Chapter 4

_Alaric's POV_

At the pack's banquet, the lights shimmered brilliantly, casting a warm glow over the festivities. The music danced in the air, filling the hall with its melodious tunes, and guests, adorned in their finest attire, mingled with laughter and chatter. Yet, despite the grandeur surrounding me, I couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of emptiness that consumed my soul.

As a royal werewolf, I experienced an indescribable loneliness and a longing for a mate. In our society, although each werewolf is destined to be paired with a mate, these unions aren't always based on true love. Many werewolves found themselves bound to mates chosen for them by tradition and duty rather than love.

For a royal werewolf like myself, the stakes were even higher. Without a mate, I risked losing not only my place as an heir to the kingdom but also my sense of purpose and belonging within the pack. The pressure to find a suitable partner weighed heavily on my shoulders.

Caleb continued to manage the pack because he had only lost a mate, not betrayed his pack, so the elders still recognized his position. But for me, as a royal, the pressure was far greater. My status demanded not just a mate but a compatible and worthy one, one who could lead by my side.

Despite my efforts, as I visited nearby packs in search of a mate, I found myself met with disappointment time and time again. None seemed to possess the qualities I sought in a partner, and the ache in my heart only deepened with each failed encounter. Faced with the realization that my mate might not be found among the neighboring packs, I knew I had no choice but to expand my search, venturing into the unknown territories of distant packs in the hopes of finding a potential partner.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed Caleb approaching me until he was standing by my side, two glasses of wine in his hands. He offered one to me with a gentle smile. "Have a drink with me, Prince Alaric," he said softly, raising his glass in a silent toast.

"Thank you, Caleb," I replied, lifting my own glass to meet his. "Cheers," we said in unison.

As we sipped our wine, I couldn't help but admire Caleb's steadfast loyalty to the pack and his impeccable leadership skills. "You've done an exceptional job managing the pack, Caleb," I remarked sincerely. "Your dedication and leadership have been a true asset, especially during these challenging times."

Caleb's smile widened at my words, a hint of pride shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Prince Alaric," he replied humbly. "I only hope to continue serving my pack to the best of my abilities."

As the conversation flowed between us, I couldn't shake the curiosity gnawing at me. I had heard whispers among the pack members that Caleb had found his mate, yet she was nowhere to be seen by his side. Unable to contain my inquiry any longer, I broached the topic gently.

"Caleb, forgive me for asking, but I've heard rumors that you've found your mate," I began hesitantly. "Yet, I don't see her here tonight. Where is she? Won't you introduce me to her?"

Caleb's expression faltered slightly at my inquiry, and he glanced away. "She... she couldn't be here tonight," he explained in a trembling voice. "It's... complicated."

As Caleb responded to my inquiry about his mate, his demeanor shifted noticeably. He seemed nervous, his hands trembling slightly as he struggled to find the right words. His face paled, and I could see the unease in his eyes as he glanced around the room as if searching for something or someone.

Concerned by his sudden change in behavior, I reached out a hand to gently touch his arm. "Caleb, are you alright? Do you need help?"

Caleb's response was swift, almost frantic. "I... I'm suddenly feeling unwell," he stammered, his words coming out in a rush. "I think I just need some rest. Excuse me, Prince Alaric." With that, he quickly set down his glass and made a hasty departure, disappearing into the crowd before I could utter another word.

I watched him go, a sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach. Something about Caleb's behavior felt off. It was at that very moment that I picked up a delightful scent wafting through the air—vanilla and honey, sweet and intoxicating. My senses heightened, and my heart quickened with recognition. It was the scent of my mate, the one I had been searching for tirelessly, the one whose absence had left a void in my soul.

Without a second thought, I followed the trail of the intoxicating fragrance, allowing it to lead me towards its source. As I ventured further away from the festivities, the air grew still, and the sounds of laughter and music faded into the background.

Suddenly, amidst the quiet, I heard a voice—a stranger's voice—desperate and filled with fear. "Help, someone please help me," the voice pleaded.

My heart quickened with a surge of adrenaline as I realized that someone was in distress. Without hesitation, I quickened my pace, following the sound of the plea until I emerged into a secluded corner of the pack's territory.

There, bathed in the soft moonlight, stood a figure—a woman. Her hair flowed like silk in the night wind, cascading around her shoulders in gentle waves. I had never seen a woman as pretty as her before. Her tear-filled eyes reflected a deep sadness and fear that tugged at my heartstrings. Despite her frail figure, there was an aura of strength and courage emanating from her presence.

As she ran into my arms, I felt a surge of electricity course through me, igniting a fire within my soul that I had never experienced before. Her touch was like a bolt of lightning, sending sparks dancing along my skin and setting my heart ablaze with a fervent intensity.

In that fleeting moment of connection, as our bodies pressed together, I felt a profound sense of belonging, as if I had finally found the missing piece of my soul that I had been searching for all my life. It was as if the universe itself had conspired to bring us together. There was no doubt about it—she was my true mate.

As I held her trembling form close to me, I felt very protective of her. My gaze swept over her delicate features taking in the sight of numerous cuts and bruises marring her skin. Anger boiled within me at the sight of her pain. Who had dared to lay a hand on my mate?

"Are you alright?" I murmured softly.

As she looked up, her tear-filled eyes met mine, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Her eyes, a striking shade of blue, held a captivating depth that drew me in, yet within their depths, I saw a tumultuous storm of emotions swirling—fear, pain, and uncertainty. Her lips parted as if to speak, yet no words escaped her trembling lips. Instead, she remained silent.

"Are you alright?" I asked once again.

Her gaze wavered for a moment before she finally nodded. Yet, despite her silent affirmation, the haunted look in her eyes spoke volumes, revealing the depth of the pain and trauma she had endured. I swore that I would not rest until I found the coward responsible for her pain and made him pay dearly for his wrongdoings.

With gentle hands, I brushed her hair away from her tear-streaked face, my fingertips tracing the delicate curve of her cheek. The softness of her skin beneath my touch sent a shiver of electricity racing down my spine. I felt a fierce desire to shield her from harm and keep her safe from the cruelties of the world.

Her body flinched at my touch and I could sense her fear and hesitation. Yet, I maintained a gentle and reassuring smile, hoping to convey my genuine intentions. "There is no need to be afraid. I am your mate," I whispered softly. "Please, tell me what happened."

As her eyes widened in surprise, it was evident that my words had caught her off guard. It was as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing.