- The Loss of a Brother.

“Dad,” said Ariel as he opened the door to his apartment.

They greeted each other with a warm smile. Ariel invited him in and offered him something to drink. His father, Mr. Ulises, accepted and sat down, taking in the space where his son now lived.

From the kitchen, Ariel called out,

“How’s Mom?”

“She’s well. She sends her love… and says she misses you.”

“I miss you both too, Dad.”

“I see you’ve adapted well to the city.”

Ariel started talking about school, work, and the trips he had taken. Yet Ulises was struggling to find the right moment to bring up the real reason he had come.

“I’m glad to hear that, son… but we need to talk.”

A chill ran through Ariel’s body. Something inside him already knew.

“It’s about your brother,” Ulises finally said. “He’s passed away.”

Ariel went silent. His father’s words hit hard, though deep down, he had already sensed it. After a moment, he asked, his voice barely holding:

“And Tasya? The baby?”

“She’s heartbroken. Your mother is taking care of her. The Sages have discovered something important,” he said, leaving out the fact that there was no baby.

“I see, Dad… What’s happening?”

“Before I explain everything, I want you to come to your brother’s funeral.”

“Of course I’ll be there.”

Ulises nodded, grateful, though he knew there was much more he needed to say.

“Ariel… you must come home.”

“Dad, I can’t,” Ariel said, almost instinctively. “I have a life here.”

“Wait,” Ulises interrupted with a firm tone—the voice of an alpha. “Let me explain.”

“I’m sorry, Dad…”

“You need to understand. By right, you are now the alpha of the family. I’m not asking you to step in right away. Just—after the funeral—put your affairs in order. You need to come back.”

“And Tasya?”

“She’s a widow. But there’s something else. After your brother’s death… his mark hasn't disappeared.”

Ariel frowned, surprised. Alec, his inner wolf, stirred uneasily.

“That’s not possible,” Alec thought, suspicious.

Ulises went on,

“The elders believe the moon goddess has a purpose for her. Though she’s being examined daily, there’s a chance that after the funeral, Ubaldo’s mark might finally vanish.”

“And what’s that purpose?”

“Your brother, as you know, couldn’t have children due to his illness. The Sages say Tasya must be the mother of the heir. And not just that—if the mark remains… if it was legitimate, as it seems to be, then she’s not just a luna. She could become the alpha of the pack.”

“And I… I’m a Klein too,” Ariel said quietly.

“And not just the alpha,” Alec added, more confident than Ariel himself. “We will take Tasya as our mate.”

“Exactly,” Ulises said. “You’ll be the alpha. But before anything, I need you to answer me honestly.”

“About what?”

“Has your life mate been revealed to you?”

Ariel swallowed hard. He answered without hesitation, hiding what he truly felt.

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very sure.”

“Remember what happened to your cousin when he rejected his mate. The consequences, in the eyes of the goddess, were severe.”

“I remember, Dad. But no… it hasn’t happened. Why? What would happen to Tasya?”

“I don’t know, son. But go to the funeral. Your mother will be happy to see you. Settle your affairs. Udolfo will keep you updated.”

“I’ll be there, Father.”

At the funeral, Ariel wore a flawless black suit. His short, slightly tousled hair, a small earring in his left ear, and deep blue eyes gave him a striking appearance. He was tall, elegant, and intense in his gaze.

He drove to the family cemetery. Upon arriving, he parked, stepped out of the car, and walked toward the gathered crowd: his parents, pack members, old friends… and her.

“Hey, Ariel,” came a voice beside him.

He turned and immediately recognized his ex-girlfriend.

“Hi, Viviana. How are you?”

“Glad to see you… and I’m so sorry for your loss,” she said, embracing him.

“Thank you,” he replied politely.

Viviana took his arm, and they walked toward the ceremony together. She was tall, red-haired, green-eyed, elegant. She wore a black dress with long sleeves, tights, and boots.

“Son,” said his mother, Aurora, “you’re here to say goodbye to your brother.”

“Yes, Mom,” Ariel replied, hugging her. She kissed him on both cheeks, tears in her eyes.

He greeted his father, Udolfo, and the others. The priest began to speak. Everyone went silent.

Then, Tasya stood up to say a few words. She wore a sleeveless black dress that hugged her form, with an elegant open back. She was stunning.

Ariel looked at her, trying to ignore the feelings rising inside him. But Alec wouldn’t cooperate.

“She’s the one,” his wolf whispered, sending a chill through him.

He tried to stay in control. The connection was still there—intact. He remembered her just like the first time he saw her. Nothing about her had changed.

Their eyes met. Ariel was the one to look away, aware that Viviana was still by his side.

The ceremony came to an end. People tossed flowers, listening to the solemn music as the earth covered the coffin.

Little by little, people began to leave. From afar, Ariel saw Tasya on Héctor’s arm. A knot formed in his stomach.

“Ariel, could you take me back to the city? I have an appointment,” Viviana asked.

“You didn’t bring your car?”

“No. I came with Angelica, but she’s going back to lunch with the others. Can you take me?”

He was about to respond when Udolfo stepped in.

“You’re not coming to the lunch, Ariel?”

“No, Udolfo.”

“Then we should head out now,” he replied, holding back. There was much more he wanted to say… but he kept it to himself.

Viviana sensed the tension and felt uncomfortable.

“If I’m going with you, I’ll make sure I get the front seat,” she said, forcing a smile.

Udolfo, Ariel, and Viviana got into the car. She, relegated to the back seat, watched in silence as they talked. She pretended to be busy on her phone, but she was listening to every word.

“Where should I drop you off, Viviana?”

She gave him the address. They left her there with a polite goodbye, then continued on alone.

“I don’t mean to pry… but I need to ask you something,” said Udolfo.

“Go ahead.”

“You didn’t go near Tasya. Not even to offer your condolences. Why?”

“It’s complicated…”

“Seriously.”

“You know our story.”

“Of course. You fell in love with her. You were about to confess… but your brother had already marked her.”

“That’s right. And even though Ubaldo is gone, what I feel for Tasya hasn’t changed. I still care about her. Deeply.”

“You’re still in love with her,” Udolfo stated.

“Yes… and I think I always will. But Tasya still loves Ubaldo.”