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.

your tricks next time.” She

I do pity the one who will choose you because he has a lot on his

together. “That’s harsh

words on

smile, wiggling her

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.

abiding by the council’s rules. The annual mate hunt is an exception. Every

year was only four. Me and Tash’s included. The other girls were Ehren and Adriana. Adriana is a sweet girl. She’s

debuted last year but much to our surprise, she hadn’t been claimed. She seemed nice to everyone except for me.

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

gasped. “This

you get inside, it’s more lovely there,” Emma said proudly. Emma was the chosen mate of one of our pack members. She

nervous,” Adrianna admitted, fidgeting with her

dear.”

She whispered, biting