Ava's POV
"The Blue River Clan and the Shadow Clan are two distinct wolf tribes, each with their own unique characteristics and ways of life,” Daddy had said one of my childhood nights as he tucked me into bed. He had made it a part of my nightly ritual as a young girl.
“The Blue River Clan is known for its isolation and our desire to maintain a peaceful existence far away from other wolf clans. We live a solitary existence deep within the forest, avoiding contact with the outside world as much as possible."
He’d stroke my hair carefully. "The Shadow Clan, on the other hand, is known for their exploration and adventure. They roam far and wide, seeking out new territory and discovering new challenges. They are skilled warriors and known for their bravery and fearlessness.”
"The leaders of the Blue River Clan and the Shadow Clan have been sworn enemies for generations,” he would sit on the bed, next to me, caressing my hair softly. “You must know these things my daughter. It's important to know our traditions and hoping this nocturnal routine helps you not to forget it.”
I had nodded, listening attentively, and for that, he would always reward me with a tender peck on my forehead then wish me “Goodnight, sweetheart” and I'll be left to sleep.
On another night, Daddy would begin again, warning me: "Please dear, stay away from the Shadow Clan, I beg you. They can be aggressive and their unpredictable ways make them untrustworthy and dangerous. I can't lose you to them dear. Stay as far away for them as you can."
"Stay away especially from the alpha of the Shadow Clan. His name is William and is greatly despised by the elders of our Clan, dear. He is popular within the clan for his bad conduct, according to rumour."
"Daddy, do you know what William looks like so I can stay away from him," I had innocently asked.
Daddy had only smiled in response then continued, "the Shadow Clan Alpha founded a motorcycle club called Club Casablanca, and the thought of wolves riding motorcycles leaves the elders of the Blue River Clan feeling uneasy."
"They must be really bad Daddy," I would then reply, lying on my bed.
"Yes, my love. They sure are. Respectable wolves like us shouldn't have anything to do with them. Do you know, that motorcycle club is a sign of the Shadow Clan's lack of respect for the ways of nature. It's a direct and defiant challenge to our own traditions and values."
I'd ask him, “Is that why we should always stay away from them Daddy?”
And he would reply, "Yes dear. The elders of the Blue River Clan have often warned us and other members to stay away from the them as they are a threat to our way of life and a symbol of everything that is wrong with the wolf world."
Even Mia who barely agreed with whatever she was told had frequently told me: "The Shadow Clan's way of life is completely opposite to that of the Blue River Clan. They are known for their different lifestyle, constantly on the move, seeking out new challenges and adventures."
"Ava dear,” Daddy had told me another night. “Even their relationships are chaotic and often short-lived, with wolfmen coming and going on a whim. Yet, despite their unpredictable nature, the Shadow Clan is a strong force, with many members displaying impressive skills and abilities."
"At least they are not completely useless to the wolf community," I had added as Daddy would always reply to my childish comments with a smile.
He’d continue, “they have been known to take on jobs at sea, transporting equipment and goods while enjoying the thrill of the journey.
"The Blue River Clan, on the other hand, is a tight-knit community, with strict rules and traditions. We value stability and security, and often look down on the Shadow Clan's lifestyle as reckless and dangerous."
I would then reply to daddy one of my childish thoughts and he would give me a goodnight kiss and help me with my blanket.
"I wonder if the man I had a one-night stand with could be a wolf from the Shadow Clan," I told Mia.
It had been a few days after we had our talk about mates and sex.
“Really?” She looked at me, surprised.
"I remember his physique and perfect skin. Those characteristics associate with his life at sea, and now I'm worried. What if he’s a wolf from the Shadow Clan?"
Mia picked up a herb from the garden by my room while I just knelt, too worried to join her. "Though I'm very afraid, I can't find myself able to shake off the attraction I have to him. I'm drawn to his adventurous spirit and his confidence. The way he demanded me as his mate, without fear of the consequences."
Mia was still quietly gathering herbs.
“Are you listening Mia?”
"Ava.” She looked up. “You really need to calm down, you are only assuming. Nothing is confirmed yet.”
She smiled and rested a hand on my shoulder. “Just relax.”
I sighed. “It's just that, I don't want to disobey my father's teachings. But I also do not want to let go of the connection I felt with William."
I turned to my confidant. "I'm so confused and uncertain. I'm not sure what to do if my attraction to William eventually endangers both my clan and my own safety. How do I stay safe without letting go of the excitement and thrill that spending another night with him could bring?"
Mia just rolled her eyes. "Ava, you're thinking way too much. You know what, let's take a break for a while. Let's talk for a while about your concerns.”
The two of us sat down on a bench to chat. I started expressing my thoughts to her, mentioning the strange and unexpected interaction I had with William. I told Mia that he even called me his "mate."
"Ava, I must say, I am impressed with how you have handled this matter so far. You're really brave for being this open to having a relationship with him." Mia said sarcastically, clear excitement in her voice.
"Mia, someone could hear you," I whispered as I gestured for her to lower her voice.
“Oh.” She then reduced her voice. “Sorry. You know my voice increases when I get excited."
“It's alright.”
As we continued our conversation, the sound of a knock at the door startled the both of us. I cautiously left to open the door only to find my father standing outside.
"Good day Daddy," I greeted with a slight bow. Mia did same even though my father could barely see her.
"Ava, where have you been? I didn't see you at festival and since then you've been out of sight. I was looking for you. You really should have been by my side when I gave the closing remarks."
I lowered my head. "I am sorry Daddy, I got busy with… chores."
"Well, Quill your betrothed husband was also worried and he’s here to see you."
"OK Daddy, I will be with him shortly."
Before he left, he looked at me. "You know your engagement to Quill is a big step for the two of you, you both know that you have to focus on nurturing your relationship if you want it to succeed. Most importantly, I can guarantee that you're safe.”
He finally walked away.
I left to meet Quill in the garden, he wore a glow on his face as he saw me approach.
"My love, where have you been since the festival?" Quill asked coming closer to give me a hug.
As soon as he withdrew, he told me, “I was hoping to have a good dance with you that night but you were nowhere. Lastvtime I saw you, you were serving yourself some wine.
"I'm sorry, Quill," I replied with a small smile.
"I got swept up in the festivities and lost track of time. The moon festival is always such an exciting time, and I ended up getting carried away with the music and dancing,” I lied. "But, I promise, next time I'll make sure to save a dance for you."
I winked and he grinned.
"I'd like that. I've missed spending time with you, especially your dancing" he said, reaching out to caress my cheek.
"You always know how to move to the beat of the music." I felt a flutterry sensation in my heart. I had always loved to dance, and I was grateful that Quill appreciated my passion for it. It was rare for a wolf to find a partner who understood and admired her interests.
"I'll make it up to you at the next festival," I told him. “Promise.”
"Don't worry, I'll find us a quiet spot and we'll have our own private dance there." Quill smirked charmingly and pulled me close.
"That sounds perfect. Can't wait." I blushed slightly as Quill's gentle touch on my cheek causes a hot sensation there. He was always so affectionate and attentive. That was what I loved the most about him.
Immediately, I remembered that my father was still around.
"I'm sorry, Quill," I said, gently placing my hand on his chest, pulling myself away from him. "My father is in, and I don't want to disrespect him."
Quill's face fell slightly, but he quickly composed himself, letting go of me. "Of course, you don't need to apologize. In fact, I'm the one who needs forgiveness for my behavior.”
I smiled. "I totally understand. Thanks for respecting my boundaries Quill.”
He just maintained his charming smile in response.
He was about to leave when I called him, "Quill. Would you like to join us for lunch?" I invited, gesturing towards the lunch table which was already set up with spreads of meat, berries and roots from the hunt.
Quill hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "No, thank you, Ava.” He scratched the back of his head. "I have some errands to run today, and I need to make sure that they're done before the sun sets."
"No worries." I shrugged. "There will be plenty more meals to share in the future. Take care and always come back to visit me when you're free."
Quill nodded in understanding before giving me a quick hug and heading out of the garden. I watched him leave, feeling the warmth of his embrace still lingering on my body.
"We understand, father," I said, my voice steady and firm. "We will not go anywhere near the meeting room.”
My Dad nodded, then set out on his way to leave.
“But,” I stopped him. “If I may ask, what is this meeting about? And why is it that we should not approach them? Is it that serious?"
My father looked at me with a serious, concerned expression.
“Is there something wrong father?”
He sighed. "Well, this meeting is with a group of wolves that you haven’t met before. They’re from a distant clan. I'm keeping you away because we have been warned that they can be somewhat unpredictable and a bit dangerous."
“Oh.” I nodded knowingly. “Do we know what their intentions are?"
"No." Daddy said simply. “Well, not yet.”
He maintained his solemn mood as he spoke. "You see that’s why it’s important that you do not approach them. We must wait until they're done with their business to decide how to proceed."
I took a deep breath, taking in the information and trying to process it all. I looked over at Mia, who was now watching my father, showing mixed feelings of dread and curiosity.
Daddy got up and left Mia and I at the table to finish our meal. It relieved me as it gave me a few moments to recollect my thoughts and calm my nerves.
"Are you okay?" I asked Mia, trying to gauge her state of mind. I could see that she was still nervous and it's understandable owing to what my Dad just said.
Mia took a sip of her water and looked at me, trying to appear confident. "I'm alright, Ava. I'm just trying to process everything that's happening. It's a lot to take in."
"I know. I've never in such close proximity to a clan of dangerous wolves," I said, reaching out to take her hand. "But we're in this together, and we'll get through it. Besides, you’re a warrior. We just need to be smart and cautious."
“Definitely!” Mia nodded with determination. “I'm definitely a warrior Ava and trust me, I'll always have your back!”
William's POV I caught up with Thomas in the tavern. He was a tall, muscular male wolf who had served as my beta for many years. I needed his help and I knew he was always up for an adventure. "Thomas, I need your help with something," I said, taking a seat at his table. “Yes sir, anything.” The enthusiasm in his tone never got old. I smirked and began, reclining, "Well, I met this girl… she was small. It was at the Luna festival. And since we spent that night together, I haven't been able to stop thinking about her.” I stopped and looked at him. “I need to find her again." He grinned and drained his ale, nodding his head. "Ok ok, just give a little description and I'll locate her in no time." "I like your confidence.” I praised him. Then, thinking back to that night, I tried to picture her once again. “She had on this beautiful white silk dress with pearls and roses embroidered on it.” I paused, realizing. “Can we ask the merchants if they sold any dresses that match that descr
Ava's POV "What are you two doing here? I told you both not to approach the meeting room," Daddy interrupted with his typical authority. As William continued to stare me down, a sick feeling formed in the pit of my stomach. I remembered how my Dad had embarassed me publicly when I was little. “Why aren't you in the house?” He had yelled once. “What are you doing running around these woods?” he had scolded another time. “I thought I asked you not to do that? Why can't you listen to your father and obey?” he had shouted again a few years ago. I thought he'd eventually stop but here I was now, being humiliated in front of a lot of people—in front of William for that matter. I flushed red, feeling embarassed for myself. “I'm sorry Daddy, I shouldn't have come here,” I tried to calm his anger. He ignored my apology, still angry from my disobedience. "Don't you know yOi shouldn't enter this hall during a meeting, young one?” His voice boomed throughout the hall. “I'm sorry Daddy,”
Ava's POV “The weight of this secret felt heavy on my shoulders,” I thought to myself. “This isn’t as easy as I hoped. Why does it have to involve my family so much?” Daddy looked at Mia and I, and seeing the discomfort on our faces, he dismissed us. "Ava, Mia, I think it's time for you two to head out." We looked at each other and nodded. Daddy watched as Mia and I left the hallway into my room. “Now that they're gone, let's get back to business,” I heard him tell his fellow wolfmen and they began to chatter. Meanwhile, I got into the room with Mia, feeling utterly confused. “I don't know Mia. I don't think I can keep the secret of what I did that festival night from my Dad any longer. The guilt is killing me.” I fell to my bed, fed up. “What do I do?” Mia then walked over to me and placed a gentle touch on my shoulder. “Ava, don't worry. Besides, I told you, it's not a big deal. As long as he's not someone from the Shadow Clan.” If only Mia knew William was the one I spent the
Ava's POV “My chance encounter with William has finally come to an end—and I hope that things will return to normal after the Shadow Clan wolves leave.” Mia sat quietly on my bed, arranging herbs as she listened to me. She didn't look up from what she was doing. “Don’t worry, as long as you don’t go out to meet him, your life will return to normal. Trust me. You just have to focus on your relationship with your fiancé and your responsibilities to your Clan.” I sigh heavily. “I'm trying Mia… but the memory of my brief encounter with William has been lingering at the back of my mind. I wonder how things would have been if our paths had crossed under different circumstances.” “Princess Mia, your father has summoned you to his study,” a maid of ours informed me and left. Anxious, I looked at Mia whose frightful look matched mine. “Do you think he's found out?” Mia casually shook her head. “I'm sure he hasn't. It's probably for a different reason. Stop overthinking, Ava.” Nodding, I
William's POV On the fifth day of my stay in the Blue River Clan territory, my subordinates were already hard at work bringing down the equipment from our ship, preparing to transport it to the shore. “Make sure the pieces of equipment are moved by tomorrow,” I'd told them last night. “Yes Sir,” they’d agreed, not wanting to disappoint their commander. “Jack!” I walked over to the tall, muscular crew member. “Seems like everything's going well. I guess naking you in charge of overseeing everything wasn't a bad idea.” I patted his shoulder. He gave a proud grin. “The pleasure's all mine, Captain!” I stared at the men work for a while. “They're such great working—quite a fine bunch of men. I didn't think they'd be so committed to the task at hand.” Jack replied, “With their combined efforts—and without any issues—they’d be able to get the job done on time.” I turned to one of the younger members of the crew who I rembered as Tom. He was a skilled carpenter. “Tom,” I pointed to t
Ava's POV As I sat in my room with Mia, I decided to share my thoughts with her. “Mia.” She looked at me. “I've been reflecting on the events that led me to this point. I just realized that my life has been shaped by my father's choices, including my marriage to Quill.” Mia smiled. “Ava, you're skilled at handling interpersonal relationships and I've noticed that you've never questioned your father's choices and decisions before. But now that you're all grown up, you need to ask yourself what you really want.” I pondered on Mia's words. “Well,” I start explaining. “My father, he’s a really stubborn man. He's strict and protective in nature and all my life has been making life-changing decisions for me.” I stop to think then continue, “Remember, when he had sent me to a boarding school when I was younger to receive a proper education?” Mia nodded. “Yes I do.” I press my lips into a thin line. “I had protested a lot. I wanted to stay at home with you and Quill. I even wanted to jo
Ava's POV I was shocked at William's audacity. “I’ve never seen someone act in such a shameless manner before!” I snapped at him. “Why are you even here? I can not be responsible to you. My engagement has been arranged, and I can not be a part of this." I crossed my arms and looked away but William didn't seem to care, carrying on with taking his clothes off. "I’m not going anywhere," William replied, firmly. "You don’t have to be responsible for me, Ava. That's alright. But your marriage-” he scoffs “-you are not getting married to him. Do you understand? You are mine now." “No I'm not!" I exclaimed, backing away from him. “You’re so shameless! I am not yours, and I won't be! My father will be furious if he finds you're here. We have to end all of this—now!" William smiled, mischievously. The gesture made my skin crawl. "Your father doesn't have to know. We can keep this our little secret.” He walked closer, making me move a step back. “It has already been consecrated by Luna t
I pushed back gently, breathing heavily as I struggled to maintain control. "I am sorry," I said, my voice trembling. "I need some time to think. Please, just leave." William didn’t mind, a satisfied grin on his face and put on his clothes to leave, but before jumping out the window, he turned back to me one last time. "I will give you some time to think." There was a playful glint in his eyes. "But I will be waiting for you. We are mates, Ava. Bonded by Luna herself. Accept it or not." With that, he lifted himself through the window. I took a deep breath. “I’ve never felt like this before. This is all so new to me.” I wrapped myself up in my blanket as I said to myself under my breath. “I need time to think about this. I wonder what it could mean for my future.” As I closed the window, I could hear William's footsteps fading away. I took one last glance out the window and saw William walking away in the distance. “I know that you would wait for me, William,” I whispered to him.