Ryan
I stood there, Clarissa's arms wrapped around my neck, our lips locked in a lingering kiss. I felt her warmth wrap around me, and I pulled her in for another passionate kiss, my hands relaxing on her waist.
"I'm going to miss you," she whispered as we finally pulled away, her eyes locked on mine.
I smiled down at her, my affection for her reflecting in my eyes. "I'll miss you too, babe," I replied, leaning in for one more quick kiss. "But I'll be back soon, and we'll have all the time in the world to spend together."
I knew I hadn't been giving her enough attention lately, and I needed to make up for it.
Clarissa sighed, her hands still resting on my shoulders. "I can't wait," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I'll have to go back home soon because my mother doesn't like the fact that I spend too much time here, so I want to make the most of the time we have left together," she added.
I nodded in understanding, my gaze locked on her face. A surge of warmth filled my chest as I realized just how much I loved her. She was my perfect match—kind, compassionate, and always there for me when I needed her. Ever since I met her, I have been nothing but happy and satisfied with how our relationship is going.
"Don't worry, babe, I'll be back before you know it," I said, giving Clarissa one last hug before turning to leave.
"Take care of yourself while I am away, and do not hesitate to ask any of the servants for help if you need anything. All of them are at your disposal, my love," I remarked, and Clarissa gave me one last kiss on the lips as a sign of agreement.
I could not help but feel excited as I walked toward the door. I had not been to a general pack meeting in a while, and I was looking forward to catching up with the other Alphas so they would stop thinking I was a snob.
Since I had assumed the role of Alpha, the majority of my Alpha friends, especially those in my age group, had completely cut off communication with me. They all believed that I had grown arrogant.
Of course, I knew that wasn't the case, but because I couldn't afford to explain the real reasons why I had chosen to stay low-key, I decided against explaining myself to anyone. I made up my mind that I was willing to remain friends with whoever was willing to accept me back without questions.
I felt excited, but as soon as I stepped outside, ready to get in the car, a strange feeling washed over me—a feeling I couldn't quite place.
I shook it off and made my way to the meeting, my mind filled with thoughts of Clarissa and the time we would spend together when I returned.
*******
I walked into the pack meeting with confidence surging through my veins. As the Alpha of the legendary Crystal Moon pack, I could feel the respect, admiration, fear, and even hatred directed my way.
The room buzzed with energy as I greeted the other Alphas with firm handshakes, making an effort to appear approachable to the members of smaller packs. I wanted them to see beyond the rumors and understand that I wasn't as scary or obnoxious as they believed.
Approaching the meeting room, I spotted Alpha KRyann of the Storm Pack already present. Rumors of the Storm Pack expanding their territory lingered, making me wonder if an alliance was on the agenda.
As I made my way through the Alpha crowd, my gaze was drawn to a young woman standing with Alpha Kavan. Rayna.
The infamous Rayna Storm. My irritation spiked at the sight of her. She had to appear here of all places, precisely at the moment I was about to reclaim my authority.
Rayna and I had been rivals since childhood, constantly at odds, always trying to outdo one another despite belonging to different packs. I found her insufferable and couldn't stand the thought of dealing with her during the meeting.
I couldn't fathom why Rayna was here; this gathering was meant for Alphas, and she was not one. As I took my seat, I noticed her glaring at me from across the room. Our mutual dislike was evident in her gaze. I met her glare with equal intensity, silently challenging her to try and outshine me.
The meeting kicked off, with each Alpha discussing their pack's current state and challenges faced. I paid close attention, mentally noting anything valuable for my own pack. Yet, every time I glanced at Rayna, an inexplicable sensation washed over me. It felt oddly familiar, mixed with confusion—a feeling I couldn't quite grasp.
I dismissed it, attributing the odd sensation to my disdain for Rayna. However, as the meeting concluded and Alphas began mingling, I found myself strangely drawn to her, unable to explain the magnetic pull she seemed to have on me.
I hated the fact that I kept finding myself unconsciously drawn to her. It reached a point where I couldn't concentrate on mingling with the other Alphas any longer. Swallowing my pride, I decided it was time to confront this strange pull I felt towards Rayna.
Approaching her, my eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And what exactly are you doing here, Rayna?" I asked, my voice laced with hostility.
Rayna raised an eyebrow, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I could ask you the same thing," she replied, crossing her arms over her chest and staring back at me as if I had lost my mind for daring to approach.
"This meeting is for Alphas, and I'm one, but you're not. So, why are you here?" I retorted, trying to focus on my train of thought despite my mind being in disarray.
I felt a jolt of surprise as I kept looking at her, unable to tear my eyes away. Something about her had changed—there was a newfound confidence in her stance, and I couldn't help but feel a strange attraction towards her, which was very unlike me, considering I had always disliked her intensely.
"It seems you're forgetting that I'm an Alpha's daughter, Alpha Ryan, and I'm also going to be the next Alpha after him. I have every right to be here," Rayna responded, maintaining a fierce eye contact that seemed to pierce through me in a way it never had before.
As we stood there, staring at each other, a strange sensation began to fill my body. It was a feeling I couldn't quite place—a sense of longing mixed with confusion.
My wolf kept calling out to her, and in a moment of clarity, the truth hit me.
Rayna was my mate.
The revelation hit me like a thunderbolt, and I staggered back a step, my eyes widening in shock. Rayna appeared equally stunned, her mouth falling open in surprise as if the realization had also just crashed into her.
"What in the world is going on right now, Ryan?" she asked, remarkably calmer than I felt.
I shook my head, unable to find the words to explain the whirlwind of emotions inside me. Everything had changed in an instant, and I had no clue how to process it.
I was shocked, confused, and slightly annoyed, but above all, I knew the best thing I could do was remain silent and try to stay composed.
As the other Alphas started to take notice of our exchange, I realized I had to leave. I excused myself with a curt bow and made my way out of the meeting, my mind swirling with confusion and a fierce, unexpected desire.
I had always believed Clarissa was my destined mate, given the intense feelings I had for her. Now, faced with the possibility that I had been wrong all along, I found it incredibly hard to accept. To add to the turmoil, my true mate turned out to be someone I had always despised, which only intensified my frustration.
I stepped outside the meeting room and stood there, trying to collect my thoughts. My mind was racing with a million questions and doubts, and I had no idea how to deal with this new reality. The only thing I could be sure of was that my life would never be the same.