Chapter 4

Fueled by anger, Alpha Lance stormed into his father’s study, forcefully shutting the door behind him with a resounding thud. His gaze locked onto his father’s, his fury palpable. “So, tell me, what’s this supposed ‘utmost importance’ that’s dragged me here?” he demanded, striding toward his father’s desk, completely ignoring the alluring smell of his mate and the presence of his father’s Beta.

“Is there a dire predicament requiring me to assume the Alpha mantle? Were you insulted and now wish me to wage a battle on your behalf? This better be really important, Father,” Lance spat out in frustration, annoyed at the fact that his time with Kathleen was cut short all thanks to still being controlled by his father.

Alpha Lachlan’s fist slammed onto his desk, and abruptly stood up in anger as equal to his son, their gazes on each other intense, enveloping the room in an overwhelming aura that made both father and daughter lower their heads in fear.

“Don’t you dare speak to me in that manner, Son! Do you fu¢king understand me?! I'm your Father and your Alpha!” Alpha Lachlan’s voice boomed, seething with anger.

Alpha Lance huffed in response, countering, “I am ‘the’ Alpha, Father, not you. You’re simply my Father, and nothing more. You should really understand that.”

Alpha Lachlan shot a brief, piercing glare at his son before blinking and resettling into his seat. At times, he felt pride for Lance, while at others, he questioned why he was given such an uncontrollable son.

“Well, I called you here because I heard you've found your mate.” Lachlan initiated the conversation.

“And well, I didn't tell you that so consider that piece of information a mere rumor.” Lance dismissed.

“But Alpha Lance, how can it be a rumor when you can unmistakably sense your mate’s presence in this very room?” Jackson interjected.

Lance’s eyes darkened and he turned to look at Jackson and at Lyra who had a sad look on. He let out a scoff before addressing Jackson, “Beta Jackson, if I declare it a rumor, then it is so, for I’m about to reject her on the spot.”

Lyra gasped and immediately went to hide behind her father who stood there in shock.

“And why would you do that, Lancelot?” Lachlan queried in bafflement. “You finally found your mate, and you wanna reject her?”

Lance turned to look at his father and said bluntly, “I don't like her, Father. I've always hated her and being my mate can't change that.”

“But what has she done to you, Alpha Lance?” Jackson questioned.

Lance cast his gaze downward, annoyed that he had to explain. “I’ve already stated that I don't like her so I fu¢king do not like her!” He averted his gaze toward Jackson. “I never liked her, hell, I don't even feel a pull toward her.”

“Be mindful of how you speak to my Beta, Lancelot. While he may refer to you as Alpha, he's still your elder.” Lachlan cautioned.

Lance exhaled audibly and shifted his gaze to his father. “I cannot bring myself to accept her as my mate —”

“But she is your mate, Lance. Each of us gets just one opportunity for a mate, and you’ve finally found yours. It’s a blessing I won’t allow you to ignore or cast aside,” Lachlan interjected firmly.

Lance shook his head. “But you can't force me, Father.”

Lachlan nodded. “I actually can, Lance. This was your mother’s dream. Finding your mate, ascending to the Alpha position, and raising a family. While she may no longer be among us, that doesn’t prevent you from acknowledging her dreams. Imagine how disheartened Alura might be if she observed her son rejecting a mate bestowed upon him by the moon goddess.”

Lance crossed his arms and cocked his head at his father with a sardonic smile. “Using my dead mother as leverage now, huh? Your tactics are quite remarkable, even by your standards.”

“And another thing, if you don't learn to love her and embrace her as your mate, then you can bid farewell to this role of authority, Lance. You can't officially be an Alpha without accepting your mate.” Lachlan added.

Lance’s face straightened, then a frown appeared on it. “What?”

“From now henceforth, she will be living in the house as the soon-to-be Luna of Nightwind. And as your Father and the Alpha, you will be duty-bound to heed my directives,” Lachlan declared with a gravely serious tone.

Lance dropped his hands down and shoved it into his pocket. “Hmm.” He grunted and looked at Lyra who was still standing behind her father. His brows furrowed before he looked away, still wondering why he wasn't pulled toward her.

There should always be an instinctive magnetic pull, as common belief dictates. Then why is his own different?

Jackson gently ushered his daughter from her sheltered position behind him, offering a warning look. “He’s your mate; don’t let fear hinder you. Approach him.”

Lyra released a shaky breath and stepped toward Lance, her smile uncertain but hopeful. “Hi.”

That was the first word Kathleen said to him and he couldn't explain why he keeps thinking of Kathleen.

“I'm pretty sure you'll find a reason not to hate her like you do, Son. The mate bond will set you free,” Lachlan counseled his son.

Lance merely nodded in response. “Yeah. If you’ll excuse me, there are matters requiring my attention. I need time to reflect,” he uttered before walking away.

Lachlan exhaled audibly, casting a contemplative glance at Jackson. “This woman my son took home instead of your daughter —who the hell is she?”

Jackson blinked momentarily before responding, “She’s Rex Callahan’s daughter, Kathleen Callahan.”