CHAPTER 1: NOT A FAN

VICTORIA

I stood in the center of the pack’s training room, facing two of the trainees assigned to me. They are both eager to be part of our pack’s defenders. As the daughter of our alpha, I had to share my expertise in combat and also assess whether they passed or not.

“Alright, let’s begin,” I said calmly, taking a stance and giving them the head start to attack.

“Remember, this is about control, not just aggression. Our wolves are our primal instincts. It was hard to control when you’re in a fight but you have to remember to bring presence of mind in a fight. Focus on your technique and anticipate your opponent’s moves.”

They both nodded and lunged toward me without hesitations, eager to show what they had learned. Spencer aimed a punch at my face, but I sidestepped and easily avoided the attack before I counterattacked with a swift strike to his side. He winced and made way for Annalise to attack. She executed a series of quick kicks packed with accuracy but lacked power. We were innately stronger than humans, but it was rare that hunters would try to come to us head-on. It was a different case for us werewolves.

Both of them had a good grasp of the situation. Still, I could sense that they were panicking simply because they were being overpowered, but I see potential in them.

Our training lasted three more hours, with both of them tirelessly trying to attack me. They circled around me, trying to find an opening, and struck together. They lacked coordination, but it was the first time they fought together. It could be worked out.

I tripped Annalise, making her lose her footing. She stumbled but got back her balance. Spencer tried to sneak up on me, but I ducked and tripped him too. Unlike Annalise, he couldn’t get his balance back and fell. He got up immediately and tried a different approach, attempting to grapple and overpower me. I used his momentum against him. Spencer tapped out, surrendering after a moment.

“I give up,” Spencer mumbled, huffing out and was almost desperate to get out of my grip.

I let go of him and turned to Annalise. She flopped on the ground as well. “Me too. You’re too strong, Ms. Victoria.”

“I must admit, both of you are good, but you lack coordination. You were also panicking earlier. Your opponents wouldn’t take you seriously if they see you staggering like that. Being strong is good, but you have to be clever as well. It could be worked out with experience and more training.”

They nodded, agreeing to my assessment.

We heard claps from outside. “I see the assessments have started. It’s a shame I was late to watch everything.”

“Greetings, Alpha Anthony.” Spencer and Annalise both got up and greeted my father.

I also lowered my head, “Greetings, alpha.”

Alpha Anthony grinned, “No need to be too formal. I just want to see our pack’s future and take my daughter, who should definitely be resting right now but instead, she chooses to work.”

He turned to the trainees, “You’re dismissed. Go rest for later’s celebration. You deserve a break too.”

My father took me out of the training room, and I could feel he would scold me, so I spoke first, “Dad, it’s just my birthday. It’s nothing special.” I knew exactly why this day was so important, but I didn’t feel excited about it, not as much as I thought I would when I was younger.

“It is special. You’re turning twenty-three, and there is a possibility that you meet your mate today, and that’s why-”

“You invited the bachelors from our allied packs. I know it already, Dad. But what if I’m not ready? Or what if none of them is my mate?” It was already rare to find mates at this time. Our population is staggering, and I’m unsure if the Goddess fancied me enough to give me a mate. I hope she doesn’t, because I’m personally not a fan.

“Then you are not. I’m not forcing you on anything, Victoria. But being able to sense our mates is a gift from the Goddess herself. It’s meant to be celebrated.”

I heaved a sigh, “Was it really that big of a deal? You and Mom were not mated, but you loved each other unconditionally. Isn’t that what’s important?”

“That is true, and I love your mom so much. Still, if you found your mate, then it’s a gift and you should appreciate it.”

I didn’t answer because I knew they wouldn’t understand, and my opinion about the mate bond would offend more than half of our kind. I just don’t get how we have predetermined mates. Do I fall in love with a random person just because we are mates? It just doesn’t sit right with me.

If I ever find someone I want to love, I want to know that it was true and that I fell in love because I know that the person is good and worth it. Not because they are “destined” for me.

“I know what you’re thinking, Victoria. Just give it a chance. It’s all I wish.”

I nodded but rolled my eyes, “I understand, Dad. It’s also my duty to the pack and I should be proud that the goddess fancies me blah blah blah. I’ve heard it countless of times already.”

Most of the alphas’ daughters are bound to be married to an allied pack as part of our culture. I call that a shitty way of handling an allegiance and practically selling out their daughters, but that tradition stuck over the years.

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to easily dodge that fate that easily.

Even though I hate it, I still understand my duties but if I were the one to choose, I’d rather stay and help my older brother manage the pack once my father retires and he becomes the alpha. I am happy with what I am right now, and serving our pack. Why does it have to change just because of a tradition or a mate bond?