I ran to the pack house and met Storm who was holding a letter. I couldn't help the smile that drew on my face as I took it from him and opened it. It was news from the palace. I read it carefully and with understanding.

"What a contagious smile, don't you think, Hance? Maybe that's good news, eh."

I rolled my eyes as I found Beta Hance also smiling widely as also Storm. "Why, don't you stick your nose in me. Mind your own business, will you?" I gave him my death glare and he just only smirked at me. "Asshole! Find your own mate!" I turned my back on them as I walked to my room. I heard their laughs and heard Storm saying something to Beta Hance.

"Don't worry, Hance. You don't have to worry. She just found her mate."

"I heard that, brother." I gave him my most death glare he doesn't want to see in his life. But he was not affected because he just laughed at me.

I rolled my eyes as I turned my back to them, entering my room. My smile drew back when I glanced at the letter I was reading. I sat at the edge of my bed. Taking a deep breath and gulping at the same time as I read the letter again and again. It says I must go back to the palace. Emergency has brought it to the warriors. And as a battlefield commander, I must go. Perhaps, rogues are planning to attack the palace.

I went downstairs and look for Storm. I have to bid goodbye and tell what's the content of the letter the palace delivered to me. I ignored my mate, Claude when I saw him sitting on the couch with my sister-in-law, Casey which was his sister.

"Good day to you too, Rachelle! What's with your smile?" Casey beamed. I approached her and couldn't help but feel annoyed because Claude looking at me intently. His dark hazel beautiful pair of eyes looked at me with an intensity that my wolf melted right now. I looked away and looked back at Casey and gave her my sweetest smile.

"I just got news from the palace. And I want to bid goodbye to my brother. I wonder where he is right now. I mind-linked Hance already and he didn't know where he is right now. Mind if you know where he is? He was blocking my mind link."

Casey smiled and clapped her hands like a little kid. "Yehey! The battlefield commander will be back from her vacation!" I shook my head, seeing her acting like a kid again.

"Tell me where he is." Really, I want to get out of this place. I don't want Claude looking at me and scanning me from up and down. He has been here for the past few days. I was bothered to ask Casey as to when he will be out of Storm's pack. I hate seeing him. My wolf yelled at me. I shut her up and don't want to listen to her rants seeing how handsome he is right now.

"He is in the gym right now," she said out of the blue where she hasn't realized that she has spoken it. Perhaps, she was mind-linking my Alpha brother. Then her eyes fell on me as she nodded her head. "Yeah. He is in the gym!" Then Casey glared at Claude and placed her hands on top of his arm. "Brother, would you mind going with Rachelle? You told me you want to see my husband's training gym. And Rachelle will show it to you. Right, Ray?" She sided her head to me, pleasing her eyes.

My eyes widened when the realization hits me of her statement. "What?! No way!" I exclaimed so suddenly. I don't wanna be with him! My insides shuddered.

"Oh right. Yes, she doesn't want me on her side." I snapped my head to Claude, sensing the sarcasm coated in his voice.

"What do you want to point out?" I crossed my arms, raising my brow. What is his problem anyway? Do I have to mind him? I don't have a plan to go with him. I only want to talk to my brother. Why do I have to accompany him to the gym anyway? I shut off my wolf because she was howling in happiness seeing Claude. The result is my insides knock me off having an effect from him. I don't like this feeling.

Claude stepped forward which caught me off guard. He was all serious right now. I could feel the madness radiating from him. My wolf tells me that I should apologize to him right now. Claude and his wolf were becoming mad at my actions. But I don't care. I raised my chin to hide the horrifying feeling of becoming closer to him. If I let my guard down, he would be able to scope me around his arms. I would melt instantly in his, giving up or rather accepting him as my mate. I stepped backward and shook my head slowly. Claude reacted and soon enough, he had this sad expression which I think he realized what my action is.

"As your Luna, I want you to accompany my brother." I snapped my head to Casey who has the authoritative voice right now.

I opened my mouth to refuse her order but she growled, giving me a warning. I raised both of my hands, totally surrendering instantly. After all, she is still my Luna and I have to follow her orders. "Fine." I sighed in defeat. I narrowed my eyes giving back my glare to Claude. "Follow me." I turned my back and started to go in the direction where the training gym was located. I even heard Casey clapping her hands and jumping on the ground like a happy kid. I just shook my head in disappointment more to myself.

It's very hard to get rid of your mate especially if his sister has the power to manipulate me. I couldn't do anything about it.

I felt the presence of Claude behind me. It gives me an ill at ease. I stopped in my tracks, turning my head to him. I found him staring at my back before he lays his eyes on mine. It gives me a giddy feeling it. "Would you mind walking beside me? You're not a private to be followed by his commander," I said impatiently.

I was starting to feel guilty when he smiled at me sadly and he did what I said. I just ignored that feeling and continued walking together with him.

As we went to the training gym, I started touring him around. I told him every inch of what I did every time I trained myself and trained some of the pack members of Alpha Storm who are usually on patrol in the middle of the night. He asked many questions which I found impressive because he was so intrigued about the pack I lived in. I could visibly see in his eyes the captivation of fascination every time he lays his eyes on me. My heart fluttered seeing his reaction. We acted like we have no conflict regarding about mate thing. We acted like he is my alpha and I am his beta. That is my perception.

My senses automatically alerted me when I felt a thing coming in my direction. I was about to turn my head to my left side when Claude growled and in a blink of an eye, he was now on my left side and blocked something. I was surprised by his action. He was eager and faster. I looked at his hand and an arrow was on it. My gaze found who the hell was about to shoot me using the arrow.

It was my brother, Storm, who was handling a bow. He was with Beta Hance. They were grinning like idiots. Instinctively, I felt Claude's arm encircling my waist which made my eyes widen.

My heart started to thump. I sensed his wolf and how protective he was over me.

I raised my glance to Claude as he started to growl at my brother, Claude. I know that time that I should calm him or worse, he'll be going to attack out of nowhere. I didn't know but my hand has its mind and it caressed Claude's cheek.

I felt him flinch from my touch as he looked at me with his intense glare. I took a sigh before I gave in to his orbs.

"It's okay, Claude. Storm usually does that to me. It's a surprise attack." I didn't know again where did I get the courage to talk like this. Calmly.

"Surprise attack? He was about to shoot you with this." He was talking about the arrow he was holding.

I shook my head and slowly, I slid off his embrace. I took steps backward. He growled at my action like he was mad about what I did.

"You won't understand. It's a part of training with him. Now, if you act like that again, don't you ever come near me. Excuse me..."

I was alerted when he is about to reach me but I turned my back on him. I went forward to where Storm is.

I have to bid goodbye. The palace needs my service.

Moreover, my so-called vacation is now through.

Storm had commanded that I should have dinner before I walk out again from his pack. Supposedly, I didn't refuse him and obliged even though Claude is there. I accepted Storm's offer because I knew it will be too long before I'll be back again in his pack. And besides, I want to bid goodbye to everyone that became a part of me.

"There! You are now a goddess in your new form, Rachelle!" Casey said as she clapped her hands, glaring at me in the mirror.

I smiled widely as I couldn't take my eyes off my reflection. She tied my hair into a messy bun. She ordered me to wear one of her dresses that doesn't fit her off. I found it hard to believe. She has a nice, curve-shaped body that really fits the off-shoulder blue dress that is under the knee I was wearing. I forgot to say that it is a formal dinner made by my brother. I wore this dress for the sake of Casey. She hasn't seen me dress like the way I was now. I did her a favor. I found her amusing because she was giggling like a kid seeing how successful insist I wear this and wore a pair of 6-inch stiletto heels.

"I wonder what my brother's reaction is when he sees you. Damn! I will see him head over heels with you again!"

I rolled my eyes and stood up from my sit. I scanned her from head to toe. She never fails me to amaze with her beauty. She wore a green halter dress and six-inch stiletto heels. She pushed up her hair into a tight ponytail. "I'm sure, Storm will have drooled over you. I wonder what he will do to you tonight." I teased. She blushed, lowering her gaze. I chuckled at her reaction and she just frowned at me.

We went downstairs and met all the men who were waiting for us. I want to huff. Why would they even wait for us?

I got an awed expression from all the men in our pack and mostly, to Claude. I felt a hot sensation crawling down me because of his intense glare. I looked away and walked toward Claude. He has this proud expression on his face.

"Why hell, you are all beautiful!" He declared.

I just rolled my eyes. "As if I have a choice with this formal gathering." I masked my voice with sarcasm. Storm just grinned. "I thought this is just a simple dinner you prepare. But it wasn't!" I said, frowning about this event.

"You'll thank us after this." He chuckled and draped his arm over Casey's shoulder. Then he kissed her on her forehead. "Let's go, Casey. Let's serve the dinner for all of us." With that, all of the people are here left me with... I sighed.

With Claude.

I sat on the couch and crossed my arms and legs as I leaned in. I took an effort to wear this dress just because I thought they would be mad if I haven't participated in this. Generally, I'm not used to this formal event. I used to wear combat suits and guard people around the territory. I'm a bit uncomfortable right now. I don't know how long I would endure this. If patience cuts from me, I'll transform into my wolf form. Yeah, better idea!

"I apologize if what I acted yesterday, Rachelle."

My senses lit when I felt the presence of Claude. He was standing not too far from my position. I could strongly smell his manly scent and the scent I'd smell when I found him in the woods—after rain and mint. He looks so dashing wearing a tuxedo and my wolf jumped in joy seeing how handsome and hot he is. I scolded her and tell her to shut up. He tastes so hot and spicy. I felt my cheeks heat from the whisper of my wolf. Goodness! Graciousness!

"Are you still mad at me?"

My heart pounded as he spoke softly and gently. He sat across me and gave me his intense glare again. I couldn't help but curse in my mind and agreed with my wolf that he is really so handsome and hot in that position.

I smiled weakly. "No. I wasn't. I'm not used to someone who does that. It's part of my training."

"Yeah." He nodded his head. "Storm told me so. He explained it to me yesterday."

"Good thing he does." I nodded. "So that I won't explain myself to you if rather you are a close-minded mate of mine." I was thinking that I am having a high standard for who should be my mate. What Claude's feature isn't my type. Not for my liking, more directly. "But that doesn't mean that I accepted you as my mate. I tell you don't assume." I retorted.

Claude silenced for a moment. "My wolf and I believe that you will accept us as your mate. I could tell your wolf already accepted us. Now, it is only you that we should need to coax with. From the first time, I saw and smell you, we knew by then that we have found what is lost in our life. We have found our mate. And that is you."

I averted my gaze as I felt my cheeks redden from his statements. It was a sugar-coated statement but it shivers the inside of me. I didn't expect him to say that. Additionally, I didn't expect myself that I was fall over from it.

I stood up from my sit. I couldn't take it! I am not prepared for his confession. I am not ready to accept my mate yet!

I was about to leave when he caught my arm. "What is bothering you as to not accept us on your own will, Rachelle?" His whisper from my ear sent shivers down to my spine and heat pooled in my feminine part.

I felt my rugged breath with his hand on my arm, sending shudders on my body. I submissively closed my eyes when his lips were on my right shoulder. It sent more shivers to me when his tongue ran on my skin. My breath hitched from the contact of his tongue with my skin. It was deliriously amazing! I could hear Claude's deep breath in my ear as he encircled his arms on my waist.

My heart beats so fast at the contact of our skin. I was electrified by his touch. I couldn't stop myself to face him and touch his face. A low rumble escaped from his chest at his sudden touch. My wolf told me what to do with my mate. I couldn't take more breaths at how beautiful he is now that I'd seen him too close for my own good. I could see the shape of his eyes, his nose, his lips, and his face. I traced them with my fingers while his eyes closed. I don't know what is happening to me. I was in a deep hypnotized by my own wolf.

Claude opened his eyes. I knew by then that I was meeting his wolf. His massive, strong, and amazing wolf. He was looking at me intently. I could feel pulled back inside. My breath hitched when we stared into each other's eyes. It was pretty amazing seeing her red orbs. It was so beautiful and I so loved to stare at it.

"You're making me crazy." He tugged the strands of my hair on my ear. I found it so sweet. I know by this time, I should have stayed away from Claude. But my body did the opposite. Instead, I stayed in his arms. I swear it feels so great. Claude took my hand with his and brought it to his lips without breaking our eye contact. I couldn't help my heart thumps in a way that it sends shivers in me.

Claude turned me around like we were dancing then locked his arms on my waist, put his chin on my shoulder, and hugged me tightly. "You're so beautiful, Rachelle." He murmurs and sways us like there was music. I closed my eyes in submission and felt him. Why do I love this kind of feeling?

"Dinner's ready! Brother, Rach—"

I snapped my eyes open because Casey's voice echoed in the room. I removed Claude's arms from me and stepped back. I saw the disappointment registered in his eyes.

"Oh! I seemed to interrupt a romantic moment."

I instantly glared at Casey from the door where the way to the kitchen is there. She was smiling from ear to ear. I immediately shook my head like I didn't do something wrong.

"I-It's not what y-you think it is, Casey," I said defensively. I felt my cheeks heat because of embarrassment. Goodness! Graciousness! This is not good! Why did I let myself drown from Claude's touch? It was as if I am hypnotized.

Casey raised her hands as if surrendering. "Okay. Okay," she said, grinning. "Brother, if you are done with your moment with Rachelle, go to the dining area because dinner's ready, okay?"

"Sure, Case. We'll be off."

"Okay," said Casey and left us while giggling. "Honey! I need to tell you something!" We heard her. Her voice echoed.

"Better if we should go or do you want us to do something more." Claude teased and I gave him a glare. I shook my head and passed by him but he caught my arm as he made me turn to him. "What?" I snapped.

I was surprised when he pulled me closer to his body and hugged me. Claude sniffed me on my neck and I shivered from the contact of his nose to my skin. What made me shiver more is when he grazed the soft spot of my neck. "This is where I'm going to mark you as mine." He whispered.

I pushed him away from me. "No! That will never have happened!" I snapped again and stepped back.

"Then accept me as your mate. That would be too easy." An eerie atmosphere circled us. I just frowned to him and measured his said.

"You know I am not ready for that."

"Wanna bet?"

"Shut up, Claude!"

"C'mon! That wouldn't be too hard to bet with me." He sounds like a sulking child.

I spun around and faced Claude. "I couldn't accept you because I'm still not ready to be with you. I'm still confused to have you. And that I'm used to being on my own. This kind of sort of thing, mate, is the last thing I wanted to experience. And..."

"What cause you to hesitate not to accept me?" Claude's face gloomed and I swallowed of seeing him mad again.

I wet my lips and averted my gaze. Why do I feel so sad about saying the truth? This is easy for me to say. But because of him, I don't know what to tell. Does he know I work for the palace? Does he know that I am a battlefield commander?

"Rachelle..."

I stepped back when he tries to touch me again. I shook my head and I saw how hurt he was of what my action did. If it hurts him, it hurts mine more. Why did I feel this way?

Is this the connection they say feeling with their mates? If so, I am already hurt to see Claude's reaction.

'Why don't you just accept him?' My wolf whispered.

I shook my head more causing Claude to misinterpret my action.

"You don't want me." He finalized.

"Not just that. I'm leaving my pack." I turned my back again so that I couldn't see the painful expression in his eyes and decided to walk out of his sight.

I sighed with a heavy feeling. Why it is hard to say goodbye to him?

We haven't created much of memories, because Claude stayed here for a few days and I did staying away from him, or a deep bond with each other but it is like we have been together for so long that it is hard to leave.

That is why I don't need my mate for now. I still have a lot of things to do more to myself and more to the palace I served my life on.

"Let's have a toast everyone for my little sister, Rachelle," announced by Storm as he raised his wine glass.

I smiled, doing the same as they raised their glasses. I was overwhelmed that Storm has to do this effort together with his wife, Casey. Very formal event but we talked informally. I love how we do this thing. Surely, I'm going to miss them once I am in the palace.

"Thank you everyone for doing these things to me. I'm going to miss you all," I said happily, looking at them one by one. "I'm going to miss Alpha Storm's soldiers I trained so well. Please protect our pack even if I am gone in this pack. Don't worry I'll be back. That's all."

Warm applause echoed in the kitchen. I smiled widely.

I put the wine glass down and went outside because of some fresh air. I am bothered because Claude is not around. I sighed in distress. Why do I have to worry about him, huh? I shook my head, shoving the thoughts deep inside of my head. I shouldn't be bothered. I should not worry. I don't need him in my life. My heart pricked when I said it. My wolf was hurt. She needs Claude and his wolf.

I tucked the strands of my hair when a cool breeze passed at me. I hugged myself, feeling so cold because of the dress I was wearing. I wasn't used to this dress. I am shivering in cold right now. To divert the coldness, I removed my heels and walked to the quiet village. The pack is in the pack house. For now, I want to be alone. I need some time to think before I sleep.

I walked in my bare feet. I love the feeling of the grass tickled in my feet. When I reached the small pond where children used to play here, I sat on the large stone and started to the starry sky. Especially, I stared at the lovely moon.

I raised my hand as if I was touching the moon. I felt like we were connected in some way. I felt like most part of me can only find it on the moon. I wish I can talk to the moon goddess so she can tell me where pack I came from and who my parents were. I wonder what the moon goddess is doing right now. How did she guard us, all werewolves?

I put down my hand and stared at the pond. Some of the dishes are still swimming at night. I was lured to look at them. I hugged myself when I shivered in cold again as the breeze passed quietly.

I flinched when I felt a cloth draped on my shoulder. I turned my head instantly only to find it was Claude. My heart beats seeing him again. What we did earlier is the most mistake I've ever done. But I don't know but I don't feel any regrets in me.

"You should at least get some coat, my dear." Claude smiled and sat beside me.

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised to see him.

"I follow my mate as to where she is going," Claude said, looking straight into my eyes. His dark hazel orbs penetrate me.

I looked away, glaring again at the pond. I didn't respond to his statement. But deep inside my heart is jumping in joy together with my wolf. I frowned to hide it. Claude and I both fell silent. I was feeling awkward that he was beside me. But I was fully aware of his presence.

"Your brother's pack is vividly amazing," Claude started.

I nodded my head. "Yeah. You're right."

"I'm happy that Casey is living happily with him. Now, I could breathe in contentment. Because there's someone who will look after her and protect her." I could sense the happiness in his voice.

I turned my head to look at him. He was looking at the pond. I returned my head back. "Storm is overprotective when it comes to me even though we're not blood-related. Did Casey tell you about that thing?" I asked, emphasizing Storm and I were not siblings.

"Yeah. Also, Storm explained about shooting you then he also told me that." He sighed. "I'm sorry if I acted that way."

"Hmm." I just nodded my head and remained silent. I'm glad he felt sorry for it.

"You knew he loves you being part of his family, right? You won't doubt any single thing, right?"

"I do know. And I am so blessed that his parents adopted me and Storm became my old brother." I smiled widely, reminiscing. "But I feel so different even though I still belong to this pack. My heart is longing for something. A part of me wants to search for everything about me. Storm helps me but he can't find any details for me." I sighed sadly. I was snapped back at everything I said. Immediately, I gawked at him only to find he was looking at me intently. "Don't assume that I'm letting you entering in my life now that I'm opening this up. Just forget what I said," I said defensively.

I felt my cheeks heat when he stared for so long into my eyes. I looked away, can't look at him, not for just seconds.

"I love everything about you." He murmured

My breath hitched. I could still hear it even though it is just a small whisper. My sensitive ears can hear his fast heartbeat. I'm sure Claude can hear mine. My heart is pounding so wild and I don't know why my heart has to react to his statements.

I chose to remain silent. I don't know what to say to him. I can't even move a little because he was staring at me again. I swear I couldn't take it. I lowered my head and played with my fingers instead.

"Can I ask you something, Rachelle?" he asked after a moment of silence between us.

I stopped myself not looking at him. "What is it?" I asked, my eyes glued to the fish swimming in the pond.

"What pushes you as to not accepting me as your mate?" he asked after he remained silent. I think he was weighing his words.

I took a sigh because of his question. "Why do you have to be so curious about this? I'm sure my brother had already told you." I couldn't help but look at him now.

"I only want to hear it that is coming from you. I was wondering why you can't accept me or do the otherwise."

"Because I'm still confused." I averted my eyes.

"Confused about what?"

"Of this! You, meeting you unexpectedly! The fact I met you as my mate!" I said, exaggerating, spreading my hands.

I heard him chuckle. "The moment I saw your wolf form in the woods, I already know that you are my mate. I'm glad that I met you here. I thank the moon goddess that she pushed me through visiting my sister. I swear I didn't want to pay a visit to Casey. My father insisted at first but I declined. But then, I was curious about the living of my sister. Of course, I still care for her. I'm glad that I finally found my missing piece in my life."

"You know I can't still accept you, right?" I asked after it took me a long silence of his confession. I was overwhelmed with it.

Claude nodded his head. "I'm hurt because of that." I bit my lower lip when I felt something prick in my heart and my eyes started to water.

'You can feel his feelings.' My wolf whispered. 'We are connected to him. He knows what we feel and we know what he feels.'

I nodded mentally. Right now, I could feel our strong bond with him.

I could see lots of emotions in his eyes. I want to touch his handsome face. Something is urging me to caress his face right now but I do not have the guts. I blinked so many times to stop myself that I was about to cry. Instead, I focused myself again on the pond.

We both fell silent again. I fixed the coat that was on top of my shoulders when I shivered in cold.

"'Mind if I dance with you?"

I raised my glance when Claude is already standing and offering his hand to me. I cocked my brow. "What?" I said, stopping myself not to laugh. "Are you asking me to dance with you with no music at all?"

"Just dance with me and you'll know that we don't need any music at all. C'mon! Dance with me, milady." He bowed.

I laughed and accepted his hand. "Yes please." At the contact of our hands with each other, wild static electricity flowed in my skin. It sent a delirious feeling to my senses as he helped me to stand and took my hands, placing them on his shoulders.

I tried to act neutral and told myself not to react as he encircled his arms on my waist. Claude pulled me closer to his warm body. The coat on my shoulders fell but I didn't mind it. I was focused on Claude and his warmth. His hands on my waist sent shivers to me. I ignored the feeling and stared into his eyes.

"Now, I'm bored. It's better if we have music." I suggested with a hint of a joke.

Claude grinned. "I told you and I'm not going to repeat it. Now, let us both keep silent as we dance. You'll realize it to the soonest." He murmured to my ear.

I gulped as his hot breath fanned not just in my ear but also on my shoulder. Meanwhile, he started to sway me. I found it so boring at first. So, to make this exciting, I dare myself to look straight at his dark hazel orbs who are doing likewise to me. We just stared into each other's eyes while dancing with no music. The more I stared at him, the more my heart pounded every second. I am fully aware of the contact between our bodies. I am fully aware of him, not my surrounding.

When I couldn't take it staring at him, I clung to his neck and leaned on his shoulder. I closed my eyes in submission as I hear the beating of his heart. That made Claude hug me tighter into his arms.

He was right. It felt good with no music. The singing of the crickets is the only I can hear. It was so peaceful when I was just beside him.

"I wish I can be with you like this," I said without thinking. But I knew to myself I said it intentionally.

"If you accept me wholeheartedly, we will always be like this," he whispered.

"Give me some time to think. My life is complicated."

"I'm afraid you are right, my dear."

"You do respect my decision, right?" I opened my eyes and looked at him.

Claude nodded his head. "I do."

I couldn't help to touch his face with my hand. My eyes started to pool. Why am I hurt of not to see him when I return to the palace?

"I'm leaving you." Tears dropped in my cheeks when I couldn't take of stopping my emotions anymore. "I think I couldn't reach you anymore." A sob escaped from me.

He held my face, too. A sad expression was written in his eyes. "We are mates. The moon goddess will surely find a way to meet us in some place. We will be seeing each other, my dear sweetheart." He wiped the tears from my eyes.

I sobbed again. "But I'm hurt right now." I don't know why I am so honest with him. Maybe I really couldn't take it. I couldn't take to building barriers to him.

"I know. And so do I." I closed my eyes when he leaned his forehead toward mine. I felt tears on his cheek as I was still holding his face.

"I can't stay with you."

"You're always in my heart."

"Please wait for me to think about this. I'm still confused about this mate thing. Give me a chance to understand this fully."

"I will. I promise."

I cried, even more, when Claude's lips descended on mine. I missed him back with so much passion. We were fully hurt. I can't take it. I can't afford this feeling.

"Rachelle.." he leaned again on my forehead. "I will miss you." I nodded my head in response. "Please do take care of yourself."

"I will, Claude," I murmured and cried silently.

We hugged each other as we consoled ourselves. I'm giving up on this feeling but I don't know if I'm ready to accept him.

"I love you," Claude murmured as I felt his hot tears fall on my shoulder.