The Blue Moon Wolf

8 Years Later

Adaline

I was sanding at the same window I stood on the day the rouges took my mother from me. I still think about that day, like what if I could have stopped what was happening. No matter how hard I tried to forget the look on her face, I can't. She looked almost at peace about leaving. Was she happy to leave me? No! My mom loved me. But why did she look okay with leaving me so soon? Was this the goddess's plan? How was life meant to go?

Before I could think anymore, my name was being called, "Princess Adaline?" I turned to see my ladies maid and best friend Bethany. She's an orphan that my father helped take care of due to her parents being killed in a car accident. We've been friends since we were five. My father's people know their place and roles throughout the kingdom, but you can have friends in any rank, including mates.

"Beth," I said simply, with a small smile. "What is it?"

"Well, first off, good morning your majesty." She said while bowing sarcastically. "Second, there are seven Alphas and Lunas checked in along with their guests. And finally, your father would like to have a word with you about some of the Alphas joining you this weekend." She smiled sweetly. I nodded and she turned and walked away. I took one look out the window before going to my father's office.

We got to my father's office. I stood there for a minute before I knocked. "Come in!" Was heard from the other side of the door. I walked in and saw my father at 38 looking so young, but you can see the worry lines on his tanned caramel skin. His hair is a black color with gray throughout it's a messy look if you will.

"Ada, daring. Come in. Bethany dear, this isn't the time. Please leave us." I stood shocked at my father because he never asks her to leave. Why does he look more worried than usual? "Father, what's going on?" I asked him with a worried tone. He gestured for me to sit. I sat in the armchair with my hands folded on my lap.

"Adaline, you know I like to keep you in the know about the pack business." He said, then sighed heavily afterwards. "Honey, you know that I'm pushing for you to get the throne. Rightfully so, it's yours." I see him hesitate. This has me worried, I don't like the look he has.

"Father just tell me." I nearly shouted. He stood up and walked over to me and sat in the chair next to me. He grabbed my hand, looked at me in the eyes and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

"Please don't be mad, but I thought this was what was best." I just sat there quietly waiting. I could see the look in his eyes, he was not happy with this decision, but it had to be made. I relaxed, put my other hand on top of his and smiled.

"Just tell me. If you have to make a decision on my part, I trust you." I told him with confidence. I do trust him so I need to be open-minded.

"I had to agree to make an arranged marriage for you. But we agreed you had one year to find your mate. So the clock starts tomorrow." He looked at me with sad eyes. I just looked at him, but I took a breath and relaxed.

"Father, it's okay. I promise. We'll come up with a plan for me to visit and train in different packs. I'll even take Leo with me." My father's eyes shot up and looked at me like he used to look at mom. With such kindness and love to give. He looked at her like that when she would understand if he had to cancel a planned family trip because of the kingdom. She always taught me that no matter how busy he gets, he will always be there when we need him.

"Are you sure? I mean, it won't be too much pressure? I know the mate bond means something to you. I don't want you to hate me for thinking like a king and putting the crown before you." He said with solemn eyes and with care.

"Father, I do care about the mate bond, but if it means I get to look for a year, so be it. I will be fine. But I can see there's something else." I looked at him and my smile stayed the same.

"Cresent Moon is coming. Please for the love of goddess please keep Ash contained." Ash being my wolf. She's like a big ol puppy till you mess with the little man then she's not.

"Fine! I don't like this but I guess some need mates." I said in a huff and rolling my eyes.

"Thank you. Now as a father, I am so proud of you! You did so great on the Luna training and the beta training is going well, right?" he said as he chuckled.

"Perfect! Leo says I can train at an Alpha level even though he's been training me at an Alpha level." I spoke proudly.

"Good to hear, now Cresent Moon will be here soon. Prepare everyone and keep Beth close." I nodded to him. "Alright father, I love you." "Love you too my pup." I walked out of his office and ran down the stairs.

I mind linked Beth, "Beth please let me know when Cresent Moon gets here. I would like to greet them personally."

"Yes Ada. Will do. Would you like Leo to come to you?" She asked with hesitation.

"No Beth, I don't need him. But please have him on standby. I will be in my office if you need me. I cut the link and put my walls up.

I looked at my desk, which was full of papers. Financial statements, electric bill, party invitations, letters from allied packs, and the letter I've been waiting to open. An unopened card addressed to me, from my mother. I looked at it, "To my dearest pup on your 18th Birthday." My mother's handwriting is just as I remember it, sweet and flowing.

I loved how she wrote. I held the card in my hands and just stared at it. I still remember how she used to write me letters all the time for everything. Losing my friend, grandparents, finding new friends, and so on. She always planned for an early death so she pre-wrote letters and my father kept them all these years to give to me when I needed it most. I miss her more now than ever. She was always my best friend. Taken too soon.

I placed the card in front of a picture of my mother and me. I think it's the last picture of us together. I started to think about Cresent Moon again. The Alpha makes my blood boil. I have heard some evil things that happen in his pack, and he does nothing about it but causes mayhem wherever he goes. We've had so many omegas that came from there beaten, blooded, and some r***d. We took in everyone we could, but we could only do so much.

My father and I always wondered what happened to the ones that didn't make it out? We could never figure that part out. We always wondered why he never did anything to stop the abuse. But we never got anywhere with him every time someone came from his lands.