Chapter 1 - Zoe

Why was Alexander the lucky you to be called home? I’m not saying I haven’t enjoyed traveling around Europe, Asia, and Africa. It had been a blast to get this time to meet other packs, start building alliances, and spend quality time with Papa and Alexander. We can’t spend as much time as a family after the war. We all had our Beta duties to our packs and our D’Amore to watch over.  

The issue I have had with being gone is told parts. I missed seeing my baby sister bring the broody giant Ivan to heel. That subject alone has multiple layers. And one of those layers leads us to my second issue. My BABY sister found her mate before me. I have visited all these packs and nothing!  

I know finding my mate wasn’t the focus of this trip, but damn it, I was hopeful. My wolf was optimistic. We both had this good feeling about the trip. And while Katrina didn’t say anything witchy about my mate, our resident Delta witch Celestina did.  

I wish she had been more specific, though. She said that the year of this trip would mark the beginning of the next generation of mated Petridis Betas. Regina found her mate, so that was one less single Petridis. That should mean Alexander and I are next to find our mates. Though I might be next, given Alexander went home. 

Alexander is on his way home to a rather BIG surprise. I hope he handles it well because if he does something to upset Delilah, I will say fuck this trip to go home and stone him. I know, I know. Alexander is my brother, and I should be supportive. But come on, this was DELILAH! She is the sweetest person on the planet and is doing something beyond selflessness for my cousin. I won’t stand for her being hurt by my brother and his stupidity again. 

“Zoe, are you ready to go? The car Alpha Finn sent is here.” Papa knocked at my door. 

“Oh, I’m ready to leave Silvermane and NEVER return.” I smiled as I opened the door. 

Papa looked exasperated, probably because standing next to him was the sleazeball Beta Ratface, I mean Tucker. Ratface’s beady eyes narrowed at me. I could already imagine the misogynist whiney things he was about to say. So, I beat him to the punch. Holding my hand up for silence.  

“Spare me whatever sexist shit you were about to say. I don’t care if you are offended by what I said.” I rolled my eyes. 

I pushed past him, my luggage rolling over his feet. I have no respect for him or this pack. Nebrodi will NEVER be in an alliance with these people. On our last call, Tie and Kat told me that Silverman is more likely to be cursed by the coven than be our ally.  

“Your pack is the most misogynistic ass backward pack I have had the displeasure of visiting,” I said as I walked down the hall.   

“While we are grateful for your pack’s hospitality, it is clear to the three Sicilian Alphas that an alliance with Silvermane would not work.” Papa was far more polite than I would have been. 

Nothing is redeeming about this pack. They forsake the Goddess with arranged mates. They force their females to mate with a local male. And if there isn’t a local female to match, they will bring in a female from outside the pack. I was angry that males could find their fated mate and be with them to ensure the bloodlines don’t get too close. Yet their females can never be with their fated mate. And don’t get me started on their homophobia.  

The sooner I’m not in this Goddess-forsaken territory, the better. I didn’t bother to look back as I headed to the car, waiting for Papa and me. I smiled at the Ironfur pack member, who quickly jumped to attention to take my bag and opened the rear passenger door. There’s no need to take my bad mood of having to even look at Ratface again out on this innocent person. They are here to whisk Papa and me away from this horrid pack.  

“Ciao. Thank you for coming all the way to get us.” I greeted, kissing the male on the cheek. 

What? He’s cute, unmated, and, best of all, not part of Silvermane. Plus, I can get away with greeting people with a kiss on the cheek. I’m Italian. It’s not uncommon. And Americans will write it off as me being European instead of horny as fuck. It has been way too long since I got laid. I know I agreed not to screw around during this trip but waiting for my mate is like waiting for rain in the Atacama Desert. 

“Hi ya, Beta Zoe.” The male grinned as he took a moment to give my body an appraising once over.  

Given the glimmer in his eyes and the slight twitch I noticed in his jeans, he liked what he saw. Not to be conceded, but of course he did. I got the best combination of Papa’s and Mama’s genetics. I have Papa’s blonde hair and Beta aura, and then I have Mama’s eyes and looks. I have all the right curves in all the right places. Plus, I work hard to keep my body in peak physical condition. I love my body, and I certainly love it when males want to worship it. 

“Ahem.” Papa clearing his throat made the male jump. 

“We are on a schedule. We should be going.” Papa said, pressing his hand on my back to not so subtly turn me to get in the car. 

“Of course, Beta Damon. Alpha Finn and Luna Lorna eagerly await your arrival.” The male was quick to move. 

I rolled my eyes and slid into the back seat, followed by Papa. I’m twenty-five going on twenty-six years old. I do not need my Papa butting his nose into my sex life. It’s been almost ten years since I came of age to find my mate and eight since I decided it wasn’t worth waiting. We are halfway through our Beta world tour, and I’ve not found my mate.  

I’m starting to think he’s not out there. I will be like Zio Alec, who must wait thirty years for my mate to be born. Or, probably worse of all, he died. I could take a chosen mate if I don’t find my mate by the end of this trip. That’s likely what I will do. There are several candidates back in Nebrodi who are either widowers after the war or who, like me, still haven’t found their one.  

‘Papa, you don’t need to be rude. Our driver was just being friendly.’ I scolded him in our link. 

‘There is a difference between respectful friendly and the kind of friendly he was angling toward.’ Papa snorted. 

‘You promised to take seriously looking for your mate and this trip as an ambassador for Nebrodi. That means no sexual conquests.’ He reminded me. 

‘You are seriously no fun. We can’t all find our mat as quickly or easily as you and Mama or even Regina.’ I pouted. 

‘Don’t pout, Zoe. You aren’t André.’ Papa sighed. 

‘If I were André, I’d be getting laid by a seriously hot guy. Instead, I’m me. The Petridis female who will be too old to have pups before she ever finds her mate.’ I lamented as I leaned my head on the window and watched as we drove away from Silvermane.  

‘Don’t say things like that.’ Papa sighed. 

‘You were so hopeful when we left Sicily. So confident that you’d find your mate on this trip.’ He squeezed my hand. 

‘Well, this is what happens after months of traveling and still having no mate. I’ve pretty much lost hope.’ I admitted in defeat. 

‘Don’t give up hope, piccolo uccello. Have faith in the Goddess. I have faith that you will find him. I just don’t know if I have faith that he won’t be a dumbass that I’ll want to strangle.’ Papa chuckled softly. 

I rolled my eyes. I know Papa was trying to cheer me up by joking like that. But it’s just not working. I don’t want a dumbass for a mate. I want someone strong, confident, dependable, humble, kind, and passionate. I want someone like Darren Delaney or Stephen Walterson. I’m probably asking for too much. Honestly, I’d be happy with whoever my mate is, as long as they aren’t an asshole like the males in Silvermane or like Icky Iggy.  

Given Papa’s presence, our driver didn’t dare to look at me during the drive to the airport. Honestly, it was embarrassing. I’m not a newly shifted wolf whose Papa should loom over her shoulder whenever an unmated male looks in her direction. I took advantage of it when Papa went to the small plane’s bathroom to try and apologize. 

“I’m sorry about my Papa’s attitude. You don’t need to worry about him,” I said as I moved seats to sit beside the male. 

“Oh… um. Nothing to apologize for, Beta Zoe.” He smiled, glancing cautiously toward the back of the plane to the bathrooms. 

“Like I said, you don’t need to worry about him,” I reassured him, placing my hand on his forearm. 

Of course, there were no sparks from a mate bond, but his arm was warm and muscular under my hand. I liked that, even if my wolf snorted and went to lay in a corner. Viatrix was on Papa’s side. She is holding out that the Goddess will bring us to our mate. That this trip is the answer to our loneliness. As lovely as it sounds, I was sick of this newfound abstinence-level loneliness.  

“What’s your name?” I asked. “I feel so rude not to know it.” 

“McBroom. I’m Dean McBroom.” He offered his hand. 

“A pleasure to meet you, Dean.” I smiled and shook his hand, letting my hold linger a little longer. 

“What can you tell me about Ironfur and your ranked wolves? I know the basics, but any insider information would be great.” I asked, taking my hand back and hearing the bathroom door open. 

“Zoe…” Papa managed to convey so much with just how he said my name. 

“Papa, this is Dean McBroom. He was going to tell me more about our destination. You always tell us preparation is key to being a good Beta.” I smiled up at Papa innocently.  

“Mhm.” Papa took the seat across the aisle, unconvinced. 

“Um. Well, we are a fairly laid-back pack. Living in the mountains so far north in New York, we rarely deal with humans. So, there is little chance of our secret getting out. We haven’t had a rogue problem in generations. Rogues don’t like to mess with the Kilbourn Alphas.” Dean smiled.  

“Are you close to the Alpha family? I know your pack is said to have around six hundred. I would think you’d all be close.” Papa interjected. 

“Oh yes. Ironfur is a close-knit pack. I’m second cousins with our Alpha family.” Dean stated proudly. 

“Oh well, that is interesting.” I smiled.  

“I heard the previous Alpha and Luna had eight children, five daughters. Is it common to have so many children?” I asked. 

“Oh. No. If it were, our pack would be much bigger.” He chuckled.  

“Alpha Albert and Luna Anna only had so many attempts for an heir. In Ironfur, only males can inherit a title.” He shrugged.  

“How… antiquated.” I rolled my eyes at the mention of only males inheriting ranks. 

“So, which number was Alpha Finn?” I asked. 

“He was their sixth. Gunnar and Henrik were a surprise.” Dean grinned. 

“I know how that can go. My youngest was a surprise.” Papa nodded. 

“Well, we look forward to meeting the Alpha family. Is there anything fun to do in Ironfur? Our last stop was dull as oatmeal.” I lamented. 

“Your trip has timed out perfectly with the annual spring mate ball. A dozen packs participate. And this year, it is Ironfur’s turn to play host. It’s our first year hosting since Luna Lorna came to our pack.” Dean smiled. 

“Oh, a mate ball.” Papa nudged me across the aisle. 

“Well, that should at least prove interesting. I hopefully have something appropriate to wear.” I sighed, thinking about what I had in my wardrobe. 

“Well, Beta Zoe, it will be a masked ball. Luna Lorna has gone all out with the planning. She wanted to do something unique that focused on spring and the flowers and rejuvenation that spring represents. If you need anything, I’m sure she or Beta Katherine will be eager to help you.” Dean assured me. 

“Well, in that case, I can’t wait.” I smiled. 

As fun as the event sounded, I couldn’t muster much excitement, which is sad because I love a good party. I doubt it will be a masked ball on par with what my cousin André threw back in November. No one throws a party like my cousin. I’ll do my best to hide my lack of enthusiasm. Papa hoped I would find my mate. And if a dozen packs are part of this, maybe I will. I just won’t be holding my breath.