Chapter 4

***Moonlight pack***

  Crystal walked home, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the path. The trees towered above, their branches creaking in the gentle breeze. 

  She quickened her pace, her senses on high alert.

  As she approached her home, she saw the worried faces of her parents and Ethan. Sarah's eyes were red-rimmed, and Edwin's expression was tense.

  "Crystal, where have you been?" Sarah asked, rushing to her side. "We've been searching everywhere for you."

  Crystal took a deep breath, her eyes darting between her parents. "I'm fine, Mom. I just...I needed some time alone."

  Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You were gone for hours. We were worried sick."

  Crystal's gaze dropped and she fidgeted with her hands. "I'm sorry. I just needed some fresh air and time to think."

  Sarah's expression softened, and she wrapped her arms around Crystal. "We're just glad you're home safe"

  Crystal's eyes dropped, her gaze on the lingering concern etched on her parents faces.

  As they sat down, Crystal's words tumbled out. "I met a stranger...his name is Ryder. He's...he's my mate."

  The room fell silent and her parents exchanged a curious glance. Sarah's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean he's your mate?"

  Edwin's expression was stunned. "But...but George was your mate," he said, his voice filled with confusion.

  Crystal nodded. "I know, i'm confused as well. George was my mate but he rejected me".

  Sarah's eyes searched Crystal's face, trying to understand the emotions behind her words. 

  "Honey, this is a lot to take in. You're still reeling from George's rejection and now you're telling us you've met someone new who claims to be your mate?"

  Crystal's hands trembled slightly as she smiled , her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. 

  "I met him in the forest. He's kind, gentle and makes me feel safe. His pack is the Star Blood Pack."

  Ethan's eyes widened in surprise. "The Star Blood Pack? That's a powerful pack."

  Crystal's hands trembled as she explained her encounter with Ryder. Her parents listened intently, their expressions thoughtful.

  "We'd love to meet him," Sarah said, her eyes sparkling with interest. "When do you think that could happen?"

  Crystal hesitated, feeling uncertain. "I'm not sure. He only asked for my pack and name when we met."

  Edwin nodded understandingly. "That's okay, sweetie. We'll just have to wait and see how things develop."

  As the evening wore on, Crystal's thoughts drifted back to Ryder. She wondered when she'd see him again, and what the future held for them.

  ---

  ***Star blood pack***

  Ryder sat at his desk, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light on the maps and documents scattered before him. 

  His eyes narrowed as he studied the layout of the vampire territories, his mind focused on the growing threat to their boundaries. 

  The scent of old leather and wood filled the air, a comforting familiarity in the midst of chaos.

  Despite the tension, a sense of calm had settled over him in the past few days. He couldn't explain it but something had shifted, like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. 

  His thoughts drifted to the forest, to the moment he had met his mate. The memory of he smile, her scent, her eyes, lingered in his mind like a gentle hum.

  His fingers drummed a slow rhythm on the desk, betraying the turmoil brewing beneath his calm exterior. 

  He had been fighting the urge to leave everything behind, to track her down and claim her as his own. But duty bound him to his pack, to the war against the vampires.

  Ryder's gaze lingered on the sketch of the forest, his mind wandering to the possibility of showing her the hidden waterfalls. 

  He imagined her laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy.

  The sound of footsteps outside his study door broke the spell. Ryder's focus snapped back to the task at hand. He leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral as Luca entered the room.

  "Alpha Ryder, we've received reports of vampire activity near the eastern border" Luca said, his voice low and urgent.

  Ryder's eyes locked onto the map, his mind racing with strategy and tactics. 

  Ryder's eyes narrowed as he studied the map, his jaw clenched.

  He stood up, his movements fluid and deliberate.

  "Let's get to work" he said, his voice firm and commanding.

  As they looked over the maps and made plans, Ryder's thoughts lingered on his mate, a constant presence in the back of his mind.

  His thoughts were consumed by the mate he had yet to claim. But for now, duty came first. The vampires wouldn't wait.

  After instructing the pack warriors, Ryder set off towards the boundary.

  With his senses on high alert, Ryder charged into battle, his claws outstretched and fought fiercely, taking down several of the attackers.

  Despite being outnumbered, Ryder fought on, driven by a primal urge to protect his pack and his territory. 

  He caught sight of a cloaked man standing far away, a flicker of curiosity sparked within him. Who was this mysterious figure, and what did he want?

  He had to focus on the battle. He gritted his teeth and plunged back into the fray, determined to emerge victorious.

  ---

  The dim light of the alleyway casts eerie shadows on the figure's face as he leans back on his chair.

  "What do you mean he found her?" he asked, his voice low and measured.

  The other person, a tall and imposing figure with piercing eyes locked onto him, a hint of wariness in his gaze. "Ryder had found his mate. And we have a reason to believe she's the one we've been searching for"

  The figure's expression remained calm but a flicker of interests danced in his eyes, "This changes things, we will need to take action. And fast", he said.

  The air seemed to thicken with tension as the two figures sat in silence...