Chapter 3

(Eleanora's Pov)

' Fuck!' I cussed myself because what the hell was Ethan doing outside smoking? He never smokes around the house due to mum's nagging, ' Did he know that I will try to sneak out?' I was lost for words while glaring at my brother, who stared at me with a blank expression.

"Let me guess you are going to snitch on me." I scoffed, crossing my hands under my bosom. There was no need for me to deny the fact I was sneaking out because Ethan would not buy my lie.

"If you keep on that attitude I might." He replied bringing the cigarette to his lips to take another drag. "So what is keeping you back?" My tone was defiant. I didn't bother to beg him because Ethan was hard to convince but one thing I knew for sure was that he would not stop me. If he wanted to, he would have already alarmed Mum and Dad.

Ethan sighed and then dropped the cigarette on the floor before stepping on it to put it out. He tucked his hands into his pockets and walked towards his car. My brows furrowed at his actions. He opened the driver's seat door before glancing at me. "Are you going to Hazel's place or not?" 

"Do you want to drop me off?" Puzzled, I questioned him, walking towards the car. "What else does it look like I am doing?" Ethan scoffed, I was happy he agreed to let me go without me begging. The way he acted puzzled me because he was the same person who made Dad and Mum oppose the idea, but now he wanted to help me out.

I rushed to give him a hug that stunned him. He didn't return the hug because it was obvious he was still against the idea, but I was the princess of this household. They could not bear to see me sad. "I will drop you off and cover up for you on the condition that you return home before dawn. Do we have an agreement?"

 "Yes, before the first light of day, I will be on my bed." I eagerly agreed. Ethan smiled and then patted my head..

 The ride to Hazel's place was almost an hour. I got there around 8 pm, after Ethan dropped me off at my destination, I got out of the vehicle and waved back at him.

 Hazel was already at the entrance of her family mansion. On the way here, I informed her of what happened and why it took longer than expected to arrive.

 "The birthday girl is finally here." Hazel squeaked welcoming me with a tight hug. "Let go, I am suffocating." I jeered at her. She broke the hug and then laughed it off.

 "We better get you ready. The stylist and make-up artist are already waiting." After laughing Hazel pulled me by hand into her family mansion. Hazel's family were well off compared to mine, so it always amazed me whenever I came to her home.

 We got to Hazel's room and immediately got to work to doll up ourselves for the night. The entire process was fun with my crazy best friend, who matched up with my vibes.

 "Oh my gosh, you look stunning." Hazel gushed excitedly, looking at the finished look. I was standing in front of a full-length mirror, admiring my reflection. It was difficult to imagine that the gorgeous lady in front of me was Eleanora Donovan. I had never looked this good before. "Thanks but you look stunning yourself." I complimented Hazel, who was also equally glammed up.

 My outfit was perfect; it was a lovely blue mini-dress that complimented my eyes. My raven black hair was let down to cascade down to my waist, and my make-up was exquisite. 

 "That's sweet." Hazel chimed accepting my compliment before grabbing my hands. "It's time we go have the time of our lives."She chimed excitedly. Hazel was able to get one of her dad's limos for us to use. She wanted Tonight to be all out.

 On the way to the club, I took several fun pictures of Hazel and Even made some cool TikTok videos. We were not popular on TikTok, but it was still fulfilling to make the videos. Finally, our silver limo ride arrived at the Casablanca nightclub. It is the most exquisite club in the Creek Valley pack. It was hard to make a reservation here, but thanks to Hazel's connection, it was possible for me.

 Since I was turning 18 in a few hours and Hazel was already the legal age, we were allowed in. Immediately I stepped into the club; the loud barring music welcomed me. "Hi babe." Hazel went to hug her boyfriend, Killian, who had already reserved a table for us. Killian kissed her before acknowledging my presence.

 "Welcome love, and of course, the birthday girl. You look stunning." He complimented me with a teasing smile. "Hey, you didn't compliment me." Hazel, who was in Killian's embrace, whined. "Sorry, my queen, you are always the prettiest." Killian teased Hazel while they started making out. I rolled my eyes at the dog food they were giving out before taking my seat.

 Some of Killian's friends were also invited and a couple of people from our class everyone was having a great time. I avoided alcohol, saving my first drink for midnight, but still, it was fun hanging out with the guys. My eyes were glancing around the club until I caught the sight of a familiar figure.

 It was Alexis, and it seemed he was also here with some friends I didn't recognize clearly because they were in the VIP area in the gallery on the first floor. Alexis seemed to have noticed my stare and glanced in my direction.

 He gave me a sweet smile and then winked at me. My face turned red because what the hell was happening? Was Alexis interested in me? Although it might seem silly I always had this feeling Alexis was my mate. ‘ When would it get to midnight so that I can confirm my suspicion?’  The person next to Alexis whispered something to him, and he got up from his seat.

 "Finally the time we have been waiting for is here!" Hazel gushed excitedly. She was already wasted from drinking. It was finally midnight. A cake was brought to the table, and everyone started singing a birthday song, which was a bit embarrassing, but I was still excited.

 "It's time to make your wish." Drunk Hazel clapped her hands excitedly. I made a secret wish that Alexis should be my mate Because of my long-time crush. With a dazzling smile, I blew off the candle. Everyone clapped and started congratulating me.

 "Congrats Ele, you can finally have your first drink." Hazel chimed bringing a large glass for me. It was going to be my first drink. My face scrunched up after taking a sip. Honestly, it was not the taste I expected, but due to the crowd that was cheering me up, I finished the entire drink.

 My head started to spin a bit as the alcohol kicked in, but it didn't matter. I took two more cups just to celebrate. "Would you mind having a dance with me?" A cute guy from my class offered his hand.

 At this point, I was already drunk due to my low resistance to alcohol. With a dazzling smile, I accepted his hand, and we hit the dance floor. Not giving a fuck about anything, my body started moving and twirling with the beat, having the time of my life dancing with the cute boy.

 Suddenly, it hit me: the sweetest thing I had ever perceived in my life. I stopped dancing leaving my partner puzzled as my legs started moving to the source of the scent.

 It was coming from the gallery Alexis was seated at. My heart was beating wildly due to the excitement as I made my way to the first floor towards Alexis' table. The scent was stronger and I was convinced now more than ever Alexis was my mate.

 Reaching the table, I got to Alexis and expected my legs to stop in front of him, but they kept moving because the scent was not his but someone close, and it smelled divine. I walked past Alexis towards the dark side of the table, and finally, I stopped moving.

 "Mate." The word left my lips standing in front of a guy I would describe as a more mature version of Alexis. He had a darker and stronger presence, and I could swear he was damn handsome with a dominant aura. His sexual appeal was already driving me crazy.

 His eyes darkened once our eyes locked and he repeated the same words I said earlier. "Mate." Then it hit me as I recognized the voice I had heard on the TV several times. It was the voice of Alaric Armani, the alpha of the Creek Valley pack, Alexis's elder brother.