Chapter 33

Ara’s POV.

The morning was chilly—a precursor to the winter yet to come. The snow covering the ground cut across my mind as I stared at my reflection. My brown, curly hair bounced with each turn of my head. My amber eyes were a turn-on even for me as I blinked repeatedly into the mirror.

The sound of feet rushing down the castle jolted me from my thoughts. I stepped out of my room, meeting the faces of serious soldiers heading toward the front of the castle.

“What’s happening?” I asked the nearest soldier as I walked behind the men, not wanting to be trapped between warring men.

“A beta came in with some men and we are taking the necessary precautions.”

I nodded my head as I followed the trail, walking up to the throne room with my father inside. It was the same as usual—he stood next to his throne with his guards around the room, but there was an exception and he was standing in front of my father.

“Ara.” My father’s voice boomed, gesturing I walked next to him.

I walked, staring at the man who stood with his helmet underneath his arms and a flowing red coat. His face looked familiar—I squinted my eyes as I tried to remember until I was standing next to my father.

He cleared his throat as he sat on his throne. I followed him, waiting for what he held to say to the man standing in front of us that could cause an uproar. “What could bring the Beta of Alpha Hector to my pack?”

Alpha Hector—The name struck a chord as I stared at the man. Realization struck as I remembered who he was, coming from Blood Moon pack.

“I came on a mission,” he answered, looking around the room. “The reception I received was no less than I had expected.”

“Our world does not permit trust even with people who’ve worked hand in hand. The number you brought to my pack is enough to spark worry about things I try to evade,” father answered.

I swallowed at the thought of it. If war was to happen between our pack; it means my betrothal to Kyril was null, except he wanted me still. “What’s happening?”

He held out his hands to stop me from speaking. I was edgy, hearing his words, and still left in suspense of what was happening.

“Your reaction was within our expectations, and I bear no tidings towards war, Alpha Benedict. I can assure of that much,” Ryan said, turning to look at me.

His look caused my skin to crawl as I had a sudden feeling his presence here was because of me.

“You can state your mission here and I will do my best to meet up to the expectations Alpha Hector has of me,” father answered, leaning on the armrest of his throne.

“Kyril has accepted Ara as his bride and my alpha wants your daughter to come with us for the wedding done as quickly as possible.”

A smile crossed my face as I heard those words. My father sat up, a sense of pride on his face.

“What do you say, Ara? Want to head out to Blood Moon pack?”

I turned to him with a knowing look on my face. He knew what I wanted and yet he asked that question like he was trying to tease me.

“When are we leaving?” I asked as I turned towards Beta Ryan.

“We can leave as soon as you want, Lady Ara. My alpha permit we come at the time you please, but we must do it soon,” he said, maintaining his regal poise.

I turned to look at my father, who seemed pleased by the news, as Kyril had an apathetic look on his face whenever they brought up our wedding in front of him.

“I only need to get my things prepared and we can begin our journey,” I said, standing from my seat, but father had his hands up, stopping me from saying anything more.

“Your men and horses can rest for a few days before you leave for Blood moon pack. I am sure they would gladly oblige to resting the tired bones,” my father said, standing to meet with Beta Ryan.

“Time is of the essence and my master would be pleased if we could finish this on time,” Ryan said, gesturing towards me. “Just as the lady is ready; we are ready.”

“Just a day or two and you can get going,” father said, stopping in front of Ryan with a smile on his face.

It didn’t matter to me as I stood from my chair moving towards my room. My maids behind me as they knew what was about to go down. I’d leave the adults to do the talking while I arranged my stuff to go. My mate’s pack was the destination and I for sure wasn’t wasting any time.

“Come in,” I called out to the person knocking on my door.

The door creaked open, with my father standing behind it. It seemed he had finished his talk with Ryan and was here to lecture me.

I sighed as I turned to face him properly. My maids left the room, leaving just him and me in the room.

He shut the door before he moved to where I was, sitting next to me. “You seemed to be in a hurry to get to your mate,” he said as he turned towards me, taking my hand in his.

“You understand best how this thing is, father,” I said, staring into his eyes.

He heaved a deep breath, his chest fell sharply as he gazed ahead. His eyes seemed glazed, like he was about to shed tears. “You are leaving your old man. What do you think would happen?”

“And you know I’ve rejected suitors because of him. I have to solidify any hope I have to become his mate,” I said, rubbing my hand against a silk cloth my maids packed.

He sighed, standing up from the bed. I knew he was worried and would probably miss my presence in the house. I was the only part remaining of my mother and he did not want to lose me.

“I don’t want to ruin your happiness and ask you to stay behind with me.”

“I know you wouldn’t,” I said with a smile as I walked over to where he was, wrapping my arms around him from the back.

“Since your mother left us. I’ve dedicated all of my life to you,” he said. His voice, choking as he said those words.

“I know. You’ve done everything a father could, but surely you wouldn’t want me not to get married.”

He turned around, facing me as his hands wiped his eyes with a chuckle. “Why wouldn’t I want you to get married?”

“It seems that way, papa,” I said as I placed my palm on his cheeks. They were wet from the tears he tried to hide from me.

He laughed, wrapping me in his arms. “I want you to get married, Ara. It’s just happening way too fast than I had expected, and you are in a hurry as well.”

“It’s happening at the right moment. All of our uncertainty, disappearing into the wind with just this one request.”

He smiled as he pulled away. “I am happy for you, my little nightingale.”

“I am a wolf,” I said, purring at him.

He laughed as he pinched my cheeks. “I guess I’m in the way of something important and have to leave before my head gets bashed in.”

I chuckled as he let my hand go, waving towards the door.

“Alpha Hector would let me in on the rest of the information. Expect me in Blood Moon pack soon,” he said before closing the door.

I turned back to my clothes, staring at the things we packed. All my dreams would soon become a reality, I thought with a smile crossing my face.