*Zander*
“My lady, Zander is right,” she began, her voice steady and resolute. “If he wants us to produce an heir after entering the sacred bond of matrimony before the moon goddess, and he marks me before we mate, he must have a purpose in mind, one that serves the betterment of our pack.”
My heart swelled with gratitude for Avery’s steadfast loyalty. She understood me like no one else, and her unwavering support in this crucial moment was a testament to the depth of our connection.
Realizing that further confrontation would only escalate tensions, I decided it was time to make my exit. With a curt nod towards my mother, I spoke with a coldness that mirrored the sharp edge in my voice, “I will take my leave, mother, as I have more important affairs to attend to.”
______________
*Blair*
It had been three long years since I left for my studies abroad, and now I was finally back. Turning eighteen last year should have been the start of a new chapter in my life, but I hadn’t found my mate yet. I had been waiting for my whole life to turn eighteen and find my fated mate, but it had almost been a year, and I still hadn’t found him.
It was frustrating, to say the least, but I knew that good things come to those who wait. I had faith that my fated mate was out there somewhere, and I would find him when the time was right. For now, I was just happy to be back home and surrounded by my loved ones.
Zander had thrown a big party because a royal guest was also joining us.
Apparently, a Vampire Prince was coming over, so everyone was pretty hyped up about it. I put on my favorite red dress and headed to the party, eager to catch up with my old pack. The night was alive with anticipation, and the air filled with a sense of excitement and electricity. As I arrived at the venue, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the sight before me. The open ground was adorned with shimmering decorations and the thumping beat of the music echoed through the surroundings. Stars and moon were shining above us. It was one of the best things I missed about my pack in those years.
I looked around and a smile stretched across my lips. It was a pretty wild night, with werewolves of all ages and ranks reveling in the festivities. The dance floor was a frenzy of spinning bodies and energetic movements, while the bar was crowded with werewolves enjoying their preferred drinks. Laughter and conversation filled the air as old friends reunited and shared stories of their adventures. But amidst the cheerful chaos, there was an underlying anticipation for the arrival of the Vampire Prince.
As I mingled with the crowd, catching up with familiar faces, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of something missing. My brother’s Beta, Maddox, was nowhere to be seen. In fact, I hadn’t seen him since I left the pack three years ago. Something felt off because he was always present there for me at every step of my life as a protector and friend until he took a chosen mate when he didn’t find his fated mate at eighteen. Maddox was much older than me and took his long-time girlfriend, Emile, as his chosen mate. But it was strange that I had not seen him here since I had returned this morning.
Suddenly, amidst the chatter and laughter, a subtle, enchanting smell caught my attention. It was a scent that seemed to possess a magnetic pull, luring me closer with its allure. It was unlike anything I had ever encountered before-a heady mixture of earthy musk and pine. Intrigued, I closed my eyes and took a few deep sniffs, allowing the fragrance to envelop me entirely.
My curiosity heightened, and I felt an irresistible urge to follow the scent. With my heart racing, I navigated through the crowd, following the invisible trail that led me toward the source of the intoxicating aroma. Each step brought me closer, intensifying the anticipation that had taken hold of me.
The air crackled with an electric energy, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel the gaze of those around me, but my eyes searched for only one person. At last, I reached the end of the scented path, and my eyes widened in surprise as I beheld the scene before me. There, standing with a broad smile on his face, was Maddox-the Beta of my brother’s pack.
Blaze, my wolf, howled joyfully in my head, recognizing the unmistakable connection that bound us.
Mate!