KADE’S POV
“Don't forget your duty, Kade! The Obsidian Howl needs a worthy Luna and we have no time to waste for your fated mate!" My grandfather roared at me.
Leaning against the railing of the cruise ship, I drank my wine as I watched the crowd dancing on the deck, reluctant to answer the gruff voice from my grandfather, Easton Nightshade.
He always repeated the same spiel every Hunting Festival—screw finding your mate, network, and marry a daughter from a powerful pack. Oh Goddess, when could he stop this?
"Are you listening to me, Kade? Don't think you can ignore me just because you became an Alpha! I''m still your grandfather!"
I sighed and turned to my dear grandfather. Even though he was old, he was still strong. He should have enjoyed his retirement long ago, but I was still young when my parents died. So, the old man stood out to share my Alpha duty until I came of age.
He had kept instilling the idea in me: The interests of the wolf pack are above all else, and even the mate bond.
'Bullshit.' My wolf Jaxon rolled his eyes inside my head. He's the devotee of the mate bond.
'Hey, he's still my grandfather,' I warned Jaxon.
My grandfather had refused his fated mate who was said to be an omega, and the entire pack benefited as a result. I knew when that occurred again, he would ask me to do the same.
'And we'll say NO!' Jaxon hissed, and I shut him up in my head.
"It's the last time, grandfather," I said as I took a careless drink. "I have promised Jaxon."
I was happy my wolf was smart and strong, but he was also stubborn. He refused to claim anyone but our fated mate. He refused to cooperate unless we gave enough proof that the Moon Goddess had no plans for us.
I had agreed to give us five years and tonight was the last try.
“What’s the point?” Grandfather complaint. "You have waited so long and she never shows up. Maybe she doesn’t even exist."
I heard a low growl from Jaxon inside my head but my grandfather didn't notice it at all.
He continued harshly, “You’re not like any of these other wolves, Kade. You run the most powerful pack in New York and we need a powerful Luna to lead the pack alongside you!
"Countless prominent packs are in attendance tonight— and you shouldn't miss this chance!"
"It's right tonight. Either you find one yourself or I'll set you up with one!"
He left in fury with these words, while I didn't bother to look back, focusing on my drink. The clean moonlight spread over me, but it couldn't wash away the irritation inside me.
I knew what my grandfather worried about was reasonable. Leading the most powerful pack wasn't an easy job. Many enemies were looking over my shoulder, waiting for me to fall. And my pack also longed for an heir as I grew older.
A chosen Luna from a powerful pack could be an easier option. But that was not what I wanted.
I looked at the full moon, wondering what exactly the Goddess had planned for me.
The hunting festival is the most anticipated event of the year for werewolves, a sacred tradition full of rituals and revelry. Werewolves gather from all over the world to pay tribute to the moon goddess. Most werewolves believe that this sacred celebration will guide them to find their mates.
I’d attended several Hunting Festivals with that expectation, and they’d all had the same outcome—a big steaming pile of nothing.
From the moment I got on board tonight, I enhanced my senses hoping that this year would turn out differently. Yet the festival was drawing to a close and I didn't feel anyone special.
Maybe Grandfather was right. The Moon Goddess had no plan for me.
It's time to end my stupid waiting. I threw the empty drink into the sea, attempting to find myself some fun. A pretty blonde Omega sitting at the bar caught my eye.
She wore a little black dress that rode up her long legs as she crossed them, her plump ass was under it. When she saw me looking, she winked, biting her lip invitingly. A good choice for a simple one-night stand.
'What are you doing, Kade?!' Jackson grumbled discontented.
'I have kept my promise. The clock struck midnight and she didn't come.' I didn't hide the annoyance, 'Why should I lock my dick for someone who doesn't exist?'
'Don't worry, I won't mark her.' I told Jaxon as I walked toward my goal.
'You'll regret this!' Jaxon gritted and I just ignored him.
The omega came over, squeezing my arms with her full breasts. "What are you doing here alone on such a beautiful night?"
Her eyes made no secret of her desire for me as her ass deliberately rubbed my crotch. I placed my hand on her waist and leaned down to whisper by her ears, "You are here now, how could I be alone?"
She giggled out at once. "I know a place." She breathed into my ear, holding my hand under her dress. Damn, she didn't wear anything. She moaned immediately when I pressed her dripping pussy maliciously.
"Lead the way," I ordered, my voice turned deep. I'd suppressed myself long enough.
'She isn’t our mate!' Jaxon protested, anxiously pacing around in my head.
'So?'
'We should be with our mate! What if she’s around?'
'I'm tired of waiting, Jaxon. What if she doesn't even exist?'
Jaxon bristled. 'You idiot. You'll regret it one day.'
'Then we'll see about it.' I ignored his protests and locked him up.
As soon as we walked off the deck, the woman jumped on my waist. And I didn't waste to kiss her violently. We were almost naked when we passed the greenhouse. A cool breeze blew across the garden, and a sweet scent came to me. It was a hint of wildflowers, unfamiliar but pure. I couldn’t move as it rooted me to the spot.
“Why did you stop?” the woman in my arms crooned, nuzzling my neck. “Let’s continue.”
But I could feel nothing but that scent. I followed it and turned my head and that's when I found her.
Her lavender dress hugged her curves in all the right places, dipping low enough to expose the toned, tan expanse of her back. Her dark hair was curled into an intricate bun adorned with pearl clips. And even though it was tight with anger, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She had a stunning radiance about her that outshone everything else around me. My heart had never beat so crazily.
Finally, she turned around—our eyes met, and it was like lightning struck the space between us. Every nerve, every cell in my body was pulled taut, and my wolf was stirring, howling.
"Mate!"