Encounter

CAEL

They say you can’t eat your cake and have it right, but in my case, I don’t even want to eat it, I just want to stare at it from afar.

Only, I can’t.

He was everything I ever dreamt of but could never have. Everything an Alpha should be strong, well built, a living temptation. A walking sin. The kind of man who made omegas, deltas, even betas fall at his feet. He was royalty, towering over six feet, with hands that looked like they could break me in half without effort.

I had heard all the stories about his countless escapades. I knew I could never have him to myself. But still, the crush burned. Foolish. Hopeless. Secret. He didn’t even know I existed.

“Cael! Come down it’s time for the ceremony!”

My mother’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Okay, Mum,” I muttered, dragging myself out of my head.

Downstairs, she was in her usual playful banter with Dad. Their bond was the kind I always wanted for myself. Maybe today’s coming-of-age ceremony would give me that. Or maybe it would strip away even the last fragile hope of being mated.

“Hey, Mum, I’m ready.”

“Aren’t you going to eat at least?”

“I’m too anxious. Might throw it all up after.”

She smiled knowingly. “I understand, lad. Now run along.”

I hugged them both before dashing outside. The wind rushed against me, cooling my nerves. Yet the panic inside me refused to settle.

On the path, I nearly collided with Lyra. She gave me a nod.

“Hey, you good?” I asked.

She frowned. “Anxious. My wolf’s unsettled. Either she senses him… or something’s about to go wrong.”

“I feel the same,” I admitted. “But we’ll make it through.”

Even as I said it, my wolf scratched at the surface, desperate to shift—though she couldn’t. Something was definitely wrong. The uncertainty gnawed at me.

To everyone else, I was powerless. No wolf. No magic. Just the last male child of a nearly extinct bloodline. My family had been wiped out in one night. Only Mum, her second-chance mate, and I survived.

But that wasn’t the truth. I did have a wolf. She was just… different. She had no scent. No pheromones. And unlike others, mine was female. I’d kept her a secret since the day she appeared.

“Cael, are you even listening?”

“Hm? What?” I blinked back to reality.

Lyra rolled her eyes. “Zoned out again. I was saying, it’d be nice if your wolf comes out today. At least then those idiots will stop bullying you. Honestly, I don’t get why you let them. It’s not like you can’t fight back.”

I smirked. “Fighting them would mean fighting women. Gender inequality, my love. Being an omega doesn’t change that.”

“That sucks.”

“I know, right?” I chuckled.

But inside, guilt twisted in my gut.

Sorry, Lyra. I’m lying to you. I just don’t know how to tell you the truth yet

*********************

THORNE

The prophecy. That’s all you ever say!” My voice echoed in the chamber, sharp with frustration. “I’m tired of searching. This meeting is over.”

“My Lord,” Beta Damien interjected carefully, “we’re expected at Rose Circle Pack in the next two hours....”

“Damien,” I cut him off, rubbing my temples, “I said I’m tired. As my Beta, you should know I need rest, not another search party.”

He bowed his head slightly. “I understand, my Lord. But you gave the Alpha of Rose Circle your word.”

I sighed, weary. “Then cancel. Or… give me a moment to rest.”

“I’ll arrange for Delta Fabian to accompany you,” Damien offered.

“Fine. Now leave.”

The silence after his retreat was heavier than any war drum.

Every Alpha my age had already awakened their wolf. They had bonded, mated, produced heirs. And me? Still waiting. Still unclaimed.

Has the Moon Goddess forsaken me? I thought bitterly. Is the prophecy true? Or is my mate not even born yet? Worse—are they already mated to another?

I had conquered territories. I had won battles. I had a throne that towered above kingdoms. Yet it all meant nothing without a mate without an heir.

Well, technically, my wolf Ralph murmured in my mind, amused, you do have a pup. Lyra. Today is her coming-of-age ceremony.

I snorted. For an unmated wolf, you seem awfully excited, Ralph. And for the record I’m only going to Rose Circle because of her.

Ralph chuckled low in my chest, unbothered.

“My Lord,” Damien’s voice called from beyond the door. “It’s time to leave.”

“Ready the cars—no, never mind.” I stood, straightening my shoulders. “We’ll shift. We’ll get there before the ceremony ends. Call Beta Fabian to meet us.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

In my chamber, I changed into ceremonial clothes. Ralph grumbled.

We should go casual, he teased, no point ruining those robes.

“As you wish,” I muttered, pulling on simpler garments.

Outside, Damien was waiting.

“This will be the last search party, Damien,” I said, my tone like steel. “I don’t care what the prophecy says. If fate won’t deliver my mate, we’ll find another way to preserve our legacy. Worst case scenario I marry a human.”

He winced. “My Lord, it will not come to that.”

We strode through the corridors and out into the forest. Without hesitation, we shifted, fur replacing flesh as Ralph surged forward, thrilled to run.

Damien kept pace as best he could, though he was slower. What should have taken two hours on a ride became less than one under paw.

The closer we drew to Rose Circle, the more restless Ralph became. His energy crackled through me, urging me to run faster, faster. But I forced him to slow, allowing Damien to catch up.

Not everything must be rushed, I reminded him. We will arrive. Eventually.

Still, when we crossed the border of Rose Circle Pack, the air changed. It was peaceful, welcoming. Yet… different.

I ignored the strange feeling settling in my chest.

I just wanted the day to end. And to return to my kingdom.