DECLAN Alice was mad. If I had a choice in the matter, she would probably be six feet under. But she was given to me. The whole pack was expecting that we consummate whatever we had going on all because history had shown again and again that an Alpha was stronger with a mate. It was one of the reasons my parents had forced this arrangement on us. Apart from the fact, that it would align our separate packs to become a single body, it would set their minds at rest that I was not waiting for my fated mate to arrive. I wish I got it honestly. For most of my life, the fated mate concept was what I had used to keep my parents in check but as time went on, they got impatient and wanted things their way. I couldn't say no of course because then they would ask questions. Questions that had answers I knew they wouldn't like. The Moon goddess did not make me wrong. No. I wasn't the first and no one could call me unnatural because if I did find my fated like others like me, my parents' fears woul

ELOISE There was this glum expression on Matthan's face as he took a seat. He looked stressed. So in a show of hospitality, I did the kindly thing."Would you like a glass of water?""No." He respectfully declined. "I think it's better if we get this over with before your adopted parents get here. I wouldn't want to spook them into believing you are joining a cult or something.""We don't have to worry about any of that. My dad isn't in the dark and my mom is out shopping.""What about him?" Declan asked and I followed his gaze to where my father was talking animatedly to a large, broad-shouldered Clay in a black hoodie."That's Clay. My brother." He's harmless.""Well, your brother keeps staring at me like I'm about to pull out a gun any second now and go wild," Declan said in response. "It is almost menacing."Of course, he was menacing. Clay was probably looking for opportunities to come running at me and ask questions. Considering how things had ended between us the last time, I

ELOISE (A WEEK LATER) The whole scenario played out just as Fergus had wanted. I gave all the visiting emissaries my condition if I was going to align. They each collected my blood sample and two days later, I got the reply I was already expecting. The Aster pack found something interesting in their labs. I was the great-granddaughter of some minor noble blooded elder that lost all her family to war. Fergus had planned this so well that the supposed girl whose existence I was supposed to take was created two months after the Carnation family tragedy. In simpler words, my grandfather was a calculated man and he wasn't taking any risks with me. I had been visited again by the Aster pack and I swore my allegiance. The woman who I was supposedly related to, took me to her house, two towns away from Ashlake to prepare me. It was no intention of mine to leave but Dad and grandfather were insistent on consistency and method acting. It wasn't all bad though. I had learned from Orla Aster, my

ELOISE When I arrived at the doorstep of the Aster pack, the last eight I expected to see was Matthan. But there he was dealing absolute damage to the guards who just wanted to do their job."Oh my, I'll get the security at the gate," Orla stated, immediately turning but I stopped her."Don't worry about it. I know him."She paused, looking back at Matthan who was having the greatest time of his life punching anyone that stood in his way. "Are you sure about that Eloise?""Affirmative. I know him personally. I also know why he is here." That said, I walked up to Matthan. There was still some good distance between us but Matt had become so engrossed in the fight that he barely noticed me. So I did more than stand there. "Matthan?"My hands tightened when he turned to face me. His eyes were dark with a look that could only be described as hate and anger. He looked ready to murder everyone around him. At least, until those broody eyes landed on me. I watched whatever anger and rage tuc

ELOISE I was still in a state of complete awe when the Luna of the Aster pack brought me in for a hug and whispered into my ear. "No one can know that you are an ultima. Not even your grandmother." The worry in her voice was heavy even though her face carried a smile. It was disturbing.Keeping the same energy, I asked her a question of my own. "Why did you call me a Luna seed? Isn't that much worse?" I had secrets of my own so I could not divulge to the Luna of this pack as to why a title that seemed to be of great honor revulsed me. She didn't seem to be suspicious of my questions though."Because the wiser ones noticed the change. The shift in the air and the stark difference of your inauguration into werewolf society. It was better to give them something that would satisfy their curiosity or else, things could have done worse for you." She revealed, breaking the hug and walking further to the stage."Did you hear that? Dì Ana, the great mother using me has decided to give the Ast