WOLF CEREMONY (PART TWO)

She was as beautiful as a goddess; no wonder my dad wouldn’t leave her alone and was always protective of her, as if she would run away from him any moment from now.

She was just forty years old, slim, and curvy. I want to be like her when I grow up and be as beautiful as ever.

“Reading my books and also solving my assignments,’’ I lied without blinking, hoping she wouldn’t go to my room and search for my phone to see if I was lying.

My mom of justice and dictatorship despises comics, mangas, whatever they are called; she feels they are distracting me from my studies. I wish my brothers were here to stop her from scolding me.

“Are you sure you are not reading those stupid mangas that don’t teach anything or add some sort of advice to your life?”

Says the person who spends her money on clothes, being more obsessed with it than her children, I’m just a ten-year-old kid; what’s wrong with reading a manga?

It’s too late to stop me now, when I’ve read over a hundred mangas, and she is saying when I’m older, that sounds more like a dream than a reality; by then I’d have read over thousands of them.

I rolled my eyes at her. I’ve never heard of a manga being read to add something to your life; it just feels good and provides entertainment to my life rather than this boring house that is all white as snow, kind of like a cemetery, really quiet, and who lives like this.

“Mom, I was reading my books, not a manga; I dropped that a long time ago. You know I always listen to you,” I said confidently. It was just a minute ago, though.

 Me? Listen to my mom; probably it will be another Oceana, not me.

*You are such a good liar* My wolf chuckled at my words.

I ignored her and focused on the matter at hand.

“Don’t test me, Oceana; you are not allowed to read a manga at this age; it’s addictive and it misleads youngsters like you. When you are older, you read it, you hear me.”

Who listens to that kind of advice these days? Kids do their own stuff now.

“But Mom, you just heard me, didn’t you? I was reading some books upstairs with Jessie before she left for the ceremony.’ I elaborated.

 Oops! I shouldn’t have mentioned the ceremony.

     My stupid mouth!

“What!’ she reacted. “What are you still doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at the ceremony? You never know, you might come across your mate.’

“At this age, Mom, for crying out loud, I’m only ten.’

Who needs a stinky and smelling mate? Eww, they all smell so badly; don’t they take a bath?

“Shut up,’ she snapped. “Don’t talk when I’m talking.”

“I’m not interrupting you.’ I broke in.

“Then, shut up; you talk when you are being spoken to; do I make myself clear?”

 “Yes, Mom.’ I mumbled, nearly rolling my eyes at her.

So much for being a child.

“That’s the reason you should be hoping for a mate, not sitting down and doing nothing. At this age, you need your mate; you are supposed to meet your mate, get betrothed, and once you are eighteen, get married. You go to the mate; it doesn’t come to you if you hide yourself inside the mansion all day. You are a wolf; you never can tell; meeting your mate will help you to control your powers and be able to change into your wolf form.’ 

“I don’t desire a mate.’ I blurted it out.

“Don’t be silly, young lady; mind your tongue.’ She scolded.

“But, Mom, why do I need one?’ I argued.

“I just explained to you why you need one.’ 

“Must I get a mate?” I enunciated with anger. “I’m an Alpha; what do I need a mate for? Isn’t that a disgrace for me? Why should I go to the extent of doing such a thing as mating with another Alpha because I can’t shift? Everyone will know the reason I’m suddenly bonding with an alpha. The pack and the kids at school will laugh at me. Why can’t I just learn how to do it myself? Learn how to shift before searching for a mate. I’m a princess, not a commoner.’

“You are not reading up on what you are supposed to study, young lady; your wolf speaks through you but refuses to come out of you because there is something blocking your wolf from taking over your body; you can’t even control the powers of the realms.” My mother yelled, sighing. “Listen, Oceana, it’s not like I don’t believe in you; I’m not forcing you to live up to my expectations of being perfect; I don’t like what I’m doing to you. You have every right to live your life as you please; I wouldn’t force you, and I will make sure I respect your opinion. But, this is for your own good; everything I do is to make you happy. I will do anything to make you happy because I love you, and that’s why I want the best for you. If I’m telling you to do this and that, it’s for your benefit and your future, my dear. But this is our clan that we are talking about; people will talk about you, shame you, and say all kinds of things to you. You know why? Because you are an Alpha and not an Omega. To be prepared for what’s to come, you have to have an encounter with your mate. That way, you can achieve great things in life. It’s not like I hate you, but I want the best and the most beautiful things in the world for you. That’s what I want, and I want you to be happy. If possible, you will be my heir and succeed me in being the Luna of this clan, the Queen of the five clans; you will be a powerful woman with your mate beside you, helping you with his powers, so that no one will laugh at you again; everyone will look up to you and respect you; trust me and believe me; I am your mother; I will not lie to my child.”