Days passed quickly, and the long-anticipated day of the yearly mating ball had finally arrived. Serena's parents spared no expense, hiring the best makeup artists in town to prepare both Serena and me for the evening. We were in her room now, getting ready, and, as usual, Serena hadn't stopped talking about Alpha Evan. I didn't mind, though—I was used to it by now.

To be fair, I couldn’t blame her for being so captivated by him. After all, she wasn't the only one. Ever since Alpha Evan was appointed as our pack’s leader, countless she-wolves had been infatuated with him, fantasizing about the possibility of being his mate. Serena was no exception. Well, at only twenty-seven, Alpha Evan had not only stabilized the pack but helped it flourish. Amber Stone Pack was more vibrant than ever under his leadership.

Alpha Evan wasn't just intelligent—his strategic mind and commanding presence made him a highly effective leader. And of course, his good looks didn’t go unnoticed. With dark hair, a sharp nose, and a well-built physique, he looked every bit the prince that any woman would dream of. Despite his reputation for being possessive and dominant at times, many she-wolves were still drawn to him, perhaps even more because of it.

After three hours of preparation, our makeup and hair were finally done. I was already dressed in my gown while Serena was still in her walk-in closet, finishing up. Gazing at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile. Staring back at me was a young woman exuding elegance, confidence and beauty. For once, I didn’t see a maid or an Omega. Tonight, I looked and felt like a princess. This moment, this feeling—it was a dream come true.

Moments later, Serena emerged from her closet, and she looked absolutely ethereal. Her long, dark hair was elegantly swept up, and her fiery makeup accentuated her striking features. Her gown—a bold, vibrant red—was stunning. The off-the-shoulder neckline framed her collarbone and shoulders, while the fitted design hugged her slim waist perfectly. She looked flawless, and even I couldn't help but admire her.

“Serena… you look like a goddess,” I said, my eyes wide with admiration.

She smiled warmly. “Thanks, Dorothy. Well, I have a feeling we’ll both turn some heads tonight,” She added with a wink, making me giggle. Still, I couldn’t shake the nerves building inside me.

“I’m kind of nervous, though. This gown doesn’t change the fact that I’m still a maid and an Omega. What if my mate doesn’t like me because of that?” I confessed, voicing the fear that had been eating away at me.

Serena took my hand gently. “Don’t overthink it, alright? Your fated mate won’t care about your rank. Trust me, he will love you for your kind heart and beauty, not your status.”

Her words brought a smile to my face. Serena always knew how to lift me up when I was feeling unsure.

After a few minutes, we were on our way to the Adelaide Kingdom, where the mating ball was being held. The journey took nearly an hour, but soon we arrived. I stepped out first, with Serena following close behind. As we entered the grand hall of the kingdom, I noticed how many eyes turned to Serena, clearly mesmerized by her beauty. To my surprise, a few glances were cast my way as well, causing a light blush to creep up my cheeks.

The first hour of the ceremony passed quickly as Serena and I stuck together, eating and chatting, enjoying the lively atmosphere. But as the main event approached, everyone was asked to separate according to their ranks. Naturally, I moved to the section for lower-ranking wolves, while Serena joined the upper ranks.

Upon arriving at the area designated for us, I chose a quiet corner to sit in, observing my surroundings and waiting for whatever might unfold next.

“You’re an Omega?” Suddenly, a voice asked from beside me.

I turned and nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“Wow, I never would’ve guessed! That gown is amazing. It doesn’t seem like something an Omega would wear,” She said, her surprise evident.

I smiled softly, unsure whether to feel flattered or self-conscious.

A few minutes later, Alpha Evan stepped onto the stage to officially begin the mating ceremony. His deep voice commanded attention as he declared that tonight, he too would find his fated mate—the future Luna of our pack. I could imagine Serena's face lighting up right now at the announcement. Damn, I hope she really was the one destined to stand beside Evan as his Luna.

Around me, wolves had already begun finding their mates, their scents and the mating pull guiding them to each other. Then, one by one, couples were leaving the hall, eager to accept the bond they had just discovered. Watching their joy warmed my heart; it was truly a beautiful sight, seeing so many smiles all around.

But as time passed, a creeping worry settled in my chest. Why hadn’t I found my mate yet? The hall was rapidly emptying, with only a handful of Omegas and lower-ranking wolves left. I walked around, hoping to sense the pull, but nothing. No scent, no bond, no fated mate waiting for me. A sinking feeling weighed me down—was I destined to be mateless?

Dejected, I sat down in one of the chairs, feeling the hopelessness wash over me. Just as I was about to lose myself in the gloom, Serena’s voice suddenly entered my mind through a mind-link.

“I’m not mated to Alpha Evan,” She shared, surprising me. “My mate is the Beta’s son, Andrew. He’s handsome and kind, and I’m with him now, but… I think I’m going to reject him. He’s not what I imagined. Oh well, keep me updated on your mate, alright?”

Her words snapped me out of my spiral. Even Serena, with all her confidence and beauty, wasn’t guaranteed the mate she had hoped for. I wasn’t alone in my uncertainty. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder—where was my mate?

“That’s tough, Serena. But don’t reject him just yet. You can try to give him a chance,” I replied through the mind-link. “As for me, I still haven’t found mine… I think I might really be mateless.”

As I cut the link, a sudden, intoxicating scent hit me, making my wolf jump inside me. The smell was earthy, like cypress oak, and it filled my senses with a strange allure. I glanced around the hall, seeing everyone paired up. Where was this scent coming from?

Compelled by the smell, I began following it, growing more confused with each step as it led me toward the area reserved for the upper-ranking wolves. I hesitated for a moment, but my wolf urged me forward, so I mindlessly continued with my heart pounding. Suddenly, I collided with something—someone—tall and solid. My face landed squarely against his firm chest, and the scent hit me full force, making my heart race faster.

Before I could react, his strong arms wrapped around me in a hug. The sensation was unfamiliar but undeniable. This man… he was my mate. My pulse quickened as I tilted my head up to meet his gaze, but when I saw his face, my entire body went cold. A shiver ran down my spine, and in shock, I pushed him away.

No. This couldn’t be happening.

But he gently reached for my hand, his touch soft despite the strength in it. “My wolf stirred the moment you bumped into me,” He said, his deep voice calm yet intense. “You are my mate.”

It was Alpha Evan.