Chapter 2

Xander

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

I rise from my slumber, silencing the persistent alarm which indicated it was 5 am. Just another day. I roll out of bed, stretching my body with a satisfying pop of joints and a flex of muscles. The routine is familiar. Off to the bathroom to attend to nature’s call, then into my workout attire. A protein smoothie prepares me for the upcoming regimen. As I lace up my running shoes, the call of the pack territory beckons, and I ran to make sure the patrol was in place.

I am Xander Coleman, the Alpha of the Black Moon Pack, a pack renowned for its size and strength, standing as one of the largest in the country. At the young age of 20, I stepped into my father’s shoes, taking on the responsibility of leading this pack. With over 5560 wolves under our banner and growing, the challenges are both invigorating and unrelenting. Growing up in this expansive pack, I gained insight into the complexities my father faced as its leader.

Traditionally, the Alpha stands as the pinnacle, the mightiest among the wolves, followed closely by the Luna. But that chapter in my life remains unwritten, for I am yet to find her. My mate. My other half. Sometimes my mother, the current Luna, lends her wisdom and helps me run the pack. I am grateful for her help.

Returning from my brisk morning run, I reenter the packhouse where I presently reside, as I am yet to find my mate. The hollow echoes of unmated wolves remind me of my solitary existence. Making my way to the packhouse’s gym, I immerse myself in a vigorous workout. As a werewolf, my robust metabolism demands consistent upkeep, and the discipline yields results. Mid-session, a seductive voice interjects.

“Alpha, could you lend a hand with these?” The voice trails a pair of entrancing eyes, and I turn to witness Stella approaching, attired in a hot pink sports bra and skimpy shorts. She was pointing towards the barbells that she could not hold. I assist her, intending to move on, yet her words keep me rooted.

“Alpha, you seem stressed. Could I offer a stress-relieving shoulder massage?” Her words dangle like a tantalizing offer, one I respectfully decline with a polite smile before resuming my regimen.

As an Alpha, female attention is a constant. I appreciate the allure, occasionally indulging, but with a caveat - my commitment lies with the pack. Pack members remain off-limits. The demands of leadership are formidable, and while my position and appearance hold appeal for many, my heart resolutely belongs to my yet-undiscovered mate, a sentiment echoed by my wolf, Xyler.

Post-training and breakfast, I navigate my way to the office, where the towering stack of paperwork greets me. An audible groan escapes my lips as I resign myself to the task at hand.

An hour later, a knock at the door interrupted my concentration, and I knew who it was by his scent. “Come on in, Dad.”

My father, Richard, saunters in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “How’s the paperwork treating you, son?”

My father Alpha Richard Coleman, the former Alpha of our pack is one of the best Alphas out there. He has an unwavering strong aura and a brilliant mind. Not only he has been instrumental to lead the pack to the highest position in the country but also make our business list in the Fortune 500 companies year after year. Now I carry his legacy.

“It’s not funny, Dad; you already know how much paperwork can be a pain.”

He chuckled, his amusement contagious. “Well, you know, if you had a mate, our future Luna, she could share the load.”

My response was tinged with a mixture of resignation and longing. “Yes, I’m well aware. But as things stand. I haven’t found my mate, so I’ll have to manage.”

Xyler’s yearning for a mate echoed within me, a constant reminder of the companionship I had yet to find.

My father understands my longing for a mate, knowing the significance of Luna for the pack’s balance. The Luna tempers the Alpha’s vigor, offering solace and support. Werewolves rely on their leaders for their protection and guidance, mainly, their Luna. My mother, Vivian, embodies this role for my father throughout their time.

Yet, the Moon Goddess has not deemed it time to bestow my mate, although her absence weighs on me.

“The pack’s concerned, son,” my father conveys. “They’re nudging you to select a chosen mate.”

Raising my head, I met my father’s gaze. My heart aches thinking of spending my life without my mate and choosing someone else. I cannot do that. Yet,I said to appease, “I know the pack is concerned, and I appreciate their input. Maybe I will consider it as my 27th birthday is approaching. But choosing a mate is a monumental decision. I can’t rush it, and the responsibility of being a Luna is immense. Besides, I want to find her, Dad. I’m intensifying my search.”

Supportive, my father reminisces, “I understand your desire to wait for your mate. I hope she arrives soon. Finding your soulmate is a profound experience. When I saw your mother on her 18th birthday, I almost stumbled and fell on my knees. She is so beautiful.” His eyes shining with the memory and his lips stretched with the biggest smile.

Ah, yes, the tale I’ve heard countless times. My parents’ story, is a testament to love and destiny. My parents have narrated their encounters, how love found them unexpectedly, uniting them inextricably. Mom hardly knew Dad, but when they meet they just knew Moon Goddess knows what was right.

“I hope to meet her soon, Dad,” I whisper, my heart constricting day by day. If an Alpha werewolf doesn’t find their mate or take a chosen one after years, there is a chance they can decent into madness.

Understanding my sentiments, my father offered his support, acknowledging the weight of my decision. “I hope you meet your mate too, son. I’m here for you, whatever you choose. Just remember, the pack’s needs are important too. Your mother won’t be able to fulfill her role indefinitely.”

He departs, leaving an offer of assistance as I decline. Their retirement is a well-deserved time, and I want them to embrace it fully.

Growing up, I’ve revered my parents’ partnership, and their unwavering connection. Their love nurtured my belief in mates, but after nearly nine years of searching, doubt creeps in. While werewolves often unite with their mates at 18, I’m now 26. Perhaps the Moon Goddess did not decree a mate for me.

‘Don’t think like that; we’ll find our mate.’ Xyler tries to make me feel better.

‘It’s been years, Xyler. We searched every pack in the country looking for her,’ I replied, sighing in defeat. How can you long so much for someone you haven’t even met?

‘Maybe she’s in a different part of the world. We could start exploring packs in other countries,’ he said with hope dripping in his words. I know he wants our mate, too. He pumps hope and understanding into our body.

‘Let’s see what we can come up with.’ I said, feeling better.

‘All right, but after work, let’s go for a run. I need to burn this excess energy,’ he groaned, shaking his body.

I groaned in agreement, setting aside my concerns for the time being. It was time to focus on my duties and responsibilities as Alpha. After all, there was a pack relying on me.