1. Looking for a Mate

DAMIAN

The pack battles have been decided and the country of Drakela will replace their Prime Minister with the strongest Alpha of the packs.

I didn't expect to be the Alpha for the country of Drakela. I replaced Alpha Theo, who had retired. Although I was the youngest of the Alphas, I was strong, brutal and cruel-looking. Meanwhile, the second-in-command refused to become a Beta because he was not ready to lead the land of Drakela with me. I didn't mind when the Alpha of the pack The Moon Silver became my deputy, and he too was willing to lead the country of Drakela with me. A new system of government was created, and the mate of Beta Joshua would be my secretary.

For a decade I was able to make changes for the better for the country of Drakela. We even have a very large ship made of the finest teak from the human shipyards in the West. We have used it for trade expeditions, we have established relations with other lands, both human and vampire, legendary witches and werewolves living in other lands. There is only one that we have not been able to conquer because they are very closed, never able to interact with other countries because they feel great that they have their magic and can be in direct contact with the goddesses and gods, they are the elves.

"It's been three decades and you haven't found your mate, although I'm sure you're already very strong without your mate, but they're worried about their Alpha, anyway you should start focusing on finding your mate's whereabouts. Goddess Artemis wouldn't let you be an Alpha without a mate, I'm sure she's waiting for you to find one. Liam, who is a Beta in The Moon Blood pack, advised me to return, not only for the sake of the land, but also for myself, who had not yet found my mate.

"All right, I'll go back to sail for six months, but if I return without my mate, then it is my destiny to lead this country alone," I said firmly before leaving Liam, who nodded briefly.

The ship's workers seemed excited when I announced that I would be sailing to several countries for six months. They immediately prepared everything, cleaning the ship and bringing supplies, as well as preparing the Wyvern to help with the voyage. To control the Wyvern, we hired a human who had good communication skills with the dragon animal.

His name is Keenan. Not every wyvern wants to get close to the werewolves because they look cruel, brutal, violent and terrible, only certain creatures have an affinity with the wyverns, such as humans, elves and legendary witches. Only a few werewolves were successfully taught by Keenan to subdue Wyverns, and they were also directly employed by King Drakela when he wanted to travel far and use Wyverns.

"Our destination this time will be Lexington, I have already informed King William that we are coming. This time our destination is a peace expedition. Not a trade expedition. Because your need is to find your mate." Alesya told me, handing me an answer from King William, who would be waiting for my arrival.

After looking at it, Alesya left, leaving me with Beta Joshua in my room. "This is the third visit and I still haven't sniffed my mate. Is it my destiny not to be given a mate? Am I unable to have offspring, Shua?" I asked Joshua as I stood staring at the open window, letting the night breeze into my room.

"We still have plenty of time, you don't need to worry and be afraid. I'm sure you'll find her when the time comes. We can pray to the moon goddess, she will hear our prayers. Joshua advised me, helped me with everything and often became my confidant.

***

NADLYN

I work as a servant for William's family, he has a daughter called Rachel, I was assigned to serve her. They are werewolves, but they need humans for some business, one of them is me, who is needed by Rachel. I have lived here for a long time, since King William rescued me from the cruelty of a prince when I was still in the land of Kailon.

My face was a weakness that caused me to be oppressed and treated as they pleased. I was even banished from my own noble family. They claimed they would be ashamed to care for me into adulthood, so I was sold as a favour to lesser-known princes, which is why I was often physically assaulted for refusing to be touched. My fears were allayed when King William took me to Lexington and guaranteed that no one would harm me if I agreed to serve his daughter Rachel.

"I have to get ready because a King from Drakela is coming, let's help me choose some clothes," said an excited Rachel, who immediately went to take a bath after I told her the water was warm and she was ready to soak.

I don't know who the King of Drakela is, I'm blind when it comes to werewolf lands. I only know of Kailon because I lived there for a long time, but there are mostly noble people who live in luxurious palaces and often show off their wealth. Unlike the life of werewolves, who are more independent, protective and respectful.

The clothes the she-wolves wear are not big fancy dresses either, they tend to wear casual clothes like loose blouses that are a little low on the chest and elasticated brown trousers.

Having chosen an outfit for Rachel, I waited outside for her to change when she came out of the bathroom. She-wolves are also more independent than noblewomen. They do not want to be helped when it comes to private matters concerning their bodies. They are also very suspicious of people who serve them. They look very tough, but not like men who have to have muscles.

"Would you like to come with me?" Rachel asked, glancing at me as she came out of the room and changed her clothes.

I shook my head slightly and smiled friendly. "I still have work to do, Lady Rachel, please go and enjoy yourself."

"All right, but don't be long, I know you have work to do. We usually have dinner together, you can come with me!" Rachel shouted at me, then she gracefully walked away, leaving me to go back to her room.

Rachel was right, my work was done. I cleaned up some of the make-up that was a bit messy on her dressing table, then left the room and locked it before going into my room, which was opposite hers. I didn't really want to join Rachel, but I wanted to look presentable. Seeing my ugly face and having to cover it halfway with a veil made me afraid of meeting strangers. I let out a long sigh, Lady Rachel was waiting for me.

The palace was buzzing with excitement as the so-called King of Drakela arrived at our palace. He was met by a royal carriage and then welcomed into the palace by King William.

I was now standing next to Lady Rachel, carrying a fan to keep her cool, it was my duty.

"I'm so nervous, he looks so handsome and powerful, he is the strongest Alpha in Drakela," Rachel whispered as she showed how happy she was.

"You are strong too Lady Rachel, I really admire you." I smiled sincerely, not just flirting with her because I was of service to her. Rachel is indeed King Alpha's daughter, who is quite tough and strong. She can turn into a wolf and has extraordinary strength. Especially when I took her hunting once, she managed to catch a lot of prey. Most werewolf culture is no longer about beauty, wealth, position and throne, but about fighting and being the strongest. In Lexington, she had been trained to be an invincible she-wolf.

"I... feel something."

In the middle of King William and King Damian's conversation, the King of Drakela suddenly got up from his seat, sniffing vigorously at something, glancing at King William before shifting his gaze to me and Rachel. I frowned in confusion and stared back at him, but quickly broke eye contact with him when I saw Rachel admiring King Damian. Although Rachel's gaze was not overtly covetous, I knew she was trying to appear graceful and elegant by hiding her feelings.

"What's wrong, King Damian?" The question came from King William, who was also watching the Drakela king's movements.

Damian must have noticed his strange behaviour. Someone next to him, who was still sitting quietly, looked at Damian in surprise and he immediately whispered to his king. I think it's the Prime Minister of King Drakela.

Damian's face became flat and calm as he turned his gaze back to King William. "Sorry King William, I just caught a very nice smell."

King William smiled and turned to Damian excitedly. "Oh, have you found your mate? I heard you didn't have a mate yet."

Damian nodded and smiled awkwardly. "Yes, I have. In the three decades since I became an Alpha on Drakela, I have yet to find my mate. So my purpose in coming here is not only a peace expedition, but I also want to stay a few days to see if my mate is around. I will look for her."

King William rose from his seated position, both of them now looking at each other in their respective places. "This is my Princess Rachel. Is the scent you refer to my daughter? Perhaps you can smell it closer to my daughter."

Rachel stood up immediately as her father pointed to her. She showed a happy aura, especially when King Damian looked at us, then slowly walked closer, closer and closer, and I shouldn't have felt that strange throbbing. But somehow, being at Rachel's side as her servant at a time like this, I felt I had to take a few steps back so as not to disturb Rachel who was about to confront King Damian. Unfortunately, my legs were too heavy to move back and King Damian was already standing in front of Rachel. His gaze was sharp, his face was very handsome and he had a firm jawline, his lips were thin and natural in colour, his eyebrows looked quite thick and his eyeballs were clear. I quickly looked down, not daring to look at him after describing his handsome face in my mind.

"King Damian..."

"I think I should make you my wife. I've already found my mate, Lady Rachel."

When King Damian said this, my chest hurt. I dared to look at them, only to be surprised to see King Damian looking deeply at me, as if we had a connection. Even though I am only a servant, I don't deserve to feel this way.