The car rolled to a stop in front of the grand estate, the glow of the pack house illuminating the night. Music and laughter drifted through the air, an unwelcome reminder of the festivities I'd agreed to attend.
As the car door opened I stepped out, my sharp gaze taking in the scene before me. The front lawn was filled with elegantly dressed werewolves, their conversations blending into a meaningless hum. I already felt the irritation settling in my chest especially at the half naked ladies almost everywhere.
Adrian climbed out behind me, his usual calm demeanor intact. He clapped a hand on my shoulder. "This isn't so bad Damien. Try to relax. Remember, this is about politics."
I shot him a cold glance but didn't reply. Relaxing wasn't in my nature, especially not in a crowded setting like this, it only made me more irritated.
We made our way to the entrance, the crowd parting instinctively as I passed. My presence alone was enough to silence conversations and draw respectful bows. I wasn't here to mingle or make friends, and they knew it. I could hear the whispers as I passed "oh my goodness! What is the lycan King doing here, does Alpha Kieran have such a close relationship with him" one lady whispered
"I thought he couldn't come out ever since you know what happened...." Someone responded
"Don't say another word, do you want to lose your life for talking nonsense" another lady intervened. Damien had it all but he was in no mood for anything. This only made his annoyance grow.
Adrian leaned in slightly. "Smile a little. You're scaring them."
"Good," I muttered stepping inside.
The atmosphere of the hall hit me like a wave, the overpowering scents of perfume and food, the clinking of glasses and the endless chatter. My irritation deepened, but then something unexpected happened.
My heart stuttered, the rhythm faltering for a moment before accelerating.
My wolf stirred, restless in a way I hadn't felt in years. The air shifted, carrying a scent so intoxicating it was almost overwhelming. Vanilla and strawberry - sweet, warm, and utterly captivating.
I froze, my eyes narrowing as I scanned the room trying to find the source of the smell. My wolf's voice echoed in my mind, filled with a raw, desperate energy I hadn't heard since the day I lost her. I knew this feeling all too well, But did it mean I had ....
"MATE".
The word reverberated through me, shaking the foundation of my carefully constructed walls.
Adrian noticed my hesitation. "Damien?" he asked, his tone laced with concern. "What's wrong?"
I didn't answer, my focus entirely on the scent. It was faint but persistent, tugging at something primal within me. My wolf growled urging me to move, to find her.
I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. "Nothing," I said curtly, though my voice betrayed the turmoil inside me.
Adrian gave me a skeptical look but didn't press further. "If you say so."
I took a deep breath, trying to regain control but the scent only grew stronger, pulling me deeper into the crowd. My eyes scanned the faces around me, searching for the source.
I didn't know who she was but I already felt the bond calling to me, the connection forming even before I'd seen her. It was maddening.
As we moved through the hall, I caught glimpses of the pack's leadership. Alpha Kieran stood near the head of the room, surrounded by high-ranking wolves. As his eyes settled on me, his face gave off a surprising look before breaking into a happy smile. He came forward and greeted us with a stiff nod, his expression carefully neutral but failing as it was clear how excited he was.
"Welcome Lycan King," he said, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of those nearby. "It's an honor to have you here. I wasn't sure if you'd accept our invitation but I'm truly honored to have you here" he continued in his loud voice and I know clearly what was happening, many had tried to use my name for their social connection and me being here is gonna make headlines for Kieran.
I nodded once, acknowledging his words but not engaging further. I wasn't here for pleasantries and he knew it.
Adrian stepped forward exchanging the necessary formalities on my behalf. I barely listened, my focus still consumed by the scent. It was closer now, tantalizingly close.
Kieran gestured toward the crowd. "My youngest daughter Daisy, is the reason for this celebration. Perhaps you'll have the opportunity to meet her later. She'd be pleased to know you're here"
I didn't respond or look in the direction he pointed, my wolf growling in frustration. I needed to move, to follow the scent before it faded. And I'm sure my emotions didn't hide from my face.
Adrian glanced at me, his brow furrowed. "Damien, are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes," I said shortly, stepping away from the conversation. "I need a moment."
Without waiting for a response, I moved toward the edge of the room, where the crowd thinned. The scent was stronger here, wrapping around me like a siren's call.
As I followed the invisible thread, my heart pounded in my chest. The bond was undeniable, a pull so strong it left no room for doubt. I wasn't imagining this. She was here.
Turning a corner, I caught sight of a woman near the kitchen entrance. Her back was to me, but even from this distance, I felt the connection. My wolf howled in my mind, desperate to claim her, to pull her close and never let go.
She was different from anyone else in the room. While the others were adorned in finery clothes, she wore a simple dress that didn't match the grandeur of the occasion. Yet she seemed to outshine them all.
Her long, blonde hair fell in waves down her back and the way she moved - graceful but hesitant, it captivated me. She seemed out of place and I couldn't understand why.
But none of that mattered. She was mine.
Before I could take another step, the crowd shifted blocking my view. Frustration surged through me, and I fought the urge to shove them aside.
"Damien," Adrian's voice cut through the haze, and I turned to see him watching me with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "What's going on? What are you looking at"
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. "I need to step outside," I said, my voice tight.
Adrian frowned but nodded. "Alright. I'll cover for you."
Without another word, I turned and headed for the exit. The cool night air hit me as I stepped outside, grounding me.
I leaned against the wall, running a hand through my hair. My wolf was pacing, growling, demanding to return to the hall, to find her.
Mate. She's ours. Find her.
The words were a constant refrain in my mind, each one sharper than the last.
I closed my eyes, the scent still lingering in my senses. I had to find her. There was no other option.