A Twist Of Fate

Linda P.O.V

I'll never forget that night when my life turned into a nightmare.

It was the big day of the mating ceremony, and I was about to turn twenty. This meant it was time for me to find my mate. I woke up feeling both nervous and excited. I was happy because I hoped to find my true mate, the one I was meant to be with. But I was also nervous because I wanted it to be Daniel and nobody else.

Daniel, the beta of the Blackwood pack, was not just my friend but also my soulmate. We had been best friends since we were five and became lovers when I turned eighteen and he was twenty-one. Our love had to stay secret because it wasn't allowed until we were officially declared mates during the mating ceremony.

I truly believed that destiny and the moon goddess were on our side. But little did I know that everything was about to change on that night.

I used our mind-link to contact Daniel and asked him to meet me at our usual spot near the stream in the evening.

As we walked towards the ceremony, I couldn't help but smile mischievously. I playfully said to Daniel, "Are you ready to be fated with the most amazing woman you've ever met?"

He chuckled and replied, "And who might that be? I haven't met such a woman yet."

I lightly hit his arm and pushed him, pretending to be offended. He pulled me closer and whispered, "I can't wait to be the envy of all the other wolves who wish they had such an incredible mate."

His words made my heart flutter, and I hugged him tightly, overwhelmed with emotions.

We arrived at the ceremony and joined our friends, all of us excited to finally find our mates.

As we sat together, sipping our drinks, we teased each other about the future. Debby, one of our friends, leaned in a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Linda, I can't wait to see your face when your mate finally steps forward. Will you swoon or play it cool?"

I mockingly rolled my eyes, playfully retorting, "Oh, you know me, Debby. I'm the epitome of grace and composure. I'll probably trip over my own feet trying to impress him." Laughter erupted among us.

Amidst the lively conversation, Debby and two other friends found their mates. We cheered and clinked our glasses in celebration.

Amidst the festivities, I glanced around and my eyes settled on Bruno Blackwood, the powerful Alpha of our pack. He commanded respect and radiated power. His gaze was fierce, and his demeanor was ruthless. Everyone knew he was a cold-hearted man who never smiled, and they kept their distance.

Thoughts of Bruno sent shivers down my spine, and I quickly looked away. I decided to get drinks for my friend and myself, standing up to head towards the refreshments.

As I made my way back with the drinks, I noticed a small commotion nearby. I picked up my pace, curious to see who had found their mate.

Reaching our spot, I saw the alpha walking towards us. His dark, cold eyes were fixated on me. Daniel, his beta approached him to ask what was wrong, but he ignored him and continued walking towards us. A sense of unease washed over me, and my heart started racing.

Suddenly, a strong and alluring scent surrounded me. It was woody and musky, captivating my senses. My heart raced even faster, and I felt a dizzy sensation washing over me. Before I could regain my composure, a chilling voice uttered the word that froze me in my tracks: "Mine."