His Fallen Mate (Elemental Series #1)

Every end of the year, Dane Storm from the Lunar Pack, together with his Alpha of a father, will always attend the Red Howl Pack's party, the werewolves' highest official pack. It had become the werewolves' tradition and their way of celebrating their all-year victory. Pack's from all over the world would come just to attend and pay respect to the head. "Dane, remember what I told you, okay?" his father uttered, reminding him of his all-time disciplinarian attitude. Dane looks up to his father, Kito. He admires him as a leader and how he rules the entire pack. He was raised and groomed to be the next Alpha of the Lunar Pack. His father had already trained him since he was a child in order for him to become invincible and powerful. Despite his frigid demeanor, there is one girl who can easily soften his tough exterior and the only person who can boss him around—the second daughter of Alpha Maal, the werewolf's leader of leaders. From that on, Dane's favorite month of the year had been December, since he could see his favorite girl. "Yes, daddy. To behave and not make a mess," the young Dane said as they both got into the car. Their pack is one of the few in the werewolf domain that does not have a Luna. Dane's mother died when he was three years old, and his father refused to have another mate and decided to govern the pack alone. His father, in his perspective, is emotionally and physically powerful, which is why he respects him so much. Most Alphas who had lost their first mate chose to have a second mate, such as Alpha Maal. Although either way, he did not view his father as superior to those who opted to have another mate. Dane knows it was just a matter of choices, and every decision is valid. When they arrived, the grand gate of the Red Howl Pack's entrance automatically opened after a few minutes. Dane has been there for five years, and it never ceases to fascinate him. The house's facade, as well as its interior, exude elegance and riches. There's no doubt that the place is the home of the almighty head council. "Daneeee, you're finally here," the little girl in her princessy red gown ran towards him and offered a hug the moment they stepped inside the event hall. On the other hand, his father, who knew exactly what would happen, went straight to the other Alpha's. "Hey, careful. Don't run next time, okay? Or I won't come here again," he muttered in a protective manner. The head council's second daughter had become so close to his heart, and he didn't want her to get hurt. She's too precious to be hurt, at least not on his watch. "Yes, sir." The little girl offered a salute and laughed afterward. Surprisingly, the scene made his heart skip a beat. As a ten-year-old boy, Dane isn't too oblivious to grown-up themes. He understands the distinction between love and like, but the feeling he is experiencing at the moment is foreign to him. He averted his gaze and cleared the lump in his throat, attempting to calm his erratic emotions. "Dane, are you okay?" He immediately froze when the little girl's hand made contact with his arm. He suddenly felt unease, but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable. Dane breathed a large amount of air before facing the little girl who looked worried about him. "Yes, I'm okay?" he said, trying to plaster a smile on his blank face. "Okay, can we play now?" He nodded in approval at her request. Every time he visited their place, he played with this 7-year-old stubborn girl who always had ways to boss him around instead of playing with boys his age. "Ember, your father, is looking for you," one of the maidservants approached them with sweat all over her face. "Why? Tell him I'm busy," the little girl replied, still holding his hand. The maidservant heaved a sigh, shaking her head at Ember's stubbornness. Dane noticed the fear that crossed the woman's eyes when Ember started to play fire on her hand. This is the reason why no one had the guts to force the little girl when she says no because she can literally burn everyone with just a snap of her little fingers. "Why don't you go to your dad, Emfri, then let's play afterward," Dane uttered, trying to control the little girl's temper. "No, let's play; otherwise, I'll burn those pesky visitors!" Dane turns to face the maidservant and tells her to go. The more they press Ember to do what they want, the more obstinate she becomes. He knows the girl isn't going to bluff and that if they keep pushing her, she'll burn everyone. "Father is so annoying. If I know, he'll just let me meet those bastard sons of weird Alpha's," Ember murmured just enough for Dane to hear as they made their way towards their indoor playground on the third floor. Ember, the hybrid daughter of the head council, is expected to have many admirers. Not only is the little girl powerful, but her beauty is also divine, akin to that of a deity. It was especially surprising that of all the alpha sons she met three years ago, only he had the opportunity to get close to her. It's almost as if he was destined to be a part of her life. "Dane-y, do you know how to ice skate? My father built me a new skateboarding arena. Wanna try?" Dane is at a loss for words since he has no idea how to handle the situation. If he falls in front of her, it will be an embarrassment. Being the man that he is, that would undoubtedly smash his ego. "Uh, maybe next time, Emfri. Let's play the usual," he said, taking the safest option. Now Dane has a reason to learn skateboarding so that he can play with her without losing his cool when he returns. "Okay," the little girl responded while getting two remote controls and two toy trucks. They tend to do car racing every December or any kind of game that can be played using a controller. "Ready?" Dane was about to say his reply when the playground door opened, and the little girl's mother was birthed out from it. He was held frozen when he saw Ember's mother with her usual cold expression. It never changed. He still feared this woman. Not because she is Ember's mother, but because she exudes such power and authority. "Mother?" Ember uttered, surprised, and fear was visible in her voice. Dane knows that Luna Phyra is the only person Ember feared. "What did I tell you, Ember? Did you not obey your father again?" the woman muttered in a bland voice. On the other hand, Ember just pouted out with hands clasped together. "I don't like to be surrounded by ugly creatures. I hate their smells, mother. I'd rather play with Dane here." Dane noticed how the Luna's brows were raised. Her daughter doesn't know how to filter her words. She will say what's on her head, and that's what gets her into trouble. She's so straightforward, and her words could definitely skin you alive— so honest and brutal that your self-esteem would crumble at one blow. She's that kind of girl. "Dane, can you come with us? Next month would be her older sister's wedding, and other people wanted to meet her," Luna Phyra said while looking at him. Ember's mother knows that wherever he goes, Ember will be there as well. "Yes, Luna," he replied. "But...Dane-y what about our play?" the little girl asked, holding his right hand while the controller was still on her right hand. "We still have a lot of time. After you show yourself to them, you can then excuse yourself," he responded. "Fine!" The Luna smiled at him as she made her way back to the party. While Dane waits for Ember, who puts the toys back in their proper place. She had agreed, but her face screamed otherwise. Her every movement is harsh and involuntary, as though she doesn't want to leave the playground. "Smile, Ember, or else people will think I did something wrong to you," Dane muttered, watching the little girl get emotional as if she was about to cry. "I told you I hate going to crowded places, and their smells are too bad for my nose. I really hate this," she complained before pouting again. "Just think that this is for your older sister's sake, okay?" "Yeah, whatever. Let's get this done fast." Dane messed Ember's hair before they descended the long staircase. "Dane-y, do you know that when I grow up, I'll marry the Fire Emperor's son in Novoland, where my mother lives? I only met him once, but I really hate his guts. He is so full of himself even though he is ugly," the little girl spoke in disgust, then rolled her eyes. It's amusing how her crimson orbs dilate whenever she's angry or pissed. "I wish I could marry my mate, not someone that I'm just arranged for. I want a wedding like my older sister, not set up," she added with a sigh. As if the future really worries her. Although just the thought of Ember marrying another person annoys him too. Dane might be too young to think about the future and to think about love, but he utters something so unexpected. "Don't worry, when I grow up, I'm going to marry you."