Mate

I am Alpha Michael Roger and my mate is Ruth Roger. I first encountered Ruth several years ago at a gathering hosted by another pack. From that moment we have forged a strong bond supporting each other even through challenging times.

I lead the Black Moon pack after my parents were cruelly dispatched by rogues. Since then my mate, along with my two closest friends Beta Jayden and Gamma David have been integral to our pack.

Beta Jayden's mate Nadia is currently expecting their first pup while Gamma David has yet to find his mate. Speaking of joyous news I must mention that my lovely mate Ruth is also expecting our first pup.

Ruth and Nadia share a friendship that is close though not without its complexities. On the other hand my beta Jayden and Gamma David harbor reservations about Ruth because she is a witch. They often express their concerns suggesting that something feels amiss. Admittedly, it took me some time to come to terms with the fact that my mate is a witch too.

One area of contention between Ruth and me is her commitment to her business which operates outside of our pack. With her pregnancy nearing its conclusion our discussions have turned into arguments about her responsibilities. I often remind her, 'She is carrying my first Alpha daughter!' Yes, you heard right.

A couple of days later Ruth gave birth to our beautiful daughter. I must confess she does not resemble me at all; she has inherited dark green eyes from her mother and her hair is pure black. This is unusual for me as I have dirty blonde hair and striking electric blue eyes while Ruth's hair is a rich chocolate brown.

We named our daughter Claire while Beta Jayden decided to name his daughter Italia. Remarkably both Ruth and Nadia gave birth on the same day albeit at different times Ruth in the morning and Nadia in the late afternoon.

Fast forward two months since Claire’s birth.

Beta Jayden, Gamma David and I gathered in my office.Taking a moment to sit on the couch. I began"Gentlemen there’s something troubling me."

They both leaned in, attentive.

"I’m not quite sure how to explain this, but Claire has a distinct scent that I cannot quite grasp. I’ve tried to dismiss it but lately, it's become overwhelming. The worst part I can hardly stand to be in the same room as my daughter; that scent drives me insane."

"What do you mean by a different smell?" Gamma David inquired, his voice low and cautious.

"It's as if she has a mate's scent but that can't be possible... she’s my daughter." I responded, equally perplexed.

Gamma David pondered his jaw clenched while Beta Jayden stared into space lost in thought.

"Come on guys, I need your help here."

Desperation and anxiety seeped into my voice.

"Right now, we can’t find answers until she turns eighteen years. I guess we have to wait for Claire to grow then we will figure out what scent you are talking about" Jayden suggested.

We all concurred with Beta Jayden's assessment.

Years passed, but the strange scent only intensified over time.

Each day, month and year became a torment, a relentless nightmare that haunted me both day and night.

I became weary, sleep-deprived and unable to find solace with that scent lingering around me.

After confiding in my beta and gamma nothing changed. Jayden's suggestion to wait for Claire to turn eighteen seemed the only option.

I scoured every book on werewolf lore yet none offered the answers I sought.

Firstly, my daughter does not resemble me and secondly, that scent pulls at me. I find it hard to believe that my mate could betray me surely I would sense it through our bond.

Years passed without forming a genuine connection with Claire. I often came up with excuses to avoid seeing her ensuring our encounters were only from a distance.

I know I sound like a terrible father, but how can I escape this overwhelming scent? How can I resist that pull that makes me want to be by her side? To kiss her passionately, to hold her as if there were no tomorrow?

Damn, am I a monster for even entertaining these thoughts about my daughter.

To make matters worse today is Claire's birthday. I have a beautiful necklace for her but I struggle to find a way to present it to her. Even Beta Jayden and Gamma David refuse to assist me in delivering the gift.

I never imagined my life would take such a turn.

A few hours later, I found myself in a conference room with two alphas from other packs discussing a potential alliance. I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess for the meeting to conclude so I could escape the impending birthday celebration.

I realize I may be a coward but please don’t judge me.

As the discussions progressed the scent suddenly hit me like a wave stronger than before.A blend of mint and coffee.

My wolf cried in my mind. "Mate, mate, mate."

Through the door I could hear my daughter and Italia laughing and chatting among themselves.

No, no, no! I have a mate Ruth. There is no way Claire can be my mate. How can this even be possible?

My wolf insisted."Claire. Mate. Go. Now."