The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ZADOK

I was the last to leave my pack.

It was finally the mating ceremony and werewolves from the world arrived at the Moon pack for the event.

Werewolves from my pack were not exempted from the fun. As the Alpha, I ensured that the members interested in the event were taken there on time and granted adequate security, just in case Cole tried anything funny.

I knew the place would be packed, and there was hardly any wolf he could be targetting but my people were precious to me. After ascertaining their safe arrival, I prepared myself for the event.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Wearing a black tux, I was ready to attend the darned event. I took a long look at my reflection in the mirror and commended myself for a job well done.

My hair was laid back, my eyebrows trimmed, alongside my beard and other bodily hairs. I looked like a snack if I said so myself.

My thoughts were interrupted by knocks that came from my front door. I didn’t need a soothsayer to know who was behind it.

I opened the door and an unprepared Azriel walked into my room with a smirk on his lips. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you have some hidden agenda up your sleeves.”

I sported an eye-roll, “What are you putting on?” I asked, gesturing to his assemble.

“Clothes?” He said, keeping up that stupid smirk of his.

“Is this some kind of joke? Because it isn’t funny.” I started with a bored look. “Why aren’t you dressed for the occasion?”

“What occasion?” Azriel asked, feigning stupidity.

“If you don’t get out of my sight, and get prepared this second, don’t blame me for what I will do to you.” I warmed, pointing him out.

“Why would I need to prepare?” He asked amusement in his eyes. “It’s not like I am attending the ceremony.”

“And who made that call?”

Azriel looked around with a silly glint in his eyes. “Me?”

I held my forehead, sporting a headache. “Last I checked, the only people allowed to stay back are already mated wolves, children, and guards who are to protect the pack while we are gone.” I gave him a pointed look. “You don’t fall into any of those categories.”

“Yes, I do.” He said, walking into my room and sitting on my bed. “I decided to stay here with the guards. In case of anything, someone has to be available to protect the pack.”

“Do you think the guards cannot protect the pack from external attacks?”

“I did not say they are not able. I just think I should stay behind and keep watch with them. You can never tell what can happen.” He defended and I could tell his mind was made up.

“Azriel,” I called in a frustrated tone.

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Don’t you want to find your mate?” I asked the question that plagued my mind. “You are well over 26. You shouldn’t be missing the mating ceremony for anything.”

Azriel’s face turned grim.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked, trying to read his expression. “Is there something you are not telling me?”

His silence was disturbing. I knew something was wrong and his reaction just proved me right.

“I don’t need to go to the ceremony because I already found my mate.” He said, and I was shocked.

“You already found your mate? Where? When? How did-”

“She rejected me. Three years ago.”

Azriel’s words were short and cutting. I felt even shittier than when I first found out he had a mate.

I couldn’t believe he was rejected. Which wolf in her right mind would reject a person like Azriel? I couldn’t believe it.

To think I had been sulking over my mate and he put up with my shit for three years while bearing the pain of being rejected by his mate alone, made me feel another level of hurt.

“I am over it,” Azriel said, getting up from the bed. “Have a good night. And if possible, bring a mate back.” He winked. “You might be lucky to find yourself a second chance mate.”

With that, Azriel walked out of my room with a bounce to his step while I looked on till he was out of my sight, having every plan to interrogate him the second I returned from the ceremony.

*****

I arrived at the Moonlight pack with my guards. I noticed the beautiful decorations in the pack lands and the festive atmosphere.

“Cole knew how to throw a party,” I remarked as we walked inside.

“Alpha Zadok! Finally!” A voice said from the crowd and in no time, Cole, the Alpha of the moonlight pack stood in front of me with a smirk plastered on his face. “I almost thought you wouldn’t make it.” He said and led me to a table.

“I couldn’t miss this for anything,” I said with an equal smirk plastered on my face. “With how much you harassed me, it would be unacceptable for me to miss it.”

Cole let out a laugh that didn’t reach his eyes. “Harassment is a big word, Zadok. Let’s just call it a friendly reminder.” He said, taking a seat across from me.

The entire place was buzzing with wolves from every part of the world, interacting with each other and some dancing their time away. Others stood aside, eagerly waiting for their mates with doe eyes. It was clear they were attending the ceremony for the first time.

Other Alphas were scattered around, some attending to business, and others having a good time. I had appeared a bit late.

“I heard you have been sending warriors into the dark forest.” Cole said, drawing my attention.

My face grew stiff. “I didn’t peg you to be one that listens to silly gossip, Cole.”

“I don’t!” He laughed, throwing his head back. “I just couldn’t resist the urge to ask.” he raised his hand and a waiter came to us, bearing glasses.

Alpha Cole took two glasses from his tray and handed one over to me. “Loosen up.” He said, “You don’t want your mate to find you looking so grumpy.”

I didn’t spare him a word. The last thing I wanted to do was engage with someone who didn’t know when to shut it or speak. I wondered how he ruled his pack.

The mic comes on and I heard Cole’s voice from the podium. “Beautiful evening folks. I hope we are all having a good time.” He said, eliciting a positive reaction from the crowd.

How on earth did he get over there?

“Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate every one of you for coming. Especially the Alpha’s who have defferred all odds to be here this evening. I promise you will not be disappointed.”

“For the wolves who have gathered here today, waiting to meet their mate in today’s ceremony, I hope you are not disappointed and meet with your other half at the appointed time.”

“Speaking of mates, I am compelled to tell you the reason for this great occasion. The reason I had invited all the Alpha’s to come and bear witness of a union like we have never had in the werewolf history.”

Everywhere was quiet, sizzled with tension as Cole boasted whatever he wanted to present.

“My chosen mate! The love of my life and the next Luna of the Moonlight pack. I present to you, Calla. My beautiful flower, who happens to be a witch and a werewolf. The first Hybrid!”

I watched in shock as the crowd made way for a lady, clad in a red gown, I couldn’t make out her face, but as she proceeded, I saw the redness of her hair, cut short to her neck.

Then I saw her face. Beautiful, unchanging, and very familiar.

“Mine!” I heard the growl of Kir and in that moment, our eyes connected.