Ruby
Standing in front of my mate, Damian, I skillfully adjusted his tie. It was a small act of intimacy I had performed for the past twenty years of our life together. My fingers brushed against his chest, sending a flutter through my heart, while his arms encircled my waist, pulling me close as I worked. I felt safe and loved in his embrace.
“Perfect,” I said, stepping back to admire my handiwork.
Damian’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “You always make me look my best, Ruby.”
I smiled back, but my mind was elsewhere. I could feel the tension between Anna and me escalating; all her threats kept playing in my head, and I feared it would come to a head at the mating ball.
Damian’s gaze narrowed, his eyes piercing mine. “What’s wrong, my love? You’re stressed about something.”
I sighed, my shoulders sagging. “Damian, I’m worried about Anna’s behaviour,” I said, my voice low and concerned. “She’s been treating the omega, Hazel, with such disdain. And now, she’s become overconfident, claiming she’ll be Adrian’s mate.”
Damian’s expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger. “No fucking way, Ruby. Anna will never be Adrian’s mate. Blood or not, they will forever be siblings. Anna is my daughter, just like Adrian is my son. I won’t allow it, and I am sure the moon goddess won’t either.”
“I hope so. Whether she likes it or not, she will always be my daughter, and I will be her angel.” I muttered under my breath, feeling unsure as I recalled how confidently Anna had spoken to me.
“Don’t worry, Ruby,” Damian continued. “Anna is just going through a phase. She’s young and stubborn, but she’ll come around. And if she’s lucky enough to find a second chance mate today, she’ll forget all about Adrian, and her obsession will fade. She’ll move on.”
I nodded with a small smile at Damian’s words, which were a balm to my worried soul and filled me with a sense of reassurance. Together, we would guide Anna through this difficult time. Hopefully, today she will find someone who will care for and love her.
Just as Damian’s words eased my concerns, a knock at the door interrupted us.
“Alpha, it’s me. Forgive the intrusion, but we have a situation that requires your attention.”
“Enter, Daniel.” Damian replied, his eyes never leaving mine.
The beta entered, his eyes cast downward in respect. “Alpha, the guests are arriving, and Adrian is waiting for your signal to begin the mating ceremony.”
Damian nodded, his gaze still locked on mine. “I’ll be right down. See to the preparations, Daniel.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Daniel muttered. Soon, his footsteps faded, and the door shut behind him. Damian used the opportunity to brush his lips against mine with a gentle peck, causing me to blush. Despite being together for years, he still made me feel butterflies, which was crazy.
“Don’t worry, my love. I’ll see you downstairs once you’re ready. Take your time, and make sure everything is in order.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. “I will. Go, my love. Our pack is waiting.”
With one final glance, Damian walked out of the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I took a deep breath and began preparing for the mating ball.
As I finished preparing, I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. My dress was a stunning silver gown that hugged my curves perfectly, with intricate embroidery that shimmered in the light. I felt like a true Luna, regal and radiant.
I made my way downstairs, my heels clicking on the marble floor, and headed to the general pack house.
As I entered, I was met with a chorus of compliments from our pack members. “Luna Ruby, you look stunning!”
“Alpha’s mate, you shine brighter than the moon!”
“Your beauty is unmatched, Luna Ruby!”
I smiled graciously, my heart swelling with pride as I waved at them in thankfulness and approached the kitchen. There, I saw the other omegas, dressed in their finery. Emily, a girl I had observed to be close to Hazel, caught my eye, and I made my way over to her.
“Emily, you look lovely,” I said, genuine in my praise. “And the other omegas, they’re all so beautifully dressed.”
Emily smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Thank you, Luna. It’s all thanks to you that we are able to make a good impression today.”
I placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. “You all did the work. I’m just glad to see everyone looking so happy and confident. Today is a special night for all of us.”
“Thank you, Luna,” she replied, her gratitude evident. I grinned at her as curiosity got the better of me. “And where’s Hazel? I don’t see her dressed like you or the other omegas.”
“An errand?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Today was supposed to be an off day, and my husband instructed no one to work. That’s why I took it upon myself to finish the arrangements from yesterday and why I was late. What could Anna need Hazel for today?”
Emily’s hesitation grew, her eyes darting away. “I’m not sure, Luna. Miss Anna insisted, and Hazel didn’t argue.”
My instincts pricked at the unusual explanation, but I pushed aside my suspicions. “Okay, I see. Well, let’s enjoy the celebration for now.”
“Thank you, Luna,” Emily said, her voice a little shaky. I didn’t want to think too deeply about it, but a small part of me wondered what Anna was up to. Her behaviour had been increasingly erratic, and this latest development only added to my unease.
I left the pack house and walked to the pack grounds, where the vibrant atmosphere of the Mating Ball enveloped me. The music, the laughter, and the joyful chatter of our pack members filled the air.
As I scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces, my twin daughters, Addison and Abigail, suddenly rushed towards me, their faces beaming with happiness.
“Mother! Mother!” they exclaimed in unison, throwing their arms around me.
I hugged them tightly, feeling a surge of pride and joy. “My dear girls! What’s all the excitement about?”
Addison and Abigail exchanged a glance, their eyes shining with tears. “We’ve found our mates, Mother,” Addison said, her voice trembling.
Abigail nodded, her lips quivering. “They’re both alphas of the neighbouring pack. We’re going to be mated!”
I expected them to be overjoyed, but instead, they burst into tears. I was taken aback, concern etched on my face. “What’s wrong, my dear ones? You should be happy. This is a momentous occasion!”
Addison sniffled, her words barely audible. “We’ll miss home, Mother. We’ll miss you and Father and the pack.”
Abigail nodded in agreement, her tears flowing freely. “We know we have to leave and start our own pack, but it’s hard to let go of everything we’ve ever known.”
My heart went out to my daughters, understanding the bittersweet nature of their situation. I hugged them tightly, offering what comfort I could. “You’ll always be our daughters, no matter where life takes you. We’ll support you every step of the way.”
As I consoled my daughters, my eyes began to scan the room, searching for Adrian. I spotted him laughing and chatting with his friends, his eyes shining with happiness. My heart swelled with pride, grateful that he was enjoying himself, although it seemed he hadn’t found his mate yet.
But my gaze didn’t linger on him for long, as my concern for Hazel resurfaced. I scanned the room again, focusing on where the omegas stood, yet I didn’t spot her. Emily stood among them, her face lacking the joy seen on the other omegas by her side.
It seemed like she was worried about Hazel too.
As I reluctantly dragged my gaze from Emily, I felt eyes on me, and I met Anna’s smirking gaze. There was something about her eyes that wasn’t the usual bright blue colour; they looked darker, and I instantly recognised those looks after years of experience as dark magic.
I watched in horror as she walked seductively towards Adrian, wearing a blue-green dress that was twice her size and a red cup in her hand. My instincts flared, ready to defend my son.
“Adrian, make sure you don’t drink anything given to you by Anna,” I instructed, quickly mind-linking Adrian.
“Alright, Mother, but I am not a baby,” he replied harshly, ending our conversation. I sighed.
Without hesitation, I rushed back to the house, my heart racing with a sense of foreboding. I burst into my room, opened my treasure box, and retrieved my grandmother’s magical book.
The ancient tome held secrets and spells that had been passed down through generations of females in my family. I hoped its power would be enough to counter whatever Anna had planned, but first I had to find Hazel.
I stood before the mirror, the ancient book open in my hands. I began to chant in a long-forgotten language, the words echoing through the room.
“Astra Hazal, Astra Hazal, Astra Hazal…” I invoked the omega’s name three times, feeling the magic coursing through me.
The mirror’s surface rippled, and an image appeared before me. My heart sank as I saw Hazel locked in a room, her face bruised and tear-stained. She was crying uncontrollably, her body shaking with sobs. I could feel her pain and fear, and my own heart ached in response.
“Hazal!” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I reached out a hand, as if to touch her, but the image was mere illusion. I knew I had to act fast to find her and free her from whatever prison she was in. The mirror’s vision faded, leaving me with a sense of fear that I might be too late to save the poor girl. But I was desperate. I would find Hazel, no matter what it took.