2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

-Reese-

A midst the light and pleasant chatter swirling around me, my parents engaged in conversation with Rosa, a vision of beauty and the epitome of the Luna I had longed for. She was my true mate, a match blessed by the Goddess herself. Yet, despite her presence, my attention wandered, ensnared by the intoxicating aroma permeating the room. It had lured me from the entrance to the living room, rendering me unable to focus on anything else.

This scent puzzled me. It wasn’t Rosa’s. Hers was a delicate, sweeter rose fragrance, a perfect complement to her name. But what now enveloped me was the irresistible aroma of strawberries, fresh and invigorating, hanging in the air like an enchanting veil. Even Rosa’s scent, exquisite as it was, couldn’t rival the allure of this mysterious fragrance.

Why her? I wondered, perplexed by the effect this seemingly ordinary pack member had on me. Had she adorned herself with a special perfume? But why would it affect me so profoundly?

In a moment of impulse, I had found myself burying my nose in the mystery wolf’s neck, further immersing myself in the overpowering scent. It was a gesture reserved for mates, yet I couldn’t shake the need to confirm that the sweet fragrance emanated from her. And thus, a new mystery unfolded: why did she smell so captivatingly good?

Why does it matter? We have our mate. Focus on her, my wolf instructed.

He was right. I shouldn’t be dwelling on this. Everything I desired was right beside me, yet the allure of the scent persisted, drowning out the surrounding conversation.

“So, how did your family react when you told them about Reese?” my mother’s voice cut through the haze, drawing my attention.

Her inquiry brought a brief respite from my thoughts, but the lingering fragrance continued to tantalize my senses, reminding me of the unanswered questions swirling in my mind.

“Oh, they were naturally a bit concerned, but Reese stayed with us for a while. They’ve come to know him, and they adore him,” Rosa replied warmly.

“That’s heartening to hear. Rest assured, we’ll spare no effort in making you feel at home,” my mother assured her sincerely.

“I truly appreciate it,” Rosa responded gratefully.

Turning to my father, who had been as quiet as me, I sensed his lingering uncertainty about our union. Despite the current peace between our packs, the shadow of past conflicts loomed large. As the old saying goes, ‘An Alpha never forgets’. My mother nudged him gently, prompting a response.

“Eric, won’t we ensure our son’s mate feels comfortable?” she prodded, her voice laced with determination.

“Yes,” my father replied, his tone strained. Catching his gaze, I silently conveyed my disapproval of his behavior. He cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. “We will, of course, do our utmost.”

I nodded in agreement, wrapping my arm around Rosa, who leaned into me with a smile. Yet, as I inhaled her rose-scented fragrance, it seemed oddly subdued, leaving me bewildered. I shouldn’t be detecting any scent stronger than hers, so why was my attention drawn to this other aroma?

Struggling to push aside my confusion, we continued our conversation, eventually agreeing to talk more at dinner after completing some unpacking. Taking Rosa’s hand, I led her to my bedroom, a space I hadn’t visited in quite some time.

“That went smoothly,” she chuckled.

“Were they really that bad?” I asked.

“You know how my parents can be,” she replied, casting a glance around the room. It had undergone a few changes since my last visit. The bed was larger, a subtle reminder from my mother to find a mate. Fortunately, I had, and I eagerly anticipated sharing my days with Rosa.

“He did make some threats last time,” I reminded her, and we shared a laugh.

“I’m his only daughter, can you blame him?” she teased.

“Not at all. I’ll probably be just as protective of our daughter,” I said, earning a cheeky smile from Rosa.

“Really?” she asked, stepping closer.

I nodded, and she gently pushed me back until I sat at the edge of the bed. Straddling me, she lifted her dress, and I wrapped my arms around her, drawing her close. As she leaned in to kiss me, I noticed a subtle shift—the usual intensity was lacking. She pulled back, concern evident in her eyes.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Just feeling a bit worn out from the journey,” I admitted.

“Or maybe it’s overwhelming to be back home?” she suggested.

I shook my head. “No, for once, my parents seem to agree with me. They’re happy I’ve decided to settle down.”

“Then maybe we should start working on our little family?” she teased.

“You’re not in heat yet.”

“It won’t be long,” she countered. “Maybe we should just practice.”

“I do like the sound of that,” I admitted with a smile.

She leaned in for another kiss, but once again, I found myself distracted. My mind drifted downstairs, to the room filled with the enticing scent of strawberries. Rosa pulled back, puzzled by my distant demeanor.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing,” I replied, though she wasn’t convinced.

“Normally my clothes would be in shreds by now,” she remarked.

“You’re right, they would,” I conceded, then tore the back of her dress with my hands.

She gasped in surprise, then burst into laughter. I turned us, determined to shake off my distraction as I removed the torn material, revealing her stunning figure. With a hand tracing her curves, I kissed her passionately, momentarily forgetting about everything else.

I stood in front of the closet, buttoning up a shirt, but an unsettling emptiness gnawed at me after mating with Rosa. It was disconcerting. Ordinarily, I would feel spent in the best possible way, but now, there was an odd sense of dissatisfaction lingering within me. Rosa was still in the shower, preparing for the upcoming dinner, but I found myself drifting off, unable to grasp what was troubling me.

This wasn’t how I was supposed to feel after mating with my true mate. The bond was meant to be powerful, unyielding. Or did its intensity diminish over time? Uncertainty gnawed at me, compounded by the memory of my parents, who remained as passionate as ever, even after years together. Something didn’t add up.

The sound of the water shutting off pulled me from my thoughts, and soon, the gentle padding of feet approached. Rosa emerged, clad in a towel, and we exchanged smiles. As she dressed, slipping into fresh underwear and a sleek dark dress, I couldn’t help but admire her.

“Don’t stare,” she chuckled, turning her back to me to adjust the zipper. “Can you?”

Reaching up, I pulled the zipper into place, and she turned to face me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I reciprocated, holding her close.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You seem a bit distant,” she observed.

“I’m fine,” I assured her.

“Really?”

I nodded.

“Good, because otherwise, we could just stay up here,” she teased, but the excitement I would have felt at her suggestion mere hours ago was absent now.

“No, let’s go downstairs. I’m sure you’re hungry,” I suggested.

“I’m famished,” she admitted.

“Then let’s not stay here. There are a lot of people eager to meet you,” I said, leading her out of the room.

“Terrifying,” she joked.

I laughed, shaking my head before planting a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t worry, they’ll embrace you as family.”

“Right, not scary at all,” she teased.

“You’ll do brilliantly,” I reassured her.

Though she still seemed a bit nervous, I took her hand and escorted her downstairs. We entered the dining room, already bustling with pack members. Not everyone dined with us. Those closest to the Alpha sat at his table, while others would enter later.

I guided Rosa toward my parents, intending to sit beside her, but my mother gestured toward the vacant seat at the head of the table. I had momentarily forgotten my new role as the leading Alpha. Adjusting, I moved us to the left, finding myself at the head of the table. It felt surreal to occupy my father’s usual place, but he seemed proud, a rare expression on his face. Conversation flowed around us as dinner began.