My Step-Dad Is My Mate
Chapter 2

I hopped out of the shower and walked into my bedroom.

Checking the time, I realized I only had about 30 minutes before theclock struck 12:00; indicating my birthday, the beginning of my partyand replaceing out who my mate is.

I couldn't wait to replace my mate and be rid of these feelings for Richardonce and for all. It was becoming too much. Surprisingly I was able toignore it- scratch that- avoid it for two years but now I can't. It's toomuch and eventually, I can see myself giving in and doing something Iknow I'll regret.

I slipped on my bra and panties, not really caring whether it matched ornot, then went digging around my closet for an outfit.

Oh boy, this is going to be a while.

20 minutes later I double checked my outfit in the mirror and noddedin confirmation, it was alright.

I put on a black Midi dress that ended just above my knees, some goldbangles on each hand, my black studs and my 5in black heels.

Dresses aren't really my thing, although I owned a lot of them, I neverwear them simply because I replace them uncomfortable and irritating towalk in.

I sprayed some perfume on me and grabbed my phone, stuffing it intomy purse then left my room and made my way downstairs.

The party was outside, because the inside of my house didn't haveenough room to fit my pack plus two other ones. Can you imagine howmessy that would be?

I stood in front of the front door, hesitant to open it.

I checked the time on the wall clock.

60 seconds before 12:00.

To say I was nervous was an understatement. Meeting my mate for thefirst time, if I even replace him that is but I have a strong feeling he's here.My wolf side is feeling more powerful than my human side, indicatingto me my mate is in fact, present tonight.

Will he like me? I sure hope so. I don't think I'd survive being rejected.5

Deep breaths Danica, no need to be afraid.

4

You've been waiting forever for this.

3

Just remember...

2

That no matter what happens tonight. Mate or no mate, or rejected ornot.

I won't run and I won't back down.

I pushed open the front door and was greeted by hundreds of smilingfaces.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANICA!"

A grin found it's way onto my face and I ran into the large swarm ofpeople and attempted a group hug but failed miserably because of myshort arms.

"Happy birthday sweetie.” I heard a voice say behind me and I turnedaround to see my mom has the tears in her eyes.

"Thank you mommy." I said and went over to her, engulfing her in ahug.

"This party looks awesome." I added as I pulled away.

"I'm glad you like it Dani. It took some work, but you know I'll doanything for you. I was just thinking..." Mom said with a sad smile asthe tears she was obviously holding back came down on her cheeks."H-how proud your father would be to see you right now." She finishedafter a while then broke out in a sob.

"I know...I miss him too." I added sadly and rapidly blinked my tearsaway.

Every day I thought about Daddy and what things would be like if hewas here.

Mom would be with her rightful mate, and we'd be a real family insteadof Richard being here and me having these uncontrollable f- Wait,where is Richard?

"I'l be back in a bit sweetie. Don't worry about me, I'll go clean up andbe down soon. Go have fun. Find your mate.” Mom said with a wink at“mate’ and I blushed.

I couldn't sense my mate that strongly anymore, so that means heprobably went to the other side of the yard. I'm sure he is still here; Ifeel it even if it is faint.

Despite my excitement to replace my mate and enjoy the party, I couldn'thelp but wonder about Richard. I haven't seen him yet since I came outand I didn't see him in the house.

You know what? Fuck him, this is my night and I'm going to make thebest of it.

It was about 3am now and most of the people here were either drunkbeyond my own comprehension or passed out in my house.

I'm surprised my mom hasn't shut it down yet. Normally, any Party sheplans she shuts it down before TOO messy and by the looks of my lawnright now....you'd think a bunch of crack heads lived here. Werewolvesparty hard and I am not even kidding when I say that.

I am yet to pinpoint my mate, but he is close I feel my wolf squirming.You see, to replace out who your mate is, you have lock eyes or touch eachother to know but both persons must be 18 or over to feel theconnection of the pull.

Do you know how funny it would be to have your mate in your face ona daily and not even know until you're 18? Crazy right?

I was beginning to get frustrated. At some point, I even had the idea ofwalking around and bumping into every male I see until I found him,but that would probably take me hours.

"Having fun Missy?" A friend-or more like acquaintance, Veronica cameup to me and asked but she is obviously drunk as hell if she is eventalking to me. Hell, only type or conversation I've ever had with her iswhen she asks me for homework answers in class.

"Yup." I replied briefly and the n she walked- scratch that, stumbledaway into the arms of her mate, another acquaintance of mine, JulesWayne. Jules wasn't so bad, he actually is a good guy but I'm just notthe making friends type so I stick to my 'Hi, hello’ routine then it'spretty much ignoring your existence afterwards.

(I literally am like this in person, just omg I'm so antisocial)

Looking around the vast numbers of drunken wolves, I searched for mymate, but only to come up empty handed.

God, how fucking hard is it to replace one person?

Eventually, my mind wandered to Richard again. The asshole may notbe my most favorite

person but damn, he owes me a happy birthday.

I took a deep breath, trying to single out Richard's scent out of thedozens around me. It was a few moments till I got it and it led me tothe house, but I figured he was maybe getting more drinks orsomething so I let him be.

"Okay y'all" The DJ boomed through the microphone, almost startlingme.

"Guys grab a lady, ladies grab a man and lemme see you wolves outthere...get down to this."

The song Body On Me by Rita Ora & Chris Brown came on and I felt asurge of energy came through me.

I had to dance to this.

Shaking my hips side to side, I made my way to the crowd of wolveswho were dancing with their mates or just amongst each other.

"Can I have this dance birthday girl?" I heard a deep voice whisper inmy ear.

At first I was hesitant but I figured since I can't replace my mate yet, itwouldn't hurt to just dance for just a little while. Hell, it's my birthday; Ideserve to have a little fun.

I grabbed the person's arm and brought their body closer to mine.Grinding my lower body against him, I felt him push back against me,our bodies syncing together in our movements

"You can dance." The guy whispered in my ear while he wrapped hisarm around my waist and I chuckled.

"You'd be surprised.” I replied back and continued my grind.

"Do you-" the guy was cut off as he was yanked away from meabruptly. I spun around fast enough just to see who pulled him off, andwhen I locked eyes with the stranger, my entire world came crashingdown around me.

Richard looked away from our gaze and glared at the guy I was dancingwith, who I identified as the Beta of one of the packs who came for myparty.

I watched in shock as Richard speeded into the house, the doorslamming behind him.

Rage flooded my system and I swear I could see red.

I can't believe this son of a bitch!

"I'm sorry, my step-dad is a little over protective. I'm gonna go talk tohim, have fun, replace your mate maybe." I said, adding a wink to the lastpart and he nodded while laughing.

I stomped to the house and opened the door then closed it."RICHARD!" I yelled. The music was loud outside and since about 99%of the wolves here are drunk, they're heightened senses are bound tobe a little off.

With hearing no reply from him, I tracked his scent to the guestbedroom upstairs.

"Dammit!" I heard his voice yell from the room as I walked up the stairs,followed by the crashing sound of something breaking.

What the hell? Is he mad? This asshole has no reason to be freakingmad.

I took a few calming breaths, then pushed open the door to the room,ignoring the obvious mess on the floor.

“You knew didn't you?" I asked, awaiting his answer.

Richard paced the room, avoiding eye contact with me and mutteringto himself.

"Richard." He wasn't answering me, so I repeated his name once again,but still no answer. I felt my anger flare and my claws started to growlonger from my rage.

"RICHARD!" I yelled and his head snapped up to face me, looking medirectly in the eyes and the pull from our bond made itself very muchknown.

"WHY THE F*CK DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE MY MATE?"