Chapter 1: The Long Wait

Arlo

The moonlight shone the brightest at eleven in the evening, the Blood Shadow pack being vivified by its brilliant luminance. Today was Sunday. It was different from the Sundays when the pack usually rested. Excitement flooded the hall as people started chatting about today’s main event. Today was the day— the day of my coronation.

“Pleasant night to all of you!”

The crowd erupted into cheers as my father’s voice encapsulated the entire venue. I peered from behind the curtain and felt my breath get caught in my throat when I saw that there were much more attendees than I was expecting. It seems like my parents had also called the other packs to join my coronation since the seats were jam-packed.

“You can do this,” I whispered to myself. “You’re not the incoming Alpha of the strongest pack in the world for nothing.”

Once I said those words to myself, I felt a surge of courage enter my veins, and the nervousness I felt was replaced with excitement.

My father clears his throat into the mic, making sure that his voice is clear before speaking.

“As we all know, an Alpha’s duties do not last forever, and I’m afraid that it is the time for me to pass my title onto someone else. However, do not fret, for the one I’m going to pass my title to is far more competent than I am… I was paid to say that, by the way,” my father jokes, eliciting a chuckle from the crowd.

I let out a small smile as I listened to my father speak. He has always had a knack for words.

“Time has gone by so fast, and the little boy that once ran around the playground of our packhouse now holds the greatest title in our land. I’m not going to delay this any further since my wife is already impatiently gesturing to her watch off stage.” The crowd laughed once again. “Everyone, put your hands together for your new Alpha— Arlo Zayden Ford!”

I spread open the curtains and flashed the crowd a dazzling smile. The cheers of the people almost deafened my ears, and I felt a warm feeling in my chest when I saw their looks of trust and admiration. I bowed my head as a sign of respect, making a silent promise to the people that I’ll protect them with all that I have. Still, with my head bowed down, I felt a cold sensation on my scalp, and I straightened my neck to keep the crown in place.

This is it. I’m finally the Alpha.

I raised my hand up and said in a booming voice, “Long live, the Blood Shadow pack!”

“Long live, the Blood Shadow pack!” The crowd echoed and raised their hands with me.

All through the night, I kept interacting with people I have never met before. Some were eager to make new alliances, but it was still too early for that. Instead, I had my eyes set on finding the person that I’ve been waiting for my entire life. My eyes searched the venue, but nothing felt out of the ordinary. Nothing felt special.

After some time, the party finally started dying down as the guests made their way back to their respective homes. For some reason, I felt a little bit melancholic, so I sat down on the couch and rested my head on its backrest.

My parents, Emery and Kairo, sat down next to me and gave me a warm smile.

“What’s wrong, Arlo? Aren’t you happy with your coronation?” My mother asked.

I shook my head and let out a sigh. “No, mom. I’m very happy that you entrusted me with this title. It’s just that… I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to find my mate tonight.”

My dad chuckled and patted me on the shoulder. “Relax, son. You just turned eighteen a couple of hours ago. You still have plenty of time to meet your mate.”

I slumped down on the couch and frowned. “But, you met mom on the day of your coronation, dad! You know that I’ve been waiting for this moment for my entire life.”

My mom held onto my dad’s hand as they both smiled at each other. “We were just extremely lucky, then,” dad said. I looked away. Their sweetness was too intoxicating to witness.

My mother held onto my cheek and looked at me with sincere eyes. “You’ll find her soon, Arlo. I promise.”

***

That event happened exactly four years ago. Now, at 22 years old, I still haven’t found my mate nor even caught a glimpse of her. I let out a sigh as I looked at the mountains of paperwork on my table. Is it going to be like this forever?

I mean, I don’t get it. Ever since my father taught me about mates, all I wanted was to find mine and make her feel like the most loved person in the entire world. Is this the price of leading such a happy life? I have a wonderful family, plenty of friends, and heck, I even have the greatest title in all of the lands, but I can’t seem to get my hands on something that I really want— my mate.

My thoughts were interrupted when the door creaked open. My brother, Devyn, peeked into the room with inquiring eyes.

“What is it?” I grumbled.

“Geez, you’re such a grumpy cat so early in the morning. It’s even your birthday, for god’s sake! I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I missed it when you were a narcissistic asshole. At least, you were funny back then. Now, all you do is sulk and sigh in this room,” he said while closing the door.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes. “Sorry. I’ve just been swamped with work this last couple of weeks,” I said, gesturing to the papers on the table.

“I could see that. But you deserve a little break on your birthday, don’t you think?”

I did not respond and placed my reading glasses back on.

He sat down on the chair in front of me and looked me straight in the eye. “I know that the paperwork isn’t the only reason why you’re sulking again. Come on. Tell your brother why you’ve been having depressing episodes lately.”

I sighed. “You know. Same old, same old.”

“Is it your mate again?” He asked in a soft voice.

I nodded my head dejectedly. “I’m getting old, Dev, and I’m starting to lose hope. I can’t help but think that maybe it’s my destiny to dedicate my entire life to the pack. Maybe the Moon Goddess really did not give me a mate, and I was fated to be alone.”

Devyn gently flicked my forehead. “Don’t say that, silly. You’re just 22! Many people meet their mates when they’re already 30. You still have plenty of time to meet yours.”

I looked down on my lap. “But, what if I don’t?”

He let out a deep breath and held onto my hand. “Don’t think like that, Arlo. I’m sure that you’ll meet your mate very soon, and I’m sure that she’s going to love you with all of her heart.”