

I'm not sure what I want anymore; the thought of envisioning myself with someone else from my pack disgusts me, but on the other hand, I want to experience the magical effect that everyone describes.

I want to know what it's like to have a mate, and I picture how much he will cherish me every day.

After that, I won't have to see my parents again. They don't want me, so I think it's better if I don't see them again, and I hope they forget they ever had a daughter that brought them shame.

To add a bit of height and stability, I slipped into some high heels to complement my red dress. The addition of red lipstick perfectly matched my attire and enhanced my look for the evening, giving my dark eyes an irresistible allure.

I sneaked towards the back door, well aware that if my mother caught me in the act, I would undoubtedly face her disapproval. She wanted me to find a Mate, but she wouldn't allow me to go to the grounds or even talk to another male. If I do, she stares disgustingly at me, which I can't stand, so I prefer to stay alone or I'll be punished for something I have no control over.

I know she'll see me on the ground regardless, but at least she won't be able to say anything to me in front of everyone.

She had taken my brothers with her earlier this evening, telling them how they would find their mates there, but like every year, I wanted to go with them, and I didn't even bother to ask them why because it was evident they didn't want to take me.

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I paused in front of the venue, debating if I should go inside or return from there. If I walk inside and find my Mate, I'll be able to deal with my parents, but if I don't, I'm not sure how I'll deal with them again.

I gave my ideas some time to process, and I concluded that the risk was worthwhile, so I took a deep breath and embraced myself to confront whatever would happen inside.

I've never seen what the 'Union' ground looks like in person, so this will be my first time seeing everything.

So, if I haven't been here, how come I know so much about it?

We have a class in school that is dedicated to the mating process and how things are done. I suppose that's everyone's favorite subject because everyone, as teenagers, is eager to learn about the Mates and their attractions. Every day, I'd daydream about the moment I'd find my Mate.

Upon entering, I was met with applause and excitement from the gathered crowd, cheering on their children, siblings, and friends. Quietly, I slipped into a corner to remain out of sight. The 'Union ground' was akin to a massive stadium with a central stage. In the middle, royal chairs were arranged in a circle for Alpha Brad Hudson, Luna Lilly Hudson, and their son Edward, who was set to become the new Alpha. Nearby were the Beta and his wife, along with Omega's family, including my parents and brothers, Skylar and Lance.

No one under the age of fifteen is allowed inside the grounds because mating events are considered intimate in our world, and children aren't allowed because they aren't of the age to witness, but anyone over the age of fifteen is allowed to gain some experience before arriving at the age. I think that makes sense, but I haven't been welcomed here yet.

I'm curious what my parents would have told everyone if they had questioned my absence from the celebration.

My mind raced through the reasons why my brothers, Lance and Skylar, haven't found their soul mates even though they are both 21 and 20 years old.

I kept glancing at everyone who was preoccupied with their own business. Amidst these thoughts, I observed the wolves around me, anticipating the moment the night's significance would manifest.

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The significance of this night is that the full moon in the sky turns crimson, and an ombré of colors surrounds us not only on this land but throughout the realm.

When the mates are revealed, everyone stands in the center of the ground, and the moon shines, revealing the picture of their mates that only the respective individuals can see. For everyone else, even if they have found their mates, the moon seems to be a red ball of fire.

I'm not sure if I'll see my Mate's reflection on the moon, but I'm confident that if I'm destined to be someone's Mate here, my Mate will recognize me and find me.

The announcement called for all unmated wolves to seek their Alpha and Luna's blessings, and everyone began to form lines to receive their blessings.

I braced myself once again and stood, attracting the attention of a few individuals around me.

As I neared my parents, my heart raced. I was the second to leave the line, and my mother's voice called out in surprise, "Astrid?" She approached me, a hint of anger in her eyes. "What are you doing here, Astrid, and why are you wearing a red dress?"

I knew she wanted to yell at me, but she was holding back since she noticed everyone's focus was on us.

"Yes, Mom, I'm here to find my Mate; wasn't that what you asked of me?" I merely inquired of her.

"But you're not even of the age," she gritted her teeth.

"What are you and Astrid talking about, Nolan?" Luna Lizzy inquired.

Even though she is human, everyone respects her status. I expect my Mate to treat me the same way.

"Oh, nothing," she said, shaking her head.

Mom would have wanted to state that I wasn't of the age, but for some inexplicable reason, she stood silent, which bothered me more.

"Let it loose, Nolan, let the kids have their time," she said to Mom beside her, and they both began talking about something, but my attention was drawn to Edward, who was anxiously standing in the center, waiting for the moon to shine, and I began walking in his direction.

I could feel my parents' agonizing glare digging a hole in my back, but I didn't care about the consequences.

I remained in the center, wondering if my Mate would find me today.

Soon after, a howl was heard, and the atmosphere began to change colors, with a yellowish hue surrounding us that was gradually turning orange with time.

When a bright light appeared in the center, everyone transformed into wolves and howled at the moon.

A few of them wasted no time in claiming other she-wolves as their mates, but I didn't notice any difference and continued to stare at the moon.

I felt uneasy and humiliated standing among other wolves, and because I was the only one in human form, I was aware that I was the center of attention for everyone.

I continued shifting my attention from the crimson moon to the other wolves, waiting for someone to approach me, but soon everyone was claiming others as their mates.

I was on the edge of sobbing when I saw that everyone had found their mates.

Soon after, the last one standing went and licked another she-wolf, and no one approached me.

If I hadn't been observing myself, I would have expected someone to claim me as their Mate, but no one did.

I became dissatisfied and began to leave. Suddenly, I felt the light shine even more, and I could see an image beginning to form on the moon, eventually turning into a distinct picture.

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