Chapter 3

Mikhail

The door to the office opens after a soft knock on the door, and I immediately recognize the scent of my Beta, Alexei. Lifting my head, I look at the blurred figure of his frame.

"Alpha," he says, his tone serious. "We've received an invitation."

"Invitation?" I raise an eyebrow.

It is strange because nobody wants to invite me into their territory because of my reputation. 

"Yes, for the Full Moon Ball at Redwood Pack." He places an envelope on my desk and pushes in my direction until it touches my fingertips. "It's from Alpha Gregor."

"What does he want from us this time?" I reach out and run my fingers over the envelope, feeling the embossed seal of the Redwood Pack. Gregor.

Alexei takes a seat in front of my desk before he speaks.

"From what I have gathered, he's inviting all the prominent packs. Probably to form alliances as there has been a rise in rogue attacks."

"Do you plan to attend, Alpha?" Alexei asks.

The idea of mingling with other Alphas doesn't appeal to me, but there is something about the Redwood pack that is intriguing, and even my wolf seems to agree with me.

"Yes," I finally say. "We will attend."

"Very well, I'll make the necessary arrangements." Alexei says, and after a moment, he adds, "Maybe this year you will find your mate."

"I already have Layla, and I don't need anyone else." Shaking my head, I interlock my fingers and place my hands on the table, "She is what I want."

"Mikhail, the true mate bond is irreplaceable." Running his fingers through his hair, he sighs, "No one takes her place in your life. You may feel Layla is good for you, but it is your true mate who has been created for you... she will be the someone who you need."

Alexei is not only my beta but also my friend. We have been together for as long as we can remember. He has been my only friend and someone whom I trust. We have seen so much together in our lives that there are hardly any secrets between us. 

"I don't need anyone. I already have everything that I want: my pack, my people, and a she-wolf who will become the Luna of this pack and bear my pups. Soon after the Full Moon Ball, I will make an announcement about accepting Layla as the Luna."

"End of discussion." My voice comes out stern, with no room for further discussion when I feel he is about to say something.

"Very well, Alpha." I sense him bowing before he leaves the room.

I mindlink Layla to come inside my study.

Not even five minutes have passed when she walks inside the room.

"Alpha, what can I do for you?" I hear a smile in her voice. "Isn't it a bit too early to be frisky?" She teases as she settles down in the seat where Alexei has been sitting earlier.

After Alexei, Layla has been the one who has been with me for years. Alexei and Layla are two people who have been with me before I took over the Alpha position. In a way we have formed our own bond, but for some reason Alexei never liked Layla and has just been cordial with her because of me. 

Layla is a strong and fertile shewolf in her prime with an Alpha and Beta blood. She is loyal to me and understands my need, and for me she is perfect to be my mate and to bear my offsprings.

My wolf lowly growls even though he agrees with me, but I know a part of him will never accept her because he is tuned to accept his true mate.

That's why I need to complete my mating bond with Layla before my so-called true mate appears before me if she exists. Because once it happens then my wolf will not accept any other shewolf as his mate other than her, and if I reject her before completing the mating bond then he will go insane. 

"I am going to Redwood pack for the Full Moon Ball, I will be gone for four days, and in my absence I will leave you in-charge of the pack." Leaning back in my chair, I stare in her direction, even though I can't see properly but if I focus too hard I make out the outlines, "Alexei will be accompanying me so the pack will be your responsiblity."

"Isn't that your Luna's responsibility?" She laughs lightly.

"It is; that's why I am giving it to you." A smirk form on my lips, "After I return from the ball, I will announce you as my Luna and seal the mating bond with you."

"Mikhail." She walks around and sits on knees infront of me and keeps her hands on my knees, "I promise, I will never let you or this pack down. I will be the Luna that this pack deserves and I will be the mate that you want."

"I know that's why I have chose you." I run my hand through her hair, my actions similar to petting an animal, "You are aware of the consequences if you fail me, right?" Harshly grabbing her hair, I yank her head back.

I can feel her nodding her slightly while I smell her fear.

She knows I don't forgive mistakes and even she will not be spare of the consequences if she fails to fulfill her responsiblity.

"Good girl." Releasing my grip, I smooth her hair.

"Prepare the pack for my absence. Ensure everything runs smoothly, and if there are any issues, you know how to reach me."

"Of course, Alpha." Her voice trembles slightly, but she is quick to find her composure.

As she leaves, I feel a sense of satisfaction. My plans are falling into place, and soon, everything will be as it should be.