Chapter 3

Damon

A Black Tie Event

Annual Mating Ritual

May 17,  2023 | 7 PM

The Blood Rose Pack Hall

As I carefully read the details on the black-tie invitation for tonight’s event, I was overcome with both nerves and anticipation. Tonight is my last chance to find a suitable Luna. If I fail, my dad would disinherit me leaving me with nothing but my bruised ego and shattered dreams. 

I looked at myself in the mirror, admiring the god-like genes I possessed. In the sea of black and white, I chose to wear navy blue. I was born to stand out and that is what I intend to do. 

After making sure that I looked perfect, I stormed out of the room. Outside, my best friend and future Beta, Ashford, is waiting.

“Ready to make some she-wolves fall?” Ash taunted. I smirked at his remarks and rolled my eyes at him.

“You know I wasn't looking for some love tonight, right? This is serious.”

"I know, Your Excellency," he taunted. "You're Damon Sanford, the alpha heir to the Blood Rose pack. When you were young, the seer from our pack predicted that you would never smell your mate, leaving you mateless for the rest of your life. So, you were given the task to find a suitable Luna, or else—"

"Enough, you jerk. I already know what needs to be done." I motioned for him to follow as we made our way to the function hall where the party would begin. Ash shook his head and followed me in silence. Meanwhile, I went back to my thoughts and carried the weight of my situation. 

Just in, my wolf Romulus, emerged from my mind. “Look for someone with big tits and broad hips. Those are signs of good child-bearing capability. Also, seek someone with influence; it will help stabilize your territory in the future."

“Shut up, you perverted dog!” my other wolf, Remus, countered. “Damon should search for someone who's intelligent and a natural-born leader. More than ensuring the Sanford bloodline's continuation, the woman will also become the Luna of the largest pack in the continent. She mustn't be dumb; otherwise, the pack will crumble with her."

A heavy sigh escaped me as I continued to endure the presence of the wolves inside my mind. This was the reason why I would never smell my mate. Within me resided two spirit wolves, each with distinct personalities. Yet, despite their coexistence, I could only transform into Romulus' wolf, the stronger one. Nonetheless, Remus, the intelligent one, was a big help in crucial decision-making that came with my role.

“We’re here, alpha heir. Good luck with your search.” Ash tapped my shoulders as he handed me the eye mask I would wear for the event and led me inside. I avoided the main entrance and used another door to enter. But still, prominent members of the crowd started to notice me. Dad and the council members charmed and interacted with them leaving me more time to accomplish my special task. 

And then, I saw her. 

Time seemed to freeze, and the whole world came to a sudden halt as I laid eyes on her. There was something about her that completely captivated me, and I was eager to uncover more.

The crowd parted, creating a pathway as I made my way toward this mysterious girl. The spotlight turned to me, and everyone gasped in anticipation as I approached her. Finally, she noticed my intention, and I could sense her nervousness. I really wanted her to take off her mask so I could see her beauty in all its glory.

Finally, I stepped in front of her and queried. “What’s your name?”

She looked around and realized she wasn’t comfortable with all the hisses and murmurs from the envious crowd. So, I grabbed her hand and took her outside the hall. 

Our hands remained clasped tightly as we ran down the hallway and made our way out. The moon was shining brilliantly, guiding us towards the gazebo nestled in the center of the vast garden behind our packhouse.

“Now, can you tell me your name now?”

“Serena,” she whispered shyly. “Serena Mitchell of the Goldenridge Pack.”

“I’m Damon, Damon Sanford.”

Serena nodded and smiled as we continued to speak. Mostly, I was the one doing all the talking, as she appeared to be very shy and shared little to no information about her life.

She was a good listener. I was even surprised that I shared my dream with her: to change society and abolish the werewolf ranks. I yearned for a world with equality and fairness, something I looked forward to achieving or spearheading for the future generations of the werewolf kind.

Then, it happened. 

I have no idea what came over me, but before I knew it, I found myself kissing her soft lips. Serena appeared taken aback at first, but she went along with it, giving me the green light to continue. All I could think about was the desire to feel her body close to mine, and I was more than willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.

I blessed her bare neck with kisses, prompting a soft moan from her. I know what my body needs at the moment but I need to make sure we are on the same page before I continue. 

“Can I...mark you?” I asked in between my breath. Serena was still wearing her eye mask yet the light from the moon and stars was enough for me to see its beauty. 

“Sure. But please be gentle. This is my first.”

Upon hearing that, a soft growl escaped me, and I persisted in kissing her passionately. Gradually, I started to remove her gown, leaving her in her underwear. Lust had completely consumed me as I feasted my eyes on her naked form.

I removed my suit, never once breaking eye contact with her. I laid it on the floor and gently placed her on top of it. 

The next thing we knew, our lustful voices filled the air. Serena gave me a night to remember, her first, and I knew inside my heart that I wanted to have a taste of it more than once. 

In the middle of all that pleasure, she let me experience, a plan formed inside my mind. I had found the beauty that I was more than willing to settle in this lifetime. Fortunately enough, my wolves seemed to like her as well. 

Finally, I had found my future Luna. I slept that night with a smile on my face knowing full well that my search is finally over.