My alpha stepfather is my mate

"You must shine, Sera," Mother had declared that morning, her eyes brightening with emotion. "Tonight is not just for you. It's for the pack. Your mate will be our strength, our future." It was about the future, growth, and the continuation of our bloodline – my bloodline, specifically.I stood in front of the mirror again, staring at myself in my silk gown with a tight corset that seemed to snatch the breath out of me. Extravagant was an understatement. Mother had insisted on it, of course. I gritted my teeth as that unsettling feeling that something bad might happen overwhelmed me.What if I never found my mate? What if it turned out the moon goddess didn't deem me worthy to merge me with anyone?I shook my head, playing with my fingers which were sweating due to the rush of adrenaline and overfill of nerves._That won't happen, surely._Taking a deep breath, I strengthened my spine, trying to appear confident as I walked into the grand hall. Every head turned, every conversatio

Chapter Three: The Challenge and the True Enemy. I stood alone in the garden, thinking about...everything. For weeks now, Cassian had maintained his cold distance. He was seriously avoiding me. But even with that, he refused to reject me, this much was certain. The bond between us still hummed—it was still very much alive and we could both still feel it. I could always see the battle raging beneath his skin in the quick glances we shared, and the clenching of his jaw whenever our paths crossed. Cassian was saying nothing, and yet his silence spoke volumes. He was determined to keep me at arm's length, to draw a line between us that was not to be crossed. Rumors buzzed around the pack so fast and Elias was their source. He said so many untrue things about me, and even Cassian. Since then, I could see the change in some of the pack's eyes, thanks to Elias's malice. Cassian was losing them, and every day that passed was making them question his leadership ev

Cassian's POV“She is my Luna,” I breathed, as I gazed at her. My vision was hazy, but I could see the determination she had.“Seraphina, get out of the ring… you have no business there!!” Amy yelled as she marched up to Seraphina.“Stop right there,” Seraphina thundered as she placed her palm in front of her.Gasps and murmurs erupted in the air. Amy froze, her face pale out of shock.I'm shocked too. No one had seen Seraphina wield so much authority.“Seraphina… it's not safe, you are supposed to be in the seats watching like normal people,” Amy said, this time her tone was tamed.I guess she was being cautious. No one knew what Seraphina was capable of any longer.Seraphina chuckled, she stepped back towards me in the ring. “This… mother this is where I belong.”I narrowed my gaze at her. What does she mean? Does she belong in the ring?Seraphina shifted her gaze from her mother and looked up at the elders and pack members watching us.“I belong wherever he is…!”I closed my eyes a

Seraphina's POV“Mum… Not now,” I groaned. The ache in my chest made my volume so low, despite the fact that I had struggled to find my words.“Oh really?” Mother scoffed, shaking her head as she looked down at me with pity. “Tell me then, when is the time?”I stayed mute.Never though… I don't ever want to walk about this. My eyes burned. I drew deep breaths as I closed my eyes. I don't want to cry.I haven't cried today because of this issue and I want it to stay like this.But, how… How do I express myself without lashing out in anger and bursting into tears?How do I tell them that I was made for Cassian… I know it deep down.This bond was not a curse… But a blessing.They would never listen no matter how hard I try to explain, would they?I sniffed as I held my breath. My lips parted as I opened my eyes slowly and a sad smile crept on my lips.“Do you pity me?” I asked softly.She breathed out a sigh, she held my hand as she lifted me up.“You have to go inside now… it's gettin