Running from the Mate Bond Book 1: Ella
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Eleanor Moon
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854K
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52
Chapter 1 Birthday Girl
ELLA
The morning of my 18th birthday...
“Good morning, birthday girl!”
Cecile jumps onto my bed, wrapping me in a suffocating hug that knocks the air right out of my lungs.
“Ahhh, I can’t breathe, Cecile!” I gasp, trying to free myself.
“Ella! You’re always so grumpy in the morning,” she laughs, bouncing on the mattress. “I just wanted to be the first to congratulate you! You’re getting your wolf today!”
Her excitement is contagious, and despite myself, I start to smile. Cecile’s energy is unstoppable—always operating at full force.
“Get off me, you maniac,” I giggle, pushing her away playfully.
Cecile, my cousin and best friend, is my complete opposite—tall, blonde, athletic, with piercing blue eyes and the kind of effortless confidence that turns heads everywhere she goes. She could easily be the most popular girl in school, but she’s never cared about appearances. Instead, she spends her free time volunteering at the animal shelter.
Of course, both of us have to work part-time jobs to save for college, though we’re nowhere near affording it. Money has been tight since my parents were killed in a rogue attack ten years ago. My brother and I moved in with Uncle John and Aunt Trudy, who were expecting twins at the time.
Cecile, an only child before we came along, shared everything with me. She loves the chaos of a full house, thriving on the energy, but I know it hasn’t been easy for my aunt and uncle. Aunt Trudy is constantly cooking, cleaning, and chasing after the twins and Jake.
Jake, my little brother, barely remembers our parents. He was only five when they died. Now, a quiet teenager, he is growing into a tall, handsome version of our dad, with the same blonde hair and piercing green eyes framed by long, dark lashes.
As for me, I am the odd one out. I share Jake’s green eyes but have wavy brown hair instead of blonde like my whole family. I like my long hair, but most days, it’s tied up in a tight bun to survive my greasy fast-food shifts. I don’t mind. We need the money.
Uncle John left the warrior ranks years ago, and he doesn’t earn much as a carpenter. Both my parents were warriors, and Aunt Trudy insisted that he resign from the packhouse after their deaths. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing him too.
Sometimes I still wake up thinking I hear my father’s laugh echoing through the house, my heart clenching painfully as I miss them. It’s a dull ache that never really fades—only softening when I’m surrounded by the noise of my family.
The smell of pancakes finally pulls me from my bed, sweet and warm, wrapping around me like a hug I didn’t know I needed.
Downstairs, I snag the last one, glancing at Jake. He doesn’t look moody for once. In fact, he even smiles while the twins sing a chaotic version of the birthday song.
I nudge him lightly. “I’m visiting Mom and Dad’s grave today. Want to come with me?”
Jake shakes his head. “I can’t, Ella,” he says, his voice heavy with frustration. “I’m already late for my shift at the garage.”
“Are they letting you fix some stuff yet, or still just cleaning?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“Still cleaning,” he mutters, avoiding my gaze.
I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands clench at his sides. I know Jake hates this life—living among humans, working a mundane job.
“I have to go,” he says, standing abruptly and leaving the kitchen.
I sigh, watching him go.
“Don’t worry about him,” Aunt Trudy says, patting my hand. “He’ll be fine, sweetheart.”
She suddenly lights up. “Come, it’s time for your birthday presents, and I have to show you your dress for the ceremony!”
I follow her to the living room. Tradition dictates that I wear a white dress for the full moon ceremony. I haven’t brought it up, knowing we can’t afford a new one. But apparently Aunt Trudy hasn’t forgotten...
“Surprise!” Cecile yells, holding up a lace gown that takes my breath away.
I step closer, eyes wide. “Is that... my mom’s wedding dress? But how—” I whisper.
“Do you like it?” Aunt Trudy asks, her voice soft. She must have spent hours refitting it for me in secret...
My throat tightens as I run my fingers over the delicate lace. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper. “Thank you so much.”
“Your mother would’ve wanted you to wear it,” Aunt Trudy says with a sad smile, pulling me into a hug.
Cecile joins us, her enthusiasm unwavering. “Go shower! I’m doing your makeup—and we’re taking pictures before the ceremony!”
I laugh through my tears, overwhelmed by a mix of sadness and excitement. Tonight, I will finally meet my wolf.
She has always been a quiet presence in my mind, her voice soothing me on sleepless nights when I missed my parents the most. I can’t wait to let her out and run under the full moon.
The day flies by in laughter and endless pampering from Cecile and Aunt Trudy until I feel drunk on happiness. Even the visit to my parents’ grave can’t dull my mood.
“Ella,” Cecile asks, her tone unusually serious as she does my makeup, “will you leave us when you find your mate?”
I meet her gaze in the mirror, unsure how to answer. “I don’t know, Cecile.”
I know finding my mate will change everything. It could happen tonight or years from now, but the bond is inevitable. I dream of the kind of love my parents shared—unbreakable and unwavering. But the thought of leaving my family terrifies me.
“You know I want to go to college,” I say, trying to sound confident. “But we’ll see what fate has planned...”
Cecile throws her arms around me. “I hope our mates will be best friends... I can’t stand the idea of you leaving for another pack or city.”
“Don’t worry,” I grin. “If he’s from another pack, I’ll make him move here.”
“Deal!” Cecile laughs.
I’m just so happy to have her. Even though we are struggling financially, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
When I am finally ready, I descend the stairs slowly. Uncle John is waiting at the bottom, his strong figure slightly hunched, his eyes glistening as he catches sight of me. His expression shifts into a mixture of pride, nostalgia, and bittersweet joy.
“You look just like your mom,” he says, his voice trembling, thick with emotion.
I feel the sting of tears pricking my eyes, and without hesitation, I throw my arms around him. His embrace is warm and steady, grounding me in a way only he can.
“I love you,” I whisper, my voice catching.
He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, his hands firm on my shoulders. “I love you too, Ella… She’d be so proud of you. So would your dad.” His lips curve into a small, sad smile.
I bite my lip, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I wish they were here,” I admit. “I miss them so much.”
His hand brushes a strand of hair from my face, and he nods. “I know, sweetheart. I miss them too…”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, while Uncle John blinks away his tears and clears his throat. “Are you ready for this?” he asks, his gaze searching mine with concern.
I hook my arm through his, squeezing it for reassurance. “I think so. Maybe a little nervous,” I admit softly.
He smiles warmly, guiding me toward the door that leads to the garden. “That’s normal, honey. Your mom was nervous too, you know.”
“Really?” I smile, letting out a small laugh.
“Yes, sweetheart, but her wolf was extraordinary… I’m sure yours will be too.”
His words break through my nerves like a balm, and I lean into his strength as we step into the cool night air.
The garden is bathed in soft moonlight, my family gathered in a wide circle around the ceremonial fire. Their hushed voices fall silent as Uncle John and I approach, their attention shifting entirely to me.
He stops just before the circle, turning to face me one last time. “You can do this, kiddo,” he says, his voice steady even as his grip on me tightens for a moment longer. “Now go show them what you’re made of.” With one last squeeze of my hand, he steps aside.
My heart is pounding, my wolf stirring in excitement beneath my skin. I take a deep breath, ready to embrace the destiny that awaits me.
Aunt Trudy and Cecile beam at me as I take my place between them. I’m glad I was born in July, looking forward to my first run in the hot summer night.
“You look stunning,” Aunt Trudy says, squeezing my hand.
The twins are bouncing with excitement, and even Jake smiles at me intensely. I am the first of the children in our family to turn eighteen, and I know all of them are longing for their own wolf.
I feel the buzz of anticipation in the air, and my chest swells with gratitude. This is the moment I’ve waited for my whole life…
I look up to the moon, raising my arms, feeling a strange energy flow through me. My body begins to vibrate, and my eyes glow with its light.
I am ready.
I turn my back to my family, letting the lace dress slip from my shoulders.
My pulse quickens, energy humming through my veins, hot and electric. My body begins to tremble, my vision blurring before I feel a sharp, searing pain. Bones crack and shift, the sound terrifying, the pain unbearable.
I cry out, falling to my knees.
“Keep breathing, honey. It won’t take long,” Uncle John’s voice calls from behind me, steady and comforting.
I can’t answer. My throat tightens, and when I open my mouth, only a growl escapes.
