Chapter 2 - Bloodlines and Bonds

The morning sunlight streamed through the expansive windows of the packhouse, bouncing off the polished wooden floors.

I was just fastening the delicate silver clasp of my travel cloak when my father, Alpha Gene, strode into the room. His presence was impossible to miss, handsome, broad-shouldered, with an air of authority that could silence even the rowdiest pack member.

“You’re awfully calm for someone who failed to find her mate last night,” he stated curiously.

I turned to face him, feigning an exaggerated pout.

“Failed? Oh no, Father, how will I ever live with myself knowing that Victor from the Silver Fang Pack won’t be claiming me as his mate?” My voice dripped with sarcasm, and I saw the corner of his mouth twitch, though he quickly masked it with a frown.

“Zela,” he began, his tone stern. “This is a serious matter. Any she-wolf would be overjoyed to meet her fated mate.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Serious? Father, most of the Alphas last night were not my type or acted as though they were auditioning for a play titled ‘How to Be a Perfect Politician’. If the Moon Goddess thought any of them were my match, I’m sure she would have intervened.” I shot him a playful grin.

                For a moment, he simply stared at me, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Then, to my surprise, he chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that momentarily softened his usual stoic demeanor.

“You truly have your mother’s wit,” he remarked, shaking his head.

As if summoned by his words, my mother, Luna Beth, appeared in the doorway. Her graceful features lit up with a warm smile as she joined us.

“What are you two scheming about now?” she teased, sliding an arm through my father’s.

“We’re merely discussing our daughter’s unique approach to mate-hunting,” my father replied, a hint of humor.

I rolled my eyes dramatically.

“Correction; we were discussing my miraculous ability to survive a night in the presence of power-hungry Alphas without losing my mind.”

My mother laughed softly and glanced at my father. “She’s your daughter, all right.”

With that, we stepped out of my room and headed to the grand front doors of the packhouse, where the elegant black Maserati awaited us. Its shiny exterior glistened in the light of the sun, a display of my family's wealth and influence. I slid into the back seat, the plush leather cool against my skin, while my parents settled in the front.

                As the car sped down the winding road toward Canada, my father’s voice broke the comfortable silence.

“Zela, there’s something you need to understand about our family. We come from a long pure bloodline of Alphas, true leaders of strength and honor. The Hollraux clan’s blood runs through your veins, and with that comes responsibility.”

                I raised my brows, glancing out the window as the dense forest blurred past. “Responsibility,” I echoed softly. “You mean finding a mate who fits the mold?”

“It’s more than that,” he replied firmly. “You’re the eldest child, the firstborn of our pack’s future. Your brother may be training to lead, but you have a role to play, Zela. Our family’s legacy depends on the choices you make.”

                A heavy silence settled over us, broken only by the roar of the car’s engine. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. His words hung in the air, a reminder of the immense pressure that came with my lineage.

“And what if,” I said, hesitant but slightly defiance, “the Moon Goddess decided to choose a human as my mate?”

The jovial air that had accompanied our earlier banter evaporated instantly.

My father’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped. “The Moon Goddess would never make such an unworthy match. Humans are weak, inferior. You’re forbidden from engaging with them until you’ve found your fated mate, Zela.”

                I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to stay silent. My heart clenched at his words, the rejection of Erico’s existence stinging more than I cared to admit.

Halfway through the journey, Lilias’s voice echoed in my mind link.

‘Zela, we have a problem.’

‘What is it?’ I replied calm despite the slight panic in hers.

‘The potion I gave you, it won’t work on Lycans. I completely forgot to switch it for the stronger one before the party!’

I sighed, closing my eyes briefly.

‘Lilias, it’s fine. The Lycans don’t even rely on the Moon Goddess for mates. They’re probably too busy choosing their partners based on alliances or… I don’t know, their bank accounts.’

There was a pause before she replied, still with worry.

‘If you say so. But be careful, okay?’

‘Always,’ I promised, cutting the link.

When we finally drove through the ornate gates of the Royal Kingdom, an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. I tried to shake it off, attributing it to my longing for Erico and the knowledge that I wouldn’t see him for two more days. Jonas had promised to hand over his present to me on my return, but at this moment, I missed his warm smile and constant presence.

The grand hall of the Lycan Kingdom was a sight to behold, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and lavish decorations. There was a sea of elegantly dressed Lycans mingling beneath the glow of the lights. This was the night of the yearly banquet, a prestigious event that brought together the most powerful Lycan clans and businessmen from across the realm.

We were formally announced as we entered, and I felt the weight of countless eyes on me, all undoubtedly wondering if I had found my mate.

My parents and I bowed respectfully to the Royal couple seated at the head of a grand table, their regal presence commanding attention. As we were escorted to their sides, I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, avoiding eye contact with anyone around. The last thing I needed was to see their curiosity morph into pity or judgment.

Taking my seat beside my parents, I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, determined to face the night with confidence. Because I was Zela Humphreys, daughter of the prestigious Hollraux bloodline, and no one would get the chance to hold me down. ..