Chapter Four: The Mission

Draco’s POV

Silva Moon Pack, Werewoods

I am running in the woods, the evening breeze brushing against my fur, when I smell a sweet scent of lilac drifting from afar. Beautiful singing accompanies the delicious scent, and I approach in anticipation as unspeakable joy wells in me.

My wolf, Noble, wags his tail excitedly as we get closer to the scent. I turned the corner, and the sight before me took my breath away. My wolf howls in recognition, “Mate!” She turns around, and her face is blurry—my mate's face. Yes, I don’t recognize my mate.

I open my eyes and look around my room in the pack house. I had been having the same dream every night since the mating hunt. As I rise and pull the drapes, letting light fill the room, my mind wanders back to the events of that day.

As a powerful Alpha in the Werewoods and a respected member of the Shifter’s Council, I can skip the mating hunt. I’ve done that for five years, but this time is different. I’d intended to skip the hunt, but Elder Derek, the leader of the Council, had insisted I attend this year.

As an honorary member of the Council, few people recognize me because of my repeated absence at public gatherings. I would have loved to keep it that way, but I must appear this year because of the Council’s insistence.

I went with my Beta, Sebastian, and only arrived when the hunt had begun. After a brief meeting with the Council members, I shifted and went for a quick run on the mating grounds. I was alone as Sebastian had gone to join in the fun of watching the alphas pick their mates from potential candidates. I was returning from my run when I met her.

I met her scent before meeting her. Her scent led me to her. She has a sweet scent of lilac, which appeals to my senses. My wolf, Noble, was in love with her even before he met her. He’d trailed the scent in a trace, and the sight of her was even more magical. Her wolf was majestic.

She was a large, pure white wolf that embodied royalty. Her fur shining white with tiny, sparse, dark spots. My shock was plausible as I felt an unspeakable connection to her on sight. It felt familiar. It felt similar to my connection with my dead mate, Amelia, but two times more potent.

I can’t believe I found a mate again. I never believed in second-chance mates, but that day, it seemed plausible. My fated mate had died because of my carelessness, and I thought I would remain mateless. I took it as my punishment for not taking care of my mate and ensuring her safety, but the moon goddess had other plans.

But since I woke up all alone after the mating, I guess the human is not as happy as the wolf with the mating. I think if she didn’t run now, she’d run when she found out how my mate died. After all, no one wants to be mates with such an unfeeling person.

I have accepted her decision and moved on, but I keep getting reoccurring dreams of that day. The mating bond is still strong, and I sometimes feel her fluctuating emotions. A knock on my door disrupted my thoughts.

“You have a message from the Council,” Sebastian said as I opened the door. He is my beta and best friend. We built the pack together from scratch five years ago when I became Alpha, although we are still underpopulated. However, what we lack in numbers, we make up with strength. We are the strongest pack in the Werewoods, where strength is king.

“What do they want this time?” I folded my arms and leaned on the door. The Council made me an honorary member because of my prestige as the strongest Alpha in the Werewoods. Recently, they have been trying to shape up my pack. They have been nitpicking at our size, lack of pack alliances, and lack of a Luna.

Now, I have a mate that detests me. How ironic!

“They want you to go on a tour of the packs and check out their situation as a representative of the Council,” my beta said, handing me the message.

“And why would I do that?” I don’t get involved in council business for a reason. I want to focus on my pack alone.

Sebastian’s blue eyes twinkled with a mischievous look. His expression told me I wouldn’t like the news. They believe this is an opportunity for you to connect with other alphas and build relationships.

A frown mars my face at his statement. I still don’t see the need to gain alliances since we are the strongest pack in all the Werewoods. As far as I can see, only other packs would benefit.

“I will send them a reply tomorrow,” I conclude, knowing I would not accept the request. “How are things with the pack? How is the enforcers' training going?”

“Bruno has it covered,” Sebastian replied with a shrug. Bruno is our pack’s Delta and the head enforcer. He is a great warrior, and his wolf is powerful, so we know he has it covered. “I’m heading down for breakfast. Sheila cooked up a storm today. See you later.” Sebastian waved as he left.

I return to my room, wash up, and start my day, putting thoughts of mating aside for now. Those thoughts could wait. For now, I need to attend to my pack.

However, fate had other things in store for me. I know that because that night, I had another dream. This time, a nightmare.

I am running in the woods when I smell a familiar sweet scent of lilac drifting from afar. My wolf, Noble, gets restless because he knows our mate is near. I see my mate running towards me, her tail wagging in excitement. Just as she is about to reach us, a small gray wolf darts out of the woods with a murderous look. The wolf slashed my mate’s chest open and snatched her heart with a triumphant look. My mate lay there helpless as her blood drained from her body. I feel my chest constrict, and intense pain fills my heart. My wolf becomes agitated and cries in anguish, “Mate!”

I woke up with heavy panting, and an urgent crisis filled me. My instinct was never wrong. It has saved me countless times from dangerous situations. It represents a gift given by the moon goddess to guide and lead me.

Something was amiss with my mate, and I needed to get to her fast. May it not be said that I failed to protect my second chance mate.1` The goddess has given me another chance to prove myself. This is a test I am determined to pass.

When Sebastian asked about the Council's mission by morning, my decision was clear. I would take the Council’s mission and use that chance to find my mate. I am going on a secret mission to claim my second chance.

“Prepare a team. We are going to tour the packs.” I must find my mate and protect her.