CHAPTER 5:A BALL AND A MATE

CALHOUN'S POV

“Kill him,” I commanded coldly. A hybrid who dares to invade my land deserves no mercy.

Hybrids—a mix of werewolf and human, often too arrogant to know their place—have always coveted purebred werewolf lands.

“Please, spare my life, ple—” His cries were cut short as my beta’s claws tore through his throat, silencing him forever.

“Deliver his head to their king,” I said curtly, adjusting my suit as I strode out of the dungeon, Logan trailing behind me.

“We’ll be late by the time we arrive,” Logan remarked as we climbed the dimly lit staircase leading to the hallway.

“What’s the saying again... hmm.” I paused, smirking.

“Fashionably late is worth the wait,” Logan chuckled, finishing my thought.

I grinned. The thought of seeing my brother, King Everon, at the Crescent Ball intrigued me. “It’s been too long since I visited the king. Time to rekindle old bonds.”

“What are you plotting?” Logan asked his sharp gaze on me.

“Does spending time with my brother need a reason?” I countered, our footsteps echoing as we moved. The estate was quiet—most had already left for the ball, leaving only a handful of my men behind.

“I suppose not,” Logan replied.

He stopped abruptly. “I’ll catch up. That hybrid’s blood needs to be washed off my hands.” Without waiting for a response, he turned toward the kitchen.

Outside, the scent of damp earth clung to the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood. An omega waited by the car, head bowed.

“Alpha, are you ready to go?” he asked, his voice meek.

Ignoring him, I walked to another car just as Logan joined me. Sensing my decision, Logan waved the omega off. “We don’t need a ride.”

The drive to the palace was short, a mere twenty minutes on a clear road. Logan broke the silence first.

“How’s your mate search going?” he asked, a sly grin tugging at his lips.

“Don’t push it, Logan,” I warned, though a small smile betrayed my frustration. “ Just because you won the bet and found your mate before I did doesn’t mean anything.”

“I’ll find mine,” I added, but the words felt hollow. Nearly a decade of searching since my 18th birthday, and still no mate.

Logan chuckled, his grin widening. “Sure you will. For now, I’ll enjoy rubbing salt in your wounds.”

I shook my head, biting back a retort. Logan’s teasing was relentless, but I knew it came from a place of brotherhood. He’d fought by my side in battles, taken wounds that should have been mine. It was hard to stay angry with someone like him.

He sobered quickly. “The spies in Silverfang pack returned with news today.”

I waited, knowing his penchant for dragging things out.

“What news, Logan?” My patience thinned.

Feigning disappointment, he smirked. “Always so curt. Fine, I’ll tell you. Draco’s been dabbling in dark magic—blood rituals, to be precise, with that witch, Melissa.”

My brow furrowed. “What’s the purpose?”

“Still unclear,” Logan admitted. “But my mate suspects it’s tied to a power grab against the royals.”

“Foolish,” I muttered, disgust twisting in my gut. “Draco’s ambition will destroy him.”

Logan nodded, the car weaving smoothly down the highway.

I leaned back, staring at the road ahead. Pondering the implications “What do you think about paying Silverfang a visit?”

---

The ballroom was alive with chatter, the mingling scents of werewolves and a few tribrids thick in the air. Soft music played faintly in the background, drowned by the crowd.

As I entered, the room quieted, parting instinctively to make way for me. Whispers followed in my wake:

“That’s Alpha Calhoun. Ruthless and cold.”

“He led the army that crushed the tribrids.”

“So powerful. He should be king.”

A smile tugged at my lips, but I kept my expression neutral. My wolf stirred proudly, basking in the recognition.

At the far end of the room, King Everon sat on his throne, his gaze meeting mine. Though we were nearly identical, his softer features and shorter hair gave him a less imposing air.

I approached, standing confidently, my tall, muscular frame encased in a tailored navy blue suit. I bowed slightly before straightening with a smile. “It’s been a while, brother.”

“Indeed. How have you been?” he asked.

I gestured lightly. “I’m sure your people in my pack keep you well informed. There’s little need for pleasantries.”

Everon’s grin matched mine. “Fair enough. My spies do keep me busy.”

“I have something to discuss with you but I'll save it for later. My beta will fill you in on some of the details”

“That's fine, when the night comes to an end we will talk” he stated,

Before I could respond, a scent hit me like a storm—roses, rain, and something uniquely intoxicating. My wolf surged forward, snarling, “Mate!”

The noise around me faded as the primal bond snapped into place. After years of searching, she was here. My body tensed, claws threatening to emerge as I scanned the crowd.

Her scent pulled me to the balcony. At the sight of her, the air knocked out my lungs. She was breathtaking in the red dress she adorned, but fury burned through me as I noticed a man’s arm around her waist.

My wolf growled, the need to claim her clawing at my mind. “She’s mine!”