Her Wolf: The Alpha's Regret

Lyras's POV The strong scent of a male werewolf lingered as all my senses awakened. I didn't know which was stronger. The scent of the red velvet cake my mother baked for eighteenth birthday or the male scent that has now enveloped me. “It's time for you to cut your cake, Lyra” my mother whispered into my ear, distracting me from my thoughts, and I nodded my head. But no matter how hard I try, I can't bring myself to focus or concentrate on anything at the moment. I took a look around the garden that has been beautifully decorated for my eighteenth birthday. The lights were hanged over the walls. The purple ribbon and golden curtains draped perfectly well all contributed to the beauty of the night. And the full moon shone over us, indicating a blessing from the moon goddess. But all of these don't seem to interest me. I sniffed the air, hoping to find the owner of the scent, but he was nowhere to be found. “Who are you?” I muttered silently under my breath as everyone sang birthday songs. As soon as the song stopped, I pushed aside my thoughts and immediately cut the cake. The applause from everyone filled the air, but it was not enough to distract me from the chaos going on in my mind right now. One of the maids came and took the cake from me. She shared the cake among everyone, and the real celebration began. I could see my father chatting with some of the pack elders. My father is one of the council members, and he has been for years, and one of my brothers will take over that position when the time comes. My mother was busy with the women as well. She's probably boasting of how she made the cake all by herself and also helped in choosing my dress. Of course, my brothers are over there flirting with girls. I rolled my eyes at the scenery. Even though it's my eighteenth birthday, the day I have waited and planned for so long. Something seems to be missing. I'm sure it's because of my wolf. I have been waiting for her since the day I turned sixteen. I thought she would show up today, and I would shift and meet her. But so far, none of that has happened. Everyone usually shifts and meets their wolf when they turn sixteen, but I didn't. I thought it was just a delay, but two years have passed, and I can't help but feel worried. My face fell, and my heart sank deep into my stomach. I looked up at the moon, hoping for something to happen, but it was all futile. I heaved a deep sigh and took a seat as I watched everyone dancing and having some fun. All of a sudden, the strong scent of a male wolf hit me again. This time, it is stronger and more defined. I have no doubts in my heart that it's the same wolf I have been smelling all night. And that scent seems familiar, I know this person, but I can't place my finger on it. I frowned, and my mood turned sour. I don't know why, but I really wanted to know who the person is. Finally, the party was over, and everyone returned to their various homes. I headed inside, and I could feel my heart beating fast in my chest. “I can see you are still yet to meet your wolf.” Kristen, my brother, mocked, and I turned towards him, my eyes beaming with anger. “Leave me alone, I do not have the time for your troubles tonight. As you can see, it was a stressful day, I just want to sleep.” I retorted. I could hear my two other brothers laughing and mocking in the background, but I didn't pay any attention to them. They are fond of teasing me, and it became worse when I turned sixteen and I didn't shift. “What's the use of a werewolf without wolf. You are better off as an ordinary person. Even the omegas in the pack without titles are better than you. At least they have wolves.” Kristen continued his voice laced with mockery. “What!” My voice cracked. “Enough… You all are no longer children. When will all the bickering stop. It's late already, let's go sleep now.” My mother disrupted the intending fight, and I turned to look at my father, who just stood there and said nothing. “Father…” I called, but he threw his face away. I clenched my fist as I felt anger rising in me. My father does this always. He never defends me when they bully me. He allows them to treat me like I'm nothing or not even a part of the family. I retracted my steps and ran out of the house with tears pouring down my eyes. “Lyra!” My mother called after me. “I want to be alone…” I yelled and ran off into the woods. I ran as far as my legs could take me, sniffing and crying at the same time. I got to one of the lakes in the woods and surrendered there. I slumped on the floor and allowed the tears to flow out of my eyes. I just couldn't bring myself to control my tears. “Lyra…” I heard my name and quickly stood up. The full moon was bright, so I was able to see the person who had called me. “Alpha Kael…” I gasped and quickly bowed down my head. I didn't think I was going to meet the alpha here, I would not have come here. But suddenly, that same wolf scent hit me again, and my eyes widened with shock as I jerked my head up. “Alpha Kael, where you are at my party?” I asked him, and he shook his head with a smile plastered all over his face. “No…” he answered and marched towards me. I staggered back as my brain tried to process what's happening. “Then how come I could smell you all night?” I muttered and stayed silent for a while. Then my lips curved up into a smile. If my senses are these strong, that could mean that my wolf is in there somewhere. “Why do you think?” He closed the narrow gap between us and whispered into my ears. His voice travelled down my senses, causing me to shiver down to my spine. I felt waves of electricity jolt through me, and my eyes flickered with excitement. Raw emotions welled up in me, and I felt ecstatic. “Mate…” I spurred out. “Mate…” Alpha Kael sealed the bond.