The Alpha King and His Mysterious Mate

The ball and the beginning of it all

[ Jacob's pov ]

"- Everyone, please welcome your future king, Jacob Silvermoon" I heard the announcement and this was my queue to enter the ballroom.

Everyone started singing happy birthday and congratulating me, saying they hope I'll find my mate today.

I could see all the unmated wolves dying for my attention.

"- Damn I wish I could be his Luna, he makes me wet just by passing by. Look at this gorgeous face and body, plus you get to be a queen. That is just the cherry on top" I heard one of the she-wolfs whispering to her friend. I smirked to myself and kept on going to find my parents.

"- Hi dear" my mother said "See I told you everything was going to be fine, no accidents whatsoever, and it is almost time for the big event! It is almost twelve! Of course, I have invited all the unmated she-wolves in our kingdom. I couldn't take any chances with your happiness. I am sure you will find your mate today. Are you ready? How are you feeling?" She almost screamed in excitement.

Despite still having the feeling like something was not right, I had to admit that this was actually a good idea. I can see that my mother was right. Everyone needed this and now that the time is actually near, I can't help but feel anxious and happy. My mate, I may find my mate in a few minutes...

"- I am fine" I lied as I shrugged my shoulders "Let's get this over with" I said nonchalantly as I went to the center of the ballroom. My parents followed my lead. At this point, I am not sure who is more excited, them or me. OK definitely me, but they are overdoing it for sure. There should be a reason behind it...

Everyone stopped talking immediately and concentrated on me. They all stared at the clock and started the countdown simultaneously, almost as if it was rehearsed a million times "3, 2, 1!".

The clock struck 12. You could hear it ring. I started to look right and left, trying to smell the air, see sparks, feel some kind of connection or pull, anything really, but nothing... Absolutely nothing. As the clock rang for the 12th time, I knew it was over. My mate was not here...

I could see everyone's gaze turning from excitement to sadness and pity. Every guest kept on staring at me, but I wasn't able to move an inch. I saw some of the girls crying and others even fainted and this made me even sadder. I didn't like to be the cause of such sorrow, but what I couldn't handle the most, were the looks on my parents' faces. They were devastated. I should really talk to them about this tomorrow. There is something they are not telling me.

Finally, my father snapped out of it and as he was approaching me he said to the guests.

"- Ok folks, back to the party, let's not dwell on this any longer".

"- I am sorry, son" he sighed as he turned to me "I wish you had better luck, but we will find her. Don't worry."

"- Thanks, dad. It is OK. Like I told you earlier, right now a mate is the least of my worries. I need to concentrate on the battlefield, not on my mate" I lied through my teeth, trying to hide the disappointment in my voice.

The rest of the party can be summarized by pitiful looks thrown my way from time to time by everyone present. This was making it really hard to forget the whole event.

When the party finished, I went to my room so I could get this day over with and start my training early tomorrow. That is when I heard a knock on my door. My parents were checking on me. They wanted to come in so I thought this would be the perfect time to ask them about their strange reaction today.

As the future king-to-be, the whole south wing was mine. My brothers shared the northern wing as they were younger, but it was huge so they never had any privacy issues.

I have my own gym for the days I want to train alone. It literally has everything a guy would want; a huge living room with an amazing view over the forest. A huge kitchen, well-stocked, although I have never used it, and 3 bedrooms.

I love books and I have collected as many first editions as I could fit in my library. I don't know what it is about them, but I feel like the writer is actually speaking to me through them. I also love fireplaces even though I am a werewolf, so I am not really the type of person that gets cold often or, to be precise, ever. There is something remarkably beautiful in observing the dance of the flames and it definitely sets the right mood when needed. I had one installed in my room, the living room and the library. There was also a huge terrace with an infinity pool and a garden. It was a dream house for every guy out there and a total chick magnet, as you can imagine.

Of course, I also had an office where I spent most of my time when I was not training. As the heir to the pack and to Silvermoon enterprises, one of the biggest companies in the US, owned by our Silvermoon pack, I had to learn the ropes since I was a young boy. Thanks to that, despite being only 18, I was already a vice president of the empire.

Don't think for a second that this happened because I was fed with a golden spoon. No, my father did not just give me the empire, he wanted me to start from rock bottom, to really understand what this company was about. To treat everyone like family and to understand in depth everyone's responsibilities, so in times of crisis, I can direct the manpower where needed. Not just in business, but in battle also. My first job in Silvermoon enterprises was as a clerk when I was 13 and I worked at least 14 hours a day to get where I am today.

As we walked into the living room, my parents sat on the sofa. I admit it was kind of nice having them here, because at times it felt very lonely with all this space, but no one to share it with. Don't get me wrong, I could easily bring any girl up here if I wanted to. They would all die for a night with me, but I want to keep this place pure for when my mate arrives. I conduct my business elsewhere, as a man with needs, but never ever here. Therefore, the company of my brothers, my best friend Adam and my parents, would have to suffice for now.

"- So what did you want to talk about and while we are having an honest conversation can you explain to me what this reaction was today?" I broke the awkward silence.

My father gave my mum an all-knowing look and my mum just nodded, as if giving him the OK.

"- Son, we also had a big announcement to make today. We wanted to pass on the king title to you if you had found your mate today. We think you are ready and, yes, I know you are young, but you are as ready as you are ever going to be. I have already let you make most of the decisions, even if they come as orders from me to our subordinates. You are wise, practical, calculating, but also compassionate and you put our people above all. I am certain you will be a greater king than I am or your grandfather was.

I think this kingdom, this country, needs a do-over. It needs fresh blood and me and your mum, we need a break. We thought that with your Luna by your side this could be done today. But since you haven't found her yet, I think this decision would create chaos among our people. You would be the youngest alpha king ever and the war against the vampires is crueler than ever. Our people would be divided. So I decided to postpone this decision either until you find your Luna or you become 25. You will still be the youngest Alpha ever, but our people will accept it more readily."

At this moment, I didn't even know what to say to my parents. An Alpha King? Were they actually going to make me one today? Do they think I am ready? Here I thought finding my mate was my biggest problem. I could feel my expression changing from excitement to shock again and again. It was an emotional rollercoaster. Finally, after gaining back my composure, I told my parents.

"- Although I would have appreciated the offer and your trust in me, I would have declined it anyway. Luna or not, I know you guys deserve a break, but I need to gain more experience. I want to be a great leader for our people and to do this I need time. I will work day and night to not keep you from your well-deserved vacation for a long time, but definitely, it would not happen overnight."

"- That exactly proves our point, my dear, you are very self-aware, you know your strengths and weaknesses, you have a pure heart and you care about our people. This is why you will make a great king. I do, however, understand your reasons and, like we said, we will wait a little longer under the circumstances." my mother replied.

With nothing more to say, this is where we said good night and I went to sleep. Little did I know that this would be the last time I saw my parents...