My sister’s mate.

Chapter Four – My sister’s mate.

Lila’s POV

The entire pack had gathered to witness the making ceremony—families pressed shoulder to shoulder, elders seated in carved chairs near the front, and the Alpha’s council standing in solemn rows.

The memory hit me like a rock . I walked in, hand in hand with Ethan, feeling his mark warm against mine as our names were called and the Moon Goddess blessed what had already been written in the stars.

But right now, I walked in hollow, my mother on one side, Sofia on the other, my mark already gone.

Everywhere I turned, whispers followed. Eyes lingered on my neck, searching for what wasn’t there.

“That’s her.”

“Ethan’s ex.”

“She’s already rejected.”

I held my head higher, though my heart felt like it was caving in.

The ceremony began. Elder Rowan raised his staff, his deep voice rolling through the crowd. “Tonight, under the eyes of the Moon Goddess, we reveal what is written in the blood of destiny. May bonds be forged, and may no heart be left unbound.”

The crowd roared, excitement spilling over, before falling into eager silence as the first names were called.

One by one, wolves stepped forward. The elder touched the glowing orb set on a pedestal, and it revealed the mate chosen for each name. Cheers rose, tears were shed, and embraces sealed fated bonds.

I tried not to listen. I tried not to watch. But then—

“Ethan Cross.”

My breath stopped.

The crowd hushed, leaning in. Ethan stepped forward proudly, his dark hair neatly styled, his emerald eyes glittering under torchlight. I knew what was coming, yet the wound still gaped open as the elder placed his hand on the orb.

“Marissa Lane.”

Gasps filled the air. Then applause.

Marissa stepped from the crowd, the sly smile she wore giving an impression of a woman who has time. It swelled Ethan's grin as if he had just been crowned the king. He pulled her to him, a wide smile on her face, as he sunk his teeth into her neck marking her as his mate, in front of everyone.

I could hardly breathe. I was feeling pain in my chest as if someone had reached inside and yanked my heart again. Blessing people all around the area were cheering me, some with pity, but many clearly with derision in their gaze as they looked upon me.

Sofia's hand slipped into mine, squeezing hard. I dared not look at her. I could only keep it together if I didn't turn toward her.

So I kept my head straight for the next name, for the next, and for the next.

But fate would not let me go just yet.

"Sofia Hayes."

My sister's name made my heart skip a bit. The crowd began to stir, leaning towards one another for whispers.

Under Elder Rowan's hold, the orb pulsed with light. I felt my heartbeat in the thick silence. And then the elder's voice, rolling in:

"Adrian Wolfe."

For one heartbeat, silence was. The name hung like a thunderclap.

And then gasps, murmurs, and disbelieving laughter.

"The Alpha's son?"

"The heir to the pack?"

"With her?"

Dozens of heads swivelled toward us. My mother had her hand over her mouth, her eyes brimming. Sofia stood frozen, seemingly unaware of what she just heard.

Adrian Wolfe. Son of Alpha Daniel Wolfe. Future Alpha himself.

And my sister's fated mate.

Somebody in the crowd laughed. "Why would the Moon Goddess tie the Alpha's heir with a family of omegas?"

But Elder Rowan only lifted his staff again. "The bond is written. The future Luna has been chosen."

Sofia blinked rapidly, the moment of shock giving way to wonder. The next moment, pride painted her cheeks as the crowd exploded. Half the pack murmured in disbelief, the other half cheered boisterously, amazed at the improbable turn.

I clapped along with everyone else, forcing myself to do so despite my palms feeling frozen.

"And since the heir is not present at this ceremony," Elder Rowan declared, "the mate bond must be formally confirmed at the royal palace."

Mother slipped her arm through Sofia's. "We must go at once. The Alpha will want to see us."

Like a tide, we were swept in with all the people going to the palace, with the elders, guards, and courtiers leading the way while whispers tore off our family of three in the opposite direction.

There lay the palace, a silver tower under the night moon, sharp spikes stabbing their way through the darkened sky, with banners billowing in the cool winds. I had only glimpsed it from afar before: an arena of the powerful, far from the likes of us.

Tonight, however, we were going to be inducted into its belly.

Golden lights spilled into the hall, draped overhead by chandeliers of crystal. The walls were lined with court attendants and nobles who whispered behind gloved hands, interspersed with guards in dark livery, standing sentinel-like.

With a thudding heart, we made our way to the middle of the hall.

Atop the dais stood the Alpha himself, sharp-eyed Daniel Wolfe.

To his right stood his wife, Victoria, with raven-black hair braided perfectly on her head, and her expression unreadable.

"Welcome," Alpha Daniel spoke, deep and commanding. "Sofia Hayes. Daughter of Caroline Hayes. The Moon Goddess has chosen you mate to my son, Adrian Wolfe. Tonight, the bond shall be honored."

Sofia managed to lower her head in grace; I felt her tremble.

And then the grand doors at the far end of the hall opened.

With measured grace, he strode into view: tall. Broad-shouldered. Light brown hair glinting in the golden glow of chandeliers. Blue eyes scanned the room with calm authority.

I held my breath.

Him.

The stranger from the club. The man whose name I had never asked. The man whose hands had grazed my skin, whose lips I kissed out of sheer need, whose body I clung to as though he were my lifeline.

Adrian Wolfe.

My one night stand.

The future Alpha.

And my sister's mate.