Chapter 7 Lachlan

The party was in full swing by the time Marcus and I arrive, more than a couple of shots down. Seemed my friend was not about to let me leave the house having had only one. He was out to ensure I had a good night, and for that I was not going to complain. The moment we arrived to the party we were swamped with well-wishers. Most of whom I had already seen today at my birthday breakfast, or in and around pack, but I was gracious as always. They were, after all, members of the pack I had grown up in, and members of the pack I would be assisting in running once they allowed me to begin my Beta training now I had my wolf. The next stage in my life. One that I had to say I was excited about. Following in my Dad's footsteps. Earning the title he had passed on to me. One my Mum had tried hard to bring me up honourably to earn. Once Marcus and I had managed to ease ourselves away from the majority of the crowd, we noticed three women approaching. All three with affectionate smiles upon their faces. “Aww, there he is.” My Mum said cheerfully, as she approached with both of my Aunts, causing Marcus to grin at me. “The birthday boy.” she added. “Oh jeez, the witches coven are here.” Marcus nudged me with his elbow, referring to his Mum, my Mum and our Gamma, Cole’s Mum. The three of them, the closest of friends, and all like extended family. It was Marcus’s Dad, our former Alpha, Uncle Harry that had nicknamed them the coven, and it had stuck. I grinned at my friend. “You had best not be talking about us, Marcus.” Aunt Sophia said, her green eyes upon him with a playful scowl, likely knowing exactly what he had said. “You might be the Alpha, but it doesn’t stop us taking you down.” Marcus laughed like he didn’t care. It was that same threat the three of them had forever used. A threat that had earned them the nickname of the coven, yet they had yet to take anybody down. They were wicked on the training field of that there was no doubt, but in any other way, they were the sweetest and most caring women you would find. Willing to do all they could to help anyone, the way a Luna, Beta and Gamma wife should be. So their threats were far from threatening. But, it did not stop them being amusing. And, we loved them all the same for it. Aunt Sofia came and wrapped her arms around me. My body tensed slightly as she did. Her long black hair, and her facial features were so similar to those of her daughter… and instantly my mind went to Seren. Somewhere I swore it would not be going tonight. I had dealt with her enough for today. And had wanted the rest of my birthday to be mine. But my mind had gone there of it's own accord... I hugged my Aunt back, a fake smile upon my face. But as I pulled a way, all I saw was Seren. Just an older version. It had never bothered me too much before. I don't think I had even seen that much of likeness before, or if I did it had never got under my skin, despite the resentment I held toward Seren. Maybe that was because Aunt Sofia was like family, and also the mother of one of my best friends. But, now, knowing I was hiding such a big secret from them all… well, it was difficult to say the least. They would never allow me to reject her. Rejection was forbidden. Meeting your fated mate was something each and every person dreamt of. When it happened, even their families were excited. A momentous moment in any wolf's life. For it was the meeting of two souls chosen by the moon goddess to be together. I already knew how it would go if our secret was to be discovered. They would be so excited if they were to know the truth. Pushing the two of us to be together. And that could never happen. The moon goddess had made a mistake in choosing Seren and I. We were never meant to be together. I am sure sometimes, like everyone, even the moon goddess made mistakes, right? But, with rejection not an option due to rules within my pack, at least for the time being Seren had no clue. She had no signs we were connected. No tingling sensation when we briefly touched... or no alluring scent to drive her wild... No. She currently had no indications we shared a matebond, and that is how I wanted it to stay. How I needed it to stay. Well, until she came of age, of course, because, then she would know. It would hit her the same way it had hit me. And then we would have problems. Until then, I planned to enjoy myself… “Happy Birthday Beta!” a sweet voice called across the training field to me, causing me to look up, to see Cara, a tall, blond haired she-wolf approaching, wearing a very skimpy dress that clung to every curve of her body. I found myself smiling, as she gave me a seductive little wave. I think I may have found myself my first distraction. I was sure I could find plenty of ways to keep myself busy with her... I moved myself away from my Aunt, before waving to my Mum, and my friend and my aunts, a small chuckle slipping from Marcus as I did. "Off to enjoy his birthday. What a guy!" he patted me heavily on the back as I walked away. “Thanks Cara.” I responded, with a smile, as I came a little closer, my eyes taking in every curve that her deep purple dress enhanced. I was a lucky guy if she was giving me the time of day... Her eyes narrowed a little. “It is Zara.” She muttered a little sharply, telling me she was likely a little pissed off I got her name wrong. Was I meant to remember ever person in pack? Besides, I had already been drinking. I found myself holding back a smirk. Well that didn’t go quite as planned… hardly the best impression… I shrugged in what I hoped was a charming sort of a way, offering her a smile. “That was what I said, wasn’t it?” I asked with a playful wink, and she smiled. “Now, what do you say about finding us a drink?” I suggested, as I hooked my arm around her waist, settling it upon her hip, pulling her closer to me. A deep growl sounded inside of me as I did. Tyr. Great. So he was already starting. 'Unless you want blocking. Quit it.' I warned him. 'You sure you want to be handling the drink all on your own?' he asked almost smugly. God damn my ass of a wolf. I hated him already. “I guess that could be arranged.” Zara looked up at me bringing my attention back to her, distracting me away from my conversation from that with my wolf. He could wait... her big blue eyes were beautiful. As she looked at me through her long lashes, I could see her eyes were full of happiness, but as I looked down to her I felt nothing but empty…