BLAZE

I glanced behind me and spotted my father, a wine glass held in his right hand, observing me. He possessed a notorious stern expression that often intimidated others, but not me.

Facing him, I took a drag from the cigarette lodged between my index and middle finger before uttering a few words.

"Are you here to tell me that you want to pass on the throne to me without any conditions?" My father gazed at me with disappointment and let out a sigh. It irked me, but I concealed my true feelings.

"Why don't you grow up, Blaze? Your mother and I won't always be there to shield you," he remarked, joining me and gazing at the stars. I scoffed.

"I know. But you should also know that I have no desire to get married. So why are you so insistent on arranging a marriage for me?" My father locked eyes with me, his breath heavy.

"You're at the age where you should assume the role of the pack's Alpha, and a chosen Luna would assist you in caring for the pack. I don't want the burden of pack responsibilities to weigh on you while you manage the company," he explained.

It was the first time I witnessed my father in such a vulnerable state.

"I understand..." I pondered my emotions in response. It felt as though there was more to this situation than met the eye. Something lingered beneath the surface.

"I don't care who you select as your Luna. Whether they're of lower rank or even an omega, it makes no difference to me. I simply want you to get married and settle down," my father stated.

Our eyes met, and I recognized the familiarity in his gaze, mirroring my own. Letting out a sigh, I stubbed out the cigarette on the stone railing of the balcony and departed.

Leaving the mansion behind, I embarked on a stroll. My father's announcement and his words continued to weigh heavily on my mind.

‘Seek a bride? If I were to embark on such a quest, it would likely take me numerous days, if not years, to find my true mate!’

"I can sense it, Blaze! Our mate is just close by," Knoxx exclaimed with excitement, but I couldn't share the same sentiment.

"Are you certain about it Knoxx? Finding my soulmate could take months or even years. Worse yet, she might not even be alive," I grumbled, feeling Knoxx's disagreement through our bond.

"No, I'm certain she's nearby. I felt it, although it was faint. Perhaps she hasn't realized we're destined mates yet!" Knoxx insisted.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. ‘Whatever.’

If she comes, both of us will know. The moon goddess will reveal it. I lost track of time, but when I encountered a pack member, they smiled at me.

"Congratulations Mr. Blaze Dawson," they said. I nodded and continued walking past them. As I distanced myself, a frown creased my brow.

"It seems the news has already reached the pack members," I remarked to Knoxx. He shrugged nonchalantly.

"It's bound to happen. After all, you're the heir and the strongest wolf in the pack," he explained. I shook my head, trying not to dwell on it.

Many pack members congratulated me, but I brushed them off. Their well-wishes didn't sit well with me. Then I overheard two betas conversing.

"I heard the Alpha is planning a ball for the heir," the female beta said, crossing her arms.

"Oh, really? I heard the same. It seems the Alpha wants to find a partner, rather a wife for the heir. Do you think we might have a chance?" another female beta giggled.

I rolled my eyes as I know I have standards. ‘I'm not desperate to choose just anyone besides my mate!’

"Damn it!" I had no idea about this ball they were discussing. I needed to speak with my mother about it.

I returned to the mansion to find her, but she wasn't in her room. ‘Where could she be?’

Then I spotted an omega cleaning the windows. I called out to her.

"You," I exclaimed. The omega turned and immediately averted her gaze onto me. I approached her.

"What do you need, heir?" she asked. I sighed, adopting a stern expression.

"Where is my mother?" I inquired. She gestured towards the east wing with her arm.

"She's in the drawing room, heir. She mentioned working on her embroidery." Without wasting any time, I left and headed to the drawing room, where I found my mother engrossed in her peaceful activities. I approached her.

"Mother, what is this I've heard? Father is organizing a ball? For what? For whom?" I demanded. My mother looked at me and let out a sigh.

"Yes, it's been decided. For you, son. And like we’ve mentioned, it's for your own good," she responded. I ran my hands through my hair, staring at her with anger.

"Do you know about all of father's plans, mother?" I questioned.

She averted her gaze and remained silent. I was beyond angry, I was furious!

Why couldn't they just let me handle things as though time wasn't running out? Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave when my mother called out to me.

"Where are you going, Blaze?" she asked. I scoffed at her.

"Away from all of you!" I snapped. I left the mansion to calm my nerves. If I didn't leave, I would unleash chaos inside. I made my way to the back forest, stripped off my clothes, and prepared to run with Knoxx.

"Knoxx, take over! I need to get out of here!" I instructed.

Closing my eyes, I embraced my shift. I felt my bones break and reform, transforming into my wolf form. Opening my eyes, I darted out of the mansion's grounds. I needed to run, to clear my head and think.

"Where shall we go?" Knoxx asked. Only one place came to mind.

"To La Selena Lake," I replied. Knoxx nodded and raced towards our destination. It was the perfect spot to bask under the moonlight.

When I was young, I was told that La Selena Lake was the dwelling place of the Moon Goddess, although no one had ever proven it.

The first time I shifted into my wolf form, I visited the lake for a soothing soak. As I arrived, I allowed Knoxx to lead.

I took in the breathtaking scenery—the lake's water mirroring the sky. I leaped into the lake and chose not to return to my human form.

The serene waters calmed me as I swam around, and then I noticed someone on the other side of the lake—a woman.

‘What was she doing here?’ I was curious.

‘Could she not hear me?’ I contemplated approaching her and reverting to my human form, but before I could act, someone called out to me.

"Sir Blaze!" They called. It was the mansion's guards and the beta warriors. I rolled my eyes.

"Your mother requested us to bring you back," they informed me.

I glanced at where the woman had been, but then decided to comply and accompany them. The woman's tranquility was disrupted, so I followed them. I don’t want to cause her trouble.

‘Would I have the chance to meet her again?’

VIDA

“Argh! What’s more to deal with?”

Another exhausting day had passed, and I despised the fact that Roxanne had caught me eavesdropping and decided to beat me up for it.

The upcoming party at the Alpha's mansion was just a few days away, and although I couldn't attend, the mere thought of catching a glimpse of the Alpha's son made my heart race with excitement.

I knew I had to calm down and regain my composure.

"Ahh! It hurts!" I exclaimed, clutching my stomach where Roxanne had relentlessly kicked me earlier.

If I were an average person, I was certain I would have suffered from internal organ bleeding.

In a peculiar way, I found myself grateful for my half-werewolf nature, even though my wolf hadn't fully emerged yet. With a sigh, I acknowledged the need for some relaxation.

Hence, after finishing my work, I made up my mind to visit La Selena Lake.

Legends claimed it was the abode of the Moon Goddess, and in all honesty, I believed there was some truth to those tales.

Whenever I immersed myself in the waters of La Selena Lake, it felt as if the Moon Goddess herself was soothing my pain, worries, and troubles.

With my body aching all over, I strolled toward the lake at a leisurely pace, contemplating why Roxanne harbored such intense animosity toward me when I hadn't done anything to provoke her.

After a half-hour trek, I finally reached the breathtaking scenery of La Selena Lake—lush greens, towering trees, and a gentle breeze that provided solace to my weary soul.

"If only I could build a house in this idyllic place and experience this tranquility every day," I murmured with a smile.

Gazing at the calm and crystal-clear lake waters, I marveled at their beauty and serenity. Encouraged by the inviting atmosphere, I decided to take a dip.

Methodically, I removed my clothes, neatly folding them for later use and stowing them in my bag. Testing the water with my feet, I found it to be the perfect temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.

With that assurance, I stepped into the lake, embracing my nudity, and settled on a stone near the bank, where I had placed my belongings.

As I closed my eyes, it felt as if I was merging with the water, experiencing an unparalleled sense of relaxation.

A blissful smile crossed my face when I realized that the lake water was indeed alleviating the pain that had burdened me earlier.

"Ah! Heaven! This is truly incredible..."

Gazing into the reflective waters, I noticed a cut on my lips and I instinctively touched it. “Ouch!”

Perhaps Roxanne had inflicted it during her slap earlier. I let out a sigh. This wasn't the first time I had acquired such bruises.

Sometimes, when my auntie's husband, Uncle Flavio, returned home under the influence of alcohol, he would subject me to his brutal beatings until he was satisfied.

And sometimes, when Auntie is not around, he’d do more terrible things like touching my private parts, which is really disgusting.

As for Auntie Olivia, she never intervened, and my cousins, who witnessed my torment, remained silent. I didn't expect them to come to my aid. For them, I am not a family.

"But I still hope and I yearn to be loved someday," I whispered with a melancholic smile, averting my gaze.

Just as I was about to swim away, the sound of footsteps reached my ears. My senses had been on high alert.

I quickly hid and surveyed the area to identify the source. To my surprise, I spotted some familiar-looking guards from the mansion, drenched and unclothed.

“Sir Blaze!”

‘Blaze? The Alpha's son was here? Why hadn't I heard his arrival or sensed his presence?’

"What is he doing here?" I questioned myself, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Blaze was here while I was swimming? Did he see me naked?" The thought flushed my cheeks, but I quickly brushed it aside. Perhaps I was just imagining things, and he hadn't caught a glimpse of me.

One of the guards informed Blaze, “Young Master, your mother has requested for your presence,'" I observed. I watched as Blaze let out a sigh and briefly glanced back before nodding in response.

"Fine. Whatever, let’s go!" Blaze muttered before departing with them.

Confusion engulfed me. ‘Why did he look back? Could it be that he had actually seen me?’

Shaking my head, I realized it wasn't the right time to dwell on such thoughts. ‘What if someone came back and discovered me here?’

The memory of Sonia's warnings about the unfortunate she-wolves who admired Blaze sent a shiver down my spine.

"I think it's best if I leave," I whispered to myself, gathering my belongings and hurriedly getting dressed.

Once everything was in order, I dashed away without a pause until I reached my auntie's house, gasping for breath.

Thoughts of Blaze and the expression on his face consumed my mind. It seemed as if he had noticed me.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, but I pushed those thoughts away. A part of me hoped he hadn't recognized me, while another part secretly wished that he had.

After catching my breath, I entered the house and noticed Auntie Olivia holding a notebook.

"Auntie, I’m home," I announced, only to be met with a scowl from Auntie.

"Where were you? Why did you just come home now? Do you know what time is it?" she inquired, her tone accusatory. I lowered my gaze.

"Uhm... I..." I trailed off, knowing that Auntie wouldn't care to listen. I braced myself for her anger, but to my surprise, she simply walked away.

I felt a mixture of shock and disbelief. Normally, she would have lashed out at me immediately.

"Vida, the Alpha's family is hosting a grand party for the heir in a few days. You need to be prepared because I will pass on all the knowledge and recipes I have made exclusively for the Alpha's family," my auntie informed me.

I blinked rapidly, as my heart filling with happiness. Auntie was going to teach me everything I needed to know about the Alpha's preferences. Perhaps, at times, I could cook the dishes the heir enjoyed.

"Okay, Auntie. I understand," I replied. I noticed a twitch in her right eyebrow as she looked away, jotting down notes in her small booklet.

I couldn't help but smile before heading to my room in the attic, excitedly settling down on my bed.

My heart raced at the thought of the heir. ‘Would Blaze remember me once he saw me up close?’

BLAZE

I've been in a terrible mood since yesterday. I haven't been talking to my mother or father because they're too preoccupied with the party preparations, which they claim is for my sake. But it's far from enjoyable.

"Hello, young heir," greeted a delegate's daughter with a smile. I nodded and glanced at her from head to toe.

I couldn't say I was impressed with her appearance. She reminded me of the women I've encountered before, just like the ones I had casual encounters with—no strings attached.

I moved on and greeted another woman, but the spark was absent. I let out a grunt.

‘Why do I have to go through this?’ I looked at my animated father and mother engrossed in conversation with others. Shaking my head, I decided to escape the small gathering and retreat to my room.

Once inside, I sighed and collapsed onto my bed, feeling the exhaustion in my body. Being around those pretentious people was suffocating. I shook my head, hoping my mother wouldn't come looking for me because I had fulfilled my obligations.

"Damn it! I want to escape this hellhole!" I whispered with frustration, letting out a sigh. However, my thoughts drifted towards the woman I had seen yesterday.

Although I hadn't seen her face clearly, I knew she was beautiful. My heart yearned for her as if I wanted to hold her in my arms. I envisioned her face and body in my hands.

"Ha! You've got a boner," Knoxx giggled, interrupting my thoughts. I frowned and glanced down, realizing it was true. I rubbed my temples, feeling the tightness in my pants.

"Shut up, Knoxx!" I snapped, deciding to ignore him. I went to fetch some alcohol from my collection in the room. I grabbed a bottle of whiskey malt, opened it, and drank straight from the bottle.

The liquid provided a temporary sense of calmness. The taste and warmth of the malt lingered in my throat.

"Hey, are you okay?" Knoxx inquired, but I didn't respond. I could feel the alcohol starting to take effect, making me slightly tipsy. Then, the woman by the lake came to mind.

"I want to see her," I whispered, downing the alcohol and leaving my room. I left the mansion, heading towards La Selena Lake, hoping to find the woman there.

Upon arrival, I noticed someone sitting near the lake's banks. Due to the alcohol in my system, her face appeared blurred. However, I knew she was the woman I had seen yesterday. I rushed to her side and embraced her.

"What-" she began to speak, but I silenced her with a kiss.

The sensation of holding her in my arms overwhelmed me. There was an electrifying excitement, as if she was the missing piece to my incomplete self.

I desired her intensely. I wanted to merge with her, to teach her how to kiss until she mastered it. Her already sweet lips became even more enticing. She didn't resist me.

"Shh, trust me and just be with me," I whispered in her ear, planting butterfly kisses on her neck and collarbones.

What was that intoxicating scent of lilies emanating from her? It intensified the intoxication I was already feeling.

Despite not seeing her face clearly, I knew she was the most stunning person I had ever encountered.

"I-I…O-Okay," she stammered, her breath hitching as I slid my hands inside her clothes and gently squeezed her right breast.

A moan escaped her lips, causing a smirk to play on mine. Her moans were like music to my ears. I didn't want to continue here; I needed to take her somewhere more private.

That's when I remembered the cottage near the lake, and I led her there.

Once we got inside, I passionately kissed her, as if wanting to etch myself into every part of her being.

One by one, I removed her clothes while peppering kisses on every inch of skin my lips could reach. I guided her to the bed, feeling her tremble in my embrace. I undressed myself, revealing my naked body, which only heightened the allure and sexiness of the moment.

"Oh my..." a whisper escaped her lips, followed by a moan. I could feel her wetness, a clear invitation for me to explore her depths.

It was enticing, nearly driving me to the edge of my sanity. This was undoubtedly the most pleasurable encounter I had ever experienced.

"I'm going in..." I whispered, locking eyes with her as she nodded in agreement.

Without further words, I pushed my erect and hardened member inside her. I winced slightly as she was incredibly tight, indicating that it was likely her first time.

"Ah... It hurts!" she squeaked, her nails digging into my back. I gazed at her, concern evident in my eyes.

"Relax, take a deep breath," I whispered soothingly. She nodded, doing her best to relax.

Once she ceased clenching around me, I carefully thrust inside her again, successfully penetrating fully.

I allowed her a moment to catch her breath before whispering once more, "I'm going to start moving." Without waiting for her response, I began to thrust inside her, creating a rhythm of pleasure and desire. “Fuck!”

"Ah... Oh... p-please… be gentle," she cried out. I panted as I continued thrusting into her. But I couldn't comply with her request.

She felt incredibly snug and tight around me, unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

"I'm sorry, my dear. But I can't control myself. I can’t help but fuck you hard," I whispered, the only sounds in the cottage being our shared moans and groans.

It was an exhilarating moment. After a few more thrusts, I reached my climax, releasing every last drop of my essence inside her.

Both of us were left panting heavily. I gently withdrew from her and touched my left hand’s fingers. As I touched the ring, I removed it from my index finger. It was a ring my mother had given me.

“Son, once you found your mate, or the woman you wished to be your Luna, give her this ring. Wear it to her.” This was my mother’s words when she handed me the ring the moment I shifted to my wolf.

And now, here I am, doing what my mother had requested.

I placed it in the woman’s hand. Everything was bizarre and her face is still blurry.

"Wear this and come to the ball. As long as you wear this, I will find you," I murmured, sliding the ring onto her finger.

Overwhelmed by fatigue and haze, I collapsed beside her, drifting off into a deep sleep.