1. Nadine-west pack.

Mason’s POV

It has been seven long years since I left for the states to study. Honestly, I wasn’t too keen on coming back, but duty calls. It’s not like I don’t want to be Alpha it’s more that I crave my freedom. Running a pack is exhausting. The responsibilities, the politics, the expectations... it’s a boring life. Unfortunately, I’m the only son, which means I don’t have a choice.

If only I had a younger brother, someone I could hand this burden to, I would have gladly stayed in the States, enjoying my freedom, living my life on my own terms. But there’s one thing that makes this return bearable, even exciting: finding my mate. I have a strong feeling my parents organized this welcome party and conveniently invited every unmated female from the surrounding packs, all in hopes I’ll find my Luna tonight. I’m turning eighteen, and according to the Moon Goddess, that’s the age mates can finally sense one another. If everything goes as planned, tonight might just change my life.

I smirk at my reflection in the car's side mirror. If I look this good, then my mate must be a goddess. I like my women tall, slender, and easy on the eyes. I can already imagine how stunning she’ll be, how perfect she’ll look in my arms.

A gentle stir against my chest pulls me out of my thoughts. Zahra, my girlfriend, well, not officially, it just kind of happened, is snuggled against me. Her round, pretty face is relaxed, her arms loosely wrapped around mine. Her head rests on my shoulder, and I instinctively glance at the soft, blonde curls cascading over her face. That hair is probably what got me hooked in the first place. It’s weird, I know, but that’s just me: Mason Wilder.

Zahra has always been close, always around. Being with her just happened naturally. We never had “the talk,” I never asked her out. We simply started fooling around and, well, it stuck. I didn’t push her away because, let’s be honest, a man’s got needs. I’m an Alpha, my blood runs hot and wild.

My chosen Beta, Raphael, is seated at the front.

“We’re almost there, Mason,” he announces in his calm, composed voice.

Raphael has always known his place. He never challenges me, never crosses a line. That’s why I chose him. I needed someone obedient, someone who understands loyalty. James was an option too, but he’s too talkative for my taste, so I made him Gamma instead, third in command.

“You can get out now, driver,” I tell the old man behind the wheel. He’s clearly too old for this job. Honestly, I don’t know what the elders were thinking, letting someone so ancient drive their future Alpha. I’ll have a word with Mom the moment I settle in. Maybe I’ll make Raphael drive me around for now. Who better than someone willing to take a bullet for me?

I tell Raphael to take over, and, of course, he does without a word of protest. That’s why I value him. Even though he’s probably exhausted from the nearly nineteen-hour flight, he knows my word is law.

I just want to get home, take a long shower, enjoy the party, meet my mate, and hopefully spend the night tangled up with her.

“Babe, I hope I’m your mate,” Zahra says softly as Raphael takes the wheel. “You know we were only born hours apart.”

I give her a non-committal nod. In truth, I can’t imagine being tied to her for life. She’s… convenient, not permanent.

“Babe?” she repeats, louder this time when I don’t respond to her wishful thinking.

“What?” I reply, more impatiently than I intended.

“You could at least pretend to be excited about the idea. Or… or do you think I’m not good enough to be your mate?” she asks, her voice tinged with hurt and frustration.

There it is, the nagging. This is exactly what I hate.

“Don’t start with me, Zahra. I’m not in the mood,” I mutter, pushing her gently off me. “I’m tired.”

I turn away from her and shut my eyes, pretending to sleep. I hear her sigh, long and drawn-out.

“We’re here, Mason,” Raphael announces again.

I open my eyes, and the view takes my breath away. The Nadine-west Pack territory is nothing short of beautiful, lush greenery, untouched forests, and an air of wild serenity. The mansion looms ahead, the tallest and grandest structure in sight, nestled right in the heart of the city. The setting sun casts a golden glow over it, and I can already hear music drifting through the air. The celebration has begun.

As the car rolls up to the gates, rows of armed guards stand on either side, bowing in respect as we pass. The party decorations start right at the entrance, but I barely notice them. My mind is elsewhere. I just want to meet her, my mate, and finally ditch this clingy mess beside me.

The car pulls up to the parking lot. Two guards step forward just as my mom comes running out with open arms.

“My son!” she exclaims joyfully, flinging the door open and wrapping me in a tight hug. Even though she visited me often in the States, I still missed her dearly.

“Mom,” I breathe, hugging her back. Her embrace feels like home.

“Have you been well?” she asks, already leading me toward the mansion, paying no attention to Zahra’s presence behind us. I hear the clicking of Zahra’s heels as she trails behind, clearly not pleased to be ignored.

“I have. Where’s Dad?” I ask, glancing around.

“He had a meeting he couldn’t miss, but he’ll be joining us later,” she explains with a warm smile. “Go freshen up first, then come down for dinner. After that, I’ll take you to the welcome party. I bet you can’t wait.” She winks knowingly.

I smile and kiss her cheek. “You know me too well.”

“Let me show you to your room,” she offers.

“No need, Mom. Don’t tire yourself with the stairs. Wait for me at the dining room, I’ll be there in twenty.”

She nods and disappears down the hall as I begin my ascent to the upper floor. I glance back and spot Zahra at the doorway, glaring daggers. Why is she still here? She should just go home already.

Raphael is gone, probably off to his place. I’ll catch up with him later.

As I reach the top of the staircase, a foreign scent suddenly invades my senses. It’s faint but absolutely intoxicating: warm, rich, earthy, with a delicate touch of sweetness. My heart races. My wolf stirs violently.

‘Mate.’

The word slams into my mind like a thunderclap. But… how? I’m not even eighteen yet. I still have a few more hours.

I don’t care. My body moves on its own, driven by instinct, drawn toward the source like a moth to flame. With every step, the scent grows stronger, more addictive. I feel feverish, shaky with anticipation. I need to see her. I need to touch her. I need her.

Then I see her.

A small, slender woman stands a few feet ahead. Her hair is wild and unkempt, her eyes wide with confusion. Her lips are tiny, and her face… plain. Very plain. She’s nothing like what I imagined. Her clothes look cheap and wrinkled.

“Mate?” she whispers, surprise etched into her features.

My heart drops.

What the actual hell? This is my mate?

This woman?

No, no, no. This has to be some kind of cruel joke. The Moon Goddess must be messing with me.

This is the one destined for me?