Claiming my Fated Mate

Chapter Four

Two days later…

Elizabeth ’s Point of View

--

"Have this, our special healing soup," Astrea said, placing the bowl on the table in front of me and smiling warmly.

Her smile was so warm and kind that every time I saw her, I got choked up. I had never felt a mother's love before, but now that I had, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my decision to leave the Bright Shine Pack.

As I looked at the soup, tears welled up in my eyes, and my emotions swirled inside. Astrea noticed right away. "Elizabeth , what's wrong?" she inquired softly, stroking my head lovingly. Her face was full of concern.

I shook my head, trying to wipe away tears. "Nothing, mom. I'm so glad I chose to leave the previous pack. "If I hadn't, I'd still be stuck there."

Astrea gripped my hand tightly, her smile softening. "Even if you had stayed, nothing would have been the same as before. Before you shifted, your body was similar to that of an ordinary human. However, with the change, your body will gradually evolve.

I looked up at her, my eyes wide and curious. "Evolve?"

She nodded. "Your hearing will improve, your vision will become clearer, and your bones will strengthen. The mark on your back will become more visible, and during the next eclipse, your wolf will fully awaken. "You will be twice as powerful as before."

I was stunned. Could something like this actually happen? I'd read about such myths in old books, but they always seemed to be just that: myths. But hearing Astrea say those words made it difficult not to believe.

"Twice as powerful?" I echoed, still trying to make sense of it.

Astrea smiled. "I know it's difficult to believe, but you'll understand once you've experienced it for yourself. The mark on your back is still blurry right now, but during the next eclipse, it will fully bloom, and we will know what kind of mark you have."

"Mom, what kind of marks do Dad and Devak have?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

She chuckled softly. "Your father has a snake mark on his back, and as for your brother…" She sighed playfully. "He ended up with an eagle mark."

I couldn't help laughing. "An eagle?" Really? I would love to see those majestic wings spread out. "Isn't that amazing?"

Before Astrea could respond, a familiar voice called out from the doorway. "Mom, are you talking about me behind my back again?"

We both turned to see Devak standing there, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers and looking irritated but amused.

Astrea gave him a bored expression. "Who has the time to talk about you?" "Do you think I have nothing else to do?"

I bit my lip and tried not to laugh at their playful banter. Devak was clearly the apple of his mother's eye, and their relationship was full of affection and teasing.

Devak walked up to me, his expression softening as he handed me the bouquet. "These are fresh from our garden." They will brighten your day.

I inhaled the sweet fragrance of the flowers, and an immediate sense of calm washed over me. "Thank you," I replied, smiling up at him.

He smiled back, his eyes filled with affection. "When you feel better, Tanea will take you on a walk to see the garden. Dad is also planning to announce your arrival among the pack."

"My arrival?" The words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the night I was separated from my family. My life could have been better if things had gone differently. I wouldn't have had to endure the constant insults, loneliness, and rejection from those who were supposed to care for me.

Astrea's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Elizabeth , are you okay?"

I nodded quickly, pushing the memories away. "I am fine, Mom. "I just remembered some things from my past."

Devak's expression darkened slightly. "Do not think about it too much. If you are angry, please let me know. I will invade their territory and make them pay."

His tone was light, but the look in his eyes revealed a different story. He was serious, and the thought of him exacting revenge on those who had wronged me made me feel both relieved and concerned.

"Devak, don't scare your sister like that," Astrea chided him gently.

He rolled his eyes. "Mom, we are the Snow Moon Pack. Even the five-year-olds in our pack are capable of fighting tigers. They'll see Elizabeth 's true power once her mark has fully developed."

Astrea shook her head and gave me a reassuring smile. "Do not listen to your brother." He knows only how to fight and kill. I sometimes wonder how Tanea puts up with him.

"I have my ways," Devak said shamelessly, drawing another scolding look from his mother.

I laughed softly at their conversation, feeling a warm sensation in my heart. This was what it was like to have a family—a genuine family that looked after you, protected you, and loved you unconditionally.

The conversation became more serious when Devak said something that made my heart skip a beat. "Elizabeth , soon you'll meet your mate."

My smile faltered. "I don't think that's going to happen."

Devak frowned. "What do you mean?"

I hesitated before finally confessing. "I already met my mate in the previous pack, but I rejected him."

"What?" Both Devak and Astrea appeared stunned.

I rejected him the night I left. It was supposed to be a special night, the night of the ceremony, but I discovered he was cheating on me with my alleged sister. They wanted me to live in the shadows and accept it quietly. I couldn't, so I turned him down and left."

Devak's fists tightened, his fury palpable. "That bastard..." How could he betray you like that? He's lucky he's not in my reach."

Astrea put a calming hand on his arm. "Devak, don't rush things. Those people took my daughter from me and have now attempted to degrade her. But we will deal with them in due course."

I shook my head and squeezed Astrea's hand. "Mom, it's fine. I don't want to do anything with them anymore. "I don't even want to hear their names."

Astrea looked at me with both pride and sadness. "Are you sure, my dear?"

I nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm sure."

She sighed softly and then smiled. "As long as that is what you want, I will support you. But your father still needs to know.

"I understand," I said.

"Good," Astrea replied, her voice gentle. "Now, rest and heal completely. Your wolf will need a month to fully awaken after being dormant for so long. You will reach your full potential during the next eclipse.

"When is the next eclipse?" I asked.

Astrea smiled. "Two years. Until then, look after yourself, prepare for the transition, and enjoy your time with us."

Two years seemed like a long time, but I was confident it would be worth it. For the first time in a long time, I felt optimistic about my future.

---

Two Years Later...

---

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the dress around my thighs and sighing. Dad told me two days ago about the Pack Unity Party, which takes place every three years and brings packs together to strengthen bonds and, on occasion, find their mates.

The prospect of finding a mate did not excite me as much as it had previously. After the betrayal I had experienced, the concept of love and mateship left a bitter taste in my mouth. However, this party was not about finding a mate for me; it was about representing my family and pack.

"I think I'm ready," I said, still looking at my reflection in the mirror.

"You look stunning," Tanea said as she entered the room. She had helped me choose the dress, a stunning purple and gold gown that hugged my curves perfectly. It had bare shoulders and a slit that reached my thigh, with intricate golden designs that accentuated the silk fabric. My purple eyes appeared to glow, matching the dress perfectly.

"You know, I told you this dress would look amazing on you," Tanea teased, smiling at me. "But no, you didn't believe me."

I laughed. "Your taste is impeccable, Tanea."

She grinned. "I understand, right? That's why your brother is crazy about me."

"Oh, please," I rolled my eyes jokingly. "You two are so in love, it's almost sickening."

"Jealous?" she inquired, raising her eyebrows.

I hesitated and then shrugged. "Maybe a little."

In truth, I envied their love. Devak and Tanea were ideal for each other, and seeing them happy made me yearn for that kind of connection. But after everything I'd been through, I wasn't sure I could open my heart again.

Before Tanea could respond, the door opened, and Astrea entered. "Are you two still here chatting? Your father and brother are waiting outside. Oh my... Elizabeth , you look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, Mom," I replied, smiling at her.

Astrea turned to face Tanea. "You should keep an eye on your partner." Don't let him become jealous at the party."

Tanea laughed. "Do not worry, Mom. "I have it under control."

"Good

Astrea turned back to face me. "Elizabeth , this is your first Pack Unity Party, so enjoy it. But remember, it's more than just a party; it's also an opportunity to demonstrate our strength to the other packs."

"I'll do my best," I said.

Astrea smiled warmly. "I'm sure you will, my dear. Now, let's leave before your father sends someone to drag us out.

We all laughed as we made our way outside, where Devak and my father were waiting. When they saw me, their eyes shone with pride.

"You look amazing, Elizabeth ," Devak said, his voice full of brotherly love.

"Stunning," my father said, his eyes softening with affection.

"Thank you," I said, feeling a warm sensation spread across my chest.

"Are you ready to make a grand entrance?" Devak asked, offering me his arm.

I accepted it, smiling. "Let's do this."

As we walked towards the party, I felt both excited and nervous. This was a new chapter in my life, and I intended to make the most of it. No matter what challenges awaited me, I knew I had my family by my side, which was all the strength I needed.

The night sky was clear, and the stars shone brightly above us. As we approached the grand hall where the party was being held, I felt a surge of excitement rising within me. This was it: the moment I had been waiting for. A chance to start over, leave the past behind, and embrace the future.

As we entered the hall, all eyes were on us. The room was full of wolves from various packs, all dressed in their finest attire. The atmosphere was filled with energy, excitement, and a hint of tension. But I felt confident and prepared to face whatever came my way.

And then, as I looked around the room, my gaze fell on a pair of intense, dark eyes that appeared to pierce right through me.

My heart skips a beat.