Today was the day of the Full Moon Ceremony. Preparations were made and it was all set. Children were running around, playing and the adults were chatting and having a good time. It was still daytime and everyone was anxiously awaiting the night. Mercedes and Crystal took the day off from all their activities to enjoy the day with the rest of the other people.
Crystal was offering some of her unused dresses for Mercedes to don in the evening. She had many of them because Jake was such a big spender on her. She took out a medium puff short sleeves, low plunge neck, and medium length. It was flower-patterned and a perfect fit. Her hair was in a French braid decorated with some flowers to add to the look. She put on a simple crescent moon pendant and mid-calf gladiator sandals.
She was done getting dressed, and she twirled in front of the mirror to inspect the outcome. It was a simple but radiant look and, for the first time in her life, Mercedes felt like a Princess. Her eyes twinkled through the reflection on the mirror as she giggled in satisfaction. Crystal was smiling from the foot of her bed watching Mercedes.
" You look really pretty, you know," said Crystal, standing up to join her in front of the mirror. Mercedes tilted her head to the side as if she was thoroughly inspecting herself, or she had doubts about her appearance. She secretly thought of Felix's opinion on her outfit, but it was a far stretch, and she had high hopes. It was unlikely that Felix would complement her dressing choice or even say a word to her. He would prefer to be broody and gloomy. Even so, a tiny part in her wished he would just say something none offensive to her or mere acknowledgment. She did not say anything to Crystal because she knew she would shut down her fantasies, only for her good.
" You think?" she asked after a brief moment of silence. Crystal stood behind her and placed her hands on her shoulders. " I don't think it, I'm sure of it. Once we go out there, I'm sure everyone will be saying it too," Crystal replied in assurance. All thoughts of doubt left her mind and a smile crept into her face.
" Thanks, Cris," she started, calling her by the nickname she fondly gave her. " This is all due to you and your kindness. I wouldn't know what to do without you," Mercedes said emotionally.
" Well, you won't ever get to find out because I'll be here for you always!" Hearing her say that sounded so real and Mercedes wanted to believe it. She wanted to let herself just hold on to those words even though she knew her days were numbered. At any moment, it would all just be gone, and she would have to return to face the harsh reality waiting for her outside this new world. And there was absolutely nothing she could do to prevent that.
She forced a smile and decided not to ruin the special moment by voicing her agonizing thoughts. She planned on having fun tonight and laying all her worries on the back of her mind. Tonight was a fundamental moment for everyone, and she just wanted to be a part of it. A part of something good and awesome.
Crystal was also ready. She had her hair twirled into a cute messy bun, light makeup, a heart pendant which was also a gift from Jake, a strap dress floor-length light blue dress with ballet pumps. She held out her hand to Mercedes so they could walk out together and join the others in the front yard. On the way, Mercedes kept scanning the area for a glimpse of Felix but to no avail. Disappointment set in, but she concealed it behind a small fake smile.
Crystal sensed the tension in her, but she didn't give a voice to her concern. She figured she would eventually tell her about it later. They always talk at night before they go to bed. They joined the people and mingled while sipping cocktails and chatting about anything that came to mind.
.
The men were gathered around the fire, working on the barbecue, talking about guy stuff, and drinking beer. The ambiance in the white claw pack was a celebratory one and, so far, everyone was having a great time.
Felix was in his study, in the company of his best friend Jake, having a glass of whiskey and talking about old times. Felix was not feeling moppy since his wolf, Roland, reconnected with him. He was livelier than any other day. They both planned to take a needed run along the border to take off some steam when the moon appeared. It occurred to him that it had been a long time since he spread his limbs and felt the chilly wind glide through his fur and his paws mark the earth.
Jake offered to join him but he politely declined. Jake knew that each year on this day, Felix used to have his hopes up about finally finding his mate, but he got disappointed all the time. He saw how lonely and yearning he was while most of his pack members spent the lovely evening with their mates. He was putting up a strong and indifferent front, but Jake could see through the cracks of the mask he had put on. It was eating him up and killing him to be alone.
He talked to Crystal about it, and he thought it would be better if he spent time with him to take his mind off things, but he pushed him away as always. Always wanting to be strong and show no weakness. Jake didn't push him because he knew he would push back harder and shut him out. It was the best he let him be. Nothing cold makeup for the lack of a mate in a werewolf's life. Many would go crazy for this long, but Felix had more resilience since he is an Alpha.
But everyone had their breaking point and Jake prayed that things would not come to that. A crazy Alpha is not a good sight to bear because he could shake the foundation of their pack and many more he is in control of. Rogues and other enemies would have a field day at everyone's expense, and it would be catastrophic for all.
" So how far along is Crystal? I can't wait to be a Godfather!" Felix has a bright smile on his face. He took Jake aback because he was expecting such a question.
" Uh... she is a few months along. I think she just marked her trimester..." Jake was hesitant and selective in his response. He tried not to express too much joy. Felix saw right through him and his face fell slightly. He straightened himself on his chair and poured another glass. One could say he was trying to get intoxicated, but it was impossible with just one bottle of whiskey to get drunk. Werewolves can take their alcohol and not easily get drunk. One of the perks of being one.
" I see what you are doing, man," he said before clearing his throat.
" What do you mean?" Jake replied, playing dumb.
" You think I won't be able to share your happiness with your mate. You think I'm too sensitive to hear it and that is why you are walking on eggshells around me!" he proclaimed in frustration.
Jake sighed and averted his gaze. " I know, man, that this mate situation is taking a toll on you. I understand and I don't want to make you feel bad," he confessed.
Felix scoffed. " I feel bad?" he shook his head in disbelief. " You don't understand shit man! You don't know how it feels to go on for so long without a mate. It's fucking hell and all, but you do know the joy of having a mate. What hurts me right now is that you think that I am selfish enough to want you to feel bad for having a mate with a pup on the way just because I have neither. I wouldn't want you not to share your joy with me. I am your best friend and what kind would I be if I couldn't even take my best friend's happiness? If you think that about me, I can only imagine what the pack thinks of me," he said defeatedly.
Jake felt bad already for making matters worse. He should have acted normally and not let him feel like this. He was right. He pitied him too much and made him feel shitty.
" I'm sorry Felix. I just thought rubbing my happiness in your face would be unfair. I had no bad intentions, it was just looking out for you." The was a moment of silence between them before Felix spoke up.
" It's fine... I get it. I probably would have thought the same thing if I were in your shoes. Although I'll tell you one thing though. You are lucky to have a wonderful person such as Crystal as your mate and mother of your pup. I'm genuinely happy for you. You deserve it."
Jake smiled in acknowledgment. You deserve it too, man. And I have a feeling that your wait will be over,' he proclaimed optimistically. That made one of them because Felix was no longer holding his breath with fingers crossed.