6 | Brave

Elena POV

The rest of the week passes by in a blur and luckily with alpha ceremony preperations, I don't see much of Alpha Caleb and his band of brats. I giggle to myself at the nickname. 

I wake up the morning of the alpha ceremony with a splitting headache. I struggle out of bed, my eyes watering from the sunlight pouring through the windows and try to make my way to the kitchen so I can grab some tylenol for my headache. After taking two pills, I go to lay down on the couch until my headache starts to subside and I feel like I can actually function again. 

The house is empty as usual, and I am going back into the kitchen to make myself some coffee when I hear a knock at the door. Once open, I see Quinn standing there with Starbucks and a huge smile splitting her face with what looks like an army of people behind her. It gives the whole, 'I'll have my people call your people' kind of vibe.

"Quinn, you do realise the ceremony isn't for another 10 HOURS right!? Is this all really necessary?" I say.

"Come on Lenny, this isn't all for the ceremony tonight! I brought the cooks from the packhouse to make your favorite breakfast!! You don't think I forgot that today is your birthday did you?"

Tears spring to my eyes at the gesture and I am overwhelmed as I look into my bestfriends eyes. I shouldn't be surprised, she's usually the first person to tell me happy birthday. Everyone forgot, even I forgot, but not Quinn. Nobody is even at the house since dad and Tobias are going over Beta duties and preparing for the ceremony. 

I wrap my arms around her in a big bear hug as I squeal, "Thank you! You really didn't have to do this, I don't even know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," she responds. "This is what sisters are for, chica. We have each other's backs. I know you would do the same for me."

"Plus you can pay me back by letting me dress you up and do your makeup. You never know, maybe you'll meet your mate tonight." Quinn says wiggling her eyebrows as she walks past me and starts showing everyone where to set-up. She has a naturally commanding presence but it's also kind, it makes you WANT to listen to her. I've always admired that about her.

I pale as her words settle into my bones and I know when she notices because she quickly adds, "Would it really be so bad to meet your mate? To meet the person who was made for you, who knows you, who you can share your deepest thoughts and desires with? Don't you ever get lonely?" She asks.

"Of course I want that," I respond. "But I've spent my whole life trapped; put there by someone who was supposed to love and care for me unconditionally. I'm scared that finding my mate will be another glass prison. I don't want someone to have that kind of power over me."

She looks at me deep in thought as she says, "Lenny, you are strong and brave and you haven't let your circumstances break you. I can't imagine that the moon goddess would give you anyone less than amazing." 

At her words, I relax a little and take a deep breath. Would it be so bad to find my mate? I've spent my whole life scared that they would only put me in another glass box but what if they were different? I ask myself.

Before I can analyze the situation further, I push my emotions and thoughts down and turn to my friend, "Okay, let's do this."