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After five years of not keeping in touch, a young werewolf named Lana is invited to be the maid of honour in her best friend's wedding. Here she finds the mate she has been searching for for the past six years but when she finally meets him she can't have him, they are said to be incompatible. With more reasons for them to be apart she's about to realize that the magic in the air is nothing but smoke and mirrors.

...

Lana fidgeted in her seat, her back and behind were killing her but what do you expect from sitting in a thirteen hours flight. She was currently in a cab looking out the window but not focusing on the scenery, her mind was on her best friend's wedding that would take place the following Saturday.

For someone going to such an auspicious event she was too gloomy, you might have mistaken her for someone going to a funeral not a wedding.

She couldn't help but envy her friend who was getting everything she might never have.

Lana was twenty four years old and still hadn't found her soul mate. It does sound cheesy but Lana was not a hopeless romantic, finding a soulmate is something that is expected among her kind, the werewolf kind that is.

She should have found her mate at the age of eighteen but the universe was against her, after six years of waiting and searching she had finally given up, maybe her mate died before they had a chance to meet, it is rare but it does happen.

Sighing in her sit, Lana's mind wondered to her friend, Jessica. They have known each other since elementary school and have been best friends ever since.

Jessica was wild back in high school while Lana was quite the opposite, most of her peers had said that Jessica was Lana's wild side but only Lana knew that her wild side had furs, sharp canines and paws and it did not go partying whenever it felt like it and it definitely was not loose. Still Lana loved and cherished her friend.

She thought of how excited Jessica sounded when she called her after five years to tell her that she was getting married. Jessica told her about her beloved fiancé and how she wanted her best friend to be the maid of honour, to say that Lana was thrilled would have been a lie but she still agreed to come.

Lana was pulled out of her thoughts when the cab came to an abrupt halt, she looked out the window and saw a huge gate surrounded by trees, it was impossible to see the house from the gate since the drive way seemed to go on and disappear amongst the trees.

"Is this the right place?” Lana couldn't help but ask.

It took the driver a while before he answered, he was also dumbfounded.

"Lady, the address you gave me says that this is the place", he finally said.

While they were busy wondering how they were supposed to get the gates open, a high pitched sound of metal scraping metal was heard and the large gates opened ushering them in. They drove in.

They drove under the canopy of trees for a while until a huge fountain came into view, the cab rounded the fountain and came to a stop in front of a huge house. Well calling it a house was an insult, the correct term was, palace.

Lana got out of the cab and stood looking at the building before her with awe.

She looked down at her clothing, jeans, flats and long sleeve shirt and felt slightly underdressed, she should have been wearing a ball gown.

The taxi driver got out her massive bags, dragged them to her side and waited. After wondering why the cab driver was staring at her she finally fumbled with her handbag, retrieving a couple of notes and handed them to the chubby man while mumbling a sorry.

"It's alright missy, now here is my business card", he said handing her a card.

"If you need someone to take you back to the airport after the funeral, you know who to call", the man said while giving her a small smile and getting back in the cab.

Lana watched the cab pull away while fiddling with the card, he didn't even give her a chance to correct him about her visit nor would she need the card. She put the card in her bag and turned to face the building again.

With new found determination she grabbed both bags in each hand, lifting them off the ground with ease and started making her way to the door, being a werewolf had its own perks.

She couldn't help but feel that Jessica was showing off, Lana should have insisted on staying at her parents' place because staying here even if it was for a week was going to leave a huge dent in her pride.

She accidentally stumbled on the last step and lost her grip on one of the two bags while trying to regain her balance and the bag tumbled down a step. She had to place the other bag on the platform, then debated whether she should go down the stairs to collect the bag or just stoop down and pull it onto the platform, feeling lazy she chose the latter.

She had her back to the door while pulling her fallen bag up when she heard someone clear their throat. They must have very well oiled doors or whoever was behind her was a ghost.

She quickly jumped startled and turned around to glare at whoever startled her. To show how much the universe hated her, she glared at a chest. This threw her off, there weren't that many human males who could tower over her.

After glaring at the chest for a while she took in the light brown boots the man was wearing, dark blue jeans and the muscle-loving black T-shirt. That was no ordinary butler. Finally she took in the man's face, he was a handsome lad but he was looking at her disapprovingly.

"What do you want", the man growled.

That's when the scent hit her nose and she gulped.

Chapter 2

"Um, well I... I am here for Jessica's wedding but it seems like this is the wrong pala- house so I'll be on my way now", she stuttered out and turned around to walk away.

DAM it, why didn't she notice the scent before, the place reeked of werewolves. Her being there was like walking into a dragons den or poking a sleeping bear, asking for trouble.

Whoever that man was, he was obviously a werewolf and most likely a pack member, her being brought up in a rogue family was really not helping the situation.

Her senses were on high alert, she could feel her ears that were hidden by her dark brown hair get pointy, her teeth lengthened a bit, nostrils flared, pupils dilated and her fingernails almost ripped the material of her bags.

Since she had her back to him, he did not notice and she was waiting for him to strike, if he thought that she would go down without a fight then he had another thing coming.

Just when the tension between them was at its peak, a cheery voice pierced through it causing Lana to calm down.

"Oh, Lana! I was afraid you might not show. You know, you should have called, I had a driver ready to go pick you up at the airport. Derick, won't you help carry in Lana's bags, they must weigh a ton". Jessica chimed.

Lana turned around and peeked around the man named Derick, who was blocking the entrance, to see that it was indeed her best friend, Jessica. She couldn't help but wonder what Jessica was doing with werewolves but still she smiled and waved back.

"Of course Jess, we wouldn't want to keep a lady waiting", Derick gave Lana a fanged smile while he took her bags and stepped aside eyeing her wearily.

Jessica launched herself at Lana giving her a tight hug.

A lot of books claim that female werewolves are more appealing than the average human but Lana had never believed that because she had Jessica as evidence, it was either that or Jessica was no ordinary human and since Lana had known her almost all her life she chose the former.

Jessica was a beautiful and sexy woman, her hour glass figure had a lot of men at her feet and her bust was the thing of every pervert’s imagination. To top it off, she had wavy waist length blond hair that framed her well sculptured face, enhancing her facial features, not to mention that in direct sunlight her hair seemed to give off its own light. She had her own hallo but Lana knew Jessica was no angel.

Lana saw herself as the dull friend with shoulder length hair that had a life of its own and light brown eyes. The only thing Lana had over Jessica was height since she was slightly taller than her.

Lana pulled back from the hug and watched her friend wipe a tear or two while she waited to be introduced to the hulking man by the corner.

"Oh, Lana this is my future brother in-law, Derick Silverman", Jessica said while gesturing at him.

"And, Derick, this is my best friend from since forever, Lana Banes", she gestured at Lana.

Lana gave Derick a small smile, before he turned to leave. She honestly thought that he was the groom, after all he was the kind of guy Jessica would go after, minus the wolf part.

Jessica ushered her inside and Lana's jaw almost hit the marble floor when saw the foyer. It was beautiful, it made her feel more and more underdressed, sending a massive blow to her pride. The grand stairs with intricate designs just took her breath away and when she saw that Jessica was enjoying her reaction she quickly closed her mouth.

But when she looked up, this time her jaw smashed into the perfectly polished floor. The chandelier had what looked to be diamonds dangling from it and if she was told that those were real diamonds she would have believed it without giving it a second thought.

The bulbs looked like candles but were giving off the kind of light that would put a candle to shame. The ceiling also had beautiful paintings, she wondered if Leonardo da Vinci was still alive somewhere.

Now humbled, Lana was led to what had to be the sitting room and she took her seat. A young girl came in holding a tray of beverages but paused at the entrance, she looked at Lana suspiciously before she spaced out, it was only for a second but Lana noticed. She was obviously using telepathy, must be wondering what a rogue was doing in pack territory, it’s called having friends in high places.

Lana eyed her friend and wanted to ask her how she did it but still words failed her.

The girl continued into the room,

she wasn't dressed like a maid and Lana didn't believe that Jessica had servants, living in a pack is not that different from living with family since you all have chores but at least at home you can whine about it.

The girl handed each of them a glass of what appeared to be red wine but made no eye contact.

"Thanks", Lana said, though Jessica just accepted the glass without a word.

Lana's eyes were transfixed on the glass but she could have sworn that she saw the girl bow her head before she left.

She took a tentative sip of the liquid with her mouth anticipating the taste but the moment the liquid stained her tongue she was disappointed beyond belief, it was just Grapetiser. She covered the disappointment with a smile.

Jessica who was sitting right across from her had a satisfied look in her eyes before she cleared her throat.

"So, Lana, how is life oversees?” Jessica asked attentively.

"It was going well than I expected and more fulfilling but I was thinking about moving back home", what was she supposed to say, life as a teacher sucks because she gets to spend time with other people's children while she'll never have her own?.

"Oh, you are moving back? I hope it's not a guy problem?” Jessica said while raising an eyebrow.

Lana almost chocked on her drink, so she set it down. Jessica can turn anything into a choking hazard.

"Oh no, no that's not it. I just missed home that's all", Lana splattered out. Jessica knew that Lana could make a nun jealous, so the questions were quite peculiar.

"So where's the husband-to-be?” Lana cut in before Jessica could say anything else.

"He had to tend to some business and has to pick up the wedding planner who is bringing some food samples for the wedding but he should be here at any moment now", Jessica replied and no sooner had the words left her mouth, Lana heard a car being parked outside.

They heard the door being opened and someone enter.

"That must be him", Jessica said excitedly but made no motion to get up so Lana followed suit.

At that moment the most enticing smell hit her nostrils and her mouth watered for reasons that had nothing to do with food. All she wanted to do was to get up from that couch and run to wherever the smell was coming from but she kept her composure.

Her eyes were on the entrance of the sitting room when two men walked in.

One of them was at Jessica's height, muscular, green eyes and had on a purple shiny suit. He was carrying what looked like a picnic basket, he must have been the wedding planner but he looked more like a pimp. Jessica certainly used movies as research tools, let the wedding planner be gay, it reminded her of Maddie from Glitz Gurlz on Deck by Tamoja.

The other man was a couple of centimeters taller than Derick, had jet black hair, dark brown eyes that looked almost black and had on a black business suit. He had a briefcase in one hand and was the one emitting that enticing scent. When she saw that he was looking at her with awe, her heartbeat increased, she started breathing hard and had a sudden urge to run into his arms.

A part of her was busy chanting, MATE! MATE! MATE!

Before she could make a move to get up, Jessica jumped up from the couch and ran into the man's arms.

"Honey, you are home", she said while embracing him.

Chapter 3

Lana could feel her heart break into pieces and a growl coming on but she swallowed it and averted her eyes. She could feel tears pricking her eyes and the lump forming in her throat but she pushed it down, she refused to cry.

These feelings she were experiencing, she had felt them before back when she was sixteen but they were not as intense as they were now.

Back in high school she developed a huge crush on a certain guy and Jessica knew about it, they were best friends so they talked about everything except her being a werewolf of course. So imagine her surprise when she caught Jessica kissing her crush. She was hurt and felt betrayed but it didn't matter that much nor was it a big deal because she knew that someday she will find her life mate.

But right now Jessica had him too and this time her wolf was also hurting. Lana bit her lip hard willing her tears to go away and with her emotions intensified by her wolf's, it was hard but she did it.

She raised her head to look at her mate who was in another woman's arms. He looked very sorry and when he saw no emotions in her eyes he looked hurt.

"Oh where are my manners", Jessica exclaimed while pulling back to stand beside Lana's mate.

"Alex, this is my best friend, Lana. And Lana this is my fiancé Alex. Oh and this is my wedding planner, Charlie", she said beaming.

"Hi, darling", the said wedding planner said a tad too huskily for him to be what he was trying to look like, gay. That earned him a glare from Alex but Jessica and Charlie didn't notice since their attention was on Lana. Alex wanted to say something to Charlie but held it in he had no right, or did he?

Lana gave Charlie a small smile and a nod of acknowledgement, she didn't dare talk fearing that she might choke up.

"It's nice to meet you, Lana. I've heard so much about you", Alex replied. His voice boomed in the sitting room laced with power and dominance, it caressed her skin leaving goosebumps in its wake.

Lana grit her teeth, drawing a sharp breath and voluntarily closed her eyes for a split second.

"Lana would you please join us for the sampling, I would really appreciate your opinion", Jessica pleaded and Alex looked at her expectedly.

"I would really like to, but I'm exhausted and I need to call home to let them know that I got here okay", Lana said, finally finding her voice. She gave herself an imaginary pat on the back for sounding so strong.

Jessica's eyes lit up with realization, she left Alex's side and walked up to Lana.

"That's okay, I almost forgot. Come with me I'll show you to your room", Jessica said offering Lana her hand.

Lana looked at the hand and felt a growl coming up but like before she pushed it down and put her hand in Jessica's, flinching inwardly.

She let Jessica guide her from the room but paused at the entrance because Jessica just had to give Alex a quick peck and Lana averted her eyes.

"Hun, you can wait for me in the kitchen", Jessica said as they were walking up the stairs.

Lana did not even notice their beauty this time around.

Jessica was busy rambling on about the house, who designed what and prices might have been mentioned but Lana couldn't hear her.

Lana felt broken inside and just kept quiet until she found herself being ushered into a room. The first thing she saw when she peeked inside were her suitcases and a spacious bed. The room was big and the decoration was lovely but she didn't dwell on that as she kicked off her pumps and made a bee line to the bed.

"You must really be tired, have all the rest you need and we'll talk a lot more tomorrow", Jessica said as she walked out and closed the door behind her.

The moment the lock clicked in place, Lana let the emotions take over as she silently cried her eyes out. All that time she had thought her mate dead but only to find out that he was getting married to her friend and she was going to be the maid of honour, why couldn't he have waited the same way she did?.

For some reason she felt Jessica's betrayal but she couldn't hold it against her, Jessica didn't know that Alex was Lana's mate. She cried until she felt numb, never in her life did she ever think that she would cry over a man but there she was crying over a man she just met five minutes ago. By the time she fell asleep she had gone numb and the well of tears had dried up.

She felt a cold breeze brush against her skin and heard what sounded like a distant sorrowful howl. This jerked her awake, she looked about the bedroom to only find it dark, being a wolf this did not bother her the slightest but still she reached over to her night stand looking for a switch and when she found it she light her bedside lamp.

Lana sat up on the bed and looked at her wristwatch, it was way past midnight so she would have to wait until morning to call home. She then got up from the bed and made her way to the curtains with the intention of closing the window. When she parted them she was stunned to see that there were no windows but a sliding door that lead to a balcony. She walked out and let the cool breeze ruffle her hair not wanting to think of the events that took place the previous day.

She gripped the railing, trying hard to keep her emotions in check and when she turned around to leave she was stopped by a sorrowful howl. She felt her heart clench and had the sudden urge to go comfort her mate, her wolf was itching to come out but she held it in. Looking down she saw movement by the tree line but she didn't stay to find out who it was. He was marrying another woman, how was she supposed to live with that?

After changing into a comfortable pair of pajamas, Lana went back to bed with a heavy heart, knowing that sooner or later she was going to have to face him.

Chapter 4

The following day Lana woke up feeling the Monday blues. She was exhausted and emotionally drained. She stumbled out of bed and headed to the in-suit bathroom, once there she peeled off her pajamas and turned on the cold water but nothing came out.

What she needed was a cold shower so after tinkering with the tap for a while she gave up, Jessica's place wasn't that perfect after all.

So she took a towel, wrapped it around her now naked body and as she was about to walk out she caught sight of her back on the mirror. She eyed the huge birthmark on her shoulder blade, how she wished it wasn't there. With a frown plastered on her face she headed to the bathroom across her room.

After opening the bedroom door just a few centimeters she peeked around and when she saw that the coast was clear she literally ran to the bathroom and almost knocked down the door while at it.

The bathroom was empty much to her relief, it seems like the bedrooms, bathrooms and other private parts of the house where sound proof so she just took a gamble by not knocking first.

Locking the door behind her she went on to take her long cold shower.

When she was finished she felt a little bit alive again, this also helped clear the murderous thoughts in her head. Her wolf had the urge to claw out at someone, she seriously needed to go home.

Stepping out of the shower, she rewrapped the towel on her body, letting her hair to dry on its own and walked out of the bathroom.

She was still thinking about how she was going to explain to her friend why she can't stay at the house, when a growl caused her to stop dead in her tracks.

Her heart started racing at a marathon worthy pace and she took in a very, very sharp intake of air as goosebumps erupted on her delicate flesh.

She looked down the hallway where the growl came from and her wolf did a little dance as she took in the sight of her mate who was standing next to Derick.

Her eyes then strayed to Derick who was shamelessly checking her out, this caused Alex to look over at Derick. When Alex saw the look in Derick's eyes, he let out a low threatening growl that held power and authority and this led to Derick bowing his head.

To Lana that growl had a very different effect, it only increased her excitement and made the urge to jump into Alex's arms more and more irresistible. That's when the memory of Jessica in Alex's arms flashed in her mind and she quickly darted into her room and shut the door behind her. She sat down leaning against the door and couldn't help but cry, her heart felt like it was being ripped apart and she clutched her chest as the pain escalated and began to feel more physical. She silently sobbed into her hands until there were no more tears left to shed and her throat was sore.

She braced herself against the door as she got up, the crying was giving her a splitting headache and the fact that she hadn't eaten anything the night before wasn't going unnoticed.

She went and sat on the bed and retrieved her phone so that she could call home.

She quickly dialed her mother's number and after a couple of rings her call was answered.

"Lana?” a cheery voice answered.

"Morning, mom", she said smiling but her voice came out a little bit raspy and quiet.

"Honey, are you okay? You don't sound well", she could hear the worry in her mother's voice.

"I'm okay mom, just coming down with a cold that's all", she tried to sound cheerful but failed miserably. She knew her mom knew she was lying but didn't push the issue.

"How's the wedding coming along? And it’s not morning you silly child, its past two in the afternoon. Is jet lag this bad or did someone keep you up all night?” this made Lana laugh a humourless laugh. Someone did keep her up or was it wake her up but it wasn't for the same reason her mother was implying.

"The we- wedding is going great, they were sampling the food yesterday", she replied but couldn't help but stutter a little.

"Honey, I can hear that something is not right so tell me, what's wrong?” her mother asked softly.

"Mom, it's-it's Jessica's fiancé", she replied choking up.

"What did he do? He didn't touch you or anything, right? Because if he did I will give him the practical example of castration", her mother growled into the phone.

Lana couldn't help but give a small smile at her mother's overprotective behaviour. She was her parent’s youngest child after all and of all people she knew that her mother never made empty promises.

"Who hurt my baby girl?” she heard her father growl as he came closer to the phone.

"Jessica's fiancé", her mother replied.

"I told you that she should have come home first before she went over to that blasted friend of hers", her father said.

Her father never liked Jessica and he wasn't afraid to voice it up every chance he got. Maybe it had something to do with him catching Lana doing Jessica's homework and assignments on more than one occasion.

"Oh don't bring this up again, Jack. She was being a friend, she didn't know that her friend was marrying a jerk", her mother retorted.

"Mike!” her father called out to one of her five siblings. Now this was going to get good, Lana couldn't help but smile at her family's behaviour and thanks to her werewolf hearing she was getting the front row seat.

"What's up, dad!” her brother answered getting closer to the phone too.

"Go get your brothers, we are going on a field trip", her father answered.

"Leah, ask her where she is", her father directed her mother.

Lana gave the address before her mother could ask her.

There was a long pause before she heard her father say,

"Mike! Tell them to bring their friends!”

Her father asking for backup just confirmed that she was in pack territory.

"Dad?” she started, feeling how serious the situation was.

"Just hold on tight sweetie, you are just five hours away but we will get there within four and-",

"Dad, Jessica's fiancé is my mate", she whispered. Even though it was a whisper she knew that her father had heard her loud and clear.

There was a longer pause and her father finally said, "Make it three".

Chapter 5

After ending the call with forcing her father to not cause a scene and him saying that he won't promise anything, Lana got up and walked to her bags picking out something comfortable to wear.

After putting on her clothes she went into the bathroom to put on some make-up. She didn't usually need make-up hence she rarely used it but the woman who stared back at her through the mirror that morning, convinced her otherwise. After she was finished with the make-up she couldn't help but admire her work. She took in her attire, faded jeans, a black loose T-shirt and flats, feeling satisfied she left the bathroom and rearranged her bags putting them on the bed.

She then opened her bedroom door and started making her way downstairs. Jessica had told her that the house had six floors and that Alex lived with some of his extended family who happened to fill almost every floor from the fourth floor upwards, definitely a pack house, but Lana would be staying on the second floor so that she wouldn't get lost easily. For a house full of people she hadn't come across any except for Jessica, Alex, Derick and the girl who served her.

She didn't care if she came across Alex, as long as she wasn't in a bath towel she would be okay.

She used her hearing to find Jessica and after following the trails of giggles she found her in the kitchen with you-know-who. Alex was sitting on a stool with Jessica behind the breakfast bar, he quickly looked up when he sensed Lana's presence and this caused Jessica to also look in the same direction.

"Lana, you are up. I'm so sorry that I let you sleep in but you seemed so exhausted yesterday and I thought that the rest might do you some good", Jessica said while grabbing a couple of cups.

"It’s okay", Lana replied while avoiding eye contact with Alex.

"Come on sit down", Jessica said while gesturing to one of the stools.

Lana did as she was told but chose the stool furthest from Alex but close enough to not raise any questions, which meant that she sat two stools away from him but still didn't look at him.

"Coffee?” Jessica asked.

"Oh no thanks, you know that I don't drink coffee. Do you by any chance have rooibos tea?” Lana politely asked, still debating how she was going to break the news to her friend.

"I bet we have those, I had forgotten that you weren't a coffee fan", Jessica said while laughing lightly while Alex spared her a curious glance.

She retrieved the tea bags, making two cups of coffee and one cup of tea.

"Here you go", Jessica said handing the coffee to Alex, the tea to Lana and keeping the last cup for herself.

"Thanks", both Lana and Alex murmured.

"Lana I've got some great news!” Jessica exclaimed.

Lana paused from sipping her tea and felt Alex tense.

"I wanted to tell you yesterday but since you were tired and all, I didn't think it was the best time. Guess what?” Jessica asked beaming.

Lana just raised an eyebrow questioningly but before she even had the chance to reply, Jessica cut in.

"Alex and I are pregnant! Lana, you are going to be an aunt!” Jessica exclaimed, grinning like the Cheshire cat.

To say that Lana was stunned would have been the understatement of the year and to say that she was heartbroken, the understatement of the century. She wanted to ask who the father was but felt it was inappropriate.

She took a huge gulp of the hot tea and it helped push down the lump forming in her throat, she then looked up at her friend and gave her a very fake smile but Jessica was still caught up in her own bubble so she didn't notice.

Lana couldn't say that she was happy for her friend so she just broke the news.

"Jess, I have something to tell you", Lana started, her voice was shaky but Jessica interpreted that as Lana being overwhelmed with emotions, positive emotions that is.

"Lana I haven't been feeling well and I talked to my mom about it and I think it's better if I go home for a while but I'll be here for the ceremony", Lana finished.

"But you can't leave!” Alex blurts out.

"I mean Jessica needs you", he quickly added.

"I am truly sorry, Jessica. But my dad is already on his way here and he will be here within-", she looked at her wrist watch.

"Twenty minutes or less", she finished but she was leaning on the less part, NASCAR drivers couldn't hold a candle to her father's driving.

"Oh. I am afraid that I won't be present to see you off, I have a late appointment with... Charlie. But I do hope you do get home safely.” Jessica replied, the sadness and disappointment evident in her voice.

She went around the breakfast bar and gave Alex a kiss on the cheek before heading out.

Lana sat there with her soulmate but had nothing to say to him, she wanted to hit him and kiss him at the same time, she hated and loved him simultaneously and in the end she just chose to feel numb.

She felt a tingling sensation on her hand and searing heat pass through her body and it made her desire things she couldn't have. The fire became intense as it flowed from her hand to her back until it felt as if her back was on fire, the hotter the fire became the clearer her old memories became. The touch felt familiar and with its familiarity it brought pain.

She looked down to see Alex's hand lying on top of hers and felt the tears she thought were all dried up blur her vision, she quickly pulled her hand away.

She looked up at Alex to find his blurry figure staring at her and when she blinked the tears ran down her cheeks, clearing her vision.

Alex was quick to wipe those tears away.

"I am so sorry", those were the only words he managed to find but even he knew that Band-Aids don't fix bullet holes.

Chapter 6

"Please don't go", he added when she didn't respond. He knew that he was being selfish by asking her to stay but at the same time he couldn't lose her.

"You know, I waited for you for six years, not only waited for you but I searched for you. I had even come to a conclusion that you might have died before we met but hoping otherwise. But now here we are, I've found you but only to find out that you didn't even bother to wait for me", she started.

"How do you expect me to stay here? Do you know how much it kills me to see you in another woman's arms? How do you expect me to sleep knowing that you are in bed with another woman under the same roof?!” Her voice was starting to rise a few octaves.

"How would you feel if you were in my shoes and I was with another man? Better yet marrying another man?” she finally asked but was met by a growl.

"No man is ever laying a hand on you! You are my mate and I would kill any man who even dares to look in your direction or breath the same air as you do!” he growled out. He was now standing up, towering over Lana who was still sitting on the stool.

Lana got up and glared at the man before her, not backing down.

"What about Jessica?” she retorted.

"When I met Jessica I thought she was my mate, do you actually think that I would be marrying her if I thought otherwise?” he spat back.

Lana was a little bit taken aback. Jessica, Alex's mate?

When she didn't say anything Alex continued.

"I met Jessica six years ago, she was a senior in high school and I was still in college. When I first met her, it felt as if she was my mate and it still does. Then you showed up yesterday and for some reason you are also my mate", he said softly while looking intently into her eyes. Jessica never told her about them meeting while she and Lana were still in high school. Why would she hide this from her?

"Right now I'm so confused because one part of me is convinced that you are my mate and the longer I am around you the more convinced I get," he finished.

"Did you mark her?” she asked.

"No, the urge never came. She feels like my mate but my wolf doesn't want to mark her and I don't feel that strongly about her as I do with you", he quickly replied.

"Does Jessica know about you? What you are?” she asked.

"No, I've been trying to find a way to tell her but it never comes up. hek she believes my beta, Derick, to be my brother", he quickly finished while scratching the back of his neck.

"What about the baby?” Lana asked quietly. They both knew that if Jessica wasn't Alex's mate then she wouldn't be pregnant.

"I honestly don't know how that happened", he said but when Lana lifted an eyebrow at him he quickly realized how stupid he sounded.

"Well I do know how that happened but-",

Alex spaced out. This was then followed by an audible crash and the unmistakable sound of her father's twin-cab, parking outside.

Lana turned on her heels and hurried to the door while wiping away some stray tears. Alex was hot on her heels. What she saw when she opened the door made her pause as fear tickled her spine.

Her father's fire red double cab was parked in front of what used to be a beautiful fountain, he must have not seen it when the car emerged from under the canopy. The fountain was in pieces but thanks to the bumper the car didn't even have a dent.

But that's not what scared her.

Her father and three of her brothers were standing in front of the car, growling at the many men who were surrounding them.

Seeing that her family was in trouble, Lana stepped out of the house and let loose a ferocious growl. That took away the attention from her family but put her in the spot light and for some reason the men bowed their heads, that's when she felt Alex's presence beside her, he must have told them to stand down.

When everything seemed to be fine she ran into her father's arms.

"There, there sweetheart, everything will be okay, at least some of it", her father cooed while eyeing the fallen fountain.

Lana couldn't help but give a small smile at her father's action.

"I missed you so much, dad", she said finally pulling back to look up at the man who brought her up. Her father frowned when he got a closer look at her face but didn't ask her what was bothering her since he already knew.

"Missed you too, now where are your bags?” he asked.

"Steve is bringing them down", Alex interjected.

Lana's father snapped his head in Alex's direction.

"And who might you be?” he asked.

"Ale- Alpha Alex Silverman", he replied, trying hard not to hang his head in shame. He was an Alpha, he never showed submission.

"It's a good thing that I met you Alex, now could you point me in the direction of the piece of SHT that has put tears in my little girl's eyes", Mr. Banes replied. He didn't even bother to say Alex's title, he disliked packs for obvious reasons.

But before Alex could say anything, a young man appeared through the door with the bags and everyone's focus shifted to him. This caused the poor boy to freeze and blush while his eyes darted about. Thankfully Derick took the bags from him and handed them over to one of Lana's brothers.

"Have a safe journey, Luna", he murmured to Lana as he passed her.

Lana wanted to tell him that her name was Lana not Luna but she didn't have the strength to nor did she get the chance as her father was already opening the car door for her. Mr. Banes took the driver seat with Jodie by his side while Lana sat between her other two brothers, Mike and Jim.

She didn't dare to look out the window because she knew that Alex was staring at her. It was hard to believe that she was leaving the one person she had been waiting for all her life, the one person she had always dreamt of finding and the one person that she had loved even before they met. It was stupid of her to do that, love him that is since he was marrying another woman and her best friend at that. She should have rejected him as her mate but why didn't he do that? After all he was the one who was getting married.

The sound of the engine coming to life took her out of her depressing thoughts and as they drove off she placed her head on Jim's shoulder, who placed his arm around her shoulders. Closing her eyes, she let herself get lost in the darkness before they got out from under the pitch black canopy.

The darkness did consume her but it did so in more ways than one.

...

Find out what happens next in Dreame!