Chapter 3

"What exactly do I have to do?" Curiosity overpowering my better judgment, I inquired.

"It's easy. "All you have to do now is find your mate," she continued. "That's all I need you to do."

"How exactly am I supposed to accomplish that?" I inquired, having no prior knowledge of mates.

Selene took a seat. "All you have to do is trust your instincts and pay attention to the signs." Because your wolf knows her partner, she will be barred from assisting you. While you can take support from others, I strongly advise you to keep this to yourself. You'd be shocked at how many people would like to see you fail. If you accept it, this is your mission."

"What if I don't find my soulmate?"

"If you don't succeed, I'll have to revise my system." This could take a year, or it could take another 200 years. You don't have to be concerned about it. If you succeed, the system will be activated, and wolves all throughout your region will begin to seek partners."

"Well, Selene, this sounds like a fantastic opportunity, but I'm not sure if I'm a good enough test subject," I wrung my hands.

"I am aware. You were made by me. "Believe in yourself," she remarked with a wink. "Oh, and please wake up."

*****

I jumped up in my bed right away. I was drenched in perspiration, and my feet were caked in dirt.

"What kind of dream was that?" I wondered out loud.

I awoke with three hours until my flight. I rolled out of bed and went to the restroom. I quickly showered, cleaned my teeth, and went into my closet to get dressed. I decided to wear a plain gray tee shirt and trousers, along with my gray running shoes. I chose comfort above style because the flight was six hours long.

I pulled my hair into a sloppy knot and started applying makeup. Nothing out of the ordinary. I only used mascara and rose gold lip gloss. Rose gold was my obsession. I kissed the mirror farewell before leaving to say good-by to my folks.

I went upstairs and knocked on their bedroom door. My mother quickly responded.

"Mom, can I talk to you about something?" I was considering how much of last night's encounter to convey, I said.

"Of course, dear. You are free to tell me anything. You are aware of this. "Please come in," she invited.

We sat in the living room, allowing me time to think about what to say. Finally, I decided to tell her everything. I took a long breath and glanced at her when I was through.

She was anxious and a little scared.

"Jacky, I wouldn't go around telling people about that," she remarked, her face flushed. "Everyone will think you're insane. Mates do not exist, and the Moon Goddess does not go about talking to strangers."

It wasn't what I was expecting her to say. I expected her to be encouraging and helpful.

"But, Mom, it did happen. "I even woke up with dirt on my feet," I explained, hoping to persuade her of the reality.

"Now, Jacky, that's enough. Dreams do not exist. You most likely thought there was dirt there because you had just woken up. "You were just mistaking your dream for reality," she explained.

"Mom "I'm telling you-" I started before she cut me off.

"Enough! Your father is waiting for me below. I recommend that you gather yourself.

I don't want to hear any more of this crap about dreams. "Come join us for breakfast," she urged as she stood up to depart. "This is not how I want to say farewell." Come to breakfast and we'll try once more."

As doubt began to sneak in, I waited. Had I dreamt it, as my mother suggested? Then I remembered something the Moon Goddess had said. Believe in yourself, as I did. I just wouldn't talk about it again. After that, I went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

My father was seated at the head of the table. "Good day, Ladybug. "How did you sleep last night?" My mother was seated on his right, and I was seated to his left.

"I have nothing to complain about. "But I had some strange dreams," I admitted as an omega served me food. I had eggs, bacon, sausage links, and my favorite, waffles.

"I wouldn't put much stock in dreams, sweetie," my mother murmured as she chewed on her bacon.

"I suppose you're correct. "I'm glad you're here to see us off."

Simon strolled in and took the seat next to me. "Good day, Sunshine. "You appear to be well prepared for the trip," he observed my clothing. Simon was dressed in a gray suit. He looked fantastic this morning.

"And you look like you're ready for a business meeting," I smirked. "Why are you dressed up?"

"I just want to make a good impression on the Alpha," he admitted sheepishly.

"That reminds me of something. Alpha Viktor had called earlier in the morning. One of his protected packs has been attacked. He and his Beta went to look into it. "He said it would only take a few days, leaving his parents to greet everyone," my father said as he finished his final bite of supper.

"Does that mean you're going to change, Simon?" With a grin, I said.

"Of course not," you say. "The Alpha's parents are equally important and deserve our respect," he stated solemnly. "You should think about changing your clothes."

"Here here," my father remarked, rubbing glasses with Simon.

"I'll have you know it was hard work picking this outfit," I remarked, seeming to frown.

"What are you wearing? Jeans and a tee shirt?" You don't truly broaden your mind, do you?" Simon stated.

I pointed my tongue at him and said, "I was going for comfort here."

"This is comfortable," he added as he unzipped his jacket.

"So, what was decided about my security detail?" I requested that my father change the subject.

"On the plane, Simon will fill you in. "All right, Simon?" He inquired.

"Yes, sir," Simon responded as he rose to his feet.

"Come now. "Please say good-by to your mother and me."

My father squeezed me so hard that my bones broke. My mum kissed me all over the place before giving me a warm hug.

"Call if you need anything, sweetie," my mother added as she squeezed my hand again.

"And remember, do not put your faith in dreams," she said specifically to me.

"Have a good time, Ladybug." "Bring our retirement home," he whispered, patting my back.