Chosen Mate

After speaking privately with my father, I recounted the attack by the three rogues who injured me when I had been comforting Eva after her 18th birthday party. She had been crying because she didn't feel the mate bond between us. I left out my suspicions about Antoni's involvement. My father wouldn't believe me anyway. Antoni was his favorite nephew, raised like a son after his older brother , Antoni's father died.

The details of his death were always shrouded in mystery, something my father never explained. Antoni and I were raised side by side, just a day apart in age, and treated equally in my father's eyes. But I knew better. Behind Antoni's polished demeanor and feigned kindness was a man who wanted nothing more than to see me eliminated so he could claim the Alpha title for himself.

For now, though, I kept my suspicions quiet. Without proof, accusing Antoni would only hurt my father. I decided to bide my time. Once I was officially Alpha, I'd uncover the truth about Antoni's betrayal. But until then, I would hold my tongue.

I shifted the conversation to Daniella, telling my father about how she saved me, cared for me, and provided for me when I had no memory of who I was. I couldn't help but smile as I spoke about her.

"I'm impressed by her," my father said, a rare note of approval in his voice.

"She's extraordinary," I replied with pride.

My father leaned forward slightly, his tone curious. "So, did you fall in love with her before or after you realized she was your mate?"

I didn't hesitate. "Before. When I didn't know who I was and she had no idea who I could be, we fell in love. A week with her was enough to change everything for me, even though I had no name, no power, nothing. She loved me anyway, not because of who I was or what I had to offer. Her love is pure. If she hesitated, it was only because she worried I might already have someone else."

"When my wolf surfaced and I remembered who I was, it only made her doubt more. Daniella didn't even believe werewolves were real. That's part of why I brought her here. I want her to see my world, to understand it. I'm hoping, with time, she'll want to stay."

My father's gaze turned thoughtful. "And if she doesn't? If she won't give up her career?"

I exhaled slowly. "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. One step at a time, Father. Right now, step one, I'm ready to be Alpha."

A flicker of pride crossed his face, and he nodded. "Good. I'm glad you're ready. I hope you'll be an even better Alpha than I was. If you lead well, the council might select you for Lycan King in two years' time."

Before I could respond, my mother's voice floated in from behind.

"How old is Daniella?"

"Twenty-nine," I answered without thinking.

Both of my parents froze, then exclaimed in unison, "What?!"

My mother looked genuinely alarmed. "Isn't she too old for you, son? Can she even bear children?"

I felt a surge of frustration but kept my tone measured. "Please, Mom, don't say anything like that in front of her. She'd be deeply offended. I trust the Moon Goddess's choice completely. Daniella is perfect for me, regardless of her age. She's strong, compassionate, and self-reliant. If it's not Daniella, then I won't marry anyone." That was my trump card, and I didn't hesitate to use it. My mother sighed, clearly troubled, while my father spoke up again.

"What if you married Daniella, since she's your fated mate, but chose Eva as your chosen mate to be Luna? Daniella could return to her world and continue her career, and you could visit her on weekends. That way, the pack would have a Luna who understands our traditions."

His suggestion made my blood boil. "Father," I snapped, my voice rising. "What kind of ridiculous idea is that? Don't ever suggest something like that again. Daniella would never accept such an arrangement, and neither would I. Eva will never be my chosen mate. Not now. Not ever."

My father's expression hardened, but before he could argue further, my mother placed a hand on his arm, trying to calm him. "Let it go, dear. Dominic just arrived. Let him rest and prepare for tonight's crowning ceremony. We can revisit the topic of his mate later. For now, let's give Daniella a chance. If she truly loves our son, she'll learn to adapt. She'll learn the ways of the pack."

My father nodded reluctantly, and I let out a long breath. It was clear the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Loving Daniella wasn't the problem, the problem was making everyone else accept her. As I left the room, the weight of it all pressed down on me. I glanced out the window toward where Daniella stood in the garden, looking out over the distant trees.

I promised myself, no matter how hard it got, I would fight for her. For us. Always.