When Moon meets Midnight

WHITNEY’S POV I had just returned from yet another failed date, and I was officially done with blind dates. This time, it was Alpha Dominic of the SilverCrest Pack. Handsome? Yes. Arrogant knucklehead? Absolutely. “How can someone be so cute and still be such a dumbass?” my wolf, Roxy, scoffed. “And does he hate his own scent? Because that much perfume should be illegal,” I muttered as I headed to my room. The moment I opened my door, a familiar scent—storm rain and cedar—hit me. I flipped on the light. “Good evening, Father,” I said, dropping onto my bed and already tugging at my clothes. “Evening, my princess,” he smiled. “And I’ve warned you about undressing in front of me.” I rolled my eyes. I was already in my underwear as I reached for my phone. “Relax, Dad. Shouldn’t you be asleep?” “When you raise trouble, sleep becomes optional.” I laughed and wrapped my arms around him. “I’m not that bad.” He eased me back. “So? Good news this time?” I groaned and sat down. “He’s not my mate. I’m not marrying him.” My father sighed and joined me. “Whitney, you’re an Alpha. You can’t always put your heart before the pack.” “I’m not asking for forever,” I snapped, then softened. “I just want my mate.” “You need a strong alliance. And soon.” I turned to him, gripping his hands. “Let me find him. If you don’t approve, I’ll walk away. But I can’t give up without trying.” He hesitated. “Whitney—” “Two years,” I cut in. “If I don’t find him, I’ll marry whoever you choose. Just not Alpha Dominic. Please.” I pressed my cheek to his chest, giving him my best puppy eyes. He stared at me for a long moment, then sighed. “You always fight dirty.” I grinned. “Fine. Two years,” he said. “But if I don’t approve, you accept my choice.” I squealed. “Deal!” He hugged me and shook his head. “Now put some clothes on before someone traumatizes themselves.” “Yes, sir,” I laughed, heading to my closet. “Good night, Princess,” he said, kissing my forehead before leaving. Moments later, I heard, “Good evening, Alpha.” “Mmm,” my father replied. And then— “Hey, bestie!” Tessa bounced onto my bed. “Hey, babe,” I said, slipping into my pink silk nightgown. “Please tell me you weren’t half-naked with your dad in here.” “So what if I was?” She groaned. “You’re impossible.” She grabbed the popcorn and remote. “Movie night?” “Always.” Soon, the movie pulled us in, but watching the leads fall in love made my chest ache. “He’s out there,” Roxy whispered. “And it’ll be better than this.” “What if he’s not?” I asked. Tessa paused the movie. “Hey. You okay?” Tears slipped out. “You found Conor the second you turned eighteen. I can’t even find mine.” She pulled me into a hug. “Because yours is going to be worth the wait.” “What if he’s hiding?” She snorted. “No i***t hides from an Alpha Princess. He’ll find you when the time’s right.” I curled into her arms, exhaustion pulling me under, and soon everything faded to black.