Barely Breathing

"I said it's fine Tash."
I argued at Tasca for the nth time. We were whisper-shouting in the backseat. She was upset at my choice of clothing for the
annual mate hunt.
"You tricked me! You said you'll going to wear the purple dress!"
Tasca’s right. I tricked her by telling her to wait for me outside with the other girls going with us. I waited until it was time to go
then emerged and hopped in the car. That way she would not be able to drag me to my room and force me into that dress. A
brilliant idea isn't it?
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Looking down at my outfit, as if to prove a point.
I am wearing a blank tank top matched with black leggings. Over it was my long red blazer jacket. To finish the look, I wore my
black rubber shoes. And I had my wavy scarlet hair tightly tied into a ponytail. I don't look that bad after all. Besides, I can't fight
well wearing a dress.
Tasca gave me an 'are you serious' look and crossed her arms but argued no more. Phew... finally, she stopped nagging me. I
can't blame her though. She had been anticipating the annual mate hunt since she turned eighteen.
She grew up in a normal werewolf family where mothers encourage their daughters into the beauty of having a mate, and fathers
in guiding their sons for this yearly event.
If only my parents were still alive. I wonder, will I be as excited as Tash? Perhaps, maybe I won’t be scared of the idea of finding
a mate. I washed away the thoughts. I have to survive tonight and move on with my life.
“Hmph! I won’t fall for your tricks next time.” She said mumbling. So, she’s not done yet, I thought.
“You’re acting like a brat again. I do pity the one who will choose you because he has a lot on his plate and he wouldn’t even see
it coming.”
She pouted while brows knitted together. “That’s harsh Willow, I could say the same to you.”
I smiled at that, weighing her words on my mind. “You got a point.”
She gave a cheeky smile, wiggling her brows. “See, that’s why we’re good friends.”

We both laughed at that. Tash and I have a strong sister bond. She was one of the firsts who accepted me into their pack and
since then, our friendship continues to grow. And here we are, both going into the annual event. We were lucky the venue this
year was near our pack. It was a two-hour trip. Some packs need to book a flight though.
The Blood Moon Pack is known for not abiding by the council’s rules. The annual mate hunt is an exception. Every year,
members of our pack participate.
The number of girls from Blood Moon Pack taking part in the event this year was only four. Me and Tash’s included. The other
girls were Ehren and Adriana. Adriana is a sweet girl. She’s with Tash and me in the backseat. She seemed nervous though, she
hadn’t spoken a word since we got in the car.
Ehren is very pretty with gorgeous blonde hair and a curvy body. She had debuted last year but much to our surprise, she hadn’t
been claimed. She seemed nice to everyone except for me. I always find her giving me cold stares.
"We're here ladies, just on time. Welcome to my old pack, the Moon Valley." Emma stopped the car at the front of a beautiful and
intricate gate made of gold. It was arched upward, giving that sophisticated vibe. I exited the car followed by the others and
observed the expanse of brick walls covered with moss going endless on each side. The place was huge, definitely fitting for the
annual mate hunt.
“Wow!” Adrianna gasped. “This place is beautiful.”
“Wait until you get inside, it’s more lovely there,” Emma said proudly. Emma was the chosen mate of one of our pack members.
She was in her late twenties, having her loving mate and kids.
“I’m nervous,” Adrianna admitted, fidgeting with her hands.
“You’ll be fine dear.” Emma hugged her reassuringly.
“Would they hurt us?” She whispered, biting her lips.
“Of course not.” Emma smiled. “When you find your chosen mate, he will take care of you and treat you like a queen, just like
mine.”
“I’m glad to hear that, thanks, Emma!” Adrianna beamed.
“Where are the boys?” Ehren asked, looking around.

“Must be on their way too. My mate will be their ride.” Emma’s simple reply.
“Hurry now ladies, go inside. I will be waiting for you right here tomorrow. If you will still be going home to Blood Moon Pack of
course.” She winked at us.
“I will miss you, Emma and everyone, Willow, don’t miss me too much, okay? I’ll call you when I’m settled.” Tash said
dramatically but her eyes were shining. She’s glowing, smiling from ear to ear since we exited the car.
“Don’t be too sure about that Tasca.” Emma chimed in meaningfully. “Your prince charming might be someone you already
know.”
“Fingers crossed that won’t happen,” Ehren said in a brooding manner. I think we both have an idea who’s the prince charming
Emma was talking about.
"We’ll see about that.” I countered to a now glaring Ehren. If she so much as to interfere with my best friend’s love life, I sure hell
will deal with her.
The others might have noticed the tension brewing between us. Emma excused herself once again, urging us to go inside. We
thanked her and went inside the gates. Into the wolf’s den where our fate awaits us.