Seraphina POV
I can't believe I shifted. I can't believe I have my wolf. "Well, believe it, Fina. You are stuck with me," Harmony says. "Are you ready to head back and shift back," she asks. "Yes, I am." She turns, and we weave in and out of the trees until we reach where my parents, Abby and Marcus, are waiting. I notice that Brooke and the b**ch brigade are gone, and I'm grateful. I smile when I notice my mother is holding clothes in her hands for me.
I'm not shy, but that doesn't mean I want to be naked in front of my dad and brother. They both turn away from us and I picture my human body. The pain this time is nothing compared to shifting into Harmony. "It will never be that bad again," she says. My mother hands me the clothes and I dress quickly. As soon as I'm decent, my father turns around and lifts me off the ground.
"Goddess, you are amazing Seraphina. Not only are you going to be an amazing Beta, but you are a white wolf. She is beautiful. I'm so proud of you," my father says. "Alright George, don't hog all the hugs," my mother says. I giggle and he sets me on my feet. My mother, Jenna, pulls me into her arms. "I knew you were special the moment I held you in my arms. I'm so happy for you, Fina," she says. I notice my brother rolling his eyes and I try not to let it hurt me, but it does.
When I pull back, he steps closer and pulls me into a hug. "Congratulations sis," he says before he releases me. "Thanks Marcus." Abby practically knocks me over when she wraps her arms around me. "You got your wolf early. She is so amazing. I can't wait for us to run together. Only a few more days," she says without taking a breath. "Me too. I can't wait to meet your wolf. Don't let Brooke bother you, Abby. She is just a mean girl. We both know the truth."
Something flashes in her eyes and it's gone just as quickly as it came. Before I can ask her if everything is alright, a deep voice interrupts me. "Seraphina," the Alpha calls out. I hadn't even realized that he and the Luna were standing nearby. "Yes, Alpha." He and Luna Anabel smile as they step closer. "Congratulations on getting your wolf. Your father is right. The pack is very lucky to have you as its future Beta. My son is lucky to have you as his second," he says. "Thank you, Alpha." "He will be returning today from his Alpha training," the Luna says.
"Now that you have your wolf, as long as your father agrees, we will plan the ceremony to pass our titles. I don't know about your dad, but I'm excited about having more time to spend with my mate," the alpha says with a smile. "I'm just as excited. Besides, we will still be around to help them in their roles should they need us," my dad says.
Caspian POV
"I still can't believe your father is on board with a female Beta," Edgar says. He is the future Alpha of the Midnight pack. He and I have grown close over the last year. Honestly, I have nothing against Seraphina being my Beta, but I would much rather it be Marcus. Seraphina and I aren't close. Marcus is my best friend and I trust him with my life. I don't think Seraphina really has many friends besides Abby.
I smile when I think about Abby. She and I had spent time together before I left for training. I knew she wasn't my mate, but she was beautiful and sweet. Titus growls in my head as memories of our time together replays in my mind. I hadn't had my first shift until I left for training, which upset my mother, but I couldn't miss the opportunity to train with the royal Beta of the Queen and King of all supernaturals. "Honestly, Edgar, it doesn't bother me. As long as she can do her duties, that's all I care about."
"I guess I just know my father would never allow it," he says. "Your father still thinks women belong barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen with a pup on their hip." "Very true. It's a good thing my mom loves the ba**ard and doesn't mind being a party planner," he says. "Gentleman, are you done gossiping? Will you be joining us for our last training today before you leave," Ronan asks. "Yes, Beta," we both respond.
A few hours later I'm loading the SUV and saying goodbye to Edgar. "I'll be sure you get the invite for my ceremony. We can sign the alliance, and you can spend time looking for your mate in my pack," he says. I pull him in for a bro hug. "I have no idea when my father will pass me the title, but I'm sure he will be happy to have the alliance. Take care, Edgar, and call me if you need anything," He slaps my back and I slide into the SUV.
The trip back to the pack takes hours and by the time I reach the gates I'm exhausted. All I want is to hug my parents, take a shower, eat, and fall into bed. I step into the pack house and make our way toward the stairs. I'm glad that none of the pack is milling about. When I reach the landing on the second floor, I smile when I see Abby. She smiles when she notices me. She rushes toward me and the scent of orange and vanilla has Titus growling. She is my mate, was my first thought. That is until she wraps her arms around my neck and presses her lips to mine.
There are no tingles. Titus fights me for control. Angry she dare touch me. I quickly push her away. "Abby, we can't." Hurt flashes in her eyes and she looks around. She thinks I'm pushing her away because someone might see, but she couldn't be more wrong. She has been close to my mate. Close to the woman that is meant to be my one and only and her lips were just on me. Guilt for what happened in the past overwhelms me.
"We are alone Caspian. I've missed you while you were gone," she says. "Abby, we aren't mates. I don't want to hurt you, but this can't happen. I enjoyed our time together, but I have my wolf now. We both want our mate. I'm sorry if you thought what happened between us would be more." Sadness and regret flash in her eyes. "No, you're right. I knew it wasn't serious. I want my mate too," she says.
"Welcome home, Caspian. I need to get to the kitchen and back to Fina. We are having some girl time. She'll wonder if I got lost," she says. My heart clenches when she mentions Seraphina. Could she be my mate? I shake those thoughts away. She won't have her wolf for a few more days. Even if she was, her scent wouldn't be this strong. "Well, if it isn't the next Alpha of the Shadow pack."
I turn and smile at my best friend. I pull Marcus in for a bro hug. "Welcome back, Caspian," he says. "Thanks Marcus." Abby moves to step around us and I feel a twinge of guilt. "I'm surprised you didn't ask her to go to your bedroom. You were pretty hot and heavy before you left," he says. I can't stop the growl that escapes me. "Sorry man. I didn't mean to offend your wolf," he says. "It's alright, but whatever happened between me and Abby is over. We both only want our mate."
"It's too bad the goddess didn't do you a favor and make her your mate. She is beautiful and knows her place. She will be a good mate to whoever is lucky enough to have her. She will produce strong pups," he says. I bristle at his comment even though I know his words are spoken out of jealousy. He wants the Beta position and, as much as I'd like him to have it, the title belongs to Seraphina.
"Well, as much as I'd love to catch up, I'm beat. I'm heading to let my parents know I've arrived and shower. I'll see you tomorrow morning for breakfast." I give him one more bro hug before I make my way to the Alpha floor. When I push open the door my mother squeals. She rushes over, and I wrap my arms around her. I love my parents and I've missed them. When she releases me, my father pulls me in for a hug. "I'm proud of you, son. Beta Ronan called me personally to tell me how well you did in training," he says. "Thanks dad. I'm glad to be home."
Once I've showered and eaten, I fall into my bed. It doesn't take long for sleep to drag me under. Despite my exhaustion, my dreams are plagued by a beautiful woman with auburn hair and curves that make my mouth water. "Find mate," Titus's disembodied voice whispers.