Mikhail
The door to the office opens after a soft knock on the door, and I immediately recognize the scent of my Beta, Alexei. Lifting my head, I look at the blurred figure of his frame.
"Alpha," he says, his tone serious. "We've received an invitation."
"Invitation?" I raise an eyebrow.
It is strange because nobody wants to invite me into their territory because of my reputation.
"Yes, for the Full Moon Ball at Redwood Pack." He places an envelope on my desk and pushes in my direction until it touches my fingertips. "It's from Alpha Gregor."
"What does he want from us this time?" I reach out and run my fingers over the envelope, feeling the embossed seal of the Redwood Pack. Gregor.
Alexei takes a seat in front of my desk before he speaks.
"From what I have gathered, he's inviting all the prominent packs. Probably to form alliances as there has been a rise in rogue attacks."
"Do you plan to attend, Alpha?" Alexei asks.
The idea of mingling with other Alphas doesn't appeal to me, but there is something about the Redwood pack that is intriguing, and even my wolf seems to agree with me.
"Yes," I finally say. "We will attend."
"Very well, I'll make the necessary arrangements." Alexei says, and after a moment, he adds, "Maybe this year you will find your mate."
"I already have Layla, and I don't need anyone else." Shaking my head, I interlock my fingers and place my hands on the table, "She is what I want."
"Mikhail, the true mate bond is irreplaceable." Running his fingers through his hair, he sighs, "No one takes her place in your life. You may feel Layla is good for you, but it is your true mate who has been created for you... she will be the someone who you need."
Alexei is not only my beta but also my friend. We have been together for as long as we can remember. He has been my only friend and someone whom I trust. We have seen so much together in our lives that there are hardly any secrets between us.
"I don't need anyone. I already have everything that I want: my pack, my people, and a she-wolf who will become the Luna of this pack and bear my pups. Soon after the Full Moon Ball, I will make an announcement about accepting Layla as the Luna."
"End of discussion." My voice comes out stern, with no room for further discussion when I feel he is about to say something.
"Very well, Alpha." I sense him bowing before he leaves the room.
I mindlink Layla to come inside my study.
Not even five minutes have passed when she walks inside the room.
"Alpha, what can I do for you?" I hear a smile in her voice. "Isn't it a bit too early to be frisky?" She teases as she settles down in the seat where Alexei has been sitting earlier.
After Alexei, Layla has been the one who has been with me for years. Alexei and Layla are two people who have been with me before I took over the Alpha position. In a way we have formed our own bond, but for some reason Alexei never liked Layla and has just been cordial with her because of me.
Layla is a strong and fertile shewolf in her prime with an Alpha and Beta blood. She is loyal to me and understands my need, and for me she is perfect to be my mate and to bear my offsprings.
My wolf lowly growls even though he agrees with me, but I know a part of him will never accept her because he is tuned to accept his true mate.
That's why I need to complete my mating bond with Layla before my so-called true mate appears before me if she exists. Because once it happens then my wolf will not accept any other shewolf as his mate other than her, and if I reject her before completing the mating bond then he will go insane.
"I am going to Redwood pack for the Full Moon Ball, I will be gone for four days, and in my absence I will leave you in-charge of the pack." Leaning back in my chair, I stare in her direction, even though I can't see properly but if I focus too hard I make out the outlines, "Alexei will be accompanying me so the pack will be your responsiblity."
"Isn't that your Luna's responsibility?" She laughs lightly.
"It is; that's why I am giving it to you." A smirk form on my lips, "After I return from the ball, I will announce you as my Luna and seal the mating bond with you."
"Mikhail." She walks around and sits on knees infront of me and keeps her hands on my knees, "I promise, I will never let you or this pack down. I will be the Luna that this pack deserves and I will be the mate that you want."
"I know that's why I have chose you." I run my hand through her hair, my actions similar to petting an animal, "You are aware of the consequences if you fail me, right?" Harshly grabbing her hair, I yank her head back.
I can feel her nodding her slightly while I smell her fear.
She knows I don't forgive mistakes and even she will not be spare of the consequences if she fails to fulfill her responsiblity.
"Good girl." Releasing my grip, I smooth her hair.
"Prepare the pack for my absence. Ensure everything runs smoothly, and if there are any issues, you know how to reach me."
"Of course, Alpha." Her voice trembles slightly, but she is quick to find her composure.
As she leaves, I feel a sense of satisfaction. My plans are falling into place, and soon, everything will be as it should be.
SophiaThe Full Moon Ball is only a day away, and the pressure is on. Each year different pack hosts Full Moon Ball and this is year it is Redwood Pack's turn to arrange this annual ball. My father is leaving no stone upturn to make sure our pack's Full Moon Ball is one of the best balls that has been witnessed in the years. Determined to get through my day without drawing any attention, I keep my head low and busy myself with the long chores that I have been assigned. My stomach grumbles with hunger but ignoring the hunger pangs I continue sweeping the hallways floors until it is shiny enough for people to see their reflection.Standing up with a sigh, I pick up the bucket of dirty water and carry it outside to throw the water in the bushes before resuming the cleaning of the guest house where all the Alphas and their families will be staying.As I am polishing the silverware in the dining room, I overhear some of the higher-ranking wolves talking about the guests who will be arri
MikhailAlexei sits beside me as we travel to the Redwood pack. I can sense his curiosity and slight apprehension about this trip, but he knows better than to voice it.I normally don't attend such events, but for some reason, I felt intrigued to go there. It is almost like something is calling me. "How much longer?" I ask, my voice cutting through the quiet."About an hour," Alexei replies. He momentarily stops using his phone as the sound of his typing stops.Nodding, I lean back against the leather seat.The number of rogue attacks has been increasing, and while I prefer to handle things within my own territory, I cannot ignore the potential benefits of forming alliances. Maybe coming to this ball is not a bad idea, as it sounded to me earlier.Abruptly, Alexei's words about the true mate bond come to my mind. A mate, destined by the Moon Goddess, created for me alone. I shake my head, trying to dismiss the thought.Layla is enough. She will be my Luna."We're almost there," Ale
SophiaChecking my reflection in my small mirror, I tuck a few strands of hair behind my ear, which have escaped from my braid. Running my hand over my white dress, I try to smoothen it as much as I can. Honoring the Moon Goddess, all the she-wolves wear white, especially the unmated she-wolves. This is the only nice dress that I own that I have been wearing for the past few years on the Red Moon. But since tonight is Full Moon Ball, I decided to wear it even though it is not Red Moon because I want to look a bit presentable in front of others.Wiping my face with the small hand towel, I once again check my reflection before I head out towards the training ground to help others prepare the ground for the Full Moon shift. All the unmated wolves will try to find their mates during the ball. And later, when midnight strikes, everyone would come outside and shift into their wolves and go for the run. Newly mated wolves will celebrate their unions while the other will run alongside their
MikhailThe coversation dies down to almost a murmur when I step into the grand hall where Full Moon ball is taking place. I can sense the feeling of apprehension along with distrust in the air upon my arrival. Alexei guides me through the mindlink, so I effortlessly walk into the hall without bumping into anything or anyone. I could feel eyes upon me; it is no secret that my reputation precedes me. The ruthless Blind Alpha whose hands are covered with the blood of thousands of people. Despite the tension in the air, I maintained a composed demeanor, my Alpha authority radiating subtly yet unmistakably.Even though nothing seems unusual, my wolf is restless since the moment we have stepped here. He is clawing inside me, demanding to be set free. I am struggling to keep my wolf in control.As if sensing my struggle, Alexei is instantly by my side.The last time I remember him behaving like this was when rogues attacked our pack. "Out now." I manage to get these two words through b
SophiaI drift in and out of consciousness, the pain in my throat throbbing with every breath. Memories of Kane’s attack flash through my mind, mixed with confusion and fear. But there’s something else too—a strange kind of feeling. Gradually, I become aware of my surroundings. I can hear voices, muffled and distant, but growing clearer with each passing moment. My body feels heavy, and my throat is dry, making it difficult to swallow.The bed beneath my body seems far too soft and warm, unlike the cold hard floor that I sleep on. This enough forces me to shake of the haziness to clear my mind.I blink my eyes open, the bright light of the room making me squint. As my vision clears, I see unfamiliar surroundings. Certainly, I am not in my room. But it is one of the guest rooms that I have cleaned and prepared for the guests.Quickly, I sit up, afraid if someone finds out I was sleeping here then surely I will be severely punished. The sudden movement cause a wave of dizziness hit me,
MikhailFuck!This isn't supposed to happen.I don't want a mate, but now that I have found her, my wolf drives me insane, demanding to claim her.My wolf found his mate and wants nothing but to be with her.I can't blame him; this is how nature created them.I can't deny that her smell, lavender, and vanilla, reminded me of something that I had long forgotten. Her smell reminded me of home when my parents were alive, and everything was different. It seems like something from my past life.But I can't let this thought sway me from my decision because this mating bond is supposed to make you feel things. Your mate's smell, touch, and voice are supposed to calm you and end the chaos that is swirling inside you. And if I am feeling these things, it is because of the influence of the mate bond.Even though I don't give a damn about her, my wolf cares about her, and he was about to go on a rampage when we smelled her tears and the fear that was coming from her.Before my wolf lose his shi
SophiaAlexei shows me to my room in the pack house. It's a simple room with a bed, a dresser, and a small window that overlooks the pack's ground. It’s not much, but it’s more than I had back home.If I am being honest, this room is nothing but luxury for me.I stand awkwardly in the doorway, unsure of what to do or say.“This is where you’ll stay,” Alexei says, his voice gentle. “If you need anything, just let me know.”I nod, not trusting my voice to speak. My face still stings from the bruise, a constant reminder of my father’s anger. If I had my wolf, then it would have healed by now, but unfortunately, I don't even have my wolf.It will take overnight to heal because my father doesn't hold back when he hits, and neither does any of his warriors.I can’t believe he let me go so easily, but I shouldn’t be surprised. He never cared about me."You don't have to worry about anything; you will be okay." Alexei seems to sense my unease. "I don't know what rumors you have heard about ou
MikhailI make my way towards the outskirts of the pack towards the small cottage where Elder lives. She is an old woman, but she likes to live alone. Some people even believe she is a seer, but I know that she is extremely knowledgeable, and this has given her the ability to predict things that people don't.I raise my hand to feel the cottage door before I can knock.I knock on the door twice and wait for her to answer the door.My wolf and I are both antsy. I don't know what to expect, but I do know that I need to find a solution to my problem before it is too late."Alpha." I hear her voice as soon as she opens the door, "Please come inside." I carefully follow her inside, discreetly keeping my hand extended in front of me, making sure not to stumble into anything."Dominique, I come here to get answers." "I will try my best to be any of your help.""I found my mate." I tell her while my mind fills with the blurry image of Sophia, "My wolf wants to claim her, but I don't want
MikhailI burst into a sprint, the bond's silence tearing through me like a jagged blade.Each step pounds against the earth, my wolf's restlessness and my desperation driving me faster.The world blurs around me, trees and buildings nothing more than streaks of color as I push myself harder."Sophia!" I mindlink again, hoping to get a response from her.But the void answers me. Hollow. Dead.The absence feels like a gaping wound, a suffocating emptiness that claws at my chest.My lungs burn, not from exertion but from the sheer panic constricting my breath.The mate bond is supposed to be the unbreakable connection between us, an eternal thread that binds us, no matter the distance.So why can't I feel her?I push harder, my claws digging into the earth as I leap over a low wall."Sophia! Answer me!"Nothing.I snarl, the sound ripping from my throat as I surge forward again.My wolf's fury roars in my ears, a wild, unrelenting force demanding to find her. Demanding to protect her.T
MikhailFrom the beginning, there's been nothing to hide.I've never felt shame or regret for the things I've done to claim my revenge. They were choices I made with clarity, knowing the full weight of the consequences of my actions. But telling Sophia, peeling back the layers of who I am, admitting to the blood I've spilled and the darkness I've carried... feels different. It doesn't feel like a confession. It feels like freedom.It's as if I've ripped open a part of myself I've kept locked away. And instead of flinching, she listened... and in her gaze steady, there was understanding.My kindhearted mate didn't judge me for my actions but understood me.It feels as though a veil has been lifted between us, one I hadn't realized was there until this moment. Now, we are both truly bare in front of each other.Her acceptance isn't blind; it's deliberate. She knows my flaws and my sins, and still, she chose me.I am definitely Moon Goddess's favorite; that is why she gave me Sophia.I
SophiaThe soft glow of evening filters through my window as I finish tying a delicate bow on the basket I’ve been working on. The woven basket is filled to the brim with goodies, a homemade vegetable and chicken stew to nourish the new mother, some soft blankets for the pup, and a few herbal teas to help with her recovery, along with some other baby essentials like diapers, warm clothes, and beanies. I’ve tucked in a small stuffed duck for the pup too, because I remember how much Rose loved grasping her soft toy with her tiny fingers.It feels right to do this, to bring something personal, something thoughtful. Being Luna means more than holding a title. It means being there for the pack, celebrating their joys, and comforting their sorrows. Mikhail told me that it is a tradition in their pack that Luna welcomes the newest members of the pack and is one of the first guests to visit the new mom and the pup. So, here I am prepared to welcome our new member.As I step outside, the cr
Sophia Mikhail pulls me into his arms, his grip firm yet tender, as though he’s trying to anchor himself to the present and shake off the ghosts of his past. His breath brushes against my neck, warm and steady, and I can feel his body relaxing in my embrace. Wrapping my arms tightly around him, I hold him close. My fingers find their way to his hair, threading through the soft strands as I kiss his cheek. I can feel his emotions, raw and unguarded. There’s a strange lightness in him now, as if the burden he’s carried for so long has finally begun to ease. It’s subtle, but I know him well enough to see it, to feel it. With everything that we shared—our past, our experiences, our feelings—the bond between us felt stronger and more real. Closing my eyes, I take a steady breath and let the familiar warmth of my power flow through me. I send it through the connection that ties us together. I can feel his pain, his hurt... his struggles, and I want to erase them and fill every corner
Sophia“I had just gone through my first shift. Since our healing strengthened when we found our wolves, everyone thought that maybe after my first shift, I would gain my sight or it would improve. But things weren't simple; even in my wolf form, I was blind. Not as blind as I were in my human form, but still blind." He absentmindedly continues to play with the lock of my hair as if it is the thing that's holding him to the present. "My wolf was wild, and lack of vision made him almost feral. My father's training turned even harsher because he had to help my wolf reign his energy. Even now, a part of him is still feral."A small pout forms on my lips because I don't think his wolf is feral. He has that wild energy that surrounds him, but it makes him lethal and powerful. He is magnificent.Mine. A word echoes in my mind as my wolf agrees with me."In front of you, he behaves like a lovestruck crazy beast, but he is still feral." He softly chuckles and taps my lips with his finger as
Sophia I shift slightly, propping myself up on one elbow so I can look at him. He still looks lost in his thoughts, but knowing him, I know he is alert and ready to take down any threat if it appears.His guards are never down... even while sleeping, there is alertness about him. It's like his mind is up and working even when his body is resting.The gentle sway of leaves above us fills the silence, but a question forms on my lips, one I hadn’t thought to ask until now.“Mikhail,” I begin, my voice low but steady, “tell me about yourself."He blinks as if he’s not quite sure he heard me correctly.Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he turns to face me fully. A mischievous smile curves at the corners of his lips, one I know all too well—one I’ve seen a thousand times, used to distract, to shift focus, to keep things light. But this time, it doesn’t work.I stay quiet, my expression unchanged as I wait for him to acknowledge the question that still lingers in the air between us.H
SophiaThe nagging feeling is still there, but it is not as intense as before. When I considered what I could lose instead of gain if anything went wrong, the decision wasn't that difficult for me.Despite all the threats and dangers surrounding us, I am living my dream. And to ruin to find out something that I will eventually find out one day would be foolish of me. And how would I know that I would find out the truth one day? No matter how much anyone tries, the truth always makes itself known."Still thinking about everything?" Mikhail rubs his thumbs over my knuckles and lightly tugs my hand to get my attention."Yeah." Nodding my head, I pull all my hair to my side."Where are we going?" I ask, finally noticing that this isn't the path that I took from home to Elder Merope's place."Finally, you noticed." Mikhail smirks and teases me, "And here I was, getting worried about how clueless my mate was, that anyone could kidnap her, and she wouldn't even be suspicious.""I am with you
SophiaAbruptly, there is a knock on the door, sharp and insistent.Before I can even blink, the door swings open, and there he is—Mikhail. His tall figure fills the doorway, eyes locked on me with that familiar intensity that makes my pulse race.Mikhail strides in, eyes blazing with urgency. My heart lurches at the sight of him, and the tension that gripped my body eases in an instant."Sophia," he says, his voice low, almost a growl. "Are you okay?" He doesn’t wait for me to answer, his eyes scanning me like he can see right through to whatever’s going on inside me.I don't need to speak, though. He can feel it. I know he can. His wolf is connected to me, just as mine is connected to him, and right now, I’m a storm of emotions thrashing inside. He can feel that, too. The worry, the anxiety, the anger swirling inside me like a tornado, too strong to be ignored."Your emotions," he continues, stepping closer, his gaze tightening, "they’re… they’re driving my wolf crazy with worry. It
Sophia"Sophia." Elder Merope looks at me warmly, "I am sure there was some reason why you came here to visit me today." There is a knowing glint in her gaze."Yes." Sighing, I run my hand through my hair and nod my head. "Something doesn't feel right." She silently gaze at me for a few moments, before she gestures for me to follow her to the back of the room where a wide window overlooks a small, flourishing garden. The space is filled with pots of all sizes, some spilling over with herbs and flowers that I don't recognize, their leaves brushing against one another in a soft rustle. Sunlight streams through the glass, painting everything in golden hues."These plants are special," Merope explains as she picks up a small watering can and hands it to me. "They require care and attention, but they give back much more than they take."I take the can, feeling the cool metal in my palm, and move to the nearest pot—a cluster of deep purple blooms that seem to shimmer when the light catches