His Mate Returns

LEVI

The Grand Hall of Lycaon Palace glittered with wealth, power, and enough political ambition to choke a wolf.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting golden light across polished marble floors. Nobles from all three realms filled the room in expensive gowns and tailored suits, their laughter blending with the soft music drifting from the orchestra balcony above.

Tonight marked six months since my coronation as Alpha King. Six months since the Three Realms Alliance had officially recognized my authority.

By all accounts, I should have been celebrating. But instead, I was counting down the hours until everyone left.

A vampire lord bowed his head as I passed, offering congratulations that I barely listened to.

My mind wasn't on politics right now.

Although the alliance was stable and trade between the realms had increased, I couldn't bring myself to care about it right now.

Because no one in the room knew about my current predicament.

After rejecting Daniella as my mate, my wolf gave me the silent treatment. I thought he was just being dramatic, so I tried to convince him that Ariella was a better option. She was a powerful, dominant female wolf who could take runs with us. She was also incredible and loyal, someone who I could trust to have my back.

But he wasn't having any of that.

Now, it had been a full six months he went dormant. My pack healer, Kira, tried everything to bring him out but he refused to come out. He wasn't even talking to me like he used to, and it was tearing me apart more than I wanted to admit.

Because death duels would soon start pouring in now that I had become the Alpha King. Wolves from several packs would arrive to challenge me after a full year had passed.

How was I supposed to win if I couldn't shift?

A hand wrapped around my arm, snapping me out of my thoughts. Ariella flashed me a smile, standing tall in a shimmering navy-blue ball gown with off-the-shoulder neckline. Her long brown hair cascaded in soft waves, while delicate silver earrings glinted beneath the strands. A silver flower crown was placed on her head, giving her an elegant, regal appearance.

“Levi, why are you standing here all alone?” she asked. “Everyone has been itching to speak to you, but you won't even give them a chance.”

I let out a low grunt before taking a glass from a passing waiter. I had spent most of the evening avoiding the crowd. The last thing I wanted was another conversation about mating ceremonies and wedding dates. My pack elders were already asking when we would have a mating ceremony but the final step of the ritual required a wolf transformation.

So, I was left at a steep disadvantage right now.

Ariella sensed my bad mood and immediately leaned into my arm with a graceful smile aimed at the guests.

“I know you like to do things on your own time, but these people cannot wait, Levi,” she whispered. “You should make a toast. Please.”

Seeing her hopeful look softened the annoyance in my chest. I took her hand and moved towards the nearest guests to interact with them.

When it was time to make a toast, Ariella placed our empty glasses on a tray before fetching new drinks for us. We walked to the podium at the center of the room before I clicked my glass to gain everyone's attention.

They all turned to me.

““Thank you for your loyalty and for standing with the Three Realms Alliance. Six months ago, we began a new era. Today, that era stands stable, secure, and unified under—”

My skin prickled with a strange sensation. I paused mid-sentence, turning towards the entrance. A low pressure hit my chest, heavy and suffocating.

Something was wrong.

I stared at the double doors, watching the guards vet every incoming guest's invitation with meticulousness. Security was air-tight, but I couldn't get rid of the nagging feeling in my mind that something dangerous was coming.

Ariella cleared her throat softly.

“Levi?”

I snapped my head to her direction, and then realized that everyone was still staring at me. That's when I noticed my mistake.

“—shared strength. I do not believe in long speeches or empty promises. What matters are the results and we have delivered them.”

My enhanced hearing finally picked up the commotion happening at the gate. From the sound of heartbeats, I could tell there were some people causing a scene with the guards, but what caught my attention was the sounds I picked up.

A man was laughing while the woman nervously asked him if this was okay. He reassured her, saying it was the only way to make me come out.

My expression turned dark. I recognized the owner of the voice immediately. He was the only one who would dare barge into my territory to cause trouble without a care in the world.

Matthias.

I stepped down from the podium and marched out of the building. The castle lights illuminated my surroundings as I walked towards the gate. Although Ariella tried her best to distract the guests in the party, some curious ones still trailed after me to see what had interrupted my speech.

When I reached the gate, the first thing I saw was some vampires fighting with my wolves as they tried to gain entry. Matthias watched the scene with clear interest.

Fury erupted in my chest.

“Matthias!”

Everyone stopped immediately, sensing my murderous aura. I walked past the guards and went straight to the calm-looking vampire in front of me.

For some reason, the pain in my chest tightened. I ignored it and stepped right in front of his face.

I growled. “You better have a good reason for ruining my party.”

More people poured out of the party, interested to see what was happening outside. Even Ariella came to meet me with a worried expression.

Matthias smiled, unfazed by my rage. “Easy. I come bearing a very valuable gift to congratulate your successful rule during the past six months.”

At that moment, a woman with red hair suddenly appeared by his side. She looked absolutely stunning in a black two-piece outfit.The loose, one-shoulder top with flowing sleeves draped across her upper frame, revealing a hint of skin. A delicate gold coin chain rested around her waist while a matching wrap skirt hugged her curvy hips.

My wolf suddenly rumbled. “Mate.”

I froze in disbelief. After six long months, he finally spoke to me.

Matthias smiled.

“I present to you Daniella Havlová. Your mate.”