Awakened White Wolf and Mate

5

RYAN

M

y overprotective cousin, Alpha Anderson, was personally helping me pack like a parent sending their kid off for the first time.

The werewolf world is mainly divided into two great kingdoms—North and South—each ruled by its own Alpha King. The North, my kingdom, covers vast frozen tundra and snow-capped mountains and is known for harsh conditions and powerful warriors. The South has a milder climate with mostly plains and coastlines, more packs, and more complicated relationships.

"You still think I'm that kid from seven years ago?" I couldn't help laughing at him.

Anderson stopped what he was doing and looked at me with that all-knowing expression. "Of course you're not. Seven years ago, you were just a little boy chasing after Clara. Now you⁠—"

He looked me up and down, his gaze lingering on my muscular build for a second before continuing. "My dear cousin, you're now the Alpha King of the North. You could have any woman you want. Why come down to the Southern packs to fight another powerful Alpha over a woman?"

"I'm not fighting anyone," I corrected him, my voice going cold. "I'm pulling her out of hell."

Five years ago, when I heard she was having a mating ceremony with that bastard, my country was dealing with a rebellion. I didn't care what it cost—I just had to get to her.

But I was still too late.

That scene was like a silver thorn still lodged in my heart. I watched her stand beside Henry, a smile of happiness I'd never seen on her face before.

My wolf howled inside me, and I could only choose to let her be happy.

And what was the result? Henry repaid her love with betrayal and lies.

Now every cell in my body was screaming to tear off his fake face.

"Then why don't you just go as the Northern Alpha King?" Anderson asked, confused.

"I don't want to scare her," I said.

Seven years ago, when I was still just the heir to the Alpha King of the North, I'd hidden my identity. I came to visit my cousin, Alpha Anderson, claiming to be an illegitimate son of Frost Moon Pack's former Alpha.

The me that Clara knew was that pitiful boy.

I thought this identity would help me reconnect with Clara faster.

Anderson sighed. He knew my determination.

"What about the other matter?" He lowered his voice. "That criminal organization conducting bloodline modification experiments across the North and South—do you really think Henry's involved?"

"Their trail disappeared in Crescent Moon Pack's territory," I said coldly. "Henry better be clean. Otherwise, I'll snap his neck myself."

Though the North and South kingdoms trade goods like furs, minerals, and certain herbs, they're politically independent and wary of each other. Information doesn't flow smoothly, especially about core royal family members.

I, Ryan Green, as the new Alpha King of the North, was known to very few in the South. This ambiguity about my identity provided convenient cover for my current mission.

Leaving the North for several weeks wasn't easy, but I'd made arrangements. A council of the North's most respected elders, all loyal to the Green bloodline, could handle daily affairs and keep the kingdom running during my absence. For Clara, and to root out threats that could endanger the entire werewolf world, the risk was worth it.

Anderson sighed. "Then leave early! Use this medical cooperation inspection as cover. Go to Crescent Moon Pack ahead of schedule and catch them off guard. You might get some real answers."

That suited me perfectly.

I could see Clara three days earlier than planned.

I pulled out my phone, my finger hovering over that familiar name—Clara.

Just seeing her name sent an electric current through my body, yanking my thoughts back seven years.

Back then, I was still just a boy wearing the label of "illegitimate son," a natural target everyone felt entitled to look down on and isolate.

Right when they surrounded me, ready to let me taste their fists, she appeared.

She stepped in front of me, using her not-exactly-strong body to shield me.

That was the moment.

My wolf soul, Ron, released a deafening roar. Not claiming possession, but swearing loyalty.

Her. It could only be her.

But months later, I had to leave her because of matters back home. Then, five years ago, I heard about her wedding from the North.

Now, a cold smile played on my lips.

That bastard Henry would never understand Clara's true value. It was never about being Luna. It was about her.

I hit send, each word carrying my long-suppressed, crazy longing.

[Five hours left.]

Five hours until I see you, my Clara.

I brought a few elite confidants with me to Crescent Moon Pack, and arranged for another team to investigate discreetly.

I'd imagined our reunion countless times.

She'd be standing at the entrance. When she saw me, her face would light up with surprise and joy.

But when I actually set foot in Crescent Moon Pack territory, I was greeted only by a group of deferential elders and a bunch of she-wolves shooting me heated looks.

Clara wasn't there.

Even that bastard Alpha Henry was nowhere to be seen.

Were they on a date?

That thought made my wolf growl low in my chest, jealousy surging, bitter and sharp.

My arrival clearly caught them off guard. Those she-wolves looked at me like I was a fresh, steaming steak. But I had zero interest in them.

My senses searched the air frantically, hunting for even a trace of Clara's unique scent.

I sent her another text.

[I miss you so much, Clara.]

Still nothing.

The Crescent Moon Pack elders led me around like tour guides. I was bored out of my mind and finally lost patience.

I stopped and told them in a tone that left no room for argument, "Get your Alpha Henry or Clara to receive me personally."

Even without revealing my Alpha King identity, just being Alpha Anderson's cousin meant they didn't dare neglect me.

They rushed to contact both Alpha Henry and Clara, but neither call went through.

Fortunately, Clara returned soon after.

She wasn't with Henry. My mood lifted instantly.

A young warrior said Clara had gone straight to the pack council hall. The elders led me there.

But when I saw her in the council hall doorway, she looked so exhausted. Dark circles under her eyes like two bruises, as if her soul had been partially drained. My heart clenched painfully. I wanted to rush over and pull her into my arms, and use my body heat to warm her cold form.

But I couldn't. That would terrify her.

I forced myself to lean casually against the doorframe, greeting her in the most relaxed tone. "Hey, Clara, long time no see."

She seemed... to really not remember me.

She stared at my face, those beautiful eyes full of confusion. After a long moment—long enough for my heart to start sinking—she finally said my name.

"Ryan, long time no see," she said with a smile.

At least she remembered me in the end.

I pretended to be hurt, teasing her. "Wow, you had to think that long just to remember my name? Clara, you're really breaking my heart."

Her instinct to pull away from me was adorable.

I smiled. "Good to see you again. We should find time to really 'catch up.'"

Wariness flashed in Clara's eyes. She responded in a professional tone. "Your cousin, Alpha Anderson, didn't send you here just to catch up, did he?"

Hearing her bring up business made me feel disappointed, but I wiped the playful look from my face.

"Okay, no more jokes." I cleared my throat and released my powerful bloodline aura.

The other wolves in the meeting room immediately tensed. Their breathing turned cautious. But all my attention was on Clara.

She just frowned slightly, completely unaffected by my presence.

"Let's talk business. This medical cooperation is crucial for Frost Moon Pack. My cousin only trusts me, so he sent me personally. But... where's your Alpha Henry? He's not going to disrespect me like this, is he?"

I deliberately said Henry's name slowly and heavily. I wanted to see her reaction.

"You haven't seen Henry?" Her tone held confusion, even if she didn't notice.

Good. She didn't know where that bastard was either.

I shook my head, putting on an innocent look. "Your pack members said Henry left early this morning and hasn't returned."

"Henry must be handling urgent matters. So I'll be fully responsible for this cooperation," she said seriously.

"Urgent matters?" I repeated the phrase playfully, then reminded her, "I can't think of anything more important than Frost Moon Pack's future. Unless... he's with someone more 'important'? He's not off on a date with a mistress, is he?"

But her reaction surprised me.

She smiled. "If Henry really has someone on the side, I'd actually like to meet her. Maybe I should thank you for the tip."

From her expression, I couldn't tell if there were any problems between her and Henry.

But I couldn't just say it outright. That would only create conflict between the two packs.

I changed the subject. "You just said you're in charge of me? I like the sound of that."

I leaned forward slightly, getting close to her ear, greedily breathing in that scent I'd missed so desperately. She still smelled so sweet—like the forest after rain, mixed with rich gardenia.

I lowered my voice. "So tell me, Clara, how exactly do you plan to 'take care' of me?"

She jerked backward, putting distance between us—distance that hadn't even been intimate to begin with. "It's getting late. I imagine you're tired from your long journey. Why don't you rest tonight and we'll talk tomorrow."

"Come on," I protested immediately. "I was hoping you'd show me around personally, Clara."

She completely ignored my protest, saying coldly, "As Crescent Moon Pack's Luna, I'll make sure you're comfortable here. As for anything else, I think we should discuss it at the conference table."

She instructed the Beta standing nearby. "Bruce, show Mr. Ryan to his room."

Since she was kicking me out, I left gracefully.

But staying alone in a room was boring as hell.

I snuck out openly and stood under a large tree, watching through the window as she sat alone in the meeting room, busy with pack affairs.

She was buried in those tedious files all afternoon without moving.

She must be exhausted. My heart ached. That damn Henry was off somewhere having a good time while dumping all the responsibility on her alone.

By the time she finally finished, it was nearly dark.

As she left the council hall, I immediately appeared and blocked her path.

She was so small. I could easily envelop her completely in my shadow. She looked up at me, her eyes full of surprise.

But that surprise lasted only a second before she quickly put on a polite but distant expression, like she was looking at a complete stranger.

"No way, Clara. Are you really going to pretend you don't know me?" I dramatically clutched my chest. "That's really hurtful."

"Come on, it's been seven years since we last saw each other. You've grown so tall and handsome—you've changed so much. It's normal that I didn't recognize you right away," she said with a smile.

Tall and handsome?

So she did notice my changes.

I felt secretly pleased. Instead of letting her pass, I stepped forward again, trapping her completely between me and the wall.

I bent down, close enough to study the tremor of her lashes and the rise of her breath.

"You haven't changed much. Still as cold to me as before." My breath brushed across the top of her head. I watched the tips of her ears turn red uncontrollably.

She backed up sharply, her spine hitting the cold wall with nowhere to go. She finally raised her head, forcing herself to meet my gaze, her voice extremely serious. "Ryan, I need to make something clear. Henry is my mate. I'm Crescent Moon Pack's Luna. This is inappropriate."