The Alpha's Burden

Chapter 3 - Mates

Alpha Zack POV

We arrive at the venue, and you could feel the tension in the air. Everyone was excited but nervous at the same time. All were wondering what tonight would bring to them. The reality was the Moon Goddess only brought us fated mates when the time was right. I had trusted the Moon Goddess and now I was about to be rewarded for that trust.

We stood around our vehicles while everyone chatted. I could see other Packs had arrived ahead of us. As was tradition, each Pack was introduced before they entered the celebration hall. The hosting Pack was already present, leaving me incredibly tense knowing on the other side of that door held my mate.

As we were the biggest Pack, we were introduced last. As the Packs filed in, I could feel Ken, my wolf, getting more excited. “It is almost time,” he says as if he cannot contain his excitement either. We reach the entrance to the hall, and I start sniffing. I cannot smell that sweet scent yet. But I would soon enough, I trust.

As I take my step forward with my warriors immediately behind me, the Alpha and Luna graciously shake my hand welcoming me to the Mated Gala. I smile and thank them, wondering where their daughter is. I had heard she was a spoiled brat, and clearly not being present to welcome her guests was a demonstration of her selfishness.

I move forward allowing the Alpha and Luna to welcome the remaining members of my Pack. We had the largest group of wolves participating this year and I was proud of every single one of them. They were fine representations of our Pack. I did not limit who could participate. If you were of age and expressed interest in attending, you were welcome.

As we move forward, there is an Elder who clears his throat and announces us, “It gives me great pleasure to present our final Pack – the Red Moon Pack led by Alpha Zack,” he says as there are cheers. Cheers for the largest Pack arriving and cheers that the festivities will now begin.

I turn to my Pack, “Have fun!” I wish them all as we head towards our designated tables. I turn expecting to watch the Alpha and Luna follow us in, but they remain at the door, clearly mind-linking someone. Before I turn away, I catch the faint scent of sunshine mixed with spring rain. My favourite scents.

I look around the room quickly scanning for that connection. I can sense the individual getting closer, almost as if they were seeking me out, but it is just beyond my fingertips. I turn slowly but there is nobody stepping forward. As if in a trance I watch the Alpha and Luna as they are smiling at the doorway. Before I can turn to start looking once again, I catch the scent stronger now.

As I watch the entrance I take a slow step forward. I can feel someone else moving forward, but I ignore them, caught up in my own story. And then I caught a glimpse of her. My mate. As I expected, she is stunning. Dark hair cascading down her back in perfect waves. Her milky complexion begging me to touch it.

I could see she was catching my scent. She suddenly smiles and her parents give her a gentle nudge forward. She looks into the crowd and smiles as she eagerly comes forward. Assuming she is coming to me, I see her looking at someone else. She runs towards the other person who had been moving forward the same time I had been.

What the hell? My mate was going to someone else!

Kristine POV

Apologizing profusely to my parents at my late arrival, I catch the scent of vanilla mixed with coffee. My favourite scents, which I would expect nothing less than from the Moon Goddess. It was happening. Dan was my mate and tonight I would become his. I was vibrating with excitement.

My parents could tell something was happening, and they refrained from scolding me for being late. The give me a gentle nudge but I need no encouragement. I see Dan standing in front of me. Carefully I walk down the stairs onto the hall floor. Before I can stop myself, I lunge into Dan’s arms.

I hear a growl, but I ignore it, assuming someone else had also found their fated mate. I inhaled deeply but as I did, I realized the scent coming from Dan was not the delicious vanilla and coffee scent I had smelled moments ago. What is happening? He smells like tobacco and cheap drugs. My nose turns up involuntarily, as I take a small step back.

“What is wrong baby? I know we are not mates, but we can still be together. We can be chosen mates,” Dan says as he pulls me closer to his body. I look at him and realize he is right. He is the one I want. I love Dan and I need him in my life. I could get past his scent, for love. Right?

But before I can think any more on it, someone pulls me back around and into his arms. “Mate!” I hear him say as my wolf, Lynne, forces the words from my mouth as well, “Mate!” she calls out. I feel betrayed by my wolf, and by the Moon Goddess. How could this be happening? How could I feel anything for this man when my entire being wanted Dan.

I hear Dan growl behind me and my fated mate slowly lifts his head from my neck, growling in return at Dan. He is a strong Alpha, and I can clearly see he will fight to the death for me. I needed to shut this down quickly, so nobody got hurt. I see my parents coming forward, concern etched on their faces.

“Alpha Zack? What is going on?” my father asks cautiously. Alpha Zack’s attention is not taken from me, “I am proud to say I have found my fated mate. Please introduce me to this beautiful, young woman,” Zack replies. Clearing his throat my father excitedly makes introductions, “I am very proud to introduce you to my daughter, Kristine; her family and friends call her Kris.”.

“Kristine,” Zack says as if feeling out my name on his tongue and liking that feeling. He takes both my hands and pulls me slightly closer to him. The shocks bouncing between us are incredible. I had not felt these when Dan touched me and for a moment, I had doubts about Dan.

But then I remembered I loved Dan. I did not love this stranger. I needed to end this now, before things got worse. “I, Kristine, of the Oak Point Pack reject you Alpha Zack,” I say calmly. I can feel my heart breaking into a million pieces, knowing this went against the desires of the Moon Goddess. But I had to follow my heart. And my heart belonged to Dan.