Mate

Alpha Kaidon's POV 

As soon as I arrived at the festival gathering, the joyous shouts of the pack members filled my ears. But what truly caught my attention was a warm, scent amber, vanilla, and a hint of golden honey evoking feelings of comfort and security.

"Mate..." Sage, my wolf, growled in my head, excitement coursing through me. Without hesitation, I moved swiftly toward the source of the scent, my heart pounding in anticipation.

The scent led me to a girl standing at the edge of the festival, quietly observing the celebration. The moment I reached her, the word slipped from my lips before I could stop it.

"Mate."

She stared at me, momentarily stunned, unable to say a word.

I howled in joy, and the pack joined me, their voices rising in celebration—our Luna had been found. The girl's eyes were still locked onto mine in astonishment when she suddenly lost her balance. Before she could fall, I caught her in my arms, holding her securely.

Without hesitation, I carried her to my room, laying her gently on the bed. The pack doctor examined her and assured me she was fine, just exhausted and in need of rest.

I sat beside her, watching her as she slept. There was a delicate, almost fragile quality to her, and it made my heart clench.

Then, my gaze fell on her dress. She was an Obryn—a new one. The realization sent a sharp pang through me. If I hadn't arrived when I did, my mate would have been suffering here.

"Is she alright?" My mother's voice broke through my thoughts as she entered the room, her expression filled with concern.

"Yes, the doctor said she just needs rest," I replied. My mother nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"I knew from the start that she was different," she said, her calm voice startling me.

"Mother... you knew her?" I asked in disbelief. Why hadn't she introduced us earlier?

She chuckled at my reaction. "I met her a few days ago while you were away. There was something special about her... a connection I couldn't explain."

Her words made me smile. "Ahh, I see."

"I can tell how much you already care for her," my mother teased, making heat creep up my face.

After spending a little more time with us, she left, giving me some privacy with my mate.

Soon, my sister arrived. Though still recovering from the Alpha of Vireth Pack's attack, she insisted on coming to see my mate.

"Sister," I greeted, motioning for her to sit.

She had been injected with a small dose of wolfsbane, weakening her cells and slowing her healing process. Despite that, she managed a smile as she looked at my mate.

"I'm glad you've found her, brother. She's beautiful," she said warmly.

"Thank you. I'm grateful to the Moon Goddess for allowing me to meet her today," I replied.

"It's a good thing the pack has finally found its Luna," she said with a satisfied smile.

After spending some time with us, she left, and I was alone again with my mate.

I studied her closely—her smooth, creamy white skin, her delicate features, her pointed nose that accentuated her beauty. Her lips were a soft rosy pink, and a faint flush colored her cheeks.

Drawn to her, I moved closer and gently took her hand in mine, pressing a kiss to her fingers. A surge of joy swelled in my chest, and Sage let out a contented growl.

She was mine.

When midnight arrived, I returned to the gathering to address my pack members. They voiced their concerns about their new Luna, and I reassured them that she was fine, which helped ease their worries.

Later, I howled in excitement as the moon shone even brighter, and the rest of the pack members joined me. The moon's radiant glow was a clear sign that the Moon Goddess was pleased with our gathering tonight.

The night continued with celebration, dancing, and laughter among the pack members.

"Kaidon," came my father's deep voice.

"Father…" I said, standing up and gesturing for him to sit beside me.

"How is your mate?" he asked.

"She's better. I think she fainted out of fear, but she'll be okay," I replied, and he nodded in understanding.

"I heard she's an Obryn and from Vireth Pack," my father added, watching me closely. I nodded in response.

"She has a long way to go. I hope she becomes a responsible Luna," he said, his tone firm. His words made my back stiffen. I didn't know much about my mate yet, but I was certain of one thing she was capable of ruling alongside me.

"Yes, Father. I know she'll be a great Luna," I said with conviction.

*****

After discussing some official matters, my father left my side and returned to his quarters. I stepped away from the pack members, leaving them to their celebration, and headed back to my room, where my mate lay quietly on the bed.

I sat beside her, my eyes lingering on her delicate features, admiring her beauty. Her long eyelashes fluttered before she slowly opened her eyes, her violet orbs locking onto mine. A wave of warmth rushed through my veins, an overwhelming feeling of fondness filling my chest.

I blinked twice, searching for the right words to say, but before I could speak, her next action startled me. She moved away as if I were a plague, her body tense, avoiding my gaze as quickly as possible. A sharp ache stabbed at my heart—her rejection, however unintentional, sent waves of pain through me.

"Who are you? And why am I here?" she asked, stealing a quick glance at me before turning away again.

"I'm Kaidon, the Alpha of this pack… and also your mate," I said, keeping my voice calm and steady as possible. 

Her expression shifted from shock to something unreadable, her si

lence thick with unspoken thoughts.

" Mate?" came her calm voice laced with disbelief.