Chapter Four

Ava's POV

The knock on my door jerked me out of my thoughts. 

"Come in," I said. I sat up and faced the door. 

Sage walked in with red roses, my favorite flowers. He handed them to me, giving me a kiss on my forehead. 

"Why aren't you ready yet? It's after twelve already." He held my hand in his, caressing it softly. 

"I'm sorry. It must have slipped my mind. Just give me thirty minutes to get ready." I smiled lazily. 

"I know you have been preparing for the impromptu meeting that the Alpha King ordered to have with your pack, but you can sit this one out. Alvin and I can fill in for you. I already told your parents, they had no problem with it." He placed his hand on my shoulder. 

I remembered how he insisted that I didn't go, I didn't think much of it then. But I want to meet the Alpha King now.   

"I want to attend the meeting. It concerns my pack and I don't think I should be absent. I'm their Alpha after all." I stood up, and walked into my closet, leaving no time for more discussions on this particular matter.

I came out with black cargo pants and a green crop top, with my black and white canvas. Since I'm going to meet up with the Alpha King this evening, I might as well dress well. 

"Could you please wait outside while I get ready?" I asked.

Sage's smile fell. "We're getting married very soon, there's no need to be shy in front of me. But since you insist, I'll wait for you at the courtyard."

He winked at me and left the room.

After dressing up, I let my hair down in soft curls that framed my face, applied light make-up and mascara on my eyelashes. Then I finished up with a pair of jewelry that I got as a gift for myself, and sprayed my perfume.

I went downstairs to meet Sage, his lips tilted upward when he saw me. 

Sage had suggested we take a walk through the village before the Alpha King’s meeting so that we won’t go late to it. It was a nice idea, although I thought he wanted us to go out to eat. 

“You’ve been so tense lately,” he said softly, tucking a stray curl behind my ear.

 “Let’s just breathe and relax, okay? Just us.” He grinned. 

I agreed. 

We strolled down the street, a peaceful buzz in the air. Vendors called out their prices, children chased each other through stalls, and the smell of grilled corn and fried yam filled the breeze. It felt normal, like a normal loving couple just having a good afternoon. 

We bought a cone of peppered chicken, shared it while sitting on a bench near the old arcade. He teased me about my spice tolerance, made me laugh with a joke we understood. For a moment, I let my head rest against his shoulder. His warmth was familiar.

But something inside me still twisted. It felt wrong. 

A quiet pressure, like my soul was holding its breath.

Then we moved on to the local market square. It was filled with handmade goods—carved toys, and charms for pups still learning to shift. We picked out small gifts for the children in the pack. It was something I used to love doing, especially with Sage. Watching him crouch and talk to the vendors like every item was sacred.

But today felt different.

He seemed overly careful. Watching me closely. Smiling too deliberately. And every time I exhaled, I felt like I was being directed; as if this was all part of a plan I didn’t sign up for.

I tried to shake it off.

Then it hit me.

A scent. Like creamy chocolates, my entire body froze. 

My mate was nearby. 

My wolf lunged forward inside me suddenly I had to grip the edge of a stall. My breath caught in my throat. My heart stammered. And that scent—it was close. Somewhere nearby. Watching.

I looked to my left and right in search of him.

“Luna Ava!” a voice squealed. A small boy, no more than seven, ran toward me and hugged my knees. His cheeks were dimpled, his tiny eyes wide with excitement. I bent down to hug him, using the moment to compose myself.

“Hi, baby,” I whispered, squeezing him gently.

That scent was stronger now.

I looked up slowly. 

Sage stared down at me with a smile on his face, “Should we play more games before heading back?”

“Luna Ava.” I heard a voice in my head.

It was Lena, one of the senior warriors in the pack.

“The Alpha King is here. He arrived earlier than expected. He’s in the council hall already.”

I stiffened, and Sage immediately noticed the shift in my energy. “What is it?”

“He’s here,” I said breathlessly. “The Alpha King is in the territory.”

Sage cursed under his breath. “We have to get going.”

As we neared the pack estate, Lena’s voice echoed again.

“He’s asking for you, Luna.”

My breath hitched. My first impression on him was going to be bad, cause I’m already late. 

Sage’s hand brushed my lower back protectively as we sprinted up the stone steps, our boots pounding against the wooden porch. Lena opened the door as soon as we approached.

“He’s waiting.”