Chapter5

Lucianna’s POV

Oh, refreshing!

I had just finished my morning shower when soft knocks came from the door. When I opened it, a cart of food awaited me, making my stomach rumble. I hadn't eaten enough last night! I'm a heavy eater, and the meal they served last night seemed fit for a diet. If they knew that I couldn't easily gain weight, they might have given me more. No matter how much I eat, I never seem to put on any pounds.

Eagerly eyeing my meal, I wheeled the food cart into my room and positioned myself, ready to dig in.

Riiiing!

Argh! Who's calling just as I'm about to take my first bite?!

“Hello?” I mumbled through my phone and grabbed a mouthful of food, stomping my mouth with it.

“Hi, Luce! How is Shadow pack treating you?” a cheery sweet voice said on the other line.

“Mom!”

II don't have a mother; I'm an orphan. But the caller is the wife of Gamma Sol. Remember how I mentioned that Gamma Sol looked out for me after my parents' death? His wife also treated me kindly. She even asked me to call her "mom".

She's a compassionate person, always showing enduring love for orphans like me. Even though I'm grown now, I frequently visit her. Their family offers a unique comfort, different, but still a solace for someone in my situation.

“It’s awesome here! I will meet my mate tonight!” I said in a high pitched voice and she giggled with me.

“Don’t forget to tell me the glory details!”

I swallowed the food I was chewing before answering her. “I will, Mom! I can’t wait for night to come and ahhh, I can’t believe I’m already meeting him!”

She giggled on the other line. “Okay, sweety. I won’t disturb your preparations now. Don’t forget to not be brusque to your mate, hmm? You always scare the boys in this pack, don’t scare your mate away.” She laughed and I pouted.

“I won’t! I will only show him that I will be the perfect wife for him!”

“Attagirl. Okay, I’ll hang up now.”

“Bye!”

I might not know how to act prim and proper or be more ladylike, but I'll do my best!

Lucianna’s POV

The night of the Mapping Ball has come! I had few hours left to prepare and I spent most of the day inside my appointed room. There wasn’t much to do outside, anyway. I felt the need to exercise and sweat, but I wasn't sure if I was allowed to use the pack's training centers or even where they were located.

Well, crossing those red borders was prohibited, so it wasn't as if I could wander anywhere I pleased. But, oh, how I longed to burn off some energy.

I tried calling Ashira, but she didn't pick up. Having already spoken with Mommy Len earlier, I was hesitant to ring her again. Those two seemed to be the extent of my contact list.

I rummaged through my small suitcase and retrieved the dress I planned to wear to the Ball. I laid it out on the bed, inspecting its folds. Fortunately, the guesthouse room was equipped with essentials, including an iron. I set to work smoothing out the creases in my dress.

This dress was a thrift store find from back in my own pack, and it still looked as good as new, just like the pumps I'd paired it with. As an orphan and a pack fighter, earning money was a challenge. Most of what I owned came from the prizes I'd won in the She-Wolf Fighters Game.

Riiiiing!

I grabbed my phone and placed it between my ear and shoulder as I continue ironing my dress.

“Luce speaking!” I said in a cheery voice.

“How’s the second strongest pack?” said a familiar male voice on the other line. My eyes grew wide from realizing who my caller is.

“Dylan?!” I screamed!

“Hush, Luce. That hurt my ears!” he complained!

I screamed and turned off the iron, ensuring it was far from my dress. I couldn't risk ruining the only dress I had for the ball. Taking a deep breath, I checked the dress for any signs of damage. Thankfully, it was unscathed. The dress was more than just fabric; it represented my hopes for the night ahead. Every stitch and fold held the anticipation of meeting my mate.

I laid on my bed with a wide smile. “Why are you calling just now?! I haven’t heard from you since the Game!”

Dylan was the Beta of the Trivian pack, the third strongest pack of the North. I had met him two months ago when I participated in the fighter game, and we had become friends there.

“I am calling now.” he chuckled.

“You got my number two months ago, you idiot!”

Dylan laughed on the other line. “I’m sorry, I got busy. How are you doing?”

“I’m at Shadow pack right now!” I said with enthusiasm.

He paused for a second. “Why are you there?”

“For the Mapping Ball, duh. The same event will take place at Trivian, too, you know.”

He chuckled lowly. “Of course, I know. That is what made me busy. I was just shocked.”

I frowned at how disappointed he sounded. “Why?”

“I thought you will be my mate. I prayed for it, you know.” he laughed even though I can sense the awkwardness in it.

“Aw, Dylan…”

I had joined the fighter's game when I was sixteen. I had been talking to Dylan whenever I visited his pack, but it was only two months ago that he joked about liking me. Or had I just assumed it was a joke?

“You didn’t take me seriously, huh,” he stated.

“No! I mean, yes, I thought you were just kidding.” I pouted. My heart pounded loudly, and it was because I was nervous. I had never thought someone would like me romantically. I had never experienced this, and it felt crazy!

“Just as I thought. Well, I’ll hang up now. Give me a call if you didn’t found your mate.”

“Hey!” I called but he turned off the call.

Sighing, I stared at the ceiling. I thought Dylan was insane to like me; he would meet his mate eventually. Whatever he felt would fade in time.

I couldn't even imagine cheating on my mate, even though I hadn't met him yet. Dylan was a nice guy. He had been kind and very concerned about me during my stay at their pack. But still, I was after my fated one, not just fleeting affection or infatuation without a deep bond.

“Okay, Lucianna! Time to prepare for tonight!” I should shrug these thoughts and focus on my big day!

I stared at myself in the mirror. Hair? Check! Eyeshadow? Check! Blush and contour? Check! Plump lips? Check! Dress and pumps? Check!

I decided to put my hair up in a chic, messy chignon, letting a few wavy tendrils fall gracefully along the side of my face. I didn’t want my mate to struggle claiming me with my hair in the way, so ensuring he had easy access to my neck was essential. My eyes were adorned with a soft smoky black eyeshadow, complemented by a sleek winged eyeliner that accentuated my naturally dolly eyes. A subtle rosy blush dusted my cheekbones, giving just the right hint of color without being overpowering. My naturally full, bow-shaped lips were painted in a muted pinkish-nude hue, ensuring they didn't compete with the drama of my eyes.

Slipping into my dress for the evening, I chose a sultry red, strapless tube gown that cascaded down to my ankles. The upper bodice was plain, emphasizing the sequined shimmer of the fabric from mid-thigh downwards.