Naya's P.O.V.

The golden hall seemed to glimmer in under the crystal chandelier. Everyone was making their way around, greeting each other, friends catching up after a long time of not seeing one another. 

New friendships were being made. People would think so many Alphas in one room might cause a problem however tonight was not about politics or who had the better pack. 

I was about celebrating our existence and that after being hunted for so many years, we made it this far. We thanked the Goddess and the Spirits for that.

The invitation cards had mentioned the theme for tonight was dark colours formal attire. 

I loved how the black, navy, dark red or purple dresses the ladies wore created a stark contrast against the light colours in the room. 

The black suits made all these Alphas look more like businessmen. I smiled to myself. It was definitely, a success.

The band was playing soft jazz from the corner of the stage.

Lucy, is the entre ready?

I asked her through the mental connection that every Alpha was gifted with since first transformation.

Yes, the plates are being set. Give me 5 minute please.

Take 10 and Let me know before you get your people start bringing anything in.

Yes, okay... thank you.

She sounded frantic. It was nearly 54 people, 27 Alphas some with plus ones -wives or betas- some came alone.

My eyes immediately found Ocean. Sitting alone on his table, waiting to be joined by his beta and Macey, my family and the Williams. 

When I had planned this I never in a million years thought I'd be sitting there with my mate. I hadn't had a chance to speak to my mother properly yet but she hugged me tightly right before we started greeting people in with teary eyes.

My heart felt heavy seeing him so alone in a room full of people. He looked somewhat sad. I was told that meeting one's mate doesn't mean you love them instantly.

 It means you can't love or touch or be attracted to anybody else. You are given the perfect being that was created for you and slowly but surely you see why. Everything about each other fits perfectly into shape. 

Without thinking I made my way over to him. Even among a crowd filled with high pitched laughter, loud prideful conversation and numerous high heels tapping on the marble, he heard me walk towards him.

His eyes met mine.

Standing up quickly, he pulled out the chair next to him for me. Instead of sitting down I allowed myself drink him in for the second time. He had shaved. His hair was sleeked back. Black shirt, black suit with dark maroon tie.

I smiled wide.

He caught my gaze then looked at my dress before looking away. His hand came up to loosen the tie a little to reveal his undone top button. 

He looked slightly embarrassed but still as handsome as ever. In the low light his hooded eyes looked nearly black. I wondered if that blue tint was my imagination or not.

"You look beautiful, I should have said it earlier." He motioned for me to sit down. Clearing his throat again he offered a champagne glass to that he picked up from a waiter before sitting down.

"Thank you. I didn't expect this to happen, here, so abruptly." I took the glass from him. Consciously making the decision not to touch him, so I held it by the stem.

"You're welcome but I didn't even properly introduce myself-"

"I know who you are and you know who I am already." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes but I didn't know you'd be here. Macey was complaining about not seeing you on the plane." He cleared his throat again. My hand itched to touch his scar. Soothe the pain as much as I could. These new obscure feelings seemed so natural, it baffled me.

"I wanted to surprise her, imagine my surprise." I smiled at him. Finally, a smile escaped his lips. Not a full blown, teeth showing smile but a semi crooked one. One emanated nostalgia.

"Macey talks about you a lot." He kept his eyes locked to mine. There was this flare there I didn't understand. Something he was trying to say but couldn't voice it yet. It sounded like Ocean knew Macey well but she said she hardly saw him. Aaron must have relayed the information. But why?

What am I thinking? I wondered stupidly. Macey was in his pack, officially, so of course he will be able to feel everything when the communicated mentally. Like I could with the members of my pack.

But what am I missing?

My instinct was on high alert.

We stared at each other for a long moment. The hectic room around us became a hazy colourful motion picture. Time slowed down then sped up again for a moment. The lights created flares and varying sizes of bokehs. People in my peripheral left colourful streaks when the moved.

But he held my full attention.

His eyes said more than his expressions. He had a hard face but his eyes emoted pain. Eyes that had seen too much, lived too long for his age. My inside called out to him. I wanted to talk to him, know everything about him, like my life was tied to his. 

A small memory flickered through my mind. He appeared much younger than the man sitting right in front of me. A much mischievous version of him; due to the smirk on his face. He came at me backing me up against a wall of lockers?

What the hell?

Startled I leaned back quickly in my chair. Shaking my head slightly I noticed he imitated my reaction. Before either of us could comment on it, Retired Alpha Jace LoRusso -from Northern- rudely interrupted us.

"I hear congratulations are in order." He slapped a hand on Ocean's back adoringly. In his mid-50s, he still looked as handsome with salt and pepper hair. Prime and pristine like the all other werewolves. "Finally..." He paused to look over at me. "And may I say you're a very lucky one Ocean."

Standing simultaneously -me with lesser grace than he- we greeted him and their current Alpha Onyx together. He was 28 and recently started running the pack. 

He couldn't bring his mate because she was heavily pregnant. Thinking of, they hardly stepped outside their own grounds let alone travel to a whole different hemisphere. The conversation flew swiftly between Ocean and Jace. 

Onyx appeared much closer to my mate in age but there was a real sense of familiarity between the older alpha and Ocean. Ocean didn't like to use his voice much but with Alpha LoRusso he didn't care.

My observation was abruptly cut short because I had to deliver a small welcome piece before dinner arrived. The band played soft music throughout the whole dinner. 

I was supposed to sit between Sasha and Macey but everyone discretely tried -emphasis on tried- to rearrange themselves so it came to be me sitting next to Ocean.

We didn't speak properly throughout dinner. Just courteous small talks. I was itching for more; there was this sizzling along my skin, an electric surge simmering just under the surface. 

Specially on the side of my body that was closest to Ocean. I saw him elegantly shuffle around instead of squirming. I tried to hide my nervousness but it was evident on my face. 

There were moments when we brushed against each other, skin to skin, intensifying the heat between us. A couple of stolen glances making sure the other didn't notice. But we did.

I was dying to be alone with.

We were the topic of every conversation. Heads were being turned from all tables. I concentrated on some whispers, catching snippets of conversations.

"Oh my! Who would have thought they would meet now?"

"Alpha pairing, isn't that going to be interesting. Two strong headed leaders..."

"Such a beautiful couple..."

"What's going to happen when she leaves? Isn't she supposed to be the Alpha here?"

One thing I was confident about was our pack would accept our Beta Alex as the leader. Problem was a lot of traditional packs won't accept it. They needed a Male pure blooded Alpha. I'd have to speak to my dad about it.

My father sat across from Ocean scrutinising his every move. I inherited his stormy grey eyes, olive complexion and ebony black hair; dark and dangerous Andrew Cato. 

Whereas my mother looked open and welcoming. My father's mood had soured since I saw him in our front garden. I wanted to ask him about it but it wasn't the right time. 

After dessert, the big glass doors at the back were opened and as the host, it was my job to escort everyone outside for the final event of the night.

Fireworks.

Our back garden was huge. The houses were miles apart. The hedges were trimmed in various shapes. Zigzag brick pathways weaved its way through the designs of the green. 

In the summer the gardens held Pink and Purple Tulips, baby pink Peonies and blue Dahlias and a large collection of Orchids.

My favourite was the blue orchid with purple veins. I knew exactly where they were, even though they were all dead for the winter.

 Everyone spread themselves around the pitch-black garden. The lights in the house were all turned off, it allowed everyone to experience the full force of the firework show. 

Complementary music blasted through the speakers that were put outside that morning.

Colourful lights danced along to the music. It was a beautifully crafted piece by a werewolf firework company. Whoever would have thought there was such a thing.

I could feel Ocean somewhere in the background. Blending in with the shadows. I wanted to know what he thought of it. I wanted his approval. 

I never needed anyone's approval but I wanted to impress him. I remember once -a couple of years ago- we went to Central Hemisphere and they put on a show about the beginning of time.

The community there the largest sanctuary for any supernatural kind. Surrounded by the biggest forest ever. That was the only place where I saw my first set of Pixies. 

They were beautiful creatures. Absolutely tiny with luminescence sheer wings. Didean (Dae-deen) might be my favourite place ever. Even though they had a treaty with the Central Government to protect the natural forest they were still in danger of being discovered.

The best way to hide is in plain sight.

That's why our pack never got attacked or even came close to being found. All we had to do is avoid silver and we were good.

For now.

When the lights came on, everyone cheered in awe. It was an amazing feeling have done my father proud. The fairy lights came on after allowing everyone to give some fresh air and another opportunity to mingle. 

I received many congratulations for my mate. Finding a mate was equivalent to being engaged in human world. Only problem was that I didn't know my mate at all.

It was past 2 when the last group of guest decided to leave. I caught up with a couple of people that I hadn't seen in a year. It was lovely but by 11 Ocean disappeared. 

His beta was in charge of creating relations with other packs. Ocean seemed close to his Northern Packs, hence he stayed with Alpha Jace. 

I caught him sneaking glimpses at me then look away the moment I caught him. That gave me butterflies in my stomach. I felt like a high school kid.

It took me a while to get back to my room after writing checks to everyone but by then I was shattered. 

There was a huge misconception about werewolves being superhuman and never experienced fatigue. But wolves got tired and so did humans. 

Therefore, I was exhausted the end of the night. I was just able to get my heels off when I caught a scent right outside my door.

It was Ocean's.

A distinctive smell tempted me in ways I never thought was possible. I took a deep breath, waiting for the knock but it never came. 

His heartbeat seemed above average for a werewolf. His breaths were even to my acute hearing.

I didn't want him to walk away. Without giving him the time to retrieve I yanked the door open. His head was down, chest rising and falling, hair in desire; he looked distress. He was wearing cargo shorts and a simple white black t-shirt that stretched over his body. It was now or never.

"Do you want to come in?" I asked sensibly trying to keep the ravaging urge at bay.

He contemplated for a moment looking confused. He looked back towards the darken hallway that lead to his room. With a loud sigh, he stepped inside closing the door behind him.

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This chapter is completely un-edited. Please ignore the mistakes. Don't forget to vote and comment. Thank you.