Chapter 1

Roman’s POV

I heard someone calling my name, her voice so calm and alluring yet powerful. I opened my eyes and found myself in a forest. I frowned, looking at my surroundings. Where was I?

“Roman,” the voice called again. I put aside my thoughts and followed the trail through the forest. I could hear water rushing down; I was close to a waterfall. I pushed aside the leaves. I couldn’t hear the calling of my name anymore.

This was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. Was I even on Earth? Not far from where I stood was a lake with a cascading waterfall. The sound of the water falling down and the wind going through the leaves sounded relaxing. I loved how I could easily spot birds chirping and flying around, the butterflies going from one wildflower to another.

Only now I realized it had become night. Just a moment ago, the sun was shining. What is this?

“Roman,” the voice called again, but I couldn’t see anyone. I followed the voice and stopped by the creek. I saw the moon being reflected in the dark water and looked up at the moon. Was the Moon Goddess calling me? I’ve heard stories, but it was rare for her to call upon her wolves.

“Goddess?” I looked up at the moon. It shone so brightly tonight.

“My child, I see you’ve found me,” she replied. I sat down on one of the rocks, staring up at the sky.

“I have, and I’m honored to be speaking to you,” I said, fidgeting with my hands, unsure what to do. Why was she having this conversation with me?

“I’m just as honored as you are. You may not know this, but you mean a lot to the wolf race,” the Moon Goddess said, her tone just as calming as before.

“What does that mean?” I frowned.

“We’re running out of time. I have something to tell you about your mate,” she responded. I could see my surroundings began to fade.

“Is everything okay with her? Or him?” I asked, worriedly. I was close to eighteen, and I wanted what my parents had. The whole mate thing seemed like the best thing that could happen to a wolf.

“Yes, she’s doing well. I just need you to remain patient and wait for her,” she answered calmly.

“I don’t understand.” My brows furrowed. Everything she’d just told me made little to no sense.

“I need you to remain patient with her. I know it will be hard, but you have to,” she explained, her voice slowly becoming softer. My surroundings became darker and started to fade.

“W-Who is it?” I asked quickly. I was at least curious to know that.

“Tallulah Snyder,” the goddess replied. Everything went black at that moment. Was it a nightmare?

“Excuse me, Goddess?” I called out. The darkness made me dizzy. I couldn’t see, feel, or hear a thing.

“Roman?” I heard a little girl’s voice this time and frowned, trying to open my eyes.

“Romie, wake up,” Tessa jumped onto me, forgetting she’s not my five-year-old sister anymore. She was eight and growing!

“Tessie,” I whined, pulling her to my chest and wrapping my arms around her, closing my eyes again.

“Wake up, Romie! It’s your birthday!” she said, wiggling in my arms, trying to break free from my hold but couldn’t. I had her trapped in my arms. She was so tiny—the tiniest baby my mother gave birth to.

“Roman! Roman! Happy birthday!” I heard my twelve-year-old brother say as he came running too.

“Ugh, you too?” I asked, looking over to see Theo leaning over the bed and looking at me.

“Wake up, boy. It’s your birthday,” my dad then followed and after him followed my mother. “Your eighteenth birthday, to be exact. Any day now, you’ll bring home a mate,” she teased, ruffling my hair.

“I’ll have to find her first—” I replied when my dream came back to me. I knew who my mate was! It was Tali, but she was only 13, and on top of that, the only thing we did was fight.

“You okay, bud?” Dad asked, raising a brow at me while Theo jumped on his back. The poor man was being used as a jungle gym.

“Yeah, I just realized I’m getting old,” I lied, smiling. Five years…I had to wait five whole years for my mate, and all we do is fight. Patient—the Goddess asked me personally to be patient.

“You are. I still remember when you were a baby,” Mom said, stroking my face as she looked at me with her hazel eyes.

“Hehehe, you were tiny,” Tessa teased, grinning as she looked at me.

“And you’re still tiny,” I smirked, booping her nose. Her blue eyes followed my fingers as I did so.

“Hey!” she whined.

“Come here, baby girl,” Dad called her. She tried leaving my hold but couldn’t.

“Cuddle lock,” Tessa whined, kicking her legs around and making the others laugh.

“Kissy first.” I showed her my cheek.

“Ugh.” She sighed dramatically then kissed me on the cheek.

“There we go.” I let go of her, and she went to my father immediately.

“Will you go to school, Rome?” Theo asked, making me look over at our mother.

“Don’t even think you’re allowed to skip,” Mom replied, getting up from the bed.

“It appears so, buddy,” I looked over at Theo and got out of bed.

“Okay, wolfies, time to go get ready,” Dad said, looking at his younger two children. He put the two down and led the way out of my room. Mom closed the door behind her.

I began making my bed then went to the bathroom to get ready for school. I put on a pair of black jeans and a burgundy henley shirt then went downstairs.

“Happy birthday!” Tessa ran up to me and handed me a card she seemed to have made herself. I smiled, looking at it. “Here.” She handed me a bracelet she crafted herself. It matched the one she had, only mine had more blue and green beads while hers had blue and purple.

“Thank you, Tessa.” I put it on then saw Theo running to me with a soccer ball with a bow on top.

“Happy birthday, Rome,” he said, handing it to me.

“Thank you, buddy,” I ruffled his hair and put it away.

“Breakfast is ready,” Dad said, calling us all to the table.

“Oh, this looks delicious,” I said, looking at the eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and toast.

“Glad it’s to your liking,” Dad smiled as he fixed Tessa a plate then handed it to her.

“Could you possibly pick these two up after school?” Mom asked, passing me the ketchup.

“With your birthday preparations and running the pack, it is a bit much,” she explained, getting up and walking to the fridge to bring out some apple juice, possibly for Tessa. She went nuts for apple juice.

“Of course, we can just come home, right?” I asked in case they had plans to surprise me here.

“Yes. Also, Tali will come over because we have some things to discuss with her parents,” Dad answered with his mouth full, making Mom nudge him. He just grinned at her innocently.

“Ugh,” I groaned when I heard the mention of Tali.

“Be. Nice. Roman,” Mom glared at me. Her hazel eyes scared the crap out of me when she looked at me like that.

We continued to eat our breakfast, and soon, it was time to go to school. I packed up and waited for Theo and Tessa. I’d be giving them a ride too.

“Hey, Roman,” Dad walked up to me, slowly, like he was thinking about a lot of things at once.

“Yes, Dad,” I raised a brow at him, putting away my phone.

“Remember if you meet your mate, don’t sleep with her immediately, and if you do, use protection,” he advised, making me close my eyes and let out a sigh. This was awkward. We had this talk before.

“Dad, I know. Please, don’t make us have this conversation,” I whined, throwing my head back. I wasn’t about to screw up like he did with Mom.

“Well—” he started to say when the two little ones ran to me with their bags. I quickly went to the car and drove off. I dropped off the little ones first then went to my school.

…

Skylar spotted Roman and walked up to him. She secretly always had a crush on him. They were friends, so she knew it was his birthday. She hoped he hadn’t met his mate yet. Her parents, especially her mother, didn't like him because he was the son of Luca Santoro, but she didn’t mind it at all. He was so sweet towards her and was undeniably handsome. Many had a crush on him. He was the Alpha’s son, after all.

“Hey, Roman,” Skylar chirped, watching as he came closer to her. Her pink lips curled into a smile.

“Skylar, hey,” Roman greeted, smiling back at her, the dimples he inherited from Luca showing.

“Happy birthday,” she said, handing him a small see-through box containing a red velvet cupcake.

“Wow, thank you so much,” Roman said, his mouth hanging open for a moment as he looked at the gift. Sure, it was something small, but at school, any snack is accepted, especially when you’re hungry.

“I can’t believe you’re eighteen!” Skylar beamed and pulled him in for a hug.

“Yup, finally time for a mate,” Roman said, hugged her back then took a step back, just looking down at his cupcake.

“Did you find her?” Skylar asked immediately, worried it wouldn’t be her. It had to be her; she was sure of it.

“No, but I know who it is. I can’t say but the Moon Goddess visited me in my dreams,” Roman informed her. Of course, he wouldn’t tell her everything, but he did consider her a friend, so he’d tell her a little bit.

“Really? Who is it?” she asked, excitedly wondering if it was her.

“Can’t say, remember?” he chuckled, opening the box and taking a bite from the cupcake.

“Oh, right… Uh, well, what do you think of her?” Skylar sighed. She’d try to at least get some information.

Roman thought for a moment before trying to answer her but even he wasn’t too sure. “She’s a wonderful girl; I just don’t know how she and I will turn out, though.”

“I’m sure it will be great,” Skylar said with a smirk.

“I hope so.” Roman sighed, taking another bite of the cupcake.

“Have to go, see you at the party.” Roman waved at her. He had to go to class, as did she.

“Yes, see you later.” She smiled and waved then rushed to her friends.

Roman went on about his normal school day. Once school was over, he drove over to Theo and Tessa’s school and picked the two up.

“Okay, we’re supposed to be home in 15 minutes, so we have time to stop by at the ice cream shop. But I need you two to start thinking about what you’ll get, okay?” he informed them, watching them through the rear-view mirror as they gave each other a high-five. Roman picked cookie dough ice cream in a to-go container in addition to their own ice cream then drove straight home.

“Tali’s here already,” Tessa announced, grabbing her bag from the seat. She wasn’t exactly close with Tali or anything. She just wanted to make that announcement.

“I can see that,” Roman mumbled, getting out of the car. He waited for his siblings to get out too then locked the doors and turned to face Tali. She sat out on the porch and had her nose in a book.

“Come on; let’s get inside.” Theo took Tessa’s hand in his and ran upstairs to his room.

“What took you so long?” Tali closed her book and looked over at Roman, narrowing her amber eyes at him.

“We were busy picking this up,” Roman rolled his eyes, handing over a bag with the ice cream he picked up for her.

“Cookie dough ice cream?” she asked, surprised. He remembered what her favorite was. Then again, they grew up together—like it or not, they know a lot about each other.

“People usually say thank you.” Roman crossed his arms, leaning against the wall as he looked at Tali.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, taking the spoon and removing the lid to dig in.

“Good girl,” Roman said, patting the top of her curly red hair.

“Fuck off,” Tali glared at him, slapping away his hand.

“Tali said a bad word,” Tessa gasped as she appeared by the door.

“She did, and you should report that to Uncle Tris and Aunt Ainsley.” Roman lowered down to her level, patted her shoulder, and watched as she then ran off inside.

“I’ll go to my room. I’ll be going to Ayla’s soon,” Theo came and told Roman since he was the one in charge.

“Yeah? What for? Mom didn’t tell me anything.” Roman frowned. He didn’t know about any of this and wanted to make sure.

“Biology. She offered to study together,” Theo explained then got the same inquisitive look Natalia had.

“Fine, to go play video games but I’ll be back before the party!” Theo gave in..

“Sure. Go get ready, bud.” Roman chuckled and leaned against the door as he watched him run off then turned back to Tali.

“Happy birthday, by the way,” Tali told him, a half-smile on her lips as she wiped her cheek.

“Thanks, Tali.” Roman sat down next to her. He watched as she ate her ice cream, studying her face. How come he was to be with her?

“Eighteen. Does this mean you’ll stop bothering me now that you’re an adult?” Tali asked, her taupe eyes focusing on him.

“When will you stop being annoying?” Roman sighed, throwing his head back. Tali repeated his words, mockingly.

“You know what? Get used to me because you’ll be seeing me a lot more,” Roman informed her with a proud smirk on his face knowing that would piss her off.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She put the spoon in the container wanting to focus more on what he’d say. Surely, he must be joking, right?

“Your dad’s alpha training program? I might sign up for it.” Roman watched as her mouth hung open. That would mean he’d be at the castle a lot more often, maybe even move to town to be closer!

“You wouldn’t dare.” Tali glared at him.

“To spite you, dearest? I’d do anything.” Roman patted her cheek and got up.

“Goddess, I hate you so much,” she groaned, aggressively taking a spoonful of ice cream.

“Good.” Roman went to go workout then took a shower. By the time he finished, it was time for Theo to go to Ayla’s. He quickly checked on Tessa and saw she was sleeping. He led Theo to the porch.

“Goodbye, Auntie.” Roman waved at her as his brother got into the car. There was no reason to go up to chat to her. He’d see her at the party later. Roman walked to the kitchen and spotted Tali sitting there, busy with what he assumed was homework. Roman took a yogurt from the fridge. He was about to walk away when he heard her sigh. He looked over her shoulder to see what she was busy with. It was geometry. He remembered struggling with that too.

“Do you need help?” Roman offered, taking a seat next to her and eating his strawberry-flavored yogurt.

“No,” Tali mumbled. Would her pride even allow her to accept his help?

“Are you sure? I basically make those things in my sleep,” Roman offered again, knowing how stubborn she could be.

“Fine,” she gave in and slid her notebook between them, so he could see too.

“Okay, so the first thing you’ll want to do is arrange these variables differently, so it can be clear for you to understand,” Roman began to explain then noticed she wasn’t exactly following him. He took her pencil from her hand. “Here, give me this.” He leaned closer to her. His mind went blank when he caught her scent. She smelled like lavender. He never even liked the scent, but suddenly, it had an effect on him. He realized he had zoned out and cleared his throat. “Um, yes, so, where did I stop?”

“Arranging them,” Tali replied, looking at the notes he scribbled down for her and followed his instructions, so she could do this herself. Roman tried doing it as fast and efficiently as and possible then left the room.

~~~

Two hours before the party, Natalia and Luca picked up Theo and came home while Tristan and Ainsley also arrived at the house and went to the guesthouse Natalia and Luca let them stay at, so they could all start getting ready for the party.

The party would be held at Roman’s grandpa Nicholas’s house. It was already set up; all that was needed was more drinks which they’d pick up on the way there. All of Roman’s cousins, aunts, uncles, and family friends were there to have a good time with the eighteen-year-old.

~~~

When they all got home, they were all tired, but Roman had something important to do. He did a lot of thinking before taking this step but, he knew it was for the better. Roman put on his pajamas then walked to his parent's office.

Roman’s POV

I knocked on the door and waited till I was granted permission to head in and walked up to his desk, sitting down in front of him. I knew how much they would want this for me, but sadly, it would have to wait.

“Hey, Dad. I don’t think I’ll apply for the training with Uncle Tris,” I informed him, fidgeting with my hands as I waited to see what he’d say. He looked up from the file he was reading and raised a brow at me.

“Is there any reason why?” he asked, putting aside the file.

“Uh, I’m not sure about being an alpha. I’m sorry,” I lied.

“It’s okay. There are still two kids left.” Dad sighed dramatically and leaned back in his chair. “I’m kidding. We support you no matter what, okay?” He smiled at me, and I nodded.

“Thanks, Dad. Maybe in five years I’ll try. It’s not like we’ll be needing a new alpha and luna soon,” I added, smiling too.

“Of course. Have a good night, bud.” Dad picked up his pen.

“You too, Dad,” I said and got up.

I sighed and walked up to my room. It sucked that I couldn’t do that training, but I didn’t want to be around Tali right now. The feelings drew you in so badly, but we weren’t ready for any of that, especially with her being underage. Avoiding her shouldn’t be difficult; there was already mutual hate.

“Hey, Rome?” I heard Theo’s voice and looked over at the door.

“Yeah, bud? Come in,” I laid on my side and waited for him to come in.

“Can I ask you something?” he asked, walking through the door and sitting down on the edge of my bed.

“Of course. Go ahead,” I replied, assuming it would probably one of his dumb teenage questions. He was starting to go through that phase, and my parents weren’t too happy about that. All their children were so grown already.

“How do you know when you’re in love?” Theo asked, making me chuckle before putting on a straight face, not wanting him to think I was making fun of him.

“You’re asking me this?” I raised a brow at him, sitting up.

“Yeah?” he mumbled, letting out a sigh.

“Buddy, you’ll know it when you meet your mate, I assume. You shouldn’t worry about these things. You still have, what? Six years to go?” I explained, telling him what I was told by my parents. No matter how long it takes, they said the best reward in life is your mate, your other half that was handpicked by the Moon Goddess.

“Yeah, but what if I like someone else?” Theo asked, looking up at me.

“The Moon Goddess handpicked for you the perfect match,” I assured him, ruffling his brown curls. “It wouldn’t be fair to your mate to be rejected because you fell for someone else when you should’ve waited,” I explained to him. For some reason, his expression was a sad one.

“Oh…” he mumbled. “Thank you,” he said, getting up.

“Anytime, kiddo.” I smiled and laid back down.

…

Skylar paced around in her room for a moment, biting her nails as she was deep in thought. She heard a knock on the door and walked over to open it, only to see it was her little sister.

“Go away,” Skylar groaned, wanting to shut the door, but her little sister stuck her foot out to block it.

“But Mom said to come to get you,” her sister whined.

“Why?” Skylar asked, raising a brow at the little blonde girl. But she didn’t answer her. She just walked away.

“Hey, I’m talking to you!” she shouted, but her little sister didn’t even turn to look at her; she just kept walking.

Skylar groaned then went out to her mother and saw her standing in the kitchen with her father. The two had a date planned and would drop off Harmonica at their aunt’s for the night, so Skylar could have her sleepover with her friends. Her parents made her lock up the house then took off.

Skylar ordered the pizza like her parents told her to and waited impatiently for her friends. She had news to tell them!

“Okay, guys. I have good news,” Skylar said as her friends barely entered the house.

“What?” Erin asked, putting down her bag on the floor and sitting on the couch.

“I know who my mate is,” Skylar shrieked. Her friends had their mouths agape, shocked. It was rare someone found out who their mate was before turning 18.

“Who?” Angelica asked curiously.

“Roman!” Skylar informed them, smirking.

“Oh my god!” Angelica jumped up, happy for her friend.

“How do you know?” Erin wondered.

“He told me,” Skylar smiled, twirling a strand of blonde hair between her fingers.

“Like told you, told you?” Angelica frowned, remembering that was actually not allowed.

“Kinda. He said he knew who his mate was because the Moon Goddess told him. He didn’t specifically say it was me, but I could tell by the way he acted,” Skylar mumbled. She was unsure about a few things but very certain about Roman.

“Oh my god! That’s so exciting!” Erin shrieked.

“I know, right! Goddess, he’s so freaking cute!” Skylar sighed lovingly.

“Okay, but what if, theoretically speaking, he isn’t your mate?” Erin wondered. He didn’t specifically say it, and she knew how much she wanted Roman and didn’t want her friend to get hurt.

“We’ve known each other for years and went on playdates till my mother stopped it. I will make sure that he ends up with me no matter what.” Skylar narrowed her eyes at her friends. The mood suddenly turned serious until the doorbell was rung by the delivery man.