Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

VOLK

My entire existence was sculptured around dominating and standing above every pack, so what I thought would be my greatest disappointment happened 9 years ago when Dad told me I couldn't be an Alpha at 16 and also warned me against being too hasty. He had called me immature and made it clear Ashina could also take the spot if I did not prove myself worthy. Being the strongest in my pack at that time, it was beyond appalling to hear Dad speak to me with such little regard. 

It didn't matter if my sister, born five minutes before me, had relieved herself of the right at a young age. Dad reminded me that he could always change the tides and humble me with the worst punishment. Ashina was equally very strong and as children, our powers were on par. I had been careful ever since and more cautious of every decision I made.  Even after I figured Ashina, nor any wolf could ever be as strong as I was, I still heeded Dad’s warning. 

Now here I am, walking away from what I am sure is the biggest and greatest disappointment of my life.

”You know what she is, Volk We shall not leave her here.”

My werewolf, Conri had been the one who sensed her and from the moment I turned to walk away, he had been very upset. Amongst all of the things that didn't make any sense today, that was also really disturbing. Conri was more power-obsessed than I was. He appreciated only the strong and resented anything weak. The girl we had just seen was not only feeble, she seemed like every ounce of life had been sucked out of her.  To make it worse, I could not sense her wolf. I was trying my best to connect the dots but there was no conclusion to arrive at. Her wolf could not be so dormant, and If it was, how did Conri still find her?

”You know how important this is, we cannot abandon her!”

"Do not scream Conri, that can not be my mate. I can't even sense her wolf." I groan. 

He was not going to let this go any time soon but it didn't matter to me. I would not take her.

”She must not be left here, Volk. We shall leave with her.”

Conri had been the little demon living in my head for as long as I could remember and we barely had any fights. We acted in tune with each other's emotions and this was going to be our major fight in years because I have no intention to relent. My entire pack depended on my decisions and whatever would make my pack disregard me even in the least could not be tolerated. I ignore Conri as he continues to talk about going back to that girl and I feel bile rising in my throat. I have never been more repulsed by the sight of a person in my life. 

I had been in the company of Jeremy Amarok, the Alpha of the blood moon pack, with his son, Klaus right beside him. Lowell, my best friend and the Beta of our pack and I had just arrived. We were amidst introductions when I spotted her above Klaus’s head. I felt a tiny jolt in my body and immediately I could almost tell what was happening. 

”Volk, we've found our mate.”

I knew he had felt it too and excitement began to take over me. I had been alone for too long and the thought of finally having my mate was too much for me to take in. I did not ask for permission from the Alpha standing before me as I walked casually into his house. No one dared stop me as I was beyond ruthless when it came to showing my power and the Blood moon pack knew this was no friendly visit. 

I was met by two giant wooden doors that opened into a hallway carrying paintings of previous Alphas and had doors on either side. The hallway terminated at the other end with doors identical to the one I walked in from. She stood right in my line of vision and Conri continued to get even more restless as we got closer. She hadn't moved since I laid eyes on her and I was sure the trio on outside we're watching our exchange. 

I couldn't tell if she was watching me because her face was concealed beneath long black flowing hair but as her mate, it was only natural that she had felt the jolt too. Conri was almost jumping out from delight, he was purring in my head and I smiled at the thought of finally having my mate in my arms. 

As I got closer, I noticed how frail she looked and my heart broke. She was the thinnest creature I had ever set my eyes on and as soon as I got close enough, she bowed her head and started to tremble. I took one more step forward and she crouched, hugging her knee and trembled even more. Her dress was worn out and torn in several places. 

Staring at her from above, I wondered if the universe had lost its great compass. How could I be paired with such a thing? A weakling and probably, the slave of the Blood moon pack. Conri on the other hand was beyond overjoyed. He had already accepted her and was waiting for me to take her home with us. 

”Her wolf must be asleep Volk, but I am sure, this is her. We've found our mate.” He rejoiced.

His words had angered me more and that was when I decided to leave. As if on cue, the frail creature looked up and some of the hair got out of her face. Her eyes were a soft shade of grey that almost looked white. It stood out even more with the years of dark circles under her eye. Her cheekbones were poking out as if to be used as a weapon in case anyone got close. Her skin was so pale that I wondered if she had any blood left in her. A sense of pity washed over me but it didn't last a second. Gladly, my humanity was never greater than my pride. I imagined taking her back with me and unable to ever hold my head high again because my mate was not just beyond weak, but by some miracle, did not even possess a wolf. 

I'm almost back at where Jeremy, Klaus and Lowell stood and before I even reach them, Lowell makes a face at me and I am sure I do not look pleased at all. I approach them and Jeremy is the first to speak.

"If you do not mind, we must hasten to the meeting. Our annual hunt begins tomorrow and we have so many preparations to put in order." 

Jeremy tells me. 

I know he is only in haste to find out whatever has brought me to his pack and is worried that our guesses are right. I walked past him and head for the nearest rock to seat on it. I was sure the meeting was to hold in the mansion and if I had to go back inside, the thoughts of that girl would not let me concentrate. 

Lowell comes to stand behind me and bends to whisper in my ear.

"Is everything alright?" He asks.

They all had been watching me as I walked to the girl and had witness our exchange. I didn't care if the other two suspected what must have happened, but I was sure Lowell knew exactly what and he would side with Conri and I could not have that.

"Yes, everything is just fine." I deadpan.

Lifting my head to Jeremy and Klaus, I notice they are equally watching me intently and I get even more irritated.

"What are you waiting for, let's start the meeting.” I say.

"We....we...we have the banquet ready inside Volk. You could have dinner and probably rest from your trip before our meeting in a more private place." He mutters.

I did not intend for our visit to be a long one and although we arrived by nightfall, it did not stop me from making the trip back home after the meeting.

I set my eyes back at Jeremy and stare right into his eyes, making sure my next words drip with the most venom I can muster. I notice for the first time that members of his pack are lurking in the dark and watching us. 

"We will have the meeting right here, Jeremy. I do not intend to set foot in your mansion ever again but if I have to, be sure that it is not to enjoy a banquet or the pleasures of the blood moon pack." 

He uses a minute to take all of my words in then immediately calls for chairs to be brought to us and I turn my gaze to his son, Klaus. Something about him unnerves me more than his Father. He swallows the lump that must have formed in his throat and walks straight back into their house.