Cruel Fate

Chapter 2

5 years ago

As sunset turned to night, guests began to arrive. Packs from neighboring territories streamed into the clearing, greeted warmly by Alpha Cassius and Luna Elena, along with their three children: Slate, the next Alpha of the pack in training; Raven, their middle child who had been mated off to another Alpha from an outer pack, and Ember, their youngest, who, as an omega, found herself more intrigued by the human world than their own.

Ember’s family embraced her and respected her decisions. Knowing she intentionally failed the test, Ember moved at a deliberate pace, almost akin to a human. At times, she found herself yearning for the simplicity of human life, where one’s worth wasn’t solely defined by their title or the pursuit of a mate.

Lost in contemplation, Ember felt her wolf pacing restlessly within her, as if waiting for something. Despite the turmoil, she maintained a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine kindness as she greeted each guest with a hug or a handshake. Her demeanor was both welcoming and sincere, radiating an inviting warmth. When she spotted unfamiliar faces, especially among the younger guests, she took the initiative to introduce herself, extending a friendly hand and a few comforting words to ease any nerves they might have felt in the bustling, festive atmosphere. Her efforts made the newcomers feel at home, even amidst the grandeur and excitement of the gathering.

Julian observed her with growing fascination, his gaze lingering on the petite brunette in the distance. Mate! His wolf stirred within him, driven by an urgent, primal need to claim her. The realization that she was his destined partner hit him like a lightning bolt, and an irresistible magnetic pull drew him closer. Everything about her captivated him—the graceful way she moved, the unique aura she exuded.

Why hasn’t she sensed me yet? His curiosity mingled with his desire, intensifying the moment. He inhaled deeply, savoring her scent—it was intoxicating, a sweet temptation of roses and honey, enveloping his senses. His heart pounded in his chest as he fought the urge to rush over to her, to take her in his arms and never let go.

Each step he took felt deliberate, his predatory instincts sharpening with every second. The crowd around them blurred into insignificance as his focus honed in on her alone. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent electricity crackling between them. He could barely contain the growl of possession rumbling in his chest, his wolf pushing forward, eager to make her theirs.

The closer he got, the stronger the pull became, a force of nature neither of them could deny. His breath hitched as he approached, eyes locked onto her every movement, every subtle gesture. The anticipation was almost unbearable, the moment stretched taut with the promise of something inevitable and life-changing.

Approaching the reception table where the Alpha and his family were greeting guests, Julian's focus narrowed to a single point. The noise of the gathering faded into the background as he came face to face with her. His eyes locked onto his mate, and he walked straight toward her, inhaling her sweet floral scent with every step.

“I am Alpha Attilius,” he introduced himself, his voice steady but tinged with underlying intensity. His eyes hungrily drank in her features as he extended his hand for her to shake.

Her eyes widened in recognition, and he saw a flicker of something—was it curiosity or perhaps a hint of the same magnetic pull he felt? His heart raced, every fiber of his being attuned to her response.

Ember gulped nervously when their eyes locked. Mate! Her whole world spun as her heart raced, her wolf leaping with glee. She reached out and shook Julian's hand, unable to ignore the electric sparks that ignited wherever their skin made contact. Her fingers trembled slightly as they intertwined with his hand, a jolt of energy surging through her.

"My name is Ember, it’s nice to meet you, Alpha Attilius," she managed, her voice slightly shaky as she offered a tight-lipped smile. Her awkwardness was palpable in the air, contrasting sharply with Julian’s composed demeanor. He was the epitome of Prince Charming, with chiseled features, piercing pale gray eyes, and an aura of confidence that irresistibly drew her in. She felt an overwhelming mix of excitement and trepidation, her mind racing with the implications of their meeting.

"It's nice to meet you too, mate," Julian replied, placing deliberate emphasis on the word "mate." His voice was steady, but the intensity in his gaze was undeniable.

Cassius let out the most audible gasp among the collective gasps of his wife and children, visibly taken aback by the unexpected declaration. His gaze darted from his youngest daughter to the Prince of wolves, his expression a mixture of astonishment and disbelief.

Ember's cheeks flushed, a deep crimson spreading across her face. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the significance of his words. She bit her lip, trying to steady her breathing as the reality of the moment settled in.

Julian’s grip on her hand tightened slightly, a silent reassurance that he was just as affected by their connection as she was. The sparks between them seemed to grow, an invisible thread pulling them closer together. Ember couldn’t tear her eyes away from his, captivated by the depths of his gray gaze.

Ember's expression hardened, her hand retracting from Julian's grasp. "Rather late, aren't you?" she retorted coldly, struggling to contain her emotions under the weight of the curious stares directed at her.

Julian chuckled in response to her. "Feisty, I like it," he remarked with a smirk.

"Enjoy the party," Ember replied curtly, rolling her eyes as she attempted to regain control over her body and emotions in the face of Julian's presence.

"I will. Come find me when you're done greeting your guests," Julian suggested, leaning down to place a surprisingly gentle kiss on her cheek—a gesture uncharacteristic of him, yet calculated to soften her defenses.

Ember bit her lip, feeling a stirring of something sensual within her at her mate's unexpected tenderness.

"Ember, are you okay?" Cassius inquired, turning to his daughter, sensing her inner conflict.

"I don't know, Dad. Unlike Raven, I'm not used to this kind of male attention. Not like this. And I don't know that Alpha either," Ember confessed, torn between her natural instincts to mate and the logical voice urging her to proceed with caution.

"My love, he isn't just any Alpha. He's the crown prince," Cassius reminded her gently.

"Dad, I need to get a drink," Ember stated abruptly, her mind reeling from the revelation. With a sense of unease settling over her, she turned and walked into their home, making a beeline for the refreshments table. Cassius watched her with a furrowed brow, recognizing his daughter's inner turmoil and hoping that her encounter with her mate would ultimately bring her happiness, despite her current uncertainty.