Chapter 62: 62: The Wolf Knows

MAX

The evening’s formalities are beginning to take their toll on me. I find myself watching my sister, lost in a deep conversation with Gamma Dirk, as they dance.

I can’t help but wonder what they’re talking about. Maybe it’s something about his Viking roots.

I decide to get another drink from the bar. Jaydon is already there, waiting for his own drink.

“How’s it going, little brother?” I ask, joining him at the bar.

Jaydon gives me a quick look. “I can’t wait for this night to end. Half the lunas here have been trying to set me up with their daughters.”

“I tried telling them I’m not even twenty-one yet, but they didn’t seem to care.”

I can’t help but laugh, tears forming in my eyes. “I thought I was the only one.”

I give him a friendly slap on the shoulder. “I’ve been dealing with the same thing. I’ve just been excusing myself and walking away.”

Jaydon snorts, grabbing his soda from the counter and turning to head back to his table.

“Wait,” I say, grabbing his shoulder, “Are you guys playing cards?”

I notice a few familiar faces at the table, one of them shuffling a deck of cards while the others count cash. “Yeah, just a quick poker game. You can join if you want.”

Jaydon walks back to the table, leaving me to decide whether I want to join the game. The bartender clears his throat, reminding me to order my drink.

MELANIE

I’m really enjoying my conversation with Dirk. He reminds me so much of Brock.

We’re deep in a discussion about Viking history. When I mention Brock, Dirk starts asking questions.

As I answer, he realizes that Brock is his cousin. It’s a small world, isn’t it?

He then shares a story about how their families now live in different parts of Europe. This happened after his grandfather lost his mate and found a second chance mate in another pack in Ireland.

Dirk’s mother had just been mated and stayed behind in Norway. His uncle, who was just out of high school, left for Ireland with his grandfather.

His uncle married, and along came Brock. Dirk hadn’t seen Brock since he was small, and barely remembers him since he was five years older than Brock.

“You’re five years older? You haven’t mated yet? That must make you over thirty,” I blurt out, probably sounding rude, but I’m genuinely curious why no women have snatched him up yet.

Dirk laughs before answering. “My duties have kept me from it. I think, though, that I am ready to find someone, as soon as I am done serving our king.”

“It’s time to settle down and have a family.” I nod in understanding.

“Melanie, what will you do if you find out Brock isn’t your mate? Will you mate with him and marry him anyway?” His question catches me off guard.

I’m quiet for a moment, then finally answer honestly. “I actually hadn’t thought about it. I’m pretty convinced he is my mate.”

I sigh. What if he isn’t? “I think if Brock would want to, I’d marry him anyway. We’ve known each other a few years now, and we really enjoy each other’s company.”

Dirk nods but doesn’t say anything. We take another spin around the floor, and then another werewolf comes up and taps him on his shoulder.

Dirk stops, and they exchange a few words before he turns back to me. “I apologize, Princess, but duty calls. It seems one of the other guards has fallen ill, and I’ve got to resume his post for him.”

“That’s perfectly fine. Would you like me to check on him? I am almost finished with medical school, and I have learned a lot with my many residencies throughout the country.”

Dirk looks genuinely shocked. “You’re a doctor?”

“Well, not quite yet, but in another four months, I will be.”

“But you are the alpha’s daughter.” He says it like I didn’t know that already. So many traditionalists expect that an alpha’s daughter wouldn’t want to be anything other than a luna.

“I can assure you, Dirk, I know who I am. My family is very supportive of my choice. I can take a look at your friend, or I can call our pack doctor.”

Dirk nods his head and motions for me to follow him. We walk out of the banquet hall, and I notice Ginger standing in the lobby talking to Derek, from Half Moon Pack.

They clearly know each other, and I can guess that he must have met her when Max did. I wonder what happened to her.

I excuse myself from Dirk for a moment to let her know where I’m going. She quickly explains that Derek had recognized her, and they had gotten into a discussion about his sister.

When he realized Max didn’t know she was here, she had to convince him not to go into the banquet hall because she was worried he would ruin the surprise. She didn’t even realize they had been talking for over an hour.

“I will be back. One of the guards is ill, and I’m going to take a look and see if I can do anything to help. Will you be going in to find Max soon?”

“Yes, I should,” Ginger replies. “I’m so nervous.”

“Don’t be. He is obsessed with you. It’s going to be wonderful.” I walk back toward Dirk, and we go to find his sick comrade.

MAX

I’ve made my way out to the patio. The night is cool, and the stars shine bright in the midnight sky.

This is very typical in Montana, stars as far as you can see. I stand listening to the music wafting out from inside, mixed with the sounds of the crickets and frogs from outside.

I wish I had someone to share this beautiful scenery with. I sip my drink, my mind wandering to what Melanie had said before about finding a luna.

I don’t want just any woman. Just like my father, I want to find my true mate.

I’m still young enough to wait it out. My father was already twenty-five when he found my mother.

He had been told over and over to take a chosen mate, but that’s not what he wanted to do, and it had worked out for him. He and my mother are very happy and still very much in love.

I feel his presence before I even hear his footsteps. “Your Majesty.” I turn to face him and give him a bow.

“Alpha Max. This has been a wonderful Summit. Your pack has done well. Your father tells me he plans to hand the pack over to you in the next six months.”

The king comes to stand beside me. “That is what he says, sir. I’m just not sure if I am ready.”

The king gives me a look as if he’s considering my words. “I believe you are more than ready, Max. You are born to lead.”

“That is why I wanted you in my Royal Army.”

I hope that he isn’t about to ask me to join his army again. It would seem almost disrespectful to turn him down twice.

“I appreciate your confidence in me, Your Majesty.”

“You’ve earned this, kid. I’m not far from hanging up my own crown and passing it to my son, as you’re aware. Your dad mentioned he might head to Italy until your little brother is ready to step up. Did you know?” he asks, taking a sip from his glass.

The king’s gaze drifts into the night, and I get the feeling he’s expecting some sort of response I don’t have.

“I knew he was thinking about it. The Venice Pack has been without a leader for a while. I’m not sure if Jaydon wants to go to Italy, but we all have our responsibilities.”

“Indeed, we all have our responsibilities, Max.” The king turns back to me.

“Good talk, Max. Oh, and your sister helped one of my guards with food poisoning. No one knows why he got sick and no one else did, but some rest and hydration, and he’ll be good as new by tomorrow. Your whole family is a real asset to your pack. I see why you wanted to come back. Good night.” He turns and heads back inside before I can respond.

I hang back for a few minutes before rejoining the party in the banquet hall. The celebration is in full swing, the music now playing popular hits, and the younger guests taking over the dance floor.

I spot Jaydon dancing with a pretty blonde, but he looks utterly uninterested. I can’t help but shake my head and chuckle.

My dad is in a corner, deep in conversation with other alphas, their lunas hovering nearby, probably ready to call it a night. It’s late, and I’m starting to feel the weight of the day.

I’m standing there, unsure of what to do next. Should I find Melanie and Selene so we can head home?

Suddenly, a heavenly scent catches my attention. It’s a faint hint of vanilla, floating on the air.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. My wolf, Bo, stirs within me, pacing anxiously.

When I open my eyes, I find myself turning toward the entrance. There she is, a few steps away, the most stunning girl in the most captivating silver dress I’ve ever seen.

She gives me a soft smile, stepping closer. Her scent fills my senses.

Bo is eager to come forward, but I hold him back. Still, a growl escapes my lips.

A few people nearby hear it and stop their conversations to look my way. That’s when they see my gaze is fixed on her—my mate.

I can’t hold back any longer. The thought that this might be a dream finally leaves me. I step toward Ginger, and as I do, she whispers, “Mate.”

That’s all it takes. I rush to her as she rushes to me, and we collide.

I lift her up and spin her around. She’s so small compared to me, I worry I might hurt her.

I set her down gently, my hands cupping her face, and I pull her to me, kissing her passionately, claiming her in front of everyone.

I’d completely forgotten we’re surrounded by people until I hear the cheers and whistles. I pull back and look around.

My parents are standing nearby, their faces glowing with happiness. Melanie is leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, a smirk on her face.

I mind-link her immediately, ~“Is this what you’ve been hiding from me? ”~

Melanie nods and then exits the room.

I turn back to Ginger, her beauty taking my breath away. I trace the freckles on her nose, my finger trailing down to her perfect lips.

“You’re really here.” She nods, her eyes locked with mine.

“You’re here and you’re mine.” I’m still in disbelief.

Ginger is here, and she’s truly my mate. I felt a deeper connection when I first met her in Phoenix.

I’m relieved to know I wasn’t wrong. My dad once told me that my wolf would know before I did, and he was right.

I always knew she was the one.

End of Book 2