2. Mate

Eva Silver

"I dare you", I challenged standing in defense position. Luca smirked and lounged towards me. I escaped and threw a punch. Argh, he missed it.

It's my daily morning routine, sparing with my brothers and training juniors. I was the strongest she-wolf of our pack. I wanted to become the strongest wolf beating down my brothers. Idiots beat me with their alpha male strengths. But I was the one who could put up the longest time with them. Perks of pure-blooded alpha.

"Leave her", my cousin more like my brother Evan ordered his brother.

"No", Luca and I said in unison. I determined to not quit until kick his ass. We were exhausted and panting yet didn't stop.

"I said stop", Evan ordered in his alpha tone. Luca glared and backed off.

I removed my gloves and threw them at Evan and yelled, "I hate you." I hate him whenever he uses that tone on me. He rolled his eyes.

"I hate your wolf", Luca said to Evan. Evan frowned.

"She yelled at you but your wolf didn't bother for disrespect. If I was in her place, he would have surfaced already", Luca scoffed.

"He loves her", Evan said casually and handed me a water bottle.

"Don't be Jealous", I punched Luca's arm playfully. Luca stole a water bottle from me harshly.

Evan was six years older than me and he had that big brother aura around me. Ryan was four years older than me and Luca was two years. Three loved me a lot and their wolves too. They were very protective when it came to me. I used to hate my brothers for controlling me. They never allowed me to training grounds, never allowed me to go into the forest alone, and many things like that.

I started understanding their concerns when I was twelve and experienced my first bone break in training. Evan almost broke the bones of my opponent. They gave me an earful for being reckless and at the end, they said 'That's why we said no to your training'. They went through that already and they wanted to keep me away from that. Just like that, by growing old I understood all their love, care, and concern for me. Evan and Ryan were responsible older children while Luca and I were pampered younger children. Well, I was the most pampered one.

I went to pack the house to freshen up for the day ahead. My parents moved out of the pack house after retirement, and so did Evan's parents. I usually live with my parents but I have my room in the pack house as I was a pack warrior.

I found my mother and Aunt Rose, our previous Luna at the dining table. They were discussing something seriously. Even after retiring from their positions they loved to work here. Old habits.

"Hi", I greeted. Both turned towards me.

"Good morning darling", Rose said.

"Morning Honey", my mother said at the same time.

"Morning. For what were you both worrying?" I asked leaning on the table.

"We are thinking about deserts", Rose said.

"Pineapple cupcakes or Choco chip brownies?" Mom asked. These best friends. If I chose one, I had to put up with the other one's whining.

"Shit, hard choice", I said.

They were best friends. My mother was the youngest daughter of the Alpha king and that made me and my brother half royals. For my mother's eighteenth birthday, her father threw a great party and everyone from the country was invited. Uncle James was new young unmated alpha. He went to wish the princess but ended up sniffing the girl beside my mother. After two years my mother came to Grey Lake as bridesmaid for her best friend's marriage. Before the bride and groom, the bridesmaid and groom's best man kissed each other. Long back they decided to become godmothers for each other's children but never expected that they would be mated to brothers and become sisters.

"Hello ladies", dad wished us getting down the stairs.

"I think dad can make a better choice", I said. He shifted his glances between us and understood the situation.

"I love you all. I'm very busy right now. Bye", he said and left out. Two ladies looked at me.

"I'm feeling dirty with this sweat and all. I will use the shower", I said and was about to leave.

"Answer us first", Rose asked.

"Umm..", I thought scratching the back of my neck.

"Eva", we heard my father from outside. "Do you see this beauty?"

"How can he call someone else beauty?" my mom knitted her brows. Mates.

My mom went out and we followed her. A red Ferrari was parked in the driveway. I gasped looking at the beauty. Was it really real? Who's the car was this?

"Do you like it?" Evan asked coming towards us.

"Is it mine?" I asked more like squealed. He nodded with a smile.

"I love it", I jumped in excitement.

"It should deliver three days back on your birthday", Luca said.

"Thank you so much", I said to uncle James.

"It's not from me", he said. Then? Usually, he was the one who gives me presents like these.

"From us", Luca said proudly placing his arm around Evan. I gave them a combined hug.

"Stink", Luca yelled and I slapped his back "So do you."

"I wondered how you know that I like this", I asked.

"You said that you like this when you had seen this in a magazine", Evan said.

"I said casually", I mumbled.

"Oh shit. Unnecessarily we wasted our money. If she doesn't want this, I will take it", Luca said showing the keys.

"No", I glared and snatched the keys from him. Everyone laughed at our childish behavior.

I was the only girl in my generation and it eventually made me the little princess of my family. My uncle and father had expectations for their sons. They had to act a little hard to prepare them for the future. So, their soft loving fatherly nature showered all over me. An invisible rule made by my uncle which irked my brothers 'If I asked something, I should get that and no other say in that'.

"Who is up for the first ride?" Luca asked.

"Let her choose", Aunt said. It's a fun time. I looked at everyone like choosing someone. I went directly to Stella, my lovely future sister-in-law, Evan's mate.

"First ride for respectful Alpha and Luna", I announced acting to rise skirt, and bow to them.

We went to our respective rooms to clean ourselves and came down for breakfast. After completing breakfast we quickly hopped in for the first ride. I took over the steering, Evan and Stella in the back seats, and Luca in the passenger seat. I was adjusting the mirrors to my comfort. Evan was saying something to Stella and licking his mark on her neck and she was blushing.

"No romance", Luca and I yelled at the same time.

"Look forward", Evan was annoyed and Stella giggled.

I started the car. We went through the streets of our village. I took a left turn instead of a right.

"Are we going to the lake?" Luca asked. I nodded.

"You should get rid of that obsession", he mumbled. I didn't tell that I had seen grey lake already.

"I had seen grey lake", I said.

"Yeah, in your dreams", Luca said looking outside. That's why I didn't tell them. They wouldn't believe me.

I pulled over near the lake. Stella got down, and obviously, Evan followed her.

"All the best", I said to Stella through the mind link. She winked at me and went forward pulling Evan with him.

"Do I have to wait?" I asked

"No need", she replied.

"Can I tell everyone or will you?" I asked.

"Do whatever you want", she replied.

Stella was pregnant. We found it yesterday evening and I was the only person who knew that. She wanted to surprise Evan. She planned to tell him at the same place they met the first time. Grey Lake. I had to manipulate Evan to come here. Well, I could make my family do things with pouts and puppy eyes. This new car made my work easy.

"Let's go", I said. Luca looked at them and towards me.

"I will drive", he said. I threw keys at him. He started the engine.

"Did you both plan anything there?" he asked and I nodded.

"Let's go home", I said.

"I hope I would find my mate this year", he said. Evan found his mate when he was 24. So, Luca believed he would find his at 24 just like his brother. Stupid theories.

We went home after some time. I wanted to tell everyone about Stella but I changed my decision. I went straight to my room took my laptop and files and went to the office. Silver Corporation was our family business. My brothers, father, and uncle took care of it. Most of the employees in the organization were werewolves. After completing my university I started working there.

Our receptionist Linda wished me when I entered. Such a sweet lady. I went to my floor and opened the door of my division. April and her mate Ion were involved in a serious discussion mixed with slight romance at her desk. I cleared my throat.

"You are late", April stated looking at me.

"What will you do? Dismiss me?" I asked crossing my arms to my chest.

"I wish", she mumbled.

"Get back to work", I ordered playfully.

"Let's meet afternoon baby", Ion pecked her lips and left.

"You spoiled our moment", April complained.

"Take leave. Go to your place and fuck till dawn", I commented.

"Nice idea", she said dreamily. I rolled my eyes.

I went to my cabin and emerged to work. To be honest, sometimes work was boring but I love working here. I checked all my emails, but nothing important. Around 11:30 am, I got a call from Alex, our beta to attend a meeting. Evan wasn't here that's why Alex handling his meeting. I went to Evan's office. Luca and Alex were already there.

"What's up?" I asked taking the seat beside Luca.

"About project collab with North Mountain", Alex answered.

"When did North Mountain start working with others?" I asked casually.

North Mountain was a small pack and known for cruelty. North Mountain organization belonged to its alpha. They usually kept to themselves. Once I saw their alpha in a gathering. A very long time back. They usually didn't attend any pack gatherings and annual balls if it was not necessary. Weirdos.

I was checking project details. Suddenly door opened, strong smell of pineapple and forest waved over me. It's the most amazing smell I ever knew. I raised my eyes and met with a man in a perfectly tailored blue suit.

"Mate"

"Mate"

"Mate" my wolf was continuously chanting and jumping inside. I started taking deep breaths and taking that smell as much as I can.

He was probably 6.2 with a strong aura. His brown eyes fixed on me. Perfect jawline, and a sharp nose and I could imagine his perfect body under his clothes. His silky black hair strands fell on his forehead and swayed with his moments.

"Luca Silver", Luca introduced forwarding his hand.

"Jack Smith", he shook his hand. His voice was deep and sexy.

"Alex Rider", Alex shook his hand. Now it's my turn. My body working on its own. I extended my hand.

"Eva Silver", I said. He held my hand and felt the sparks. My eyes probably became black because I felt my wolf surfacing. He felt the sparks too as he gulped and his Adam's apple bobbed once we touch each other.

"Lisa Rover", a woman beside him introduced herself.

"My partner", Jack said.

"His acting Luna too", she said with a bright smile.

Everything became blank for a moment. I realized what I just heard. My wolf tried to take over. I composed myself. Everything had fallen in place as I connected the dots. Jack Smith, alpha of North Mountain pack. That pack never do mates and had known for killing their own mates. No wonder he reacted quite normally on finding his mate. I spent the rest of the meeting silently trying to not look at him.

I left for the washroom once the meeting ended. I locked myself in a booth. All the pent-up emotions rolled down as tears. Why? Why I got him as my mate? He didn't want me. My wolf was nagging me to go and find him. She wanted to be with him. I let out all my emotions. I washed my face and went to my cabin without meeting anyone's eyes.

"Hey", April peeped inside standing at the door.

"What happened?" she asked coming near to me.

"Nothing", I tried to avoid her

"Tell me", she asked turning my face towards her. I didn't answer her.

"Let's go", she dragged me with her.

We went to a nearby bar. Rain was already waiting for us. I kept quiet all the while. She occupied a booth and ordered drinks for us.

"Now tell us", April asked.

"I could use a drink first", I said. I usually don't drink during working hours. Situation demands.

After six shots I asked, "What will you do if your mate doesn't want you?" I asked.

"He wants me", April said. I looked at Rain.

"Why would he don't want me? He supposed to die for me", Rain said.

"What if...?" I couldn't complete the question properly.

"Why....", Rain was about to say something.

"Did you find your mate?" April asked. I nodded.

"When?" Rain squealed with excitement.

"He doesn't want me", I mumbled and tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Ush..", April hugged me and slowly rubbed my back.

"Why didn't he want you? How could he? How dare he?" Rain angered.

"Who is he?" April asked.

"Alpha Jack Smith, North Mountain pack", I said.

"North Mountain?" Rain asked and she realized my situation.

"What did he say?" April asked.

"He said nothing. He behaved like I didn't even exist", I said. I explained everything that happened at the meeting.

"I suggest you talk to him clearly", Rain said.

"What am I supposed to talk to him after knowing their pack?" I asked, more tears pooling in my eyes.

"Okay... Okay. For now no mates. It's our time. Let's go somewhere, Umm?" April suggested. I felt it best way to escape this turmoil.