EPILOGUE – No More Running
Alpha Female Adlin Rain’s POINT OF VIEW
Yay!© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Seeing my twin brother so happy was the greatest experience of my life. David Gorgio returned to Eclipse Howl a week ago and proudly presented Esmee Clarita as his mate and Luna to the pack. The mark on their necks was clearly visible, it’s official. It was a grand celebration, the pack went wild at the sight of the happy, tanned couple who were clearly very much in love.
And with that, the criticism of Princess Michaela’s rejection was silenced. After my brother’s departure on the night of our anniversary, many voiced their displeasure. The fact that the future Alpha had rejected a Lycan in favor of a half-human was unthinkable. For many, it was a missed opportunity to provide the next Alpha line with a strong bloodline; an Alpha King mix with Lycan traits would be formidable. Humans are supposed to be weak, so Esmee Clarita was opposed out of hand.
But after seeing the couple together, the naysayers disappeared.
To see their future Alpha happy is priceless. His love for his Luna beams in his eyes, Esmee Clarita glows under his gaze. Many are in awe when the two are together, their chemistry is undeniable.
And tonight, Dad hands over his position to David Gorgio.
My brother has been away for more than six weeks, he wanted to spend some time with his mate before they start their duties in the pack. Of course, he understands that the constant attention Esmee Clarita has been seeking for the past few years was a desperate cry for acceptance. And now that he has reassured her, she is less likely to chase after him like a lost pup.
I still haven’t met my mate, by the way. Not that I have bothered to look for him, he will turn up in time. I am still young, so there is no hurry.
The open hall is packed, and of course, the unmated Alphas are out in force again. They don’t miss a chance to find their mate. As a member of the Alpha family, I sit on the stage next to my mother. My two remaining younger sisters sit to her left. The event is more about my father, the Elders and the new Alpha; we are just witnesses to the transfer of leadership.
Proudly I watch as my twin brother, with his mate beside him, repeats the oath the Elder recites to them. Then the Elder cuts his palm, drips the blood into a goblet and repeats it to my father. After the blood is mixed, another elixir is added. David Gorgio and Esmee Clarita drink from the goblet, and immediately a shock goes through the pack link.
Eclipse Howl has new leaders, power has shifted to the next Alpha in line.
A loud cheer erupts, the invited guests leaping to their feet as some of the pack members shift in joy. David Gorgio has the full support of the pack, he is the perfect leader.
Suddenly, a gleaming Maserati pulls up in front of the entrance to the hall, the crest on its body indicating a visit from the Kingdom. The room falls silent, all eyes fixed on the brown-skinned god who steps out confidently. The man buttons his jacket as he stares out into the hall. His eyes are hidden by a few shades, but he soon removes them.
Purposefully, he walks up the aisle and climbs onto the stage.
“Alpha David Gorgio, Luna Esmee Clarita. I am here to convey the congratulations of King Jasper, my uncle. He looks forward to continuing the great leadership of your father and mother. He also offers you a seat on the Council, effective immediately.”
All the pack leaders present gasped in surprise. None of them had seen this coming, especially since David Gorgio had rejected the King’s granddaughter. My brother gratefully accepts. But as the golden Greek god turns to leave the stage, our eyes collide.
A jolt of recognition runs through me, and only now do I realize that it is none other than Hester standing there. The last time I saw the son of Aunt Fiona and Uncle Jace, my father’s Beta, he was only ten years old. He had an unnerving tendency to stare at me until I noticed, then quickly lower his eyes. After that, he moved to the Kingdom and I never saw him again.
Anyway, he has grown into a gorgeous guy who makes my heart beat faster.
‘MATE!’ Cera’s voice echoes in my head. I sat up straight in shock, this was beyond my expectations. I thought I would stay single for a few more years. Now I know why I didn’t find my mate on my birthday, he was in the Kingdom all the time.
Hester walks up to me with a big smile on his face.
“I knew it. When I heard that you hadn’t found your mate on your birthday, it was easy to guess that your wolf was waiting for me, that I was your fated,” he sounds cocky. He holds out a hand for me to put mine in. Then he gently pulls me into his arms.
“Ever since I first saw you, I begged the Moon Goddess to keep you for me. I was still young, but I already knew I wanted you as a mate. That is why I requested the King to take on this task, so that I could meet you again, now that I am eighteen myself,” he smiles broadly.
Stunned, I continued to stare at him, unable to comprehend.
With his arm around my waist, he walks towards my father. The sparks of the mate bond go straight to work, a delicious shiver runs from where our bodies touch to my core.
“Alpha Gorgio, I know how protective you are of your eldest daughter. But I am here to take her with me. I would be happy to have the blessing of you, your mate and the new Alpha”.
Kill me now! If that is not the perfect gentleman, I could fall in love with a thousand times over.
To my surprise, both my father and brother nod in approval. My mother stands there looking overjoyed, her smile spreading from ear to ear.
“Of course, Hester. You’re my Beta’s son, I trust you with my daughter more than anyone”. I blink away a tear, never imagining that my father, who was so emotional at the prospect of my mating, would be so accepting today.
Well, it seems that love softens the hearts of men.
My mate turns to me. “Just get your handbag with your personal items. You can leave your clothes and toiletries, I’ve already replaced them all at the Palace, you won’t need them anymore.”
“The Palace?” Mum’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Yes, I am the King’s Personal Assistant. My title is actually Sir Hester”.
Again, all jaws drop to the floor.
“And now, get your things together, love. The Royal Jet is waiting for us. You have about fifteen minutes before we leave”…