The candidates had been placed beside the crowd, Melding in so that Kayden barely noticed them. After Issacs speech he waved to Gareth who began to announce each candidate, letting them walk forward for Kayden to see before kneeling at Issacs feet and then moving on to the side of the stage. The first two were from the Northern Pack themselves, named Kale and Ulrick. Next was the River Pack, Abe and Reagon. Then came the Southern Pack, first a young man named Daerk with dark copper hair and then a slightly taller man with freckles and an easy smile under his mop of red hair, Bear. After they introduced themselves it was the Eastern Pack candidates, a young man named Troy who barely caught Kaydens interest. The second candidate was called Lukai and he took her breath away. He was gorgoeus, with dark hair and large brown eyes and a smile that made her heart skip. Her brain flickered to the man she had met earlier, Dominik, who had been equally handsome and stunning. But he was only visiting and she had to choose from the candidates. And right now...Lukai looked like her best option.
The next two were large bulking men with silver hair, and while they looked young and fit thier hair stood out to her. She didn't think they were ugly though; there was a certain beauty to thier looks, and she recognized them as Grey Wolves.
"Introducing Hans," Gareth announced as one of the men stepped forward before the next, "and his twin brother Fern."
Some of these names, she thought to herself, stifling a giggle.
Lastly came the Western Candidates and a scrawny man who looked less like an Aloha and more like a terrified Omega stepped forward. He was introduced as Stephen and Kayden grimaced as he fumbled forward, barely making eye contact with her as he kneeled in front of Issac. She had maintained a neutral face so far, playing Laterina quite perfectly, but she almost broke character watching this man fumble along. How had he become a candidate? Even she was less clumsy then him.
"And finally Dominik of the sun wolves, son of...Rafik."
Kaydens breath stopped, and her heart skipped before starting to pound. He had definitely not been dressed up when she had seen him the first time and now he outshone the entire room, like a flame in the dark. Her eyes were glued to him, watching him approach and wanting to ask a million questions. Why had he not told her he was a candidate? Did he recognize her as Kayden? Could she pull off being Katerina in front of this dazzling wolf?
The rest of the room seemed to silence as well, all eyes watching the stunning man approach Issac. Kayden could hear other heart beats pounding, a few girls giggling at his looks, already wanting for him. If Kayden didn't choose him she was sure another wolf would scoop him up. It was the way of the werewolf to mate at 18, and there were plenty of available maidens this year. Any candidate that did not get picked would easily find a mate still, on display for the entire clan.
"And that concludes our candidates," Gareth announced, "let the festivities began as we celebrate our future Alphas birthday and her right to choose a mate!"
The crowd erupted in howls and applause and people began filing out to get food or wine, while others stayed to chat. A few wolves were setting up instruments made from wood and twine, preparing the live music for the night. As for Kayden, Issac told her to remain in her seat. All good and drink would be brought to her, and the candidates could come one by one to speak to her privately. All she need do is continue the charade. As for the Alpha he disappeared promptly, possibly going to speak to his son are talk to guests, whatever he felt was needed.
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