Claiming my Fated Mate

Chapter Five

Jade's Point of View

---

"You must attend the event tonight." Even if there was no stable training, we couldn't pass up this opportunity," my father said in his usual serious tone, his words echoing through the room like a command, not a suggestion.

"I don't know what ungrateful things we did to end up in a situation like this," my mother said, her voice tinged with regret. "My son lost his true mate after the rejection, and now, although he has ascended the throne, the position is not the right one."

Dad shook his head and sighed. "There is nothing to do. The only way to avoid further misfortune is to cooperate with other packs and form strong alliances. We've faced numerous attacks in recent years, eroding our power, and our ranking on the list is slipping. If we can't keep up, our clan will soon face extinction."

"Alpha, how can you say that?" Mom gave a gasp. "Some packs have never held a high position, but they survive. "How will our clan deal with such a catastrophe?"

"Mom, what Dad said is true," I added. "We've been one of the most powerful packs for years, and as a result, we've made a lot of enemies who want to kill us and take our place. If we lose our position, they will not hesitate to strike."

"But... but..." Mom stammered, obviously overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. For the past two years, the pack's stability has become increasingly difficult to maintain.

After receiving the Alpha title, I did everything in my power to stabilize our pack, but my strength alone was insufficient to keep things under control.

This type of tragic situation had never happened before. It all began when Kira left the pack. Thinking about her made my heart ache bitterly. She was a sweet and kind girl who did whatever I asked without hesitation. She was my mate, even though our bond had been severed following the rejection. But if I could find her, maybe we could still make things right and rebuild our relationship. The problem was that after two years, we still hadn't found her.

I remembered how she looked at me two years ago, her eyes filled with tears, accusing me of a pain I would never forget. Her haunted gaze followed me to bed every night. I couldn't forget her no matter how hard I tried.

I had hoped to explain things to her gradually, making her understand Reese and our situation. And I believe she would have agreed if we hadn't been caught that night.

I desperately wanted to find her, return her to the pack, and explain everything. But before I could take a step, she fled. And it had been two long years.

I told my parents, "I'll make the necessary arrangements," before leaving them and going to my room.

Tonight's event would draw a large crowd. Due to the demands of pack leadership, I rarely encountered Alphas from other territories.

But tonight, I had ample opportunities to interact with them. Even the Dark Forest Pack and the Snow Moon Pack would be present. These two packs were the most mysterious in the werewolf community. I hoped to have the opportunity to speak with them.

I stood in front of the mirror, getting ready for the event. My bedroom door opened just as I was adjusting my jacket. I looked in the mirror and saw Reese wearing a sparkly black dress.

"You're ready?" I asked.

She smiled sweetly and approached seductively. "Luna said this is a big event, and I should take my time to prepare and keep you waiting." She twirled. "How do I look?"

"Good," I said, focusing on adjusting my collar.

She pouted. "You're not romantic anymore," she teased, putting her hand on my chest and smiling softly.

"Jade, why do you seem so distant from me? We were so close before; what happened to us suddenly?"

I gently released her hand. "Reese, this is not the time for this. We need to attend the event and represent our pack. It wouldn't do to be late."

"Alright, for the sake of our pack's reputation, I'll listen to you."

I shook my head and grabbed my car keys before leaving. Because this was a major event, only a few members of the pack would come to demonstrate our strength and solidarity. It didn't take long to reach the venue. The luxurious mansion looked stunning, especially at night.

"Wow, this place is stunning. Tina exclaimed in awe, "It's my first time attending such an exclusive event."

"Let's go inside," I said, leading the way with Reese, then the rest of the pack.

As Alpha, I'd met and formed positive relationships with other leaders over the course of the previous two years. I recognized a few familiar faces among the crowd. After greeting my friends, the announcer announced the arrival of the Snow Moon Pack.

"Isn't that the second most powerful pack?" Reese spoke, her eyes fixed on the entrance. My excitement grew as I gazed toward the entrance, eager to meet them. But my enthusiasm faded when I saw a very familiar face—one that had haunted me for years.

When she looked up and our gazes met, my breath caught in my throat. Her mesmerising purple eyes pierced my soul, and I felt my heart stop. Her appearance, skin, clothing, and even aura had changed. It felt as if I was looking at a stranger, someone completely new.

"Is that Kira?" Reese gasped. "How... how did she end up with the Snow Moon Pack?"

The members of the Snow Moon Pack mixed with the crowd. Kira looked away, as if she did not recognize us.

"How did her eye color change?" Tina muttered, "I've never seen a trick like this before."

"Tina, don't talk too much," Ben hissed.

"I never imagined Kira would flee and end up with the Snow Moon Pack. If she causes any problems, won't the other packs blame us?" Reese worried.

That fear gnawed at me, too. The sweet, gentle girl I once knew had somehow gotten involved with the Snow Moon Pack. How had she changed so dramatically in just two years?

"I think I should speak to her. "After all, Mom and Dad are concerned about her," Reese said.

I shook my head as Reese and Tina approached Kira, who was standing beside another woman. I did not follow, but I could hear their conversation. When Reese approached her, she yelled out.

"Kira? Is this actually you? "Oh my God, I'm so glad to see you, sister," Reese exclaimed.

Kira's gaze shifted to her, those captivating purple orbs locking onto her.

"Who is your sister?" Her voice was cold, lacking the warmth I had once known.

"Kira, why are you acting like this?" Reese asked quietly, her voice trembling. "We've been looking for you all these years. Don't you remember us?

"How could I forget the vivid memories you all left me with, Reese Clarke? Couldn't you wait to remind me? Kira responded, her tone sharp and biting.

My hands clenched into fists. Even her personality had changed. There was no trace of the sweet, charming girl she once was. What had happened to her during those two years?

What did I miss?

"Kira, I understand you are still angry. But please get back to us. We searched everywhere for you. Mom and Dad have been very concerned about your safety. Don't you think it's time to return home? Reese pleaded.

Kira laughed bitterly. "Home? Was that place ever really my home?"

Even after all of these years, your polished performance has remained unchanged. I should congratulate you on that. You've already reached your goal. Now, tell me: are you satisfied?"

"Kira, what are you talking about?" Reese's voice quivered as she attempted to hold back tears. Several people turned toward them, sensing the tension in the air.

This was becoming more serious than a simple conversation.

"Drop your act. "I have no interest in playing this game," Kira stated coldly.

"Kira, how can you be so cruel?" How can you humiliate your own sister in this way? What was her fault for worrying about you? You're the one who cowardly fled the pack, embarrassing everyone..." Tina's words were cut short as the sound of a slap echoed down the hall.

It happened so quickly that I barely noticed it. Tina hit the ground with a thud, her cheek swelling from the force of the slap. My gaze shifted to Kira, whose hand was still in the air. I could not help but be shocked. Kira had never assumed her wolf form, and her abilities were limited to those of a normal human. But no ordinary person could have delivered such a slap to a werewolf. How had she grown so strong?

---

Elizabeth 's Point of View

I looked down at the woman on the ground and noticed her dazed expression as she clutched her cheek.

Not only was she shocked, but so was Reese.

"You should learn how to use your words and when to use them before you open your pretty mouth," I hissed, my voice full of venom. "Otherwise, I can.

I cannot guarantee that you will be as lucky the next time."

I turned to face Reese, who flinched slightly. "You cannot scare me, Kira. My brother will not let you hurt me!"

"Is that so?" I asked coldly.

"Yes, and if you want to return to the pack, you better get on your knees and apologize!" She raised her voice to gain confidence.

"And who do you think you are to demand my apology?" I sneered with a dangerous glint in my eyes.

"Who am I?" She scoffed and lifted her chin. "I'm Reese Clarke, the future Luna of the pack!"

I couldn't help but laugh at what she said. The entire hall fell silent as everyone turned to face me. Members of the Snow Moon Pack also stopped what they were doing to approach us.

"Why are you laughing?" Reese inquired, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"Future Luna?" Do not make me laugh. You? Luna? "Of all people?"

Reese's cheeks flushed bright red, and she opened her mouth to speak, but a voice interrupted her. I turned to see a woman who looked like Reese, possibly her mother.

"What's going on here, Reese?" She inquired in a worried tone.

"This woman is humiliating me!" Reese yelled, frustrated tears welling up in her eyes.

"Who do you think you are to humiliate my daughter?" The woman demanded, her voice sharp and accusatory.

But I could only focus on one thing: the person standing behind her. When our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat. He looked at me with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Jade.

The name echoed in my head like a distant memory. His expression mirrored mine. Is he surprised to see me like this? Or was there something else?

He paused for a few seconds before speaking. "Kira..." He spoke softly, as if he was afraid to say my name.

But I wasn't Kira any more. And I did not want to be.

I felt my anger rising, and memories of all the pain and humiliation I had experienced surfaced in my mind. This was the person who had started it all.

"What do you want from me?" I inquired, my voice full of venom. "Do you want me to go back to the pack that rejected me?" Are you here to try to reclaim what was once yours?

Jade flinched at my words, guilt flashing on his face. He looked down, unable to meet my eyes.

"I didn't come here to take anything from you," he said quietly. "I just want to talk."

I gave out a bitter laugh. "Talk? What could you possibly say that I would be interested in hearing?

"I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice breaking. "For everything."

I felt a cold anger grip my heart. "Sorry? Do you think saying sorry will change anything? You think it will take away all the pain you've caused me?"

"No, it won't," he admitted, his eyes heavy with regret. "But I need you to understand that I did not mean to hurt you." I was a fool and made the wrong decisions. But I am not that person anymore. "I have changed."

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my emotions under control. I had waited years for this moment, and now that it had arrived, I wasn't sure how to feel.

But one thing was clear: I would not let him or anyone else hurt me again.

"I don't care if you've changed," I replied coldly. "Because I haven’t. I am not the same girl you once knew. "And I'll never be her again."

With that, I turned to walk away, leaving Jade and the others behind. I did not look back once.

This was my new life, and I would not let anyone take it away from me.