Awaited Mate

Preparation

“You b***h; you’ve been keeping things from me. Spill!”

Sabrina had me in a playful arm lock from behind. I rolled my eyes and easily twisted out of her grasp.

“I’ve not been keeping secrets, Sabby.”

“Uh-huh. Then spill. What happened after we left the Alpha’s office?”

I told her everything—from the moment Carly spoke to me until now. Sabby’s mouth fell open. It took her a full minute to form words.

“So… you’re saying your dreams actually mean something? And your mate is—or was—being held captive somewhere?”

“No. I don’t know if he is currently, but he was, for sure.”

She looked thoroughly confused.

“I know it sounds crazy.”

“A bit?” she scoffed. “Scar, it sounds like an entire season of supernatural drama.”

“Okay, fine—a lot. But I’m just going with my instincts. And Carly is certain—our mate is alive, born, and out there somewhere.”

“Whoa. Heavy.” She paused, then grinned. “I’m so glad my life is way simpler.”

Honestly, I envied her. Sabrina had a loving mate who adored her, someone she'd known nearly her entire life. On the morning of her 18th birthday, everything had clicked into place. No mystery. No waiting. Just instant, blissful connection. Wyatt had sensed she was his mate the day she was brought to the pack house and had been watching over her ever since.

Suddenly, she perked up. “By the way, my sister’s arriving today—should be here any minute.”

“Bella’s coming? You didn’t mention that!”

“I didn’t keep it from you. She only told me yesterday. I had to beg her to come. She finally caved.”

“It’s about time. I’ve never met her, but after hearing all your stories, I always wanted to.”

“Yeah… you know how she feels about packs. After our parents died—along with the rest of Rising Sun—she couldn’t handle it. I was just a baby when we were taken in by Blue Oasis. Once she saw I was safe, she left.”

“Mom told me Uncle Tony petitioned for you both to join the pack. He and Aunt Caro were close with your parents.”

“Yeah. Aunt Caro’s actually Bella’s godmother. She and Tony did everything for us. If not for them, I wouldn’t be here. No Blue Oasis. No Wyatt. No you.”

I hugged her, grateful for our bond. Sabrina wasn’t born into Blue Oasis—she and Bella were the daughters of the Beta of the Rising Sun Pack in Oregon. Nineteen years ago, their pack was decimated in a surprise attack by the Black Mountain Pack. No one ever spoke about the reason. Most of the Rising Sun warriors and their mates were killed, leaving many orphaned pups. The Alpha of Black Mountain gave the survivors one week to leave.

Allied packs stepped in to help, and Blue Oasis, as a neighbor and ally, took in fifty survivors—among them, the Beta’s daughters. Sabrina had grown up here. Bella, already of age, left on her own. She hadn’t returned since.

“Yeah,” I said, thinking about it, “I really hope Bella stays this time.”

“Me too.” Sabrina beamed. “Now come on. Let’s head to the main yard. We can grab sandwiches on the way and ogle my mate while he lifts heavy things.”

I rolled my eyes and laughed. “You never miss a chance.”

We grabbed a few sandwiches from the kitchen and headed outside. I couldn’t help but admire the scene. It was mid-June and the weather was beautiful—a rare sunny day in our typically cloudy territory.

The pack grounds were breathtaking. A large fountain shaped like a howling wolf stood at the center, surrounded by blooming rose bushes. The deep-blue lake—our namesake—lay beyond the trees, with a misty hill rising in the background. I loved this place. My mother always said nature didn’t need to be organized, just gently guided. Apart from the vegetable and fruit gardens, everything here had grown wild and beautiful.

The podium for the ceremony had been set up near the lake, with torch-lit paths leading from the fountain. Most of the pack was already gathered, helping with final preparations. I spotted Liam and Wyatt carrying large feast tables. Kyle was flirting with omegas near the seating area. Omega women arranged flowers and checked the candle lighting. Everything looked magical.

Cars were arriving, and many wolves had already shifted back to human form. The neighboring packs were early. I noticed a large number of she-wolves, many dressed provocatively and casting flirtatious glances toward the podium. Liam didn’t seem to notice—he stayed focused, helping with setup.

I sighed, disappointed. If his mate were here, surely he would’ve sensed her by now.

I was in the middle of this thought when a sleek black car pulled up beside the fountain.

A stunning woman stepped out. Raven-black hair, flawless skin, and a body that screamed confidence. She paused, taking in the sight of the pack house—then froze.

At that exact moment, a deep growl echoed from the podium.

I turned to see Liam—his eyes pitch black—racing toward her.

The woman turned just in time for him to pin her against the car and kiss her hard.

I was speechless. I had never seen Liam lose control like that.

“LIAM!” I shouted.

“BELLA!” Sabrina shrieked beside me.

“Mate,” Dom growled from within Liam.