Chapter 4 Mate

Emma's POV

I have walked past the ceremonial ground heading toward the woods since the party hasn't started yet. I fantasize about the special moment that I could finally find my true love and end this thing I have for Vincenzo Salvatore.

As I walked, I was drawn to the soothing sound of the ocean. And just then the blurry image of Ava and Vincenzo flashed through my mind. Yep!! I think it's easy to feel insecure when comparing ourselves to others, especially someone like Ava who seems to have it all. Well, another reason why Vincenzo Salvatore won't even look my way.

Feeling annoyed, I sighed and murmured to myself, "Today should be about me, not them." I walked towards the ocean, seeking a moment of relaxation before the ceremony. I let out a deep sigh with my hands resting beside me as I stared straight in the direction that I was walking; If I'm meant to find my mate today, I pray for it to be here, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean.

There was this peaceful sensation that evolved in my mind as I neared the ocean, and suddenly a tantalizing scent filled the air, causing my senses to heighten. My inner wolf suddenly seemed to dance with excitement, howling in my head and wagging its tail. Yeah, before I forget... lolz, I found my wolf this morning though we haven't had enough time to communicate. But that's by the way because right now, I guess that something extraordinary is about to happen.

I think I just found my mate!!!... I knew what it was and instantly traced the scent right away. I quickly stopped in front of the ocean. But then, my excitement turned to disbelief at the person sitting beside the water. "This is ridiculous... I can't possibly be mated to Ava, my best friend," my voice hung wide as I stared at her in shock and disbelief.

It seemed like everything stopped working as she slowly turned around, "Emma," she called out, clearly surprised to see me by the ocean. "What are you doing here?" She asked, sounding startled. I noticed the nervous look that suddenly flashed in her eyes but I ignored it.

"You should be at the party with your parents... I told you to wait for me that I am coming. So why are you looking for me?" She asked, her voice filled with confusion, anger, and a hint of desperation.

And that's when I opened my mouth to talk but as usual, no word was coming out, I tried again but nothing... I was lost in my thoughts when I saw Vincenzo Salvatore swimming towards me from the water, and my eyes widened in shock as I realized that the intoxicating scent was coming from him. And when he noticed my presence, confusion filled his gaze, and his eyes wrinkled in irritation as I whispered that one word, "Mate!"

"Mate!!!" In shock, Ava's gaze widened too, and I was left feeling both confused and excited. Didn't he know that we were mates? He turned eighteen last year, so it was definitely possible that he knew I was his mate. But he had told everyone that Ava was his mate... and now this! It seems like he knew all along.

Realization dawned on me as I continued to look at him in shock. How could he have known all this while and still choose to mess around with my best friend? What was he even thinking? Looking at him, a surge of anger coursed through me, causing me to grit my teeth and glare harder at him. How could he do such a thing? The pain cut deep, leaving me with a mix of emotions that ranged from hurt to confusion. I couldn't help but question his motives and intentions. Why did he do that? Was he not proud of me or was he also confused about why we were mated since I am his girl's best friend?

The weight of these questions hung heavy in the air, fueling my anger and making it difficult to find any resemblance of understanding. I needed him to say a word. But deep down, I feared what his response might be. Would he reject me right away? The ambiguity chewed at me, increasing the chaos within. As I stared at him, my eyes continued to burn with a mix of disarray and distress.

Suddenly, there was an eerie silence in the atmosphere, I stood there still waiting for him to say a word when unexpectedly Ava's cold dreadful laugh pierced through the silence drawing my attention. I know how she is feeling right now but... I think I am wrong once again because her sudden change in demeanor seems suspicious.

Looking at her, I noticed a dirty grin appeared at the corner of her lips with her hands folded close to her chest as she took conscious strides forward. "Well, it is disheartening that I have to tell you this right here," she chuckled, making me nervous.

I could sense the confusion on my face and the fast beating of my heart in my chest as I looked up to her, what is she trying to say? "What... what is that all about?" Despite the heavy drumming of my heart, I managed to say a few words.

And instantly her face turned cold but quickly switched to a blank expression before she smirked, sending a dreadful look my way. I couldn't help but almost flinch in response. "I have always known about your cheap slut crush on my boyfriend," she announced, widening my gaze but my wolf was quick enough to let out a warning growl at her. She staggered a bit unexpectedly before her face was filled with anger and disgust confusing me.

What has come over Ava? Is this my best friend?

"You can never be mated to him, that's what I wanted to tell you today," Her desperate announcement dilated my gaze once again, capturing my attention and piquing my curiosity.