ONE

KATIA HARRIS  

The early morning cold wind was the best thing that could have happened to me, as I was able to finally fall asleep after so many turns all through the night, the cold wind was important, given that the weather had been hot for much of the summer and now that winter was coming, the cold wind was it’s earliest sign. The wind was the sign of a new season which meant a change in fashion style and choice of clothing, however, the cold wind seemed like I just had a cold bath. 

    For some reason, I thought about my boyfriend Tyler, a beta who had so much potential of becoming an Alpha. I felt my lips curve up in a smile as I remembered the look in his eyes each time he told me he loved me.  

The sudden noise from my alarm by 6:30 in the morning signaling it was time to get ready for work was the worst in my schedule so far, as I knew what the day would bring. Having not had enough rest at night, I knew that I would be grumpy all day but was banking on my excitement to see me through the day.  

With a bust of joy and elation of not being able to wait for the day to end, I hurriedly got ready for work and stepped out to greet the morning sun in Midtown Atlanta. My supervisor Ms Jocelyn Peters at the 4 seasons Hotel where I worked as a waitress had suddenly started acting strange around me and was constantly in my face. Unsure what to make of it, I had continued in what I know to be true and well within my terms of reference and job schedule. Determined not to give Ms. Jocelyn Peters any opportunity to ridicule me in front of others and spoil my long awaited day, I knew I had to make haste as the trip from Wakefield drive to my office is supposed to be 15 minutes but it might take up to an hour today.  

“Hey Eva, are you up already?” I spoke through the phone “I’m freaking out, I’m not sure how I will survive today in a sane state” I spoke nervously. 

 “Baby girl, you’ll be just fine don’t give that Jocelyn lady any reason to pick on you today, it will really unsettle you” Eva advised. 

 “I know right?” I breathed, still feeling nervous. 

 “yeah, I be there with you all through the day by the phone dear”  

“thank you so much sweetheart, I’ll see you later in the evening” I said and hung up the phone. 

     As I made my way to work, I flashed back to when I had first met Tyler Rogers. I had noticed his power and magnetism from the first moment he walked into the bar where I worked. I was so confused, I tripped and spilled his coffee on him, but was particularly surprised at how strong he was and the speed at which he had been quick to hold me and keep me from falling. Tyler was every girls dream, he had sea green eyes, an enchanting voice and a smile that could disarm anyone, underneath this soft exterior lies an inner strength and a will that was unbreakable. 

Over the next few weeks, I started noticing a connection or an attraction somewhat but was not certain what it was, Tyler too had started projecting his emotions too, I recalled how every moment spent around Tyler seemed longer than usual as if time just froze around us, my whole day seemed to come alive every time Tyler walked into the room. I liked how Tyler made me feel but most importantly how he made me feel about myself.    

    And now, very soon at the pack gathering, he was to name his mate. I knew without any doubt that he was going to name me his mate. I hurried out of my work place and headed to the venue for the park meeting. How would it feel to be held in Tyler’s arms knowing that he was mine, and I was his forever! Knowing that those lips of his that kissed me, would always be there to kiss me, teasing me with their powerful warmth and a promise of forever. 

    I remembered the last time we had spent together. He had seemed a little distant as he held me in his arms. Unlike before, he had not looked into my eyes as he told me he loved me. . . . he had not even told me he loved me.    

    I knew I was over reacting, but for some reason, I needed reassurance. I wanted – I needed to be able to look into his eyes as he named me his mate. 

As I stepped into the Museum of Art, I noticed everyone were already gathered except for Bob McCarthy and Jennifer Alvarez who had just joined the pack and Bob was bringing her to the venue as this was the first meeting that the Pack was holding a meeting here in a long while, there was a bit tension in the room and the uncertainty of what would unfold, everyone was sticking to themselves and engaging in small talk. 

Shortly after, Jennifer and Bob stepped into the small back room at the Museum of Art and every one stopped and stared at her, Jennifer Alvarez was a beautiful blond that knew she was beautiful, she wore a jean jacket on a Cinderella cropped top, a ripped jean on a Louise Vuitton boot, with her hair packed in a ponytail. Jennifer had a charming smile that would disarm anyone. 

    My eyes sort out Tyler’s, but for some reason he refused to catch my eyes. My breath hitched in my throat as I saw the look he kept shooting at Jennifer, but nothing prepared me for when he cleared his throat and demanded to make an announcement. 

    “I think everyone here has been anxious to have their future Alpha name a mate – well, you do not need to be anxious again. Jennifer Alvarez is my fated mate, and our mating ceremony would take place very soon, so you don’t have to worry.” He declared so causally without even bothering to look my way as if he hadn’t just shattered my heart with his simple declaration. 

   I felt my heart stop, and it became impossible for me to breathe. Tears stung at my eyes and spilled over as I tried to blink them away.