They were locked in a deep conversation I’d just walked in on, and from the look on their faces, especially my mother’s—pleasant, and she was so rarely ever pleased—I knew something was up. Because that could only mean one thing.
“Oh, Dimitri. You’re right on time.” She kissed my cheek and motioned for me to join them.
I set my bag and suit jacket on the couch and sat, crossing one leg over the other before leveling Edmund’s neutral expression with a lazy one. “It’s almost ten-thirty, so I presume the reason you’re here is pretty important and can’t wait till tomorrow.”
My mother squealed before Edmund could even react, much less speak. “It’s good news, actually. And we’ve got to act fast on this one before such a great opportunity slips past us.”
“What opportunity?” I asked.
“So, at the wine tasting ceremony earlier today, Edmund and I ran into Kaine Ashworth of Willow Pack,” my mother started. “He wasn’t alone. His daughter, Selene, was with him. You've met her a few times. Oh, she has the most beautiful eyes and luscious hair. So very polite and such a lovely young lady. I think she would make a wonderful Luna for Garnia Pack and a good wife for you.”
I narrowed my eyes at my mother. “You think?”
“Well, I don’t just think. Alpha Ashworth offered Selene to us. A political alliance between Willow and Garnia Pack, cemented by marriage. They control several major trade routes along the south Coast, own half the wineries in Virginia, and have strong ties with the Governor’s seat.”
“And more than that,” Edmund spoke, ever the diplomat. “Alpha Ashworth is concerned about the instability in the southern territories. Rogue activity has increased. Several smaller packs have been absorbed by larger ones.”
“I’m aware of the political landscape, Edmund.”
“Then you’re aware that alliances are more crucial now than ever,” my mother said almost immediately, her eyes fixed on me with laser focus.
“It would strengthen both packs considerably, give us access to their southern networks, their resources,” Edmund added.
“You want me to marry for politics?” I asked my mother.
“I want you to do your duty.” Her voice sharpened. “The same duty your father abandoned when he ran off with that woman.”
There it was. Always back to him. Always back to how Asher Ravencrest had betrayed his Mate, his pack, his son, for a woman with no status.
I’d been mad at him. I’d thought, what kind of responsible Alpha would just leave? If he couldn’t stay for our pack, then he could have at least stayed for my mother, his Fated Mate. I’d always longed to know what the Fated Mate bond felt like. I’d heard stories about it—how it tied two souls together, their emotions bleeding into each other, their pain shared, their desire impossible to ignore.
And it never made sense to me how my father could feel all this for my mother and still abandon her. Which is why I had sworn to myself that when I found my Fated Mate, I’d never do to her what my father did. I’d never abandon her, never reject her.
But who was that woman?
The image of Isabella flashed in my thoughts, and instantly, a low growl rumbled deep in my chest, a sound of pure instinct. It pushedagainst the confines of my control, its focus sharp and singular, zeroing in on the mental picture of her.
No. I gritted my teeth, forcefully shoving the beast back.
Even if she wasn’t actually my step sister by blood, it still felt wrong. That couldn’t be the Mate Bond. I was merely attracted to her, as sick as that was…and the proximity of being around her was escalating matters. That was it. Nothing more.
It couldn’t be more.
Another thought crossed my mind. Could it be Selene Ashworth?
I’d met Selene a couple of times at some joint pack events in Virginia, and although she was beautiful, every wolf shifter’s dream in the state, I’d felt nothing around her. It was just… bland. Boring, even.
I sighed, looking up at my mother, who was scrutinizing me with her eyes. “You’re not still hung up on that belief of meeting your Fated Mate, are you?” The bitterness in her voice was sharp.
“Fated Mates is just a cynical fairy tale they’ve made us believe. Take a look at your father, for instance—he was my Mate, my Fated Mate. I believed the Moon Goddess herself had destined us to be together. And what happened?” Her gaze sharpened. “He rejected me. His true Mate. The woman who bore him a son. All for some nobody. A lowlife and a wretch.”
I’d heard this speech before. Hell, I’d lived it.
“Look, Dimitri.” She moved to sit in the space beside me. “Selene is beautiful, accomplished, from excellent bloodlines. She’d make a fine Luna.”
My mother was right. The reminder of my father’s betrayal settled over me like a familiar weight—cold and suffocating.
A political alliance between the Ashworths and Ravencrests would greatly benefit the pack. I was going to be crowned as the Alpha soon. I should always put the pack first. That was my duty.
