The Scent of the Fate

Kai found Darina on the balcony, deep in thought.

"I know you miss your home, but I promise you’ll visit often," he said, hugging her from behind and kissing her neck.

She moaned softly as he reached her marking spot, kissing and sucking it gently.

"As much as I want to enjoy my Sleeping Beauty," she whispered, turning to capture his lips, "we're missing lunch. Many guests have already arrived, and we need to mingle." She bit his bottom lip playfully before heading inside to get ready.

Darina changed into a black pencil dress with a short navy-blue jacket and matching heels. Kai wore black trousers and a navy shirt, unintentionally coordinating with her. Darina giggled, delighted by their matching colors.

Kai mindlinked the rest of their group, and they gathered in the hallway to head to the dining hall together. Everyone chatted cheerfully about the pack and how wonderful their experience had been so far.

"The guest room is much better than my—" Larissa suddenly stopped mid-sentence, her nose catching an intoxicating scent of waffles and cinnamon. Her wolf, Diana, stirred excitedly in her mind. Her eyes locked with the most beautiful brown ones she’d ever seen—belonging to a man whose smile radiated joy.

"Mate!" Larissa and Diana cried in unison.

"Mate," the man echoed, pulling her into a hug and inhaling her scent.

"Hello, Troy," Darina greeted warmly. "And congratulations to both of you."

"Troy is our friend and future Gamma of the Full Red Moon Pack," Will explained.

"Why didn’t you come to the mating ball? You could’ve met Larissa earlier," Darina asked.

"Daniel wanted to visit you, so I had to stay back to handle pack business," Troy replied, still holding Larissa like he feared she might vanish.

"Well done, Alpha Daniel. Mated wolves go to the mating ball, and unmated ones stay behind," Darina joked.

Troy held Larissa’s hand as they joined the group for lunch.

As they entered the beautifully decorated dining hall, they were greeted by many guests. Most eyes were on Kai—everyone eager to get on good terms with the future Alpha King. Darina kissed his cheek.

“Duty calls. Go on, my King,” she whispered in his ear, sending a shiver through him with the way she said it. "We'll be at the large table near the window. Join us when you're done."

Darina, Reed, Bred, Will, Cassandra, Troy, and Larissa took their seats. Soon, Daniel, Jenna, Caleb, and Luna Elena joined them.

Reed sighed. "Everyone's mated. Where is my unicorn hiding?"

“I’ll join your club—I haven’t found my mate either,” Bred added, exchanging a knowing glance with him.

A sudden mindlink came to Darina from her mother: "I’m pregnant. The pack doctor confirmed it—five weeks along. Only you and your father know. I’ll wait to announce it so it doesn’t take attention away from Daniel and Jenna."

Darina’s heart swelled with joy. Her eyes lit up as she replied via mindlink: "The happiest news ever. Congratulations!"

Omegas arrived to take their orders—either from the buffet or à la carte—but Darina chose to fill her plate herself. As she browsed the dishes, she suddenly heard the sharp clack of high heels stopping beside her.

Turning, she found herself face to face with Silvia, standing uncomfortably close. Dressed as always to impress in a white A-line dress, full makeup, and heels, Silvia looked flawless.

To Darina’s surprise, her expression was warm as she looked her in the eyes.

“Luna Darina, I offended you with my behavior in the past. But it wasn’t out of malice—it was out of love. I loved, and still love, John. I was scared to lose him. We all know that the feelings for a chosen mate can easily fade when a fated mate appears. You could’ve taken him from me, but you didn’t. I am forever grateful and loyal to you. If you ever need me, just call. John and I, and our pack, will always be ready to serve our queen,” Silvia said, slightly bowing.

Darina was stunned. Silvia was Jackie’s cousin… Something felt off.

"She’s sincere," Coral said quietly in Darina’s mind.

“Thank you, Silvia,” Darina replied, and Silvia smiled warmly before returning to her table, where John and his pack officials sat.

Darina returned to her seat, pleased to see that Kai was back. He pulled her into his lap, and they shared food, enjoying the moment. She made sure to take enough this time.

Just then, she saw Silvia approaching again—but something was off. This woman wore dark pants and a silk blouse unbuttoned just enough to showcase her assets. When she came closer, Darina realized it wasn’t Silvia—it was Silvia’s cousin, Jackie.

“Hello, everyone,” Jackie said, her red lips curled into a fake smile.

“What are you doing here?” Reed asked bluntly.

“I came for the ceremony. The beta family was invited, and I’m part of it, am I not?”

Silence.

Jackie smirked. “Anyway, I just came to say hi. I’ll go sit with my cousin.”

She turned and strutted toward the Silverstone table—but no one stood to greet her. Silvia didn’t move, only stared with a cold gaze.

“Hello, my dearest,” Jackie greeted.

“Such an honour to be dear to a traitor and a bitch,” Silvia shot back angrily.

“Silvia, what’s wrong?” Jackie asked, genuinely surprised.

“Stop pretending. I know everything about your attempts to involve John in your schemes.”

“I don’t know what John told you—he’s lying!”

“Good that I heard it myself. Go. And don’t ever come near me or my family again.”

Jackie took a step back, stunned and hurt. Everyone was turning against her. Silvia was overreacting, she told herself. She could’ve helped her cousin get a better match than an average Alpha like John… but fine. Hopefully not many people noticed the scene.

But cousin or not, Silvia will pay for that insult.

Jackie stepped outside for fresh air, trying to calm down. And then—she felt it.

Katriona stirred.

It had been three years since her wolf surfaced.

Katriona was happy. Joyful. Alert.

And then Jackie smelled it—something divine.

“Mate,” Katriona howled.

"Oh no… the worst place and the worst time," Jackie thought, frozen in place.