Remember Me, Mate

Chapter 2

Three years later

ZAHRA

“How do I look?”

A light breeze blew through the large windows of my room, making the loose coppery strands of my braided updo swing, just like the long skirt of the baby blue dress I had picked for the occasion. I brought my fingers up to my cheek as I analyzed my reflection in the mirror, shifting my head to the side slowly to make sure the natural makeup I had put on worked well.

Everyone always complimented my beauty, but honestly, it was a little annoying how my delicate, almost ethereal features made me look frail as glass. It couldn’t be further from the truth. I had once been a warrior, and I didn’t like to be perceived as weak, which is why I refrained from wearing too-feminine pieces that would emphasize my innocent appearance. Still, it was almost unavoidable sometimes, especially when we had important guests over.

“You’re beautiful and strong, Zahra. The clothes you wear and what others think of you won’t ever change that,” my wolf replied assertively, almost in a scolding tone. “But since you’re asking, I’d go for the nude lipstick. Pink makes your rosy cheeks stand out more, and I think that’s the opposite of what you want.”

“Right.” I glanced at the two shades of lipstick in my hands, putting the pink one down and using the other one to finalize my look. “Thanks, Holly. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“I would never leave you, girl. No matter what, I’ll always be here for you,” she reassured me before retreating to the depths of my mind.

A smile crossed my lips at her words. It wasn’t uncommon for werewolves to have quarrels with their animal side, but that definitely wasn’t the case with us. Hollyhock and I had clicked from the very moment we met - the day I turned eighteen. Sometimes, I caught myself wondering how I had survived without her until then, and one of my biggest fears was losing her somehow. I didn’t waste a lot of time dreading the possibility though, as it was almost impossible for a wolf to be separated from their human, let alone willingly leave them.

Once I was done getting ready, I left my room and walked towards the door at the end of the hall, where the Alpha should be. The top floor of the pack house was designated for the leader and his family only, but Tyrone had kindly let me take one of the vacant rooms there. I would have to move out and into one of the main square cottages when he found his Luna though, as she would probably want the suite for herself. It was fine by me. I was already grateful for having been welcomed into a pack that I hadn’t been born in.

“Ty? Are you ready?” I asked as I knocked on the door.

“I could use your help, actually. Come in!” he replied from the other side.

As I walked in, I immediately understood what he needed me for. I covered my mouth with my hand to hold in a laugh as my eyes landed on the twenty-seven-year-old man standing in front of the mirror. He seemed to be struggling to fix his tie.

“It’s not funny.” Tyrone tried to frown as he turned to face me, but he ended up laughing instead.

“Really? The fact that the mighty Alpha who rules over one of the most powerful packs in Anadac can’t tie a tie seems pretty funny to me,” I countered wittily. Still, I didn’t hesitate to come to his aid.

“You could say I’m too focused on more important issues to bother with such a frivolous skill.”

“Uh huh. Of course, Alpha.” I rolled my eyes at him as I quickly solved his problem. “There you go.”

“Thank you, Zahra.” He took one last look at his reflection before eyeing me from head to toe. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

I showed him a sweet smile. “How long ‘til our guest arrives?”

“Martin informed me he has just crossed the borders.”

“We should hurry downstairs to greet him then,” I suggested, and he quickly agreed.

By the time we stepped out of the main building, our guest was hopping out of his car. Martin, Scarlet Meadows’ Beta, was already outside. He greeted us with a nod as we waited for the visiting leader and his second-in-command to make their way over to us.

“Alpha Tyrone. Thank you for having us.” The blond man stretched his hand out for Ty to shake.

Alpha Richard of Silver Moon was in his forties. His pack had been an ally to us for over a decade. Five years after the last changes were made to the treaty he had with us, he was back to discuss and renew it. He was a kind man, and also quite powerful, despite his sad past.

Richard had lost his Luna to an attack shortly after their second son was born. The horrible experience took a toll on him at the time, or so I’d heard, but he managed to bounce back from it, probably because he had his pups to give him the strength he needed. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose a mate.

“It’s lovely to see you again, Luna Zahra.” He turned to me, interrupting my thoughts.

“Oh, I’m flattered, Alpha Richard, but I’m no Luna.” I chuckled as I too shook his hand. He blinked a few times, clearly processing my words. I noticed my Alpha stiffen, likely embarrassed by his guest’s mistake.

“Of course, forgive me.” His face fell as he offered me a sad smile. A few seconds later, he went on, “I, uh…heard about what happened. I’m sorry for your-”

“Zahra, my dear, would you mind asking one of the Omegas to prepare some tea for our meeting?” Tyrone squeezed my shoulder lightly, catching my attention.

“No need. I’ll be happy to prepare some myself,” I promptly replied. “Would you like me to take it to your office?”

“Yes, that would be lovely. We’ll be heading there now.”

“Okay. If you’ll excuse me, Alpha Tyrone. Alpha Richard. Beta Martin. Beta Jaxon.” I bowed my head respectfully at the men before turning on my heel.

No one was allowed inside the Alpha’s office during an official business meeting, except for the two highest-ranking members of the packs involved. Still, Ty always asked me to welcome important guests alongside him. He never really explained why, but I had my own theories. The Luna was the heart of a pack, but since we didn’t have one yet, I guess my presence helped visitors feel more comfortable. And as an Alpha’s daughter, I knew how to be a good host.

As I walked into the kitchen, I realized my decision to take care of Tyrone’s request myself had been correct. The staff was running around the place, their hands full preparing lunch for the entire pack. Although I was far from being a good cook, I would often come here to fetch some snacks or organize the week’s menu with the team, so I had no trouble finding the tools I needed. The second I placed them on an empty spot on the counter, someone rushed over to me.