01

The ringing alarm sound woke the beautiful girl up and she opened her eyes one by one only to meet the bright morning light beaming through the window. She rolled onto my side and switched off the alarm.

"Are you up, Esme?" She heard aunty Sarah's voice, who must have sensed the alarm turning off.

"Yes, aunty," the girl said loudly and immediately got off the bed. The morning air was fresh and pleasant and a perfect day for good functions or events to happen. Events reminded her of today's special event. Even though she is prepared for it, it still bothers her and her nervousness is beyond the bars. It is the day of the mating ritual for the unmated werewolves.

Esme Carter was a young, beautiful and intelligent girl. She belongs to the Delta Prowler's pack. She was bestowed with a wolf of her own when she reached 18. And Esme's wolf named herself Poppy. Apparently, that is her favourite flower. Esme had no idea how on earth her wolf got a favourite flower as soon as she was created. Anyways, back to the mating ritual event. Esme was supposed to doll up herself and wear extravagant clothing. But that simply was not her thing. Suppose she wears extravagant branded clothes now and she does find her mate, then what? She cannot deceive him for the rest of their lives. From what she heard and seen, werewolves are supposed to be accepted by their mates for what they truly are regardless of their skin colour, features and social status.

So Esme has decided to dress modestly and with minimal makeup. And she will be given a badge at the ritual venue according to her strength. That was the most concerning topic for her at the moment. She is aware that she is not as strong as she should be. But she can't help it. Continuous heartbreaks from losing her parents to getting abused by her pack, The Delta Prowler's alpha, Ronnie Grayson to living with her parents' friend's place, she was unable to pick herself up and train to be a strong she-wolf.

Esme showered and got ready quickly despite the running thoughts inside her head.

As EsmeI made it to the last few stairs, she heard aunty Sarah and uncle Ben's voices.

"I just pray to the heavens for Charlie and Esme to find their mates."

"Me too. I can't wait for my lovely kids to find their mates and have pups,"

"Gosh, Sarah, they are too young to have pups. Finding their mates is the most important thing right now."

"I am aware of it, Ben. But it is a wish of all mothers, you would not understand it,"

"What's happening there, old people?" Esme heard Charlie's voice now. She made her way to the dining area which is attached to the open kitchen.

Charlie Dixon, aunt Sarah, and uncle Ben's only son. Charlie and Esme practically grew up together but there are times when she wondered if he thinks of her as more than a friend. Because he has been showing some extra sweetness towards her since their teenage years.

"Old? Who's old?" Aunt Sarah shoved the spatula towards Charlie's face. He aced in dodging it. It was purely out of practice. It is not the first time he has riled up aunty and got shoved by a spatula.

"Woah, mom. It is too early in the morning to show off your skills," Charlie said before taking a seat next to uncle Ben at the dining table.

Aunty Sarah was about to make a good comeback but Esme interrupted, "Leave it, Aunty. You know it is not worth it."

"Right, Esme. You are my sweet daughter. Only you understand me," Aunty Sarah said, rubbing Esme's hair softly. Aunt Sarah is really like a mother to Esme. A second mother one could say.

"Sure," they heard Charlie say.

Aunty Sarah let things slide for this moment and they began to arrange the dining table with freshly made pancakes and juices. And began eating.

"So, are you both ready for the ritual?" Uncle Ben asked. Esme silently nodded my head, but Charlie had something to say, "Of course dad. It is no big deal."

"Don't be overconfident Charlie. There will be werewolves from all the packs around here. So be careful and don't get into any trouble," Aunty Sarah tried to put some real sense into Charlie's head. It is true, he does have the habit of getting into trouble. The last thing Aunty and Uncle would want is to hear their son's name on the television for getting into trouble in the mating ritual function. It is a big event and a lot of alphas are going to be present there, so media attention is a must there.

"Yes, mom. I know that. Don't worry. I will come home straight once I find my mate. Okay?" Charlie said. Aunty Sarah nodded her head.

"Don't forget to collect your strength badges at the entrance. And don't lose them. Your identity will also be lost if you lose it," Uncle Ben warned and the young people nodded their heads.

"Make good impressions on your mates,"

"You know that wouldn't really be helpful. Good impression or bad impression, you have to accept your mate," Charlie replied only to get a glare from Aunty Sarah.

"Okay," he said defensively while fake pouting at her. Esme chuckled slightly at their conversation. Charlie is Aunty Sarah's baby boy no matter what. But she still tries to discipline him despite knowing he is not really the rules follower kind of boy.

The breakfast went fairly well after that. It was just mostly Esme ignoring Charlie and aunt and uncle conversing about something else.

"We will wait for the good news," said uncle Ben while aunty Sarah packed them some snacks. Esme could only smile at them. She had no idea if she'll be able to find her mate any time soon.

Charlie brought out uncle Ben's car and Esme hopped onto it. They soon drove away.

"Are you excited?" Charlie asked Esme as they drove on the highway.

"Ah... I don't know," Esme didn't want to stutter and show her nervousness but she couldn't help it.

Charlie simply nodded his head and continued to concentrate on his driving.

"Are you?" Esme asked him curiously.

"Of course, I am. I am definitely going to find a mate today," Charlie replied while grinning at Esme.

"Aren't you a little overconfident?" Charlie raised his brows in a questioning manner, so she gave an explanation, "I mean, you reached 18 before me but you have yet to find your mate. What makes you think that you will find today?"

"We are going to a place where the mating ritual happens. And they do it for a reason, Esme. And that is specifically made for werewolves like us, who are unmated despite reaching the age and getting our wolves. And there will be tons of werewolves from all the packs around the country. So the chances of finding mates are very high." That was a convincing answer to Esme so she nodded her head in agreement.

Esme decided to take a catnap before they reached the venue with the intention of calming her nerves. The rest of the car drive went in silence. Or so she thought. But Charlie kept stealing glances at her from time and time and she could literally feel it.