My Destined - EDITING

Leia

Weaving around the trees, I was still ahead of the person chasing me, but they were getting closer. That's when the intoxicating smell filled my nose, and I almost stopped my run. No, Leia!! I shook my head and continued running, despite my wolf trying to surface. "Leia! Let our mate tag you! Tala was anxious and trying to fight my determination to get to the finish line before being tagged.

Too focused on forcing my wolf into the back of my mind, I did not notice I had slowed down until two strong hands grabbed me. My feet stopped, and I fell to the ground in exhaustion, but I did not feel the hard ground I was expecting. My hair sat messily and almost entirely out of the ponytail; my palms and back were sweaty, and my heart was racing.

As I tried to catch my breath, I looked to see what I had landed on and realized it was Cael. My wolf growled in response, not wanting to see him. My eyes widened, and my cheeks reddened as I scrambled off him. His huge grin quickly faded when a deep growl erupted from behind me. Someone was still holding onto my arm. I looked up to see Adriel fuming with darkened eyes. I whined in response as Adriel lifted me and held me close to his chest.

Tala bounced around gleefully, but I was too focused on the staredown between these two alphas. The power radiating between them felt almost unbearable as I curled into Adriel's chest. My mind wanted to push him away and run as fast as I could toward the finish line, but my body wouldn't move, and my tattoo burned intensely at the proximity.

"She's mine. Leave." Adriel spoke harshly. I saw Cael standing with his arms crossed over his chest and a huge smirk on his tanned face. That's when I realized they were both shirtless. My eyes widened, and my cheeks burned at the realization that I was being held against Adriel's bare chest. Stealing a peek, my wolf reveled in the feel and look of his lean frame and firm abs. Oh, my Goddess.

"Sorry, lover boy, I believe I caught Miss Leia first." I could see a fire in Cael's green eyes, and I was unsure how he could be so confident. Squirming in Adriel's arms, I tried to speak.

"U-um, since you can't decide, why don't you both let me go while you figure it out!" I offered, hoping I could sneak away while their testosterone battle continued. Adriel's grip tightened as he looked down at me with dark eyes, his black hair a complete mess.

"No." All I could do was nod in agreement. "I'm giving you a chance to leave, Alpha Cael," Adriel spoke threateningly, but Cael didn't budge. He just gave a loud howling laugh which only made Adriel angrier.

"If you want to fight me, lover boy, you'll have to stop hiding behind poor Leia." Cael teased, and I could feel the growl from Adriel rumbling through his hard chest. Adriel reluctantly let me go, not wanting to step down from a fight. I rubbed my arms that were gripped so tightly and stepped back.

"Stay." There was no joking in Adriel's voice, and I almost froze. No, this is my chance!

I watched as the two Alphas began to turn into their wolf forms, their clothes ripping into pieces. My eyes widened at sight; they were both huge! Adriel's wolf was the most beautiful wolf I've ever seen. His fur was almost entirely black, and his eyes were that beautiful, piercing blue. Cael's wolf was more petite than Adriel's, with dusty brown and red-colored fur and green eyes. Tala was going crazy over Adriel's wolf, wanting me to let her out so she could go to him. I fought her off, knowing not to get in the middle of an Alpha fight.

They circled each other before Cael lunged first, I gasped loudly, but Adriel was fast and quickly dodged it. I sighed in relief, not wanting Adriel to be hurt. Wait, why do I care? I returned to my senses, and that's when I turned and started running. My feet hurt from running, but I pushed myself to go. I heard howling from behind me but refused to look back. "What are you doing?! That's our mate!!" Tala was howling furiously, making my headache.

I thought I had gotten away and slowed down, trying to relax my breathing again. I could see the finish line but had mixed feelings about running to it. I do not feel ready to be with a mate and leave my family, but the aching my wolf has is taking over and making me regret my second run. I had been taken away from my thoughts when two large arms scooped me up, and I shouted in surprise.

"Tsk, tsk. It's not nice to run away when someone fights for you, sweetheart." My body shivered, and my wolf growled. It's not Adriel. Did he lose?! Looking into Cael's smirk, I started panicking about Adriel.

Thank the Goddess; he's wearing shorts. Somehow. "No! No! NO! I want our mate!" My wolf was anxious and struggling to take over so she could kick Cael. 'Relax, Tala. Please.' I tried to calm her down as her anxiety and anger were painful. I looked at Alpha Cael, hoping he would let me go. Cael's tanned face had scratches and bruises from their fight. He was bleeding on the side of his face, and I almost instinctively wiped it away when I started to fall.

What the hell?! Before I even realized what was happening, I was scooped up again. Cael was on the floor groaning and holding his already bruised face. I saw Adriel glaring at Cael; his eyes were still dark. His face softened when he looked at me, and my heart skipped a beat. He had cuts and bruises too, which made me frown.

"Don't touch her," Adriel warned and growled again at Cael, still on the ground. I don't know how it happened, but Adriel knocked the wind out of him when he held me. I could feel the anger radiating off Adriel, and I felt uncomfortable. Instinctively, I rested my hand on his bare chest to calm him down. To my surprise, he did. It seemed like my touch was automatically calming. Is this how it works, Moon Goddess?

Not giving Cael any time to get up or speak, Adriel turned on his heel and ran as he continued to hold me bridal style. I tried to fight him and say I didn't need to be carried like a child, but his grip only got tighter. "That's what you get for running." My wolf warned, and I rolled my eyes in response.

I finally gave in with a huff and pouted the rest of the way back to the Elders. Once we got in the clearing, I could see many couples walking towards the Elders or waiting to be approved. Many of the couples were happy and flirting. That's when Adriel stopped and placed me on the ground.

"I told you not to run too far and to stay. Why don't you listen?!" Adriel ruffled his hair in frustration as his eyes returned to their gorgeous blue-grey. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and sighed.

"Sorry, Alpha. I just don't think I'm ready to leave my family...." My voice trembled at the realization that today would be my last day to see them for a while. Adriel cupped my face with his tanned hands softly, making me look into his blue eyes. His face had softened into a look of understanding.

"You'll see them again. I'm not some monster who will forbid you from seeing them." Leaning into his touch, I gave a slight nod. "And how could you let another wolf, let alone an Alpha, capture you!?" I could tell Adriel was unhappy again by the stern look in his eyes. Well, it was nice while it lasted...

"I didn't want him to catch me! I was running away from both of you!" I shouted and moved away from his grasp. I do not like being yelled at when it is not my fault. If he wants to be my mate, he can't treat me like a pack member just to control me.

"I'm sorry. I don't want anyone else to touch or look at you." Adriel sighed and ran his hand through his black hair. Despite wanting to run away, I knew it would be wrong. So I started walking towards the elders.

"Come on, Alpha." I guess the only way is to try it out. If what my mom and brother say is right about mates, I should be happy with Adriel. I could feel it in my body, my tattoo, and from my wolf that he was the one.

"Adriel. Call me Adriel." He quickly caught up and put his hand on my shoulder to ensure I didn't run as we walked toward the Elders.

"Adriel." I liked the way his name sounded.

After waiting in this long line for about twenty minutes, we reached the Elders. I already saw Selene, Maia, and Althea with their mates. I guess they were all captured too. They all looked happy, and I could look at Maia and Marco without feeling upset. The nerves hit me hard with the Elders looking at Adriel and me. I could feel myself shiver a bit when Adriel grabbed my hand firmly in reassurance.

"State your name, rank, pack, and who your mate is." The older man in the middle said in a monotone voice. Adriel stepped forward, not letting go of my hand.

"Adriel Hutton. Alpha of the Shadowed Raven pack. My mate is Leia Aldrich, a Beta from the Crescent Sky pack." The older man nodded as he wrote down what Adriel said. I felt so surprised that Adriel remembered those things about me after seeing my bracelet once yesterday.

"Show us your moon tattoos, please." The older woman to the right said with a smile. I held out my free arm, which happened to be the one with my tattoo, and twisted it so they could see my inner wrist. I turned to Adriel, curious to see where he had his tattoo. He just gestured to the right of his chest. How did I not notice that before?! He must have noticed my stare and turned to me. I squeaked at being caught staring and turned away with a blush.

Once they recorded everything, the Elders spoke in a strange language that made our tattoos glow.

"A, Moon Goddess. Ze'a zu iz iyai z iyais zaz s raz ir zs a uhr ss zuuhs. Nuiy iyais fiuhsze'a s sa se'aus s ss nus u siuhsis jaisiy."

I stared in awe at my wrist, the tiny moon tattoo glowing a faint yellow. It sent out a peculiar sensation throughout my body, and I suddenly felt closer to Adriel. Mom didn't tell me about this part!

"Now, that was only to start the bond the Moon Goddess chose officially. You still don't have access to each other's minds and are not officially claimed, meaning another may still claim you." Adriel grumbled in response and squeezed my hand. My wolf leaped around with overwhelming happiness; it overcame my sadness and fear.

"You must mark each other when you are ready to complete the seal and, of course, complete the mating process for it to be unbreakable." I blushed at the thought of mating with Adriel as butterflies filled my stomach.

"You may go." I nodded robotically as Adriel thanked the Elders with a bow. I bowed awkwardly before being whisked away by Adriel.

"Leia!" I heard Maia's voice shouting, and I looked to see her waving with a huge smile. I smiled back and turned to Adriel, who nodded and released my hand. Although I could feel him behind me, I missed his touch.

"Maia!" We both hugged each other with tears in our eyes.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you, Leia. We both found our mates! We were so unprepared yesterday and unprepared, but I can feel it. This is right." Maia sounded so happy, and I couldn't help but smile. "I'm going to miss you, bestie."

"Me too, Maia. I don't want to leave you and Lance and my parents. But I'm happy for you too." Maia squeezed me before letting go, her brown eyes watery and her tanned face stained with tears. I saw Marco smiling down at her and gave him a nod.

"Take care of Maia, Marco." He just laughed and grabbed hold of Maia.

"I will. You'll be missed from our pack, Leia." I smiled at him and knew that this would finally be the end of my childhood crush. It no longer mattered.

"Bro! You've finally found your mate!" Adriel's sister, Cleo, cheered loudly with a sparkle in her blue eyes and patted Adriel on the back. Adriel just nodded in response, looking awkward. "I did, too; she's perfect!" Cleo pulled a bright red Selene to her side. "This is my mate, Selene. Selene, this is my brother and our Alpha, Adriel."

"N-nice to meet you, A-alpha." Selene stuttered with a bright red face that matched her red hair, and Adriel smiled slightly.

"You as well."

"Congrats, Selene. We get to be together!" I smiled and hugged Selene, who just nodded happily.

"Don't worry, babe; my brother isn't so scary. He's just shy!" Cleo laughed, earning a glare from Adriel. I couldn't help but giggle when I was tackled from the side.

"Leia!! Now we can all be best friends!!" I laughed loudly and turned to Althea's bright face and wide dark brown eyes.

"Yes, we can." I smiled at her and hugged her back, nodding at Lucas, who was standing behind her.

"Alpha, you know Althea already, but she is my mate. So I wanted to introduce her as my mate." Lucas surprised me by stepping forward and grabbing Althea's hand. His ordinarily red face had turned semi-serious, with determination in his brown eyes.

"Delta Lucas, Althea. Congratulations." Adriel gave the tiniest of smiles in response, and Lucas relaxed. I need to get him to smile more.

"Leia, where is your family? It's time to go." My smile faded at the realization that I was going to leave them. Everything told me this was just the next step, and I had to go with Adriel, but I couldn't help the feeling of dread at leaving my family. I wish they could come with me. With a quick goodbye to the group, I walked towards my family with Adriel holding my hand and Maia beside me. This is it, Leia. The moment you've been dreaming of, finding your mate.