Love Me Back, Alpha

Chapter 1

Katie

“How did you like it?” Ari asked. She stepped back as I admired myself in the mirror.

A smile spread across my face at the sight of the braided crown she had styled on my head. My heart melted at the sight. It was the perfect finishing touch for my outfit. I felt regal, like a true Luna I longed to be.

“It’s awesome, sis! You are the queen of hairstyling, for real!” I squealed, throwing my arms around Ari. This short-haired she-wolf is my best friend and handmaiden. We had been inseparable since childhood, and I had always called her “sis,” even though we weren’t related by blood. I considered her my older sister and my confidant.

Pride lit up her face as she returned my embrace. “I bet Frank won’t be able to resist you now,” she teased.

My cheeks flushed at the mention of Frank Cavanaugh, the Alpha son of the Silverwolf Pack. He was the wolf I had kept in my heart for so long and the very reason I had put so much effort into my appearance today. Just imagining his reaction upon seeing me at my best during our official mateship ceremony made my heart flutter.

“You really are the best, sis! I meant it. Thank you so much for doing this.”

Ari caressed the side of my face as a response. She had a special gift for making me feel confident and beautiful, and that moment felt like a fairytale coming to life.

It was hard to believe that the priestess of Red Brooke had revealed Frank, my Frank, as my fated mate. Ever since that rogue attack years ago when he saved me from those criminals, I knew that he already had my heart. I wasn’t sure whether he remembered it as it happened 8 years ago when Silverwolf aided us, but for me, the incident was tattooed on my mind. It was the foundation of my love for him, and I would always remember that incident with a smile on my face thinking about him.

And now, to think he was the one destined for me? I would be lying if I said I hadn’t prayed for this moment and was so glad that the moon goddess granted it. The odds of him being my mate were a million chances to one so everything felt surreal.

Ari and I stepped outside. I glanced around and saw the familiar faces of the members waiting to see me off. They had heard the news about my mateship and everyone was so eager to celebrate with me. As the Alpha daughter of the Longridge Pack, I had always lived a life of comfort. Our pack was one of the wealthiest in the region, thanks to the gold mines that ran through our territory. But even though I was no stranger to luxury, I had grown up close to our people, partly because our pack had helped raise me after I lost my mom to childbirth.

“Katie!” one of the older women called out. “Congratulations on finding your mate, dear!”

“Thank you, Mrs. Jackson,” I replied warmly, waving at her and the others who had gathered outside.

“You’ll make a wonderful Luna, Sister Katie!” a younger girl shouted from the crowd.

“I’ll do my best,” I smiled at her.

More members congratulated me and wished me well on my journey. My heart swelled with affection for them. I couldn’t wait to bring them even more prosperity by solidifying our bond with the Silverwolf Pack, the most powerful wolf pack in the Northern Region.

I hugged my Dad as I approached him, waiting for me by the car.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes, Dad,” I answered as I kissed his cheeks. Finally, it was time to go. I waved to the members one last time before getting into the car beside my father and with Ari.

As we drove toward the Silverwolf territory, I couldn’t help but let my thoughts drift back to Frank. He was everything I admired in a wolf. Frank was strong, brave, and so handsome it made my heart skip a beat just thinking about him. With his long, jet-black hair and those striking hazel eyes, he was the dream guy of every she-wolf in the land. And the stories of him taking down an entire group of rogues at the Cliff of Shadows? Those just made him even more legendary in my eyes.

My pulse quickened as we neared the Silverwolf compound. The butterflies in my stomach were going wild. The land became rougher. Jagged mountains rose high in the northern sky. Ahead of us was a large stone building that stood tall against the sky. My heart was still racing as we arrived.

The car stopped in front of the packhouse. I felt tiny next to its size as I stepped out. My father joined me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder while Ari was walking after us. My hands were sweaty with anticipation as we walked to the entrance. The Silverwolf pack council members waited and welcomed us.

At the center stood Alpha Bloodfang, a large man with a gray beard and sharp eyes that spoke of strength and experience. He nodded and acknowledged my father.

“Alpha William Webber of Longridge Pack,” Bloodfang greeted as he offered his hand. “Welcome to Silverwolf.”

“Thank you for the warm welcome, Mighty Bloodfang,” my father replied as he shook Bloodfang’s hand.

Then, Bloodfang turned his gaze to me, making my heart race. “And this must be your daughter.”

“Yes, Mighty Bloodfang,” I managed to say with a curt. “My name is Katherine Jane Webber. I would appreciate it if you would address me as Katie.”

“Welcome to Silverwolf, Katie,” he said, his tone softening slightly. “I’ve heard much about you. I trust you will feel at home here.”

“Thank you, Alpha. It’s an honor to set foot in this formidable and revered pack.”

He chuckled. “No need to be too formal. Soon, you will become part of Silverwolf. And, of course, my daughter.”

“I will try not to be a burden,” I said, meeting his gaze. He put his hand on my hand, a werewolf gesture indicating that he was giving me his blessing. I almost got teary, as I was always afraid the mighty Bloodfang wouldn’t like me as his daughter-in-law. And yet, here he was, already treating me as one of their own.

“Now, let’s head inside. We have much to discuss.”

As Bloodfang turned, I exchanged a glance with my father, who gave me a reassuring nod. Together with Ari, we followed the Silverwolf Alpha and the council members into the packhouse who led us inside the council hall. We all sat at the chairs at a long table and waited for Bloodfang’s next instruction.

“Now, it is time for you to meet my son and heir.”

Someone emerged from the shadows. My eyes caught with the wolf slowly approaching us and for a moment, I felt that the world stopped.