Challenge Accepted

Darina bid a warm farewell to her family, her luggage already packed and waiting aboard the private jet. Her brother insisted that Delta Will accompany her—not just for the journey, but to stay once she was crowned. She didn’t argue. Will had always been more than just a Delta; he was a trusted friend, someone who knew when to speak and when to simply stand beside her.

They were finishing lunch onboard when he asked, “Nervous?”

She gave a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “A little. Actually... a lot.”

“You’ll be a perfect queen,” Will said confidently.

She exhaled softly. “Thanks for coming with me.”

“I’m not just being noble,” he smirked. “I’m hoping the Royal Pack’s mating ball works in my favor. Who knows—maybe I’ll find my mate in the crowd.”

Darina’s smile faltered.

“Ah yes,” she murmured, twisting her fingers around her glass stem, “the mating ball…” Her thoughts flashed back to the last one—the scent of betrayal still lingered.

Will eventually dozed off, his breathing steady. Darina curled up with a book, but her mind kept drifting. When they landed three hours later, she barely remembered a word she'd read.

A glossy black limousine waited by the runway, and beside it stood a striking man with sun-kissed blond hair and sharp green eyes. He was handsome in a clean, calculated way—the kind of man who knew the effect of his smile and wielded it like a weapon.

“He doesn’t look like Prince Kai,” Coral noted dryly in her mind.

Darina’s lips curled with bitter amusement. “Why would the prince come to greet his arranged bride? That’s what assistants are for—receiving the 'package,'” she replied silently.

The man stepped forward and flashed a polished smile. “Miss Darina, welcome to the Royal Pack. I’m Beta Reed. I hope your journey was smooth.”

“Thank you, Beta Reed. This is Delta Will, my escort.”

As the driver loaded their luggage, the three settled into the car. Will and Reed exchanged polite conversation while Darina gazed out at the passing scenery—lush forests, crashing waves, endless stretches of freedom she was about to leave behind.

Soon, the Royal Palace came into view. Grand, golden, and white, it stood like a monument to power and pride. To Darina, it felt more like a museum than a home.

Inside, they were greeted by polished servants, and in the grand lounge stood King Lucas and Queen Victoria. The King, a tall brunette with a kind demeanor, offered a surprisingly warm welcome. The Queen, however, with her silver blonde hair, calculating eyes, and smile that never reached her soul, looked Darina over like she was inspecting merchandise.

Then, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

A man descended—broad-shouldered, over seven feet tall, his caramel hair tousled perfectly, his hazel eyes sharp and knowing. He wore black pants and an olive shirt that clung to his sculpted frame. Darina recognized him instantly—Alpha Prince Kai.

Beside him walked a beautiful blonde with curves in all the right places and a slinky black dress that left little to the imagination. She leaned into Kai, her fingers trailing down his arm as she laughed at something he said.

Darina’s heart stilled. The sight hit her like a punch to the gut—too familiar. Too raw. Just like the mating ball. Alone again, while another woman clung to what was hers by fate.

For a moment, she thought it was the same blonde. But no... different shade of hair. Greener eyes. Still, the resemblance stung.

King Lucas’s voice broke through the tension. “My son, Prince Kai, and Jackie—Beta Thomas’s daughter. And this is Darina Kovac and Delta Will.”

Jackie gave a saccharine smile. “Delta Will. Arina. A pleasure.”

“It’s Darina,” she corrected calmly.

“Oh. My mistake—Corina, was it?” Jackie blinked innocently.

Darina caught the subtle satisfaction in Queen Victoria’s gaze. The game had begun.

Kai stepped forward, his tone smooth. “Welcome to the Royal Pack. Would you like to rest first, or shall we show you around?”

“I’d prefer to drop my luggage and begin the tour now,” Darina replied without hesitation.

Kai blinked in surprise. Most women in her position would’ve asked for a rest, maybe a spa, a change of heels. But Darina stood tall, dressed in loose ivory pants and a pale blue shirt tucked neatly into her waist. Her black curls were woven into a braid, and her striking blue eyes held calm steel.

She didn’t look like the pampered Luna-in-waiting he'd expected. And something about that unsettled him.

“I’m a bit tied up,” Kai said, “but Beta Reed—”

“Nonsense,” the King interrupted, voice sharp. “You’ll give the tour yourself.”

Kai’s jaw flexed, but he nodded.

They passed the guest rooms—hers and Will’s side-by-side—before heading toward the main corridor.

“Shall we start with the banquet hall?” Kai asked. “You’ll probably be helping with the mating ball, so—”

Darina chuckled. Will laughed out loud.

“Sorry,” she said lightly, “but event planning’s not really my area. I’m sure your Beta female will be thrilled to take charge of that.”

Jackie’s smile wavered.

“I’d rather see my study, the training grounds, the hospital, and the library,” Darina continued. “Then perhaps the school, kitchens, nursery, and servants’ quarters.”

Kai stopped walking. “The Luna doesn’t have a study.”

“Then where does she work? Her bedroom?” she asked, voice cool.

“She meets with stylists and planners in the lounge.”

“Hm,” Darina mused. “So the Luna's role is to look pretty and throw parties?”

“Exactly,” Kai said with a mocking grin.

“Not me,” she said. “I came to lead. I want to launch education programs, train female warriors—”

“Female warriors?” Kai scoffed. “Women can’t fight.”

“They can. And they will. Some are deadlier than the cocky males who underestimate them.”

“I’d like to meet one of those magical she-wolves,” Kai said.

Darina met his gaze without blinking. “You’re looking at her.”

A pause. A flicker of interest crossed his face.

“Then prove it,” he said. “Training grounds. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Darina raised her chin. “Gladly. I’ll change. Send someone to escort me.”

“Deal,” Kai said, already picturing her ego crumbling under his fists.

“She’s fire,” his wolf murmured.

Kai just smirked and turned on his heel.