The beginning

AURORA

“Take a look at that dad.” I tapped my dad and pointed in the direction of the acrobatic display taking place. The acrobats had written my name with their bodies, making me smile and tap my dad to make sure he had seen it.

He gazed in my direction with his eyes filled with love and smiled.

“I specifically asked them to do that for you. I'm happy it gladdens you.”

“Thank you, Dad,” I giggled, resting my head on his shoulders.

“Anything for you sweetheart,” he patted my hair.

Today was a night of celebration for the pack. It was a night where almost all the young ones found their mates. Dishes are made and wolves from distant packs are invited to this celebration and most times these visitors turn out to be the mates of the pack members. Tonight was very special to my dad, he had invited almost all mateless Alphas in a bid to find a mate for me.

“Why don't you go mingle with the others?” He whispered.

“I'd rather stay next to you. Don't forget I shine brighter than diamonds. My mate will locate me even if I sit here all day,” I joked, earning a hearty laugh from him.

Hours pass with everyone jumping up in excitement upon finding their mate. Some of my maids even brought theirs and introduced them to me. I was genuinely happy for them, but then I pitied myself. I was harbouring a secret that could tear me and my father apart. I found my mate a few months ago and have been seeing him in secret since then. I feared how my dad would react when he discovered who my mate was, so I chose to keep it a secret from him.

“Many of us came here single, but will leave as couples!” my dad’s voice boomed.

It was time for his speech, I had zoned out earlier that I didn't notice him leaving his seat.

“Congratulations to everyone that found their mate tonight,” he announced, followed by a loud noise of cheers from everyone.

“And those that didn't find their mate tonight, like my angel right here,” he pointed in my direction, making me smile.

I love how he praises and flaunts me to the world at every chance he gets. My relationship with my dad is one that can never be broken easily.

“Do not worry, you'll find them soon,” he encouraged.

“I hope my Rora finds hers soon. I can't wait to meet the youngster the moon goddess chose for my Princess.”

“I'm sure whoever it is, will be a very powerful Alpha. My princess is so special, I'm sure the moon goddess will pair her with someone great. She is an alpha female after all,” he joked with a proud smile on his face.

Looking at him, I realized one thing, even though he was making everything seem like a joke, he was really serious and he had this longing in his eyes, I could recognize it from afar. He always had this look whenever he really wanted something. And I knew what he wanted at the moment was for me to find my mate. It is believed that no wolf can lead a happy life without their mate next to them. My father may seem happy on the outside, but I knew deep down, he wasn't and was just smiling just to make me happy. His mate, my mother, had passed away years ago and her death still haunts him. I wanted to see him smile brightly and genuinely, so I made a decision at that moment. I didn't care how everyone would take it, all that mattered to me was my father and I knew he would support me no matter what.

“Actually Dad, I found my mate a while back,” I said aloud, bringing his attention and that of everyone to myself.

Surprise flashed his face and he instantly hurried over to me.

“You did?” How come you never told me?”

“I didn't know how you'd react to it,” I gave out a forced laugh. At that moment, my heart was thudding loudly, but then I kept assuring myself that everything would turn out well.

“Father will accept my mate,” I recited in my head multiple times.

“Is he here tonight?” He asked, his eyes lit up and I could feel his excitement.

“No, Dad. You didn't invite him.”

“Can you tell us the person already, I can't stand the suspense,” my dad’s beta chipped in from where he stood. His words were followed by murmurs of agreement from the curious pack members.

Taking a deep breath, I shut my eyes

“He is Alpha….Alpha Ralph of the Hellhounds pack.”

My utterance was welcomed by silence. Even the music suddenly stopped. The entire place was so quiet that if a pin was to drop on the ground, everyone would hear it. I slowly opened my eyes, only to meet my dad’s furious gaze. His eyes held anger and disappointment.

“Dad, I..”

“Reject him.” He sounded so cold and withdrawn that I took a step back from him.

“But dad, he is my mate. The moon goddess bestowed him to me,” I argued.

“The moon goddess made a mistake then,” he raged.

“Dad!” I yelled.

Slap!