CHAPTER 3- Destined Mate

MAGNUS

I never expected that a playgirl Luna of the Yellowstone Pack would become my mate. I never thought this would happen not even in my wildest dreams.

"You're my mate?" I spoke in disbelief.

"You must be joking, Alpha. How could someone as womanizer as you become my mate?" Lara smiled sarcastically, raising her brow.

Her words struck me and definitely hit my ego. With an impulse move, I approached her and kissed her passionately. I felt she was responding to my kiss and it made my heart fluttered. I paused and smiled mischievously.

"Does it feel good, huh?"

She was blushing, I could clearly see her cheeks turning out red. But her response was something I less expected.

"It wasn't interesting at all. It was just like other men's kisses."

After saying this, she quickly turned away from me, but I still managed to tell her in an exact domineering voice, "Just remember Lara, you are my mate and you belong to me!"

"Oh, I'm glad you have finally found your mate, dude," Alex spoke behind my back. "See? My guess is absolutely right. Lara Jade is your mate," he chuckled as he approached me and tapped my shoulder.

"This gonna be exciting dude. Between a womanizer and a playgirl, who would fall first?" Alex continued teasing.

"I'm certain, it's not gonna be me, dude. Love is not in my vocabulary," I said intently.

"Okay, fine. But for now, you need to tell your Dad about your newly found mate for your wedding to be arranged. I'm sure he would be happy to hear that," Alex suggested.

"How sure you are that I'm going to marry her? I still believe in the sanctity of marriage. It's just only for two people who are deeply in love with each other. 

"So you mean, it's impossible for you to love Lara?"

"Too impossible dude, because I don't believe in it, I don't believe in its stupidity. It will just ruin your wholebeing, just like what happened—" I could not finish what I wanted to say as tears started to form at the corner of my eyes.

Alex tapped my shoulder and said, "That's enough, dude. I understand."

Together we went back to the banquet hall to enjoy the rest of the celebration. From one corner, I saw Lara, who was happily engaged in a conversation with Alpha Callum. I was aware, they were not real siblings and upon seeing their sweetness, I could tell Alpha Callum was one of Lara's casual flings. I suddenly got pissed off especially when they danced on the dance floor.

Out of annoyance, I grabbed the microphone and began speaking. "I apologize for the interruption, but I have a very important announcement."

The music was turned off and everyone returned to their seats.

All were stunned into silence as their eyes fixed on me. I could see Alex from one corner, smiling at me while showing a thumbs-up. I also looked at Dad who was eagerly anticipating what I wanted to say. Meanwhile, I took a glance at Lara, who was at their table sitting beside Apha Callum. Their special care towards each other was killing me inside and this reaction puzzled me.

"The truth is, I have already found my mate, and she is here with us," I uttered.

"Then who is she, my son?" Dad's curiosity piqued.

I cleared my throat before I spoke again. "She is Lara Jade of the Yellow Stone Pack."

Everyone's eyes widened as they heard the unexpected news. Lara smirked while crossing her arms, obviously did not like my announcement. 

"If so, then I, as the current leader of the Silvercrest Pack gladly accept Lara Jade to be Alpha Magnus' Luna," Dad spoke while fixing his eyes on Lara and her family.

"If Lara is really your mate, then you were supposed to give her a red mark on her neck," Alpha Callum butted in, trying to test me.

"So you want me to put a red mark on her, right now? Right here?" I responded confidently.

"No need to do that now, Magnus. Better reserve it on the day of our wedding," Lara smiled and everyone chuckled.

"So you're really expecting a wedding to happen huh?" I responded, showing a silly smile. "Well, who would not want to be with me?" 

Curious about Lara's response, I glanced at her, only to see a sly grin on her face as she rose, crossing her arms. "Perhaps other women have desired you, but not me, Alpha. However, as you are my mate, I have nothing to do but accept the mate bond or I will die. Of course, I don't want to die. Not now."

"That's enough." Lara's father, Alpha Damian abruptly interrupted. 

"Let us set the wedding of Alpha Magnus and my daughter Lara on this month's last full moon. We have twenty days to prepare for the Grand Wedding."

"I agree. So shall we have a wine toast?" my father, spoke while pouring wine into his glass. Everyone did the same and as soon as they were ready, my father said loudly,  "For the upcoming marital union of Alpha Magnus of the Silvercrest Pack and Beta Lara Jade of the Yellow Stone Pack---Cheers!"

A warm applause echoed the whole place, but just as it died down, Lara turned away and walked into the door. Looking at her reaction, I could tell, she did not want the idea of marriage. Well, the feeling was mutual, but we had to make a deal.

Eager to catch up with her, I hastened my steps. We had to make things clear to avoid confusion. I was aware of her strong objection to the marriage primarily because she only desired to flirt with men. Feeling restricted and unable to pursue her desires any longer left her feeling disheartened. Well, the same with me. But how could I turn down my father's request? I owe him my life.  

I scanned the entire villa grounds, searching for Lara but to no avail. The moon was still high in the sky so it was unsafe for her to wander alone as rogues and vampires were just around the corner. I sniffed and I could smell her scent, going into the forest.

But in no time, the piercing howl of the dire wolves echoed in the air, and it only meant one thing—Lara's life was in danger!