Chapter Three

**Sergio’s POV**

I focused on the pleasurable sensations with the blonde beneath me, though her loud and needy demeanor grated on my nerves. She had been a childhood friend, always lingering around, and I occasionally indulged in her company. In her misguided belief, she thought she would become my mate and Luna, but little did she know that I had no interest in such a role. As the Alpha of a formidable pack in the Northeast of Las Noches, I neither sought nor needed a Luna by my side.

When I came of age at 18, my father handed over the leadership of our pack to me, expecting that I would find a suitable mate who would assume the role of Luna. However, fate had a different plan in store, as my true mate turned out to be someone unexpected.

My parents were remarkable individuals who raised me with wisdom and instilled strength within our pack. Building upon their foundation, I took our pack's power and influence to unprecedented heights. We commanded respect, and other packs sought alliances with us. Before I became Alpha the council even sought my counsel on matters, relying on my judgement when my Dad was unable to intervene.

As I reached the climax with Felicia, the pounding on my door disrupted the moment. I knew it was my trusted beta and lifelong friend, Jake. Since our kindergarten days, we had shared an unbreakable bond. Hastily discarding the used condom, I dismissed Felicia, tossing her clothes at her and instructing her to leave.

"Sergio, you're aware that the council will eventually expect you to choose a Luna, right? I've always been there for you, obeying your every command and fulfilling your needs. When will you make me your Luna?" she pleaded, her eyes filled with anticipation.

I couldn't help but find her question absurd. With an indifferent shrug, I guided her towards the door, making it clear that our encounter was over. Jake, my loyal beta, was waiting outside, and it was time for him to join me.

As she left without further protest, she seemed content, believing that she had secured the position of Luna in her mind.

"Dude, could you avoid sleeping with the pack's hoe? Goodness, the stench in this room from her overpowering perfume and arousal is nauseating," Jake remarked, wrinkling his nose in disgust.

"Shut up, Jake, or I might reconsider banishing you!" I retorted, half-jokingly.

"You wouldn't do that; you'd be lost without me," he replied confidently.

"You're right. I would be lost," I admitted. "But seriously, whoever I choose to sleep with is none of your concern. What brings you here anyway?"

"I'm here to remind you that we have to attend Alpha Draxler's son's 18th birthday party on Saturday. It seems they're combining it with the celebration for the beta siblings," Jake informed me.

"Oh, no! I despise these gatherings, but we must maintain appearances to please the council," I sighed in resignation. "We'll leave around 5 pm since it's an hour's drive. We'll return the same night, so no funny business," I instructed.

"I can't make any promises, boss!" Jake replied mischievously, a smirk playing on his lips.

My Beta, a notorious womanizer, believes he needs to gather experience to please his future mate. Little does he know that true love doesn't require a checklist of conquests. I, on the other hand, had a mate once—a painful reminder of betrayal. Entrusting her with my heart and pack, I discovered she was colluding with another Alpha, planning to overthrow us. Her rejection shattered my trust in mates, and I vowed never to succumb to that bond again. I'm still searching for her and the pack she aligned with, certain they're plotting an attack.

My father reached out, suggesting a lunch meeting to discuss plans. He likely intended to cover the details while I was away at the upcoming birthday celebration.

"Dad, thanks for bringing lunch! I was famished. But do we really need to go over the plans for Saturday night? It's been months since we faced any threats, and our reputation is enough to deter potential troublemakers. The guards are skilled and vigilant, and you're well aware of our strategies from attending all the meetings."

"Alright, son, you caught me. I simply wanted to enjoy lunch with you and catch up. Are you looking forward to the party?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation towards a lighter topic.

"I'm not looking forward to anything," I firmly stated.

"Why? You might find someone special. Plus, Alpha Draxler is keen on forming an alliance with us. We're the closest pack to him, and he has no other options," my dad tried to persuade me.

"Dad, I don't trust him, and I have even less faith in his future Alpha. They've been calling incessantly, making requests. I've been declining politely, but it seems I'll have to be more assertive."

"I'm glad you see it that way. We had an alliance with them in the past, but it dissolved about 12 years ago. Some rogue wolves attacked their pack, killing their doctor and lead female warrior. But there were other unsettling events that made me suspicious of them. Furthermore, they had a child who vanished during that time. When questioned about the child, they claimed ignorance and showed no effort in finding her. The council attempted to assist, but they declined any help, insisting they could handle it on their own. The council has been investigating and searching for this missing child ever since. Apparently, she held great significance," my dad explained.

"What do you mean, she was important?"

"I only know what the council disclosed to me, and that's not much. She was a special child, but the details remain confidential," he replied.

"Well, I'll stay vigilant for any unusual occurrences," I assured him.

"Thank you, son."

We finished our lunch with casual conversation, and as my dad prepared to leave, he paused at the doorway to once again encourage me not to let past experiences tarnish my view of love and to give it another chance.