I barged right through the open door of Christopher’s house, making him to jump up from the couch with fright. Once he saw it was me, his face turned into an apologetic expression.
“Diana, I-“
A smile lit my face and I ran to Christopher. Once I was right in front of him I jumped, my hands immediately going around his neck while my legs snaked around his waist.
“Don’t apologize.” I whispered. “I’m an emotional wreck who cries over every little thing and overreacts. Come to think of it, all I do is cry. I need to be tough and strong like a Luna, so from this day on, I shall never shed a tear.”
He chuckled while his arms held my waist to support my weight. “Was it hard to say that?”
“Oh yeah, definitely.”
He smirked as he stood there, still supporting my weight. Geeze, wasn’t I going to break his hip or something?
“Did something happen to you to make you so confident? I miss my shy Diana.”
I nodded as a bright smile formed on my lips. “Yes sir, Alfred happened.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Alfred? What did he do this time?”
“Well,” I started. “It so happens that he’s Grace’s mate.”
His smirk returned. “So no more problems from Alfred? I now get you to myself?”
I nodded but was soon cut off by his lips pressing against mine. At first I was surprised by his movements, but I soon gave in, allowing our lips to move in sync.
A want grew inside of me. I wanted him, needed him. I couldn’t live without him. I needed him before I disappeared from his life to leave with Paul. I needed to feel complete.
My back was soon pressed against the cold surface of the wall. Since when did that happen?
He deepened the kiss, making me feel pleasure. This was torture, I needed him, badly. I felt that if I didn’t I would soon explode.
A wave of heat coursed through me, receiving a gasp to escape my lips.
I broke the kiss and pressed my forehead against Christopher’s. We were both out of breath, breathing heavily. I never thought I could be so bold? It feels like ever since I met Christopher, I’ve been stronger. My wolf stopped invading my mind, my feelings became pin point, and my personality has changed.
“We need to stop.” I breathed. “That was escalating, fast.”
He nodded in agreement, but I could still see the lust in his eyes. “Sorry…I just needed you.”
I smiled. “Same here. I felt like I was about to explode.”
He let me down gently, allowing my feet to make contact with the floor. “Looks like our bond is strengthening.”
I smiled up at him. “I love you Christopher. Always remember that.”
He searched my eyes for a moment as if looking for something, then he smiled.
“I love you Diana.”
One Week Later
Tonight was the night. My last night with Christopher, the ball. I promised myself I would make this night worth replaying in my mind when I would yearn for my mate. I would make this night the best night of my life, as if the world was ending.
Well, my world was ending.
I sat on the couch, wearing the beige dress that reached my feet while my hair was curled. Kate, Melanie, and Grace, who had befriended the group faster than I thought, had picked me up a dress and did my hair and makeup before leaving to get ready themselves. Like Kate had said, I looked like one hot tomali.
I didn’t even notice when Christopher entered the room wearing a suit with his hair combed.
“Wow, you look breathtaking.”
I blushed and stood before being enveloped into a hug.
“Why thank you sir. You look quite handsome yourself.”
He laughed before pecking my lips and pulling away. That’s when I noticed the car keys.
I frowned. “We’re leaving? But I thought the ball started in two hours.”
“I’m sorry Diana, but I have alpha business to handle before the party. I called Melanie and Brent to pick you up. I promise I’ll meet you there.”
“But, shouldn’t I be with you?”
He shook his head. “This isn’t the usually business, it’s more, private. I’m sorry.”
I shook my head and smiled gently. “No, it’s fine. But you owe me.”
His face lit up in delight. “How about a dance.”
“That’d be splendid.”
He gave me one last peck before heading to the door. “I love you.” He whispered before exiting.
I sighed and slumped on the couch. This isn’t how I imagined the day would start. Why would he have business today? Out of the whole year, it just had to be today!
I looked down at my feet. This wasn’t how my last night was supposed to be.
A cold chill swallowed me, making me shiver. My eyes immediately snapped to the thermostat.
It was eighty degrees. Why was it so cold?
My heart clenched at sudden realization. This couldn’t happen now.
I jumped from the sofa and ran to the door, swinging it open and allowing the crisp air to hit my face. Standing there was Paul in a suit, smiling with a single rose in his hand.
What was he doing here? I had until tomorrow evening before I had to leave. How did he even get past Christopher’s border watch?
I slowly walked to him. “What are you doing here Paul? I have until tomorrow.”
“Wow,” he said, ignoring my question. “You look beautiful.”
“Answer the question!” I hissed. I was tired of his games.
He shook his head. “Diana, tonight was the deadline. You have no more time.”
“No, it’s not.”
“I’m afraid so. Tonight is the seventh night.”
My heart clenched. It couldn’t be. I swear I had more time.
“I have more time.” I whispered as my eyes grew wide. “This was supposed to be the best night of my life.”
I felt Paul’s hand skim my cheek. “Come on Diana, it’s time to go.”
I looked into Paul’s eyes which held love and compassion. It made me sick. But in order to keep my pack safe, I had to leave with him.
I took his hand which was extended towards me. He then began to pull us along. But before we left the property, I looked back at the open door.
I’m sorry Christopher, please forgive me.
When we entered the forest, I didn’t cry. I stayed strong and held my head up high.
After all, I promised Christopher I wouldn’t shed a tear, and he was my world.
** Christopher’s POV **
The ball room was set up perfectly, and the Alphas and Lunas of surrounding packs seemed to be enjoying themselves while their packs either danced or chatted. But it was mostly the men of the packs using pickup lines on the women in mine.
I chuckled and turned my gaze to Alfred. Usually we would butt heads, but not anymore. I had no reason to. He had found his mate, who he was dancing with, which was Diana’s best friend. He would no longer mess with my mate.
“Um, Alpha Thatcher?” A shy voice squeaked.
I looked down at a young girl fiddling with the hem of her dress. I instantly recognized her as Alpha Jonson’s youngest daughter, Kiki.
“Yes sweety?
Her face turned red as a fire truck as she turned from my gaze, earning a chuckle to escape my lips.
“Um, I was wondering if you would touch my hand.”
I cocked my eyebrow. “Why would you ask that?”
“Well, I haven’t found my mate, and mommy says I’m too young. But then I heard that you haven’t found yours either, so I was wondering if I would feel those shocks with you.”
I smiled and knelt down, taking her small hand in my own. She instantly frowned and I knew why. No shocks.
“No shocks.” She mumbled.
“I’m sorry princess, but I have already found my mate. In fact, you might actually meet her when she arrives. But I’ll tell you what. Since your mate is most likely here today, I’ll dance with you to make him jealous.”
Kiki broke into a grin. “Okay! A dance! I’ll be right back!”
And with that, she scampered off.
“Congratulations Alpha, you broke my daughters heart and mended it with one sentence. You have quite the silver tongue.”
I stood and turned to Alpha Jonson. “Alpha, I am pleased you could make it.” I said as I nodded with respect.
He slapped my back in a brotherly manner. “Now now Christopher! We’re all friends here! Now, where’s that mate of yours, I haven’t had the pleasure to meet her.”
I broke into a toothy grin. “I promise George, you’ll meet her tonight. I told her I had some business to attend to and that my Beta would pick her up.”
He smirked. “And what business would that be?”
I could feel my face flush before digging in my pocket and pulling out a small velvet box. Inside was my grandmother’s ring.
“Christopher, I heard that you met her only three weeks ago.”
I nodded while looking at the box. “Yes, but I feel as if I have to do it now.”
The Alpha broke into laughter. “Oh boy, you sound just like me when I was your age. Christian! Come here a second!”
A woman in an elegant gown approached me and bowed her head in respect. Alpha Jonson’s wife, the Luna.
“Yes love?” She questioned with a thick British accent while staring at her mate with love and compassion.
“Honey, tell Christopher about my proposal.”
She giggled and turned to me. “Well, I was new to the pack. I had just moved from the United Kingdom with my family because there were hardly any packs there. So when I went to the high school, late I might add, I went straight to the lunch line because the lunch bell had just rang.” She sighed at the sweet memory. “Well, I felt someone’s eyes on me, so I searched for someone’s gaze. I finally saw George here with a wide smile staring at me. So I of course gave a small one in return. But it didn’t end there, no. At the end of school, he ran up to me and held out his hand, saying he was the almighty Alpha George Jonson. I shook his hand then boom, we felt the sparks. But then, George ran off like the wind. I thought he was denying me. But just as I was about to leave, he darted to me, got on one knee, pulled out a ring, and, I quote, ‘Miss lady who I felt sparks with, I believe we are mates. So may you, pretty please with a cherry on top, marry me?’”
They broke into fits of laughter as I chuckled. My proposal wouldn’t exactly be like that, but it might be…strange. I’ve never done this before so I had no idea how to do it.
“George, you are quite-” I started before the doors slammed open.
Everyone averted their eyes to Brent who was breathing heavily and Melanie who looked as if she had just finished crying.
When they saw me they ran my way, not even stopping to say apologies to the people they shoved.
“Brent, Melanie, what’s wrong?”
I could feel everyone’s stares and curiosity. We were most likely causing a scene.
“Diana,” Brent gasped. “She’s-“
He didn’t finish the sentence before Melanie broke in.
“She’s gone! She wasn’t at your house!”
Fear began to surge through me. “Then where is she?”
“We don’t know.” She sobbed. “But…there was a rouge’s scent in your yard as well as Diana’s.”
“There was no sign of struggle,” Brent added.
I dropped the small box as my wolf pushed through.
‘Paul!’ My wolf growled. ‘It had to be him!’
“Grab him!” Alpha Jonson shouted. “Don’t let his wolf take control!”
I felt my body shift and hair erupt before pack members dove for me. But before they could reach me, I ran for the door.
My wolf and I agreed on one thing as we ran for the exit. We were going to kill Paul.
Before I leapt out the door, Gianna stopped me, using a spell to create a barrier blocking the door.
“Get out of my way!” I growled, sending her a link.
She didn’t move, instead she walked towards me and placed her hand on my head.
“Christopher, my Diana wouldn’t approve of this.” She whispered so that I only heard.
“Your Diana?”
She smiled, and for a moment, her features shifted. What caught me off guard was that her features changed into ones that Diana had.
“Sleep, Christopher.”
And with that, my world went black.