Chapter 003

RAFE

I watch her reaction closely as she takes my hand. Her eyes widen, and a subtle shiver runs through her. Her wolf must have told her the same thing mine did: Mate. The realization is as shocking to her as it was to me. Selene Thorne, the Luna of the Silver Crescent Pack, and I, the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, are fated mates. 

The irony is not lost on me.

Her scent is intoxicating, a mix of wildflowers and something uniquely her. It's a scent I've always found appealing, even when we were enemies. But now, it feels like a lifeline, a connection I didn't know I needed.

The truth is, I’ve known Selene was my mate for a long time. The moment I first laid eyes on her, the bond was undeniable. But when I heard she had married Damon, I kept my distance. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, to watch her with someone else, to see her suffer under his control. But I respected her choice, hoping she would find happiness even if it wasn’t with me.

What puzzled me was how Selene never recognized our bond. Most wolves feel the pull of the mate connection immediately, but she remains oblivious. I often wondered if Damon had done something to suppress her wolf, to keep her from realizing the truth. Seeing her reaction now, I know for certain that something had prevented her from recognizing me as her mate before.

Damon's presence is a dark cloud over the moment. He releases my hand with a barely concealed scowl. He never did like me, and I can't say the feeling wasn't mutual. But now, knowing what I do, my disdain for him only deepens.

Damon’s grip on Selene tightens as he tries to maintain his composure, but I can see the irritation in his eyes. He forces a laugh, his attempt at humor falling flat.

"Maybe when you find your mate, Alpha Rafe, you can shake her up like that," he jokes, his tone dripping with forced joviality.

I don't miss the way Selene's face pales at his words, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. It’s a small but significant reaction, she has always doted on Damon but now she looks tense under his grasp. 

My voice is calm but firm as I respond, "Actually, Beta Damon, I think I have found my mate."

The room seems to hold its breath for a moment, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Damon’s eyes narrow, suspicion and confusion mingling in his gaze. Selene looks as though she’s been struck in the head, her expression a mix of shock and something else—fear, perhaps?

She quickly recovers, coughing lightly to break the tension. "We should head into the meeting," she says, her voice steady but strained. "The Alpha King and the other Alphas are waiting."

Damon’s eyes dart between us, but he nods reluctantly. "Of course. Let's not keep them waiting."

As we walk towards the meeting room, I can’t help but steal a glance at Selene. 

The sight of her takes my breath away. She has always been beautiful to me, but today, there is something different about her. Her usual attire consists of clothes that are more functional than fashionable, a stark contrast to the elegant red dress she is wearing now. It hugs her curves in all the right places, accentuating her beauty in a way that is impossible to ignore.

I notice that she is wearing makeup, a rarity for her. Her features are subtly enhanced, bringing out the natural beauty that has always captivated me. Her hair is styled in loose waves that cascade down her back, adding to her allure. It's a stark difference from the subdued and almost lifeless appearance she had taken to wearing after she married Damon.

I can't help but wonder what has changed. Is she trying to impress us at the meeting? Or is there something more to this sudden transformation? 

As we enter the meeting room, all eyes turn to us. The Alpha King nods in acknowledgment, and the other Alphas greet us with varying degrees of respect. 

The meeting begins with the usual formalities, each Alpha giving their report and discussing the matters at hand. I try to keep my attention on the discussions, but my mind keeps drifting back to Selene. 

Her presence is a constant distraction, her scent and the bond between us pulling at my senses.

At one point, the Alpha King addresses Selene directly. "Luna Selene, your insights have always been valuable. What are your thoughts on the proposed alliance between our packs?"

Selene stands, her poise and grace commanding respect. She speaks with confidence "I believe an alliance could be beneficial for all our packs," she says, her voice clear and unwavering. "But it must be built on mutual trust and respect. We must ensure that any agreements we make are in the best interests of all parties involved."

Her words are met with nods of agreement and murmurs of approval. I can see why she is so well-regarded among the Alphas. Her strength and wisdom shine through, even in the face of adversity.

"That's my wife," Damon smiles, pulling her closer to him and planting a kiss on her forehead. 

The sight of him touching her sends a surge of possessiveness through me and my wolf, but I force myself to remain calm. 

'She is ours, yet you let him touch her,' Kael growls inside my head. If I allow him just for a second, he will rip Damon into shreds and I would be lying if I said I won't enjoy it but at what cost? 

For the woman who has always been oblivious to the mate bond, she would only hate me more.

The meeting eventually comes to an end. The Alphas begin to file out, discussing the day's topics among themselves. I follow the usual routine—leaving without mentioning the mate bond. I've done it countless times, suppressing the urge to claim what's mine while Kael continues to growl in my head.

Selene, on her part, walks back to Damon and acts as if nothing is out of the ordinary. She seems oblivious to my presence or the bond between us. It’s a painful reminder of the distance between us.

Outside, I make my way to my car. As my driver opens the door for me, a maid nervously approaches me. She gives a quick bow and thanks me for coming.

"Alpha Rafe," she says, her voice low and respectful. "Thank you for attending today. I have a message for you." Her eyes dart around nervously as she brings out a small piece of note handing it to me. My driver, always vigilant, steps in to take the note from her instead. 

I glance at the maid. "Who sent this?" I ask my voice firm but not unkind.

"It’s from Luna Selene," she whispers. "She asked me to deliver it to you discreetly."

I don't say a word but nod in acknowledgment. She bows again and hurries away, leaving me with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Once inside, the driver asks, "Should I read it or dispose of it, Alpha?"

"Read it," I say, curiosity piqued.

He unfolds the note and reads aloud, "Meet me at Haven shopping mall tomorrow. Alone. - Selene."

The words hit me like a punch. Selene wants to meet me for the first time, and alone at that. This is unexpected. What could she possibly want to discuss?

"Keep this to yourself," I tell my driver. If news of our meeting secretly was to leak, it could cause a stir among the packs.

"Understood, Alpha," he replies, his face impassive.

As the car pulls away, my mind races with questions. What does Selene want to talk about? Has she finally realized the truth about our bond, or is this about something else entirely?

For the first time in years, I am looking forward to tomorrow.