Brothers Best Friends Are My Mates

Lia

The lunch I packed for myself remained mostly untouched. I picked up part of the sandwich, took a bite, and struggled to swallow. It felt like ash in my mouth, making me want to spit it out.

Folded and shoved into my pocket was the invitation for my coming-of-age ceremony that was delivered to me two weeks ago. With trembling hands, I pulled it out and read it word by word.

Official Invitation

Dear Lia Brown,

It is with boundless joy and honor that we invite you to attend your Coming-of-Age Ceremony, a momentous occasion marking this significant milestone in your life. This celebration is a testament to your growth, achievements, and the exciting future that lies ahead.

Event Details:

· Date: Monday, the 6th of October

· Time: 9:00 AM

We encourage you to arrive promptly at the clinic to ensure the smooth progression of the event and to fully immerse yourself in the process. The ceremony afterward will include heartfelt speeches, special performances, and a formal acknowledgment of this pivotal transition.

Please RSVP to confirm your attendance. You may respond by contacting the office.

We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you and honoring your journey into adulthood. Should you have any questions or require additional information, do not hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Aspen School

The words filled me with a myriad of emotions, all of which were negative. I wanted to curl in on myself, ignoring the overwhelming anxiety that I was unable to shake. All my friends were so excited, and happy to be finding out who their potential mate could be.

My nerves were on edge and had been for the past few weeks. I had my coming-of-age ceremony in a little less than a week. It would mark my transition into a full, fledged adult werewolf and more importantly, give me a mate.

Footsteps reached my ears, gravel and leaves crunching from under their weighted steps. I whipped my head around so fast that my long, blonde braid nearly smacked me in the cheek.

"Simone!" I called out, my hand grasping my still-pounding heart. "You scared me."

She giggled, plopping herself beside me on the bench.

"What are you doing out here, Lia? I've been looking everywhere for you to share my good news!"

I chewed lightly on my lower lip, anxiety reaching its peak.

"Yes, you had your coming-of-age ceremony today. How was it?"

"It was amazing!" she cried. "I found my mates!"

These ceremonies weren't always a guarantee after you took the medicine which increased your scent production. It could take weeks to meet your chosen mates if they existed.

"I'm glad you found your mate. Who is he?"

"Mates, Lia. I found my mates."

My ocean-blue eyes widened to the size of saucers. "What?"

One mate was the most common result. Two weren't unheard of but it was much rarer.

"I have two mates," Simone giggled. "You know Max and Xavier from the nearby college?"

"They're on the rugby team..."

"Yes, well they are going to be my mates!"

Simone was glowing, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. I hated that she was going to be stuck mated to two guys from the college rugby time. Most of them were brutish jerks, using their size and status to get what they wanted.

I should know; my older brother Michael was on the team. He went from high school to the college rugby team. Along with his four friends Colby, Rain, Matt, and Jesse, they helped the team win trophy after trophy and championship after championship.

Our parents used to insist on going to every single game. After they died, I kept up the tradition but hated every minute of it.

"You're coming to my celebration tonight, right?"

"Of course! Simone, you are my best friend."

She pulled me into a hug, a gasp escaping her when she noticed my crumbled invitation on the picnic table.

"Lia, you still haven't RSVP'd. What are you thinking?!"

The disappointment in her eyes was fierce. It was enough to make me squirm in my seat and look away. I didn't want to disappoint anyone, let alone one of my best friends. No, my only friend.

Most times, I kept to myself. Simone was able to break down those walls I had up.

"I don't want to do the coming-of-age ceremony," I blurted out.

The air became so tense I swear you could cut it with a knife. I managed to meet Simone's gaze, wishing she could understand where I was coming from.