Rejecting to be His Luna Queen

"Rachelle Simon from Dark Soul Pack, I hereby give to you the power of a battlefield commander. At the age of 16, you just reached a high position that no one had ever done. You're the first woman who stepped in to become one of the best battlefield commanders. And I am obliged to admit that I am so amazed and proud of you." I bowed my head a little as the Alpha King put the gold medal and hooked it on my neck as a sign that I really became a battlefield commander.

I murmured 'thanks' to him and gave him my best smile. As he pinned the gold shining badge at the left breast pocket of mine, as proof that I am now graduated to be a soldier and now became a commander. I heard the claps come from the other ungraduated soldiers. I couldn't hide the excitement I felt. What surprises me really is when the Alpha King whispered when he was finished pinning my badge.

I got tearyeyed and muttered 'thank you' at him again. Why am I so grateful to him? This compliment was too much to bear. I gave him a bow which showed that I am respecting and honoring him that much. Once more, I glanced at him. And say, "Thank you, Your Majesty, Alpha King." I gave him my sweetest smile.

I creased my forehead as I noticed something in one of them where soldiers in Dark Soul Pack didn't run faster in the massive blue track oval mat than the others. I blew my whistle causing him to catch his attention to mine. "Use your strongmuscled legs, private! Run faster! You're getting late! What do you think will Alpha Storm say to you?!!" I said snapping at him.

He saluted at me. "Ma'am, yes, Ma'am." He said and started to run to chase his other companions who were running at the oval ground.

I kept on eyeing them and relaxed a little. I don't want Alpha Storm to say that his men were weak. He keeps on saying to me that I should train his men in his pack—Dark Soul Pack, a pack where I usually belong.

In keeping the men strong, the first workout I trained at them was the Spartan race. I was very strict and I kept on watching them. This training will help them increase endurance and have musclestronger legs even when they shifted into a wolf form.

I also performed various dynamic stretches and bodyweight drills, such as squats, lunges, pushups, jumping jacks, and dynamic planks. My study shows that performing a proper dynamic warmup improves mobility, reduces the risk of injury, and stimulates the nervous system to improve movement.

I also trained myself on my own. From what I had learned since I was training to be a private soldier, I also applied it to myself and Alpha Storm's men.

"Seems you really are very strict, Rachelle, huh?"

I looked to my side and I saw Luna Casey walking toward me. My eyes widened wondering what she was doing here and I was captivated by her beauty. Don't get me wrong, I am not a lesbian. I was just appreciating her beauty.

"Luna..." I greeted her with a bow. I am respecting her not just because she was a Luna but because of her modesty and benevolence.

She chuckled which surprised me so I looked at her. "Just call me by my name. I am not used to it calling me like that. Enough of formalities, eh."

I felt reluctant in calling her by her name but I did what she said. I shouldn't refuse her. "Okay. Uhm, Casey," I smiled at her. Then I realized something, "Wouldn't you suppose at the packhouse? I thought Alpha Storm wouldn't allow you to enter this training gym," I said politely, unwilling to offend her. "He'll get angry with us," I said worriedly.

I knew Alpha Storm. He was overprotective of Luna Casey—Casey, I mean. He doesn't want to let Casey go on in here. And I don't know his reason though I never ask. My training with our pack members was so violent, savage, and brutal. But knowing his mate, Casey, is I think a hardheaded person.

"Nah, don't mind him. I'll talk to him later if he approaches you to let me in. Just let me wander around. I've been dying to see how you trained Storm's men. You know what? You're a remarkable warrior."

I couldn't help the blush creeping in my cheeks with her compliment. Our Luna was complimenting me. And this compliment overwhelmed me. I murmured 'thanks' to her shyly.

She smiled at me and her eyes looked around to the other men keeping on training. "I wonder if I should try those." I followed where she was pointing at. She was pointing at the sword sparring—my favorite training. Then she gawked at me. "I'm good at sword sparring and I want you to be my opponent, Rachelle."

My eyebrows all rose. I looked at her unbelievingly at her words. Did I hear it, right? I wasn't deaf though. I really heard it clearly. What did she say again? Opponent? Does she want me to be her opponent?

I'm really good too at sword sparring, I might add.

But it seemed that I wasn't convinced that she was good at it. I am a bit boastful but I just couldn't believe it. Only me, a woman, can do that. Well, they wouldn't actually let a woman spare her time in training. Men could only do that but I changed history. I'm the first woman who changed all the wrong things they think about us, women.

Men thought that women were actually weak and fragile and must stay at home when their husbands or mates were on patrol. But I was so pissed at what treatment they treated us. Women could do what men could actually do. Underestimating us, women would be actually a conflict to all of us, our lineage of Eve.

But it suddenly shocked me that Casey could actually use it to execute in sword sparring. I shrugged it off.

For the first time in my life, this was my first time meeting Casey and she was truthful—I knew she was telling the truth—that she could do sword sparring. So, I nodded my head and bestowed her my smirk. "Sure. I'm always ready to have some opponent who can defeat me with it. Honestly, I'm also good at it," I said proudly, chin up as proof that I wasn't lying and I am very proud of myself.

She gave me her smirk too which surprised me but I hid it. "Can't wait to beat you."

Raising an eyebrow, saying, "Same as you." I could say that she could be a match for me. I always wanted to meet a woman who would like to vanquish me but still, a mystery for me is where in the hell she really come from and she has the guts to challenge me.

"I've been anticipating waiting for this moment to come," she said, truthfully. I nodded my head, agreeing. "So, when will we start? I want to test your skills," she asked and waited for me to answer.

"I'm afraid you can't do that."

I stiffened at that familiar voice. Even Casey was stiffened. We both looked at our behind whose voice that though I already know who he was. I just wanted to make sure if that was him or not. As we both turned around, we both gasped his name.

"Storm!"

"AAlpha..." I stammered and bowed my head. Okay, I was starting to get afraid knowing that Alpha Storm was here together with Beta Hance. I knew Casey wasn't really allowed to enter the training gym I didn't know what could have been the reason.

I could feel Alpha Storm's eyes dart on me and he even mindlinked on me. 'What did I just tell you?'

I looked away. Fuck! Yeah, this is great. My Alpha will surely punish me later because of this. I could see Casey coming over to Alpha Storm. She hugged him from his waist and gave him a quick kiss. "Stop it, Storm. It's my fault. Don't blame Rachelle."

"Didn't I tell you that you shouldn't tend here?" I could sense that Alpha Storm calmed down and his voice became fond but I could still feel the dagger darting at me. Like he was telling me that we're going to talk after their talk. I mentally rolled my eyes.

"Just want to see how Rachelle trained our men to pack members. I am so amazed by her. She's so cool! And I even asked her to challenge me by using sword sparring. You know well, I'm good at it," she said beamingly.

Alpha Storm sighed. "You can't do that again, Casey. I don't want you holding those types of equipment again," he said in a serious monotone.

"Why not? Tsk. Tsk. You can't make me, Storm. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to fight Rachelle the other day. Okay?" They both kissed. I looked away and rolled my eyes.

This was so disgusting. Kissing in front of me. I couldn't help but sigh. After their talks, Alpha Storm told Beta Hance to escort Casey to the packhouse and they left. I walked toward him and gave him a bow as a sign of respect. I opened my mouth to say how sorry I am but he summoned his hand to stop me from saying it.

"Don't budge. I can't blame you. My mate is a hardheaded person," he said, shrugging. I totally agree with him. I could see it. I raised my graze to look at him. I found him smiling. "So, you want to agree with Casey's challenge?"

Surprised, but I hid it. I smiled back and gave him a nod. "Yeah. Just curious how she'll fight," I said, shrugging like it was a trivial matter to me. Then I remembered something, "Any findings?" I asked, trying to mask my worriedness.

His smile slowly disappeared. "Sorry, Rachelle, but I still couldn't find it. It is quite impossible to find. But Hance and I are trying our best though."

I heaved out a sigh and gave him a sly smile. "Thanks. At least, you're trying your best." This was bad. I should really find it. I really should.

The silence was ragging over to us. We both watched the other pack members train themselves to be stronger than before. I couldn't help but give up all their findings. I know Alpha Storm was really trying his best. He couldn't find it anymore, I think.

Alpha Storm was the first to break the silence. "Casey's brother will come to visit here. I don't know when he will be going here. He just told me one of these days."

"So, why does he want to visit here?"

"To see her little sister and to talk to me about some serious business matters. He's my friend, as well. I want you all to be prepared."

"Okay." I just said. There's nothing I could open a topic to him. It's a little bit awkward though. I gave him an excuse and told him I'm going to rest now. My mind started to swirl up and think about how I'm going to find what was losing me.

I'm just Rachelle, the werewolf warrior woman and the battle commander in the military. I should find a way. Find what was lost from me.

I stepped to my feet and walked towards the forest. I mindlinked Alpha Storm that I would go for a run in the forest and wanted to be alone. As I shifted, I wiggled my fur and enjoyed the air penetrating it. Then I started to run through the forest.

I couldn't help the happiness I am feeling right now. Running into a wolf form made me feel that I am free and alive. I felt I was in a free place that only I could recognize. My four paws dug into the ground to make me run faster and faster. My wolf and I were very happy that we were doing this. It was a carefree feeling.

I didn't feel jaded and it's alright to feel it that way. This was the way I could train my wolf by just running into the forest across the pack borderline. It was neither risky nor dangerous for me to go outside the pack line. I was certain Alpha Storm sensed it and he would be mad at me again that I am doing this. He hates that I was crossing the pack borderline where that was the limit of his territory. But I actually didn't care about it.

I evaded the trees that passed by me. I almost grinned at myself at how good I was at doing this. I also looked at my surroundings, cherishing every moment I was running in the forest. Everything was a blur each time I ran. I dug my nails into the ground to stop myself from running when I noticed I'm too far away from the borderline and needed to go back again.

I haven't felt breathless but I need to rest. So, instead of hurrying up to go back by just running again, I chose to walk towards the path of the border crossline. As my paw stepped on the borderline, my smell senses automatically smelled something. I sniffed the air and it smelled like after rain and mint. I growled lowly because I admitted that it smells so good.

As I sniffed again, I realized I was too close to the scent of after rain and mint. Why did it smell so alluring and addicting? Promise, I never smelled something like that anymore. As I was continuing the path towards the brook, the scent became so stronger and I kept on sniffing it. I didn't realize that I was now in the brook. If I haven't treaded in the cool water of the brook, I wouldn't really realized that I was really here.

I am weird. But that's how I described and saw my wolf.

My wolf is a big, massive, strong wolf. She wasn't an ordinary wolf you could only imagine in your life. I was thinking I am the same size as all the Alpha wolves. Alpha Storm knew about my wolf form. But I told him to find any ideas why I am so different from other wolves who usually had gray or black color. All Alphas had a black color in their fur whenever they usually transformed into their wolf form.

My ear heard some snap off a twig so it means there was an intruder. I started to growl lowly and turned around slowly to see who was behind. I narrowed my eyes when I saw a wolf larger than mine. I sniffed the air to see if he was in my pack or not. As I sniffed the air, my wolf and I froze that the scent that came from that wolf is the scent I'd been looking for. It was the scent of after rain and mint. I instantly glared at the wolf who was looking at me.

I heard a low growl coming from that wolflike it was saying that I should pay attention to him. Then, he started stepping one step and he stopped. Then he did it again, stepping one step and stopping. I looked at him weirdly. What was that wolf doing?

I started snarling when he stopped right in front of me. But I suddenly stopped when he came closer to me and sniffed me again. I did what he did. I sniffed his scent. Goodness! Graciousness! It was so addictive! The massive wolf was surely strong. I didn't understand my wolf when she started purring like a kitten and she rubbed herself onto the huge body of the wolf. I was shocked. We kept on smelling. Then my wolf whispered something to me that made my heart pound in shock and panic.

'Mate.'

I glared at the elephantine wolf with beautiful striking fur at the end of the strands of his fur directly to his eyes. We both do the same staring at each other. And then I realized, that my wolf kept on howling that he was my mate. I know that he knew that I was his mate too. I saw the intensity in his red eyes. I shook my head, disagreeing with him. I stepped backward.

No! No! This can't be right! He wasn't my mate! No! No! I stepped back again and I heard a low growl come up from him as if he was saying that I mustn't go away. I hesitated to take it back and walked towards and nuzzled my snout at him... to smell his alluring scent. But I chose to step back again and stay away from him. I don't want him. I didn't expect to meet my mate here. No, please! Not now. Not this time.

I felt startled as I felt my mate's presence. Shit! I cursed as I noticed that my mate was following me. I could smell his scent not too far away from where I am. I hurried up again and forcefully slammed open the door using my wolf's head.

I almost ran through the Alpha Storm's office chanting hurriedly that I am going in. When I saw that the door was slightly open, I went in. I saw them standing up and talking like they were colleagues and they were shocked as I ran to Alpha Storm and I went back to my human form. "Rachelle!" they said in unison.

"Brother!" I said. I instantly hugged Alpha Storm as I locked my arms in his waist and was afraid to let go of him when I felt my mate's presence at my back. My body shook in fear. Alpha Storm locked his arms with me as if protecting me from any harm. I heard the strange wolf growl lowly and hid behind Storm's back.

"Brother!" I heard Casey squeal from God knows who she was indicating about. I was feeling nervous and at the same time fearful. I was afraid to face my unexpected mate that was behind me, a few meters away from me. "Oh! Brother, why are you in your wolf form?"

I was stunned by what Casey said. Brother? Wolf form? Is that... Casey's brother?

I slowly gaped my head to meet the strange wolf whom Casey said was her brother. As I slowly glared, I met a pair of dark hazel eyes that were strangely looking at me. He was in human form and I could see his features. He had a beautiful pair of dark hazel eyes, and a chiseled face, and his lips were slightly parted. He was looking at me intently as if I was the most beautiful he ever met. I felt the bond that was connected between us.

I could smell his scent of rain and mint. It was so really alluring. I am sure of it. He was my mate and I knew he knew it. His eyes twinkled and he smiled at me. I just hid my face at Alpha Storm's back and hugged him tightly causing him to growl again.

Alpha Storm cleared his throat. "So, how's your stroll in my pack, Claude?" I could feel Alpha Storm's arms locking me tightly like he was really protecting me. He mindlinked at me. 'Are you alright?' he asked me worriedly.

'I don't want to meet him, brother.' I pleaded with him not really wanting him to be my mate. He knew it. I realized I called him 'brother'. 'Sorry, I called you 'brother'.' I bowed my head at him.

I heard him chuckle. "It's alright. You are my little sister after all." He spoke it aloud. My cheeks flared from embarrassment from calling me a little sister. Then I felt his head turning sideways. "Claude, meet Rachelle, my little sister. Rachelle, meet Claude, Casey's brother."

I glared at Claude. He was looking at me again. I looked away and hid again. Claude growled again and I could feel the tension between us. The tension broke as Casey shrieked. She came over to me and hugged me. "My brother mindlinked me that you're his mate," she whispered.

I paced back and forth. I ran my hand in my hair, frustrated very much from meeting Casey's brother, Claude, as well as my unexpected mate. I groaned and wanted to mess up the conference room of Alpha Storm but I stopped myself. He was just watching me and he was smiling like an idiot at me.

I hit the table and paced back and forth. This couldn't be! This shouldn't be happening! This isn't right! I paced again. Shit! Shit! Shit! I cussed in my mind. What should I do? What should I do? Should I leave? No! This was my pack where I live. Why would I leave? Because Casey's big brother was here? No! That was absurd!

"Will you please stop pacing back and forth, Rachelle? I was the one who felt dizzy about what you were doing, not you. Oh, come here. Calm yourself and sit down," said Alpha Storm but I didn't listen. I kept on panicking. I know that some other werewolves dreamed of having their mates unexpectedly or not but I wasn't like them. I didn't wish nor dream to meet my mate yet. I still have my mission to know and to practice how to fight expertly.

But... No! Why was I thinking about that?! Shit!

"Rachelle." I stopped in my tracks and turned around at Storm when I heard his soft voice. Then all of a sudden, his face darkened. "Sit down," he commanded sternly, which made me do it. I sat down on the chair. Then I leaned in and thought about Claude that he was my mate. It clouded my mind and I hadn't realized Alpha Storm's feature was standing in front of me, causing me to stun a little and glare up.

He knelt in front of me and put his hands on my thighs. His stern expression a minute ago turned soft. He raised his hand to pat my head and caressed it. My sharped breath exchanged into steady. I was even shocked that my breath wasn't normal. "There. You calmed down." I gave him a puzzled look which meant I didn't understand what he was saying that I calmed down. Calmed from what?

"What do you mean?" I asked as my heart beat steadily.

He smiled at me and he shook his head. "Nothing." I pursed my lips into thin lines and didn't respond to his answer. It's nonsense. I was irked when I felt my body start to heat up from something. I could smell his scent—my mate's scent from behind the door of the conference room. I started to shiver a little. "So, why are you afraid, Ray? It's my first time seeing you like that a while ago when you met your mate, who was Casey's brother," he said softly.

I looked at him, directly to his eyes. "II'm aafraid to see my mate, Alpha SStorm." I stuttered as I felt my mate's presence. I gulped. He was there, I knew it.

My eyes widened as his eyes darkened and clenched his jaw. He put down his hand from caressing my head and he looked at me, madly. "So, now we're back from calling such formalities names." He stood up. "What's wrong with you? A while ago, you just called me 'brother' which meant a lot to me. It made me happy. Then, now, you just called me 'Alpha Storm'. Really? What's got into you, Rachelle?!" I flinched as he yelled.

I clenched my teeth and darkened my eyes. "You aren't my real brother, to begin with," I said boldly.

His eyes turned back to its color, bluegray eyes. It softened as he sighed. He knelt again and held both of my hands. "But you're still my family. I treated you as my little sister. My parents treated you as you're their daughter. I know we were the same age but I've been wishing you would call me a 'brother'. And it happened. But please don't think that I didn't treat you like my own family."

"I never said that you didn't treat me like your own family. You're the one who just said that," I said coldly. I built my imaginative wall. My foster parents, whose parents adopted me and treated me like their own daughter, and Storm, treated me like his little sister. He never had any siblings. They said I came from another pack they didn't know.

He sighed again and silenced and so I am, too. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to initiate another conversation. This topic was very sensitive for us. I instantly knelt in front of him and hugged him as I shuddered. I need his presence. I was still afraid to meet my mate. It was so unexpected.

Storm hugged me back. "Sshh. I'm right here, Ray. You can tell me your feelings." He cooed me while rubbing my back to calm me down which it helps me very well. I calmed in his arms.

"And it's so unexpected."

"I never thought that I could accidentally meet him in the forest."

"While I was walking back to the packhouse a while ago, I smelled his scent."

"I didn't know that that scent was his and rather, he was my mate."

"I'm not ready to meet him."

"I'm not ready."

"I'm... not."

I shuddered again and my body started to heat up. I could almost feel the presence of my mate behind that door. I hugged Storm tightly. I was starting to feel fear of meeting him. Come on! Please tell me. Is there any phobia that you can call fear of meeting your mates? I wanted to slap myself mentally. Goodness! Graciousness! There is no such thing as that.

"That was just fine, Ray. Some werewolves weren't ready to face or to meet their mates. But they have to deal with it. No matter what they can do to shoo him or her away, it doesn't change the fact that they are mates." I tried to absorb it in my mind. Yeah, I know what the definition of mates was. They are your soulmates and they are connected in some way. They are bound and will be together forever. They will not be fulfilled if they don't have their other half.

"I'm still not ready," I answered and frowned.

He kissed my forehead. "Some werewolves, when they met their mates, some of them rejected their mates because they couldn't accept meeting or being with them. Or rather, they just don't want to have mates yet or they are disgusted. So, I'm warning you, Rachelle, whatever running in your mind feels to reject that Alpha boy, quit it in your mind. I am not going to allow you."

I was left speechless. Damn! How did he know that I was planning to? Great! Now that he warned me, how could I not meet my mate?

He sent me daggers. "You're planning it, don't you?" He growled.

"Hey! I am not! Don't accuse me that I am planning to do that because if I do, you could kill me." Great! Goodness! Graciousness, Rachelle! And now you'll be damn at lying. Shit! Shut the fuck up!

"Are you sure?" He stared at me with disbelief and looked directly into my eyes as if looking for a hint that I was lying. Well, I'm not going to let him know that.

"Give me some time." I gave him my bored expression and stared into his eyes. Please let him not know. Please let him not know. I chanted that to myself over and over again. I don't know what to do if he finds out I was just lying to reject my mate even though I can't do that. I don't have the guts to reject Claude for the Moon Goddess' sake.

Then, suddenly he smiled and patted my head again. "Okay. If you're not planning on that, then I guess, you're planning on meeting him, right? Come on!" He instantly pulled my hand to stand me up and he started walking towards the door where my mate was behind there together with Casey.

"Hey! No...no... That's... That's not what I meant, brother! Brother! NO!" He didn't listen to me but he just opened the door. "BROTHER!!!" I yelled at him as I met the two siblings, Claude and Casey.

Claude looked at me. I saw his eyes lightened up as he saw me with those dark red beautiful pairs of his eyes. I even saw him flash a smile. My stomach automatically flipped.

Goodness! Graciousness! My heart went wild!

"Hi, Rachelle! Glad to see my beautiful mate."

He took my hand. I felt a jolt of electricity when he held my hand and brought it to his lips to plant a soft kiss on my knuckles. It sent shivers down my spine after he did that. I could feel the heat starting to build in me because of him. His scent is still alluring and hypnotizing to smell every second.

I slowly heaved in a breath and took my hand from his. And I remained blank even though he had an effect on me. "Why yes, likewise," I said boredly.

Someone nudged me intentionally causing me to take big steps. I glared at who did that to me and I found Storm looking at me with daggers. I mindlinked him. 'What the hell?!' I yelled through our mindlink.

'That manners of yours, fix it. He's your mate, Ray for Pete's sake.' He said.

I ignored his glare. 'Whatever. I'll do what I want.' Then I cut off our link. When I gaped at Claude, I caught him looking at me with awe. I furrowed my eyebrows, confused. What the hell did I just see from his eyes? I rolled my eyes at him but I didn't see that he was shocked after I did that. I just found amusement in it. I gritted my teeth in sultriness. What the bloody hell!

"Excuse me," I said and passed by them. I want to get out of this closed place. I hate it! My mate kept on watching my movements with awe. It was like he was worshipping every movement I made. It made me feel uncomfortable.

I made my way to get out of Storm's office, I caught Claude looking at my ass. I clenched my fist. Damn! A pervert mate!

I sighed in relief when I was out of his sight. I don't like him being around me since a while ago. I went downstairs and stormed out of the pack house. I let my feet walk toward the gym. I sighed in happiness. This is my paradise for a moment. I felt so free whenever I was here in the gym and whatever felt so free was training and challenging myself too.

But for now, I will indulge myself by just watching the other werewolves train themselves. They have to be stronger in case a war begins or rather a rogue attack.

I let myself stroll around the pack. And let myself drown in my thoughts. I never thought I would meet my mate, surprisingly. I couldn't just accept him in my life. He must understand that. I mindlinked my brother to tell him about what I felt, and that's why I left them.

I stopped in my tracks as I noticed I was in the pond alone. I leaned in at the railings as I watched the fishes swim in the water. No children playing here because Storm made a playground just for them. I sighed again. Well, I kept on noticing that I've been always sighing with emotions filled. This is not the usual me. I should blame my mate because I was drowning in my thoughts. I mustn't think about complicated things and war is an exception for it.

I forgot to tell Storm that after a few days, I'll go back to the palace. I have to train the other royal guards there. I was a battlefield commander. I have to talk to other commanders and we must plan another tactic in case rogues try to mess up the Alpha King's palace.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

I flinched and shivered. Someone was behind me. I turned around only to find Claude leaning at the railings near the pond. Goodness! He looks so hot and handsome! I shook the thoughts away. What were you saying, Rachelle? Stop it! I creased my forehead. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?" I asked, half annoyed, half uncomfortable.

He showed me his megawatt smile. I almost fainted with how hot and sexy when he did that. "I could smell your scent, remember?"

I tugged my remaining hair that was covered in my face at my left ear and ignored him. I started to walk away from him and strolled around the pond. I couldn't explain why my heart was pounding wildly as I felt his gaze following me.

I got a small rock and threw it at the pond. The Fish instantly moved away from where I threw it. I smiled. They are so beautiful how they swam so gracefully.

"I love your smile."

Creasing my forehead, I glared at him, annoyed. "Is that an insult?" Maybe I shouldn't look at him. Goodness! It was already too late. His eyes were so intense and as if they melted my soul. Those dark hazel eyes could sense every move I made.

He chuckled. Oh my! His chuckle is very manly like Storm. I couldn't help but gulp as I accidentally glared at his luscious lips. Pretty damn! I remained expressionless. I don't want him to notice that I am glaring at his lips. But it tempts me to kiss it. Wait! Did I just say that? Goodness! Graciousness!

He shook his head. "No, it's a compliment. And one more thing," I glared at him, expecting him to say insulting words. Oh, come on! Is that a hyperbole? Am I just exaggerating that I just found him insulting me not praising me? I waited for him to continue but I was caught off guard as he walked and stopped in front of me. He raised his hand and caressed my cheek. A Lot of electricity flowed in my skin and I felt goosebumps. "You're so beautiful," he whispered huskily.

I simply heaved a breath. Okay. Okay. You don't have to panic, Rachelle. You don't have to. I felt my cheeks start to heat in his other compliment and how warm his hand landed on my cheek. But hey what was I doing? Am I accepting now my mate?

I slapped his hand away from my cheek. "You're so annoying." I showed how really annoyed I am. I placed my hand on my hip as I made a face.

He plastered a sweet smile causing my inside to melt. Goodness! "Am I?" He sounded sarcastic.

I clenched my free hand and narrowed my eyes at him. Indeed. He was so annoying. I think he has a cocky attitude that I couldn't measure. "You..." I pointed my index finger at him and gnashed my teeth in a hideous manner. "are so dead!" After I said that, I instantly moved faster in a light fight and clenched both of my fists and I was ready to attack him or rather punch him.

As I was about to punch him, he moved so quickly that I didn't know where he was. In one swift motion, my hands were tugged at my back and I felt Claude's face burying in my neck causing me to gasp...

I couldn't move nor stir in my position. My eyes were still widening in shock as I felt Claude's face in my neck and his lips were pressing in my weak spot. Then his lips started to move. He was licking it. I automatically closed my eyes in submission.

"You really smelled so good just what I thought, mate."

I instantly opened my eyes as he whispered. I clenched both of my fists as to how annoyed I was because of what he said to me. I nudged him using my elbow and hit his stomach and with that, he released my hands at my back. I glared at him angrily. "You pervert!" I snarled. I'm starting to hate my mate. My unexpected mate! He's so perverted in a different kind of way! I hate him! I hate him!

I gnashed my teeth when Claude flashed his signature smirk. "It's very normal for mates to be so intimate. What I did is very normal, am I right?" I'm starting to hate the way he sounds. He sounds so calm and not affected by my actions.

"Normal?! Do you think it's normal?!" I said, half annoyed, half angry. This Claude guy gets on my nerves already. I came closer to him. "For me, it's not normal. You're taking advantage of me, PERVERT!"

"You're amusing." He chuckled.

I glared at him in disbelief. "You're unbelievable!" I couldn't believe that this guy was my mate. Why do I have to feel shivers in my spine every time my eyes land on his wonderful, luscious lips? I'm thinking nonsensical stuff!

"Thanks." He shrugged.

I creased my forehead. Does he think I'm complimenting him? "You're so stupid and annoying." I voiced my thoughts about him. I don't like him to be my mate. I was expecting to meet him in some other place. But meeting him in my pack was so surprising and that made my blood boil.

He flashed a sweet smile and I simply gritted my teeth. "I'm glad my mate is complimenting me even though we both know that is an insult."

I snorted and crossed my arms. "I am not glad to see you at this unexpected moment, mate. I'm not ready to be with you," I said seriously.

"I know. But don't you think destiny lets us meet in this unexpected moment you are telling? Though I'm quite shocked that I will meet you in my brotherinlaw's pack, and luckily, you're his sister. And..."

I sighed and looked away. "I wasn't." I butted in. I wasn't his real sister.

"I beg your pardon."

I glanced at him and cocked my eyebrow. "Nothing. Nevermind. Can you please leave now? I really hate seeing you here and please stay away from me." I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I felt sudden chills crawling in me. This was so foreign to me. I kind of hate this and love this at the same time.

I cut off my wolf when she kept on murmuring at me that I should kiss him wildly and make love to him. Hell! My wolf is getting horny. I could feel my mate's wolf getting horny too at the sudden thoughts.

"You know that you won't. You don't hate me in your first impression of me, am I right, mate?"

I closed my eyes in submission when I felt his lips brushing in my ear after he whispered. I know that he used his wolf speed so that he could whisper in my ear. His hands started to make their way to my waist and possessively he wrapped his hands around me from behind. Then he sniffed me.

"You really smelled like lavender mixed with vanilla." I shuddered as he whispered. His voice was very dark. I couldn't help but feel the heat building inside of me. "I know you feel the bond between the two of us. You feel something. I can wake you up by just my mere touch on your arm." As he said, he touched and caressed my arm.

I grasped the air, still closing my eyes. Jolt of electricity flowed in my skin as he touched my arm. I felt myself being electrified by just the simple touch of his. It brought my wolf howled in a horny manner. I felt wet down there. How did he do this? Was this another description if you're with your mate? You will feel something that was very foreign?

His lips touched my shoulder blade. I flinched. I sided my head to let Claude access my neck carefully as his lips made their way to it. "I love your lovely neck, mate. Your smell is so very addictive and alluring and I can't stop myself from smelling you. You know what? I want to mark you as mine right now." Claude's husky voice was waking up all my sensitive senses but I was snapped out of it when he said that he wants to mark me as his.

I turned around and backed away. I felt a sudden disappointment when I stayed away from my mate who already woken up my cells when he touched me. I clenched my fists to stop myself from being so delusional. I could not accept him right away even though my wolf needed him.

I caught Claude's eyes darkening as I stepped backward, staying away from him. I summoned my hand to stop him when I predicted he would come near me. "No. Not now, Claude. I can't accept you. Not now. I'm not ready."

"So, are you going to reject me? That's it?" He sounded hurt and in pain but his expression remained calm and serious.

I crossed my arms and cocked my eyebrow. "I didn't say I'm going to reject you, did I?" Well, I guess, I wanted to do it but I'm sure Big Brother Storm will be mad at me once he knows I reject my mate. I'm sure that he will wring my neck. Goodness!

"Then what?" he asked impatiently.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't use your Alpha tone on me, Claude. I may not know you very well as an Alpha of your pack but I know who uses their tone the way they order their pack members," I said seriously. Truth is, I wasn't used to the tone of an Alpha. I hate when someone orders me like I was their slave.

Even though Storm usually orders me if there's anything he wants, whenever I was alone, there's a contrary within me. But I knew there was nothing I could do but follow his orders. He's still my Alpha, for moon goddess' sake.

After a moment of silence, he smiled smugly. "You're so feisty, aren't you?"

I ignored it when I smelled his attractive scent and acted as if it was nothing to me. I opened my mouth to say something but I stopped when Storm mindlinked me. 'A call from the palace.' He said through mindlink. I couldn't help but gasp at his news.

"Why? What happened?"

I glared at Claude when he was seriously looking at me worriedly. I felt my inside fluttering and my wolf howled. I ignored her. I shook my head to Claude. "Nothing. I was just being called by Alpha Storm. I have to leave because his news is very crucial for me," I said then I left him, frozen in his position.

I couldn't help but sigh. Now, I was far away from him. Maybe I could calm my heart now. I realized it keeps on beating. I sighed again. Stupid, Rachelle! Very stupid!

I couldn't help the excitement when Storm told me that there was a call from the palace. I was hoping for good news.

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 sisterinlaw, 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 mindlinked 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 mindlinking 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.

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

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.

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 socalled 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 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 sixinch 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 closeminded 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 sugarcoated 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.

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.

"IIt's not what yyou 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.

"WWhat 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 bloodrelated. 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 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.

After Claude and I made a moment, we decided to go to the woods with our wolf form. I agreed to make memories with him even though a part of me is yelling at me as to why I'm letting this.

We passed the border lines then I mindlinked Storm I'm going with Claude. I don't know why I let him agree on me with this. Because the wolf part of me wants to be with Claude before I say a painful goodbye to him. I would think of going far away from him sickens me now. I sighed.

Claude nudged me with his nose. I looked at him and found his massive wolf form. His red eyes were looking at me lovingly. At every end of the strands of his fur released gold dust which I found beautiful to my eyes. I nudged him, too using my nose. My wolf purred and so was Claude's wolf.

I transformed into my human form and I was now dressed up. I came to Claude in his wolf form and placed my hand on top of his head. He pushed his head more to my touch as if Claude wants me to pet him.

So I did and I giggled.

"Good boy," I said, smiling. I kissed the side of his face. He just nudged me as if he liked what I did.

I was confused when the massive, beautiful wolf lay down. He looked at me and moved his head.

I chuckled, understanding him. "What? You want me to lie on your stomach? That's insane!"

Claude growled and he gave me his dangerous, beautiful pair of red eyes at me. He once again moved and told me to lie on his stomach. Chuckling, I did and lay on his stomach when he lay in the grass bed. I sighed in contentment as I looked up to see the starry sky.

The soft breathing of Claude is like music to my ears. The fast beat of his heart gives me a wonderful tune to me.

I fixed my position and hugged Claude's wolf form to feel his soft fur tickling on my skin. I gently grabbed his fur and closed my eyes as I inhaled his scent. The same scent I smelled when we were in the woods. It's very addictive and at the same time alluring to my senses.

"I wonder if I can sleep here, you as my soft pillow. What do you think?" I murmured.

He growled softly and agreed with me. I smiled and let myself drowns in the silence with Claude as my pillow. The soft breathing of his is so cute.

Not long after my eyes are getting heavier with tiredness, I slowly closed my eyes and let sleep drown me.

I was half awake when I felt being lifted up. I felt like my world is spinning. I snuggled closer to the person I was with not even opening my eyes who I was with right now. But when I sniffed the scent, his familiar scent ranged through my nostrils.

"Claude..." I murmured, feeling the sleep wanted to drown me again.

I felt his lips on my hair. "Sshh. Just sleep, love. You have to sleep." His soft, warming voice is like a lullaby to me. I nodded my head in response and clung to his neck. The last thing I heard before I slept again is Claude's voice murmuring in my ear, saying, "Good night, Rachelle."

I woke up with the good sleep I ever have, feeling my energy fully loaded into something. I went to the bathroom and quickly dressed up. Before I left my room, I glanced around my room I will surely miss this. From childhood and 'till I grownup, this is already my room.

I went downstairs and met Casey in the living room. My eyes widened because she is dragging my suitcases out.

I quickly ran to her. "Luna, you don't have to do this."

Casey looked at me and smiled sweetly. She shook her head. "No. I want to help. You guys are so paranoid. And besides, Storm had already known about what I was doing. Please? I want to help." She gave me her puppy eyes that anyone couldn't resist.

I sighed. "Fine. If that is your wish."

Casey patted my cheek lightly. "Go grab some breakfast. Storm is there. Have a final talk with him. He was a bit mad, you know."

"Mad? To whom?"

"To you." She giggled. "I am just joking. Not you. To my brother, Claude. You know, men," she winked before she left me.

My feet guided me to the dining room and there I saw those two idiots seriously talking to something. I cleared my throat so that I got their attention and I wouldn't hear their talks.

Storm's face lighted up when he saw me. "Rachelle!" he said, smiling. He stood up and opened his arms. I rolled my eyes. He is becoming a clingy brother I have.

"Storm!" I said and smiled widely not minding Claude's intense stares shot right through me. I ran to him and hugged him.

I was enveloped by a nice and warm hug coming from Storm. The same hug I always receive whenever he consoles me if he saw me crying. My forehead knitted when I heard Claude lowly growling under his chest. When I shot him a glare, he was holding the bread knife tightly and shot us a death glare from our position. I was confused by his action.

I averted my gaze and gave Storm a tight hug again before we pulled out.

Storm patted my head. "I will surely miss my sister here in my pack."

I smiled at his statement. "Likewise, brother."

"Have a sit and eat breakfast." He offered me a chair to sit in. I sat and faced the table.

Just when I was about to get my own breakfast. Claude stood up and took the plate of fried rice. He spun around and went to me as he served my food. His male scent filled my nostrils. I get addicted to it while my heart didn't stop beating knowing that he was so close to me. He sat right beside me and took a strip of bacon and placed it on my plate. He gave me a sunny sideup egg and hotdog.

"Now eat," he said darkly.

I glanced to Storm who was amusingly glaring at us. When our eyes met, he flashed a smirk. He stood up from sitting. "I'll leave you two. Have some time to get along with each other," he said and left us here.

My heart beat wildly, noticing Claude and I are here alone in the dining room. I looked at him. He was giving me his intense glare again.

"What are you looking at? It's as if I did something wrong," I said halfannoyed.

"Of course, you do. You were hugging him earlier!" He whined. His voice is dark causing me to have goosebumps on my spine.

"He's my brother," I stated and ate the food he prepared for me as memories of our last night played inside my head.

"You two are not bloodrelated. I'm jealous, Rachelle."

I stopped myself to gasp from him being so honest. I bit my lower lip, looking at him. I observed his face. His hair was disheveled right this morning. And he looked so hot right now. "So? We treat each other like we are siblings. We always do this. Shut the hell up." I snorted and continued to eat.

"But..." I cut him off with my finger snapped right in his face. I don't want him to ruin my breakfast. He must shut up or else I will snap at him.

I munched my food before I swallowed. "Goodness! Graciousness! Stop that. Let's eat, will you?" I gave a bread and shoved it into his mouth. He gladly ate it. I laughed at his cuteness. Claude smiled and took a strip of bacon and offered it to me. I opened my mouth to eat it. "Hmm!" Delicious! I would say.

"I'm going to miss you for sure, Rachelle." My heart stopped right from his words.

I averted my gaze and didn't know how to respond to his statement. I was overwhelmed, yes. This guy happens to be my mate. If it wasn't, I will surely punch his face. Something is fluttering my insides and I don't know why I am feeling this. I sighed and relaxed.

That's right, Rachelle. Relax.

"I still got no response from you? I thought we already have a deep connection?"

I glared back at him. "I'm not prepared for this thing. How many times do I have to tell you?" I have to calm my nerves. No way I could burst out from this talk again. "I thought you already understand me. If you don't, you can reject me anyway." A pang of pain spiked in my heart when I said that.

I don't know if I could bear Claude rejecting me. My wolf howled in disagreement with my statement. She didn't like what I said to our mate.

I saw how Claude's eyes crossed the painful expression. I was hurt by it. I didn't mean it. Something pushed me to say it.

"I'm sorry if I keep on pushing further. I know I told you last night that I promised to understand you. I'm sorry if I keep on assuming things," Claude said and walked away.

He left me here in the dining area and was stunned by his words. I blinked as I felt the tears coming. I hurt him again. I am hurt, too. I bit my lower lip.

'You're making this difficult for the two of us.'

I sighed from the mere whisper of my wolf. She was now bothered by my thoughts and to what I said to our mate.

"I want to fully know about myself before I accept him."

'What if he can't wait for you anymore?'

"That would be my problem. I'm willing to accept my fate," I whispered. It hurts to say this. I know my wolf knows that I'm lying about this shit. But even so, she is still worried about me.

After I grabbed my breakfast, just in time, I've been calling up. The transportation that would lead me to the palace is there, waiting for me. I tried to look for Claude again to say goodbye to him. But I can't find him. Where is he? So this is it? I will not have a chance of saying goodbye but the last words I say earlier? How could you, Rachelle?!

I composed myself not to be affected by the absence of Claude before I leave. I should be more strong.

As I went to the front gate, Storm and Casey are already waiting for me. I saw them glistened tears as I chuckled going after them.

"Cry babies," I commented before they pulled me in a hug.

"Too bad I still have no chance to fight with you, Rachelle. But next time, okay?"

I nodded and smiled. "If Storm will allow me then so be it." Casey and I giggled. We clasped our hands and hugged each other again. I turned to Storm who was already frowning. "What?" I asked, chuckling. I knew he didn't like the idea from his wife.

"Take care of yourself. Don't do anything stupid." I shot him a glare. Of all people, why is he the one who said that?

"I'm not stupid!" I glared at Casey. "Look! He is calling me 'stupid'!" I blabbered.

Casey shot him a glare. "Storm!" she said with a warning.

"I'm not!" he said defensively. "I meant for her doings, not her." I rolled my eyes just because of that. Pathetic! Storm smiled. "I'm just joking, dear sister. Be strong!"

I smiled. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

I waved goodbye to all of the people in our pack. But as I waved, my eyes were looking for Claude. I couldn't see him. I sighed in sadness.

I opened the horse carriages and turned my head back to the people and also to Storm and Casey. I caught my breath when I saw Claude just beside Casey. He was looking at me intently with a serious look on his face.

I glared into his eyes and saw emotions crossed. I averted my gaze and continued hopping in as I gave Claude a last glance. I turned to the driver.

"Let's go," I commanded.

"Yes, commander." Then the engine started.

I glared at the side view mirror, seeing Claude standing far inches away from this vehicle. My heart stops when I saw him looking at the side view mirror. As soon as the vehicle went towards the road, I knew by then that I will never see him again. I don't know when.

Excitement shot right through me as I saw the palace from afar to this road I was at. At last, I'll be back to my job and I will surely find myself to know everything. I'm still confused as to where pack I was belong before Storm's parents took care of me.

The royal library holds the answers I am going to look for. I haven't been went to the royal library ever since I was promoted as battle commander. I always passed by it every time I patrolled around the palace. If I get a chance to have my off, I shall take the opportunity to enter in the library.

"Commander, we have been arrived."

I snapped back to reality upon the coachman's announcement. A royal carriage servant opened the royal carriage door for me. I smiled at him, thanking him.

As I stepped out, a young man approached me and saluted me. I made a salute at him. He was wearing a cutaway coat and glasses on his eyes. "Greetings, Royal Commander Rachelle Simon. My name is Avedon Pillar, the junior courtier of the Grand Alpha King," he introduced. "Pleasure to meet you, commander."

I nodded. "The pleasure is mine," I said with a mixed of tone of formal. He must be the one I was hearing who managed to pass the examination to be the courtier of the Grand Alpha King having the highest grade over all the history of valet de chambre examination.

"I will ask the royal servants to bring all your belongings to your quarters, commander." I nodded as a reply. "Also, Fleet Admiral Francisco y Selvia orders me to take you to the royal conference room upon your arrival."

I remained a passive expression. I just arrived and the Fleet Admiral wants to speak with me. What I worried about is I am not wearing my battle suit. I felt like I am meeting him informally. In the end, I nodded at him. "Take me to him," I ordered.

"Yes, commander."

I was greeted by a ton of salute whenever I passed by the hallway until I arrived at my destination. I stared at the goldcoated wooden door for a moment before I nodded at Avedon deciding that he must open it.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, Fleet Admiral," I greeted them formally. The former Alpha King has now granted a new title of Grand Alpha King but his son, the Alpha King, will remain the highest rank and rule his kingdom. "I am here to report my arrival."

"I am so glad you are here now, Rachelle," the Grand Alpha King said with a smile, sitting on his favorite chair. "Have you found your mate yet?" My face turned to sour and I didn't answer him. He laughed heartily. "You are really allergic when it comes to mate topic."

I frowned. The Grand Alpha King really liked to tease me when it comes to this mate topic. He is like a father to me and he sees me as his daughter. "You never changed, old man." I snorted.

"Commander Simon!" Fleet Admiral Franz scolded. "Know your place. Don't disrespect the Grand Alpha."

I bowed my head and was about to apologize when the Grand Alpha King chuckled. "Calm down, Francisco. Rachelle is still not on his duty so let her talk to me like I'm one of the ordinary people."

"But Grand Alpha..." The old man cocked his brow at him and the admiral silenced. "Pardon me..."

He chuckled. "Avedon, you can take your leave. Thank you for bringing Commander Rachelle here."

"Your wish is my command, Your Majesty." Then Avedon left.

"I am really glad that you are here, kid." The Grand Alpha stood up and embraced me.

"Likewise, old man." I hugged him back. Then we both distanced and chuckled.

"How's your vacation? I apologize that I forgot inviting you for my son's coronation last month. You would have gotten to meet him by any chance." His voice masked with guilt.

I frowned. "You are not matchmaking me to your son. Let him find his mate, old man." From what he said, I suddenly remember Claude and left my pack with heavy heart because I didn't manage to bid good bye at him properly. But even so, this is the best. I just don't want to see him again.

'Liar.' My wolf whispered.

I secretly clenched my teeth in annoyance to my wolf. I am not letting her to whisper anything about Claude and his wolf again.

"But I can see you are a perfect match for my son! I would love to see you two together when he comes home."

"Not a chance, old man. I have responsibilities here in the royal palace so I don't have time to know your son. I can acknowledge him as my king but not as a lover. I hope you get choke later." I huffed which earned him a heartily laugh. I frowned. The Grand Alpha really likes to see me in bitter state upon matchmaking me to his son I haven't seen even once.

If Claude hears this, I wouldn't doubt he would growl at the Grand Alpha upon matchmaking. Wait up! Why he suddenly occured to my mind again?

"Okay. Okay. I won't push you further. But I have a feeling..."

"You are just hungry, Your Majesty." I grinned then I bowed. "I shall go to my quarters. Fleet Admiral..." I salute at him.

"Train the private soldiers in the morning. Sharp, commander," he ordered and saluted me after.

"Yes, Admiral!" Then I looked at the Grand Alpha who was having a father smile looking at his daughter. "Grand Alpha..."

He nodded. "You shall take your rest."

I nodded at him and smiled then bowed my head. Then I took my leave. I walked straight to the grave of the Luna Queen resting in the royal garden of the palace. I bowed my head before her grave then left.

I am really looking up at her. I could have wished I have met her before she passed away.

I went straight to my quarters and decided to stay and have rest. It was such a long day for me even though I have just arrived. But it was nice to see the Grand Alpha King. I remembered the father's comfort of the former Alpha of Dark Soul Pack, Alpha Phillip, father of Storm. Both of them are so kind.

I laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling.

"I wonder what my father looks like..." I muttered.