CHAPTER 2 - The Unforeseen Guest

Terrance, gazed at his daughter with pride, his weathered face a testament to his years of devotion to their pack, did nothing to hide his handsome features and his eyes that was sparkling with happiness.

Ava, with her striking green eyes and fiery red hair, was the spitting image of her late mother, Christine.

As they stepped off the platform, Terrance nodded in approval, his eyes misting over at the memory of his mate. He had vowed to protect Ava with his life, and now, as she took her rightful place as Alpha, he couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment.

"It is time!" Terrance announced, hisbooming voice echoed through the clearing, signaling the start of the celebration.

As they made their way to the Grand Hall, Ava's arm looped through her father's, she notices the newly formed mark on her wrist glinting in the fading light. She frowned, wondering how and when she got it.

"Ava?" Terrance called softly, noticing her distraction.

Ava reassured him with a nod, and they continued walking. Terrance began "Alpha Ava, you should learn to lead by example now."

Ava looked perplexed, "What do you mean, Father?"

Terrance smiled slyly, "You've been showing them how to protect themselves”

They had arrived in front of the pack house that was just a few walk to the Grand hall, Terrance nodded at his Beta to go on ahead with the pack members.

He clasped Ava’s hand tightly before he continued “And now, you should show them how to be a lady” he concluded.

Ava pursed her lips and fought the urge to role her eyes “really, Alpha Terrance?” She called him by his title whenever she wasn’t pleased with him.

“ah ah don’t refuse Ava, get changed” he said lightly pushing her to Maeve, who had been standing behind her and held her like she was a mission.

Terrance winked at Maeve, who nodded in understanding before he left. Ava sighed exasperated and muttered under her breath “why can’t he just let me be”

Maeve chuckled, Ava glared and sneered at her blonde haired friend who had the face of an angel and the mischievousness of Loki.

Maeve raised her hands up “Easy there Alpha, don’t shoot the messenger” she said playfully before pulling the unwilling Ava into the pack house.

********

Terrance welcomed the guests at the entrance of the hall, his former Beta Charlie by his side.

Alpha Bridge of MoonView pack, a blonde haired handsome male with brown eyes , who had always had his eyes on Ava, arrived grinning at Terrance, who had on an impassive look but only the goddess knew how hard he fights his wolf every time not to give this Alpha a good beating.

“Alpha Bridge” he greeted politely, shaking his hands. The Alpha’s gaze were wandering looking for Ava.

“Where is the star of the day?” He asked with a stupid smile on, which Terrance would have been more than glad to knock off his face.

He stared at him without a reply, Charlie noticed the tension in the Alpha he served all his life and stepped up before he does something he’d regret. “This way please Alpha Bridge” he ushered the clueless Alpha in.

Thoughts of previous pestering and shamelessness of the man was what really got Terrance angry, any single word coming out of his mouth that has to do with his daughter sets him off.

He took in deep breath trying to calm himself and his wolf

The arrival of a sleek, black Maybach and a new Lexus car drew everyone's attention, including Terrance, distracting him from his anger.

The doors opened, and a tall, imposing figure emerged.

Gasps echoed through the crowd as the handsome stranger stepped into view. His chiseled features, piercing red eyes, and imposing physique left everyone in awe.

Terrance's eyes widened in shock, there was no mistake, this red eyed man was The Alpha King!

The supreme ruler of all wolves, the Lycanthrope, had come to their humble celebration.

Inviting the Alpha King to any event had always been done out of politeness, no one actually expects him to honor their invitation.

A sense of foreboding settled over Terrance as he wondered what had brought the Alpha King to their doorstep.

With a sense of trepidation, Terrance and the many Alphas that got to know of the his presence moved to welcome him.

The Alpha King nodded and “hummed” in reply to their greetings and strolled into the hall, he paused, closing his eyes to take in a scent that was new yet familiar. His red eyes brightened, and his lips curled into a sly smile.

"Got ya," he muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the surrounding for the source of the scent.

*******

Ava, who was being “dolled up” by Maeve in her room in the pack house was preoccupied with the strange mark on her wrist.

It was an intricate illustration of a white wolf identical to Ulrika, her wolf, intertwined with a mysterious creature that shared some wolf-like characteristics, yet remained distinctly different.

Ava couldn’t help frowning, her brows contorting giving her a fierce but cute look. “I need to talk to father about this” she mutters to herself feeling restless.

As Maeve pulled her to her feet, Ava's thoughts were jolted back to reality. She gazed down at the stunning white gown that adorned her body, its sleeveless design showcasing her toned arms.

The neckline was elegantly crossed, leaving her back bare and vulnerable. The fabric cascaded down to her feet, with a daring slit in the front that barely concealed her thigh.

Ava's eyes widened in dismay as she completed her thoughts aloud, "And practically naked."

Maeve, sensing her discomfort, flashed a mischievous grin. "Come on, Ava, live a little! You look absolutely ravishing."

Ava rolled her eyes, her expression stern. "That's exactly the problem, M. I'm not supposed to look 'ravishing.' I'm an Alpha, and I need to look the part."

She turned to the mirror, and for a moment, her breath caught in her throat. The reflection staring back at her was indeed ravishing, definitely not the look of anAlpha. The gown accentuates her curves, leaving her feeling exposed.

Ava's frown deepened as she shot Maeve a disapproving glance. Maeve, however, remained unfazed, her hands clasped together in a pleading gesture. Ava's lips twitched, and she couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's antics.

Just as Ava was about to ask Maeve to help her change, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

“Come in Beta Charlie” she replied, already knowing who it was, the bond to the pack had heightened her sense of scent and hearing even more.

She turned to Maeve and gave her a look of “we will settle this in a moment” Maeve rolled her eyes in reply, before Ava directed her attention to the Beta who appeared a bit flustered.

“Alpha, you need to be at the hall, right now! The Alpha king is here!” He said almost breathlessly and Ava knew why now, because the news got her breathless too.

Ava's expression darkened.

"Why is the Alpha King here?" she demanded, her voice low and urgent. "What have we done?"

Ava swept up her dress and strode towards the door, Beta Charlie followed closely behind. "We have no idea" he admitted, his voice low and worried. "Apparently, he came for your coronation party."

Ava's mind began to whirl with worst-case scenarios, each one more ominous than the last. She shook her head, something was off. "It can't be that simple," she muttered, trying to appear calm despite the turmoil brewing inside.

As she approached the Grand Hall, the mark on her wrist began to throb, making her hiss in surprise. But before she could react, a scent hit her like a tidal wave - intoxicating and irresistible.

Her eyes widened in shock as Ulrica, her wolf, growled a single, primal word in her mind "Mate!!"