Chapter one, The Mating Ceremony.

Isabella's POV:

"Finally!" I screamed inwardly.

Today was the day. My eighteenth birthday, and the day of the Mating Ceremony.

A giddy thrill shot through me as I sat before the mirror, watching as my maid, Mae, braided my long golden locks.

"I can't believe it’s finally happening," I said breathlessly. "Tonight, I might find my mate! Can you imagine, Mae? The Moon Goddess has already chosen someone for me. Someone meant just for me!"

Mae chuckled. "I've never seen you this excited before, my lady. You always complained about the rules of the Pack, but now you’re eager for the one tradition you can't escape."

I swatted her playfully. "Oh, hush! You know why I want this. A mate means freedom, Mae. It means leaving this house, escaping my father and Helen." I paused, then added in a whisper, "It means never having to be alone again."

Mae's smile softened, and she nodded knowingly. She understood more than anyone what it was like living in this house under their rule

As she weaved pearls into my hair, I couldn’t help but sigh dreamily. “Tonight is the night, Mae. Can you believe it?”

She chuckled. “Of course, I can. You’ve been talking about it for months.”

I turned to look at her reflection in the mirror, pouting. “Well, excuse me for being excited. Don’t you think it’s amazing? The idea that out there, somewhere, is a person who was made just for me?”

Mae smiled. “It sounds romantic, yes. But what if your mate is… not what you expect?”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” She said carefully, tying off the last braid. “What if your mate is someone you don’t like? Or worse, someone cruel? The Mate Bond might choose them, but what if they aren’t right for you?”

I shook my head. “I don’t believe that. The Moon Goddess wouldn’t be so cruel. A mate is meant to love and cherish you. He’ll protect me.” I hesitated before whispering, “And he’ll take me away from here.”

Mae’s hands froze. “Isabella…”

I forced a smile and turned around to face her. “Let’s not dwell on bad possibilities. Let’s think positively! My mate is out there, and he’s going to be perfect.”

She studied me for a second before sighing. “I hope so, my lady. You deserve happiness.”

I grinned and took her hands in mine. “And you too! Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your mate tonight as well.”

She laughed. “I highly doubt that.”

“Well, we’ll see about that,” I teased, winking at her.

With my hair done, I stood up and walked toward the wooden mannequin in the corner of the room, where my gown was placed. It was an ivory silk gown with long sleeves and gold embroidery along the bodice and was cinched at the waist with a belt.

It was the most beautiful thing I had ever owned.

I picked it up carefully, and I slipped into it. Then I turned to Mae. “Come help me with my dress, I want to look absolutely breathtaking.”

Smiling, she stepped forward and laced up the back, securing the bodice. Unable to contain my excitement, I grabbed the edges of my skirt and twirled, laughing. "I have to show Enzo!"

Before Mae could stop me, I dashed out of the room and hurried down the hallway. Enzo—my stepbrother, my closest friend, the one person who had been by my side all these years. I wanted him to see me like this, to share in my joy.

I pushed open the wooden door to his chambers, only to find his room empty. Frowning, I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the place until I caught sight of him—sitting on the edge of his balcony railing, staring down at the Pack.

"Enzo!" I called, running over to him. He turned slightly, his dark hair ruffled by the wind.

I spun around for him to see. "Look at my dress! Isn’t it beautiful? What do you think?"

Sighing, he jumped down from the railing and landed in front of me. Then he reached out and ruffled my hair, ruining Mae’s hard work. "You look beautiful, Isabella," he said softly.

“I know, right? Mae did my hair perfectly, and the dress—oh, Enzo, I’ve never felt so ready for anything in my life!” I said, twirling. “Hopefully, I’ll find my mate tonight!"

Enzo’s expression darkened. "Why are you so obsessed with finding a mate?"

My eyes widened. "Enzo, you know why. A mate means safety. A mate means leaving this house and finally escaping Father and Helen." I hesitated before adding, "Sorry... I didn’t mean to insult your mother."

Enzo let out a chuckle. "No need to apologize. I know my mother can be quite a lot."

I smiled and grabbed his hand. "I’m going to the town square now, you should come with me!”

Enzo pulled back and leaned back against the balcony railing, folding his arms. “No.”

I frowned. “What? Why not?”

He shrugged. “I have no interest in the Mating Ceremony.”

I groaned, stomping my foot. “Oh, come on, Enzo! It’ll be fun. The whole town is gathered, there’s music, food, and—”

“And a bunch of desperate wolves sniffing around each other, hoping to be tied down for life?” He cut in. “No thanks.”

I huffed, grabbing his wrist. “Enzo, please. Just come for a little while! You don’t have to stay the whole night.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “Isabella, why are you so obsessed with this?”

“Because a Mate is a gift from the Moon Goddess.” I replied.

His expression softened, and for a moment, I thought he might agree. But then he shook his head. “I’m sorry, Isabella. But I can’t.”

I snapped. “Enzo, you’re being stubborn! What harm could it do just to come and enjoy the festival?”

He exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair. “Because I don’t believe in it, Isabella. I don’t believe the Moon Goddess should decide who we love. I don’t want to be tied to someone just because the Moon Goddess says so.”

I stared at him, stunned. “You don’t believe in Mates?”

He looked away. “Not the way you do.”

I felt a pang in my chest, but I shoved it down. “Fine,” I muttered, turning toward the door. “Stay here and sulk if you want, Mae and I will go without you. And I will find a mate.”

As I rushed out of his room, I nearly collided with Helen—Enzo’s mother and my father’s wife. She scoffed. "Hopefully, you’ll find a mate and finally get out of my sight."

I bit my tongue, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a response. Instead, I hurried to the servants’ quarters and grabbed Mae’s hand. "Come on!"

Together, we climbed into the carriage and made our way to the Town Square, where the ceremony was already in full swing.

The square was alive with energy—laughing couples, musicians playing lively tunes, merchants selling charms, and bracelets said to bring luck in finding one’s Mate. And people from different packs had gathered.

Mae and I wandered from stall to stall, admiring the trinkets. Then, something unexpected happened.

Mae stopped beside a young man at a jewellery stall. He was reaching for a bracelet, and when their hands touched, their eyes widened.

"My name is Silvan,” He said, breathless. "You must be my mate."

Mae’s cheeks flushed, and she nodded. "I... I think so."

I clapped my hands in excitement. "Go on, Mae! Dance with him! Enjoy the night!"

“But I—”

“No buts, I can take care of myself.” I retorted.

She hesitated before she allowed Silvan to take her hand, and together, they disappeared into the crowd.

Smiling, I turned away, deciding to explore a little more on my own. I stepped further into the square and moved through the bustling crowd. Then—

I felt it.

A pull.

And then I saw him.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with deep blue eyes and a strong aura radiated from him. It was powerful and unmistakably Alpha-like.

He stepped closer. "You feel it too, don’t you?"

I swallowed hard. "Yes..."

He studied me for a second before offering a relieved smile. "I’m Asher. Son of Theron, Alpha of the Blackwood Pack."

My heart pounded. "I’m Isabella. Daughter of Alpha… well, never mind that." I grinned. "We’re Mates."

That night, we talked, laughed, and by the time the ceremony ended, he promised to meet my family soon.

After he left, I met up with Mae. And together, we returned to the carriage and made our way back to the Packhouse.

As soon as I returned home, I ran straight to Enzo’s room, eager to tell him everything. "Enzo! I found my mate! His name is Asher, son of Alpha Theron!"

But Enzo… didn’t look happy.

He clenched his jaw as his grip on his wine glass tightened until—CRASH.

The glass shattered against the floor.

"You know what, Isabella?" His voice was low. "I’m done with this. Why are you so obsessed with finding a mate?"

I froze. "Enzo, what is wrong with you?"

He didn't respond, so I turned to leave. But he rushed forward and held me back. “Please don't leave.” He pleaded.

“What’s wrong, Enzo?” I asked, sighing. “Why are you behaving so strangely?”

His eyes burned into mine. "Because I love you, Isabella."

"What…?"

"I’ve always loved you. I waited for the day you turned eighteen, hoping—praying—that your mate would be me." He laughed bitterly. "But the Moon Goddess gave you to some lanky-ass Alpha’s son instead."

I stumbled back. "Enzo… you’re my stepbrother."

"And so what?"