Chapter 29

"So, this is it," Gabriel heaved a sigh as he shut my Mercedes car boot. "You both are all set!" He added while Claire joined me by my side. I was donning a dull green bomber Jacket on a dark blue T shirt and jeans complemented with black Chelsea boots. And Claire on the other hand, chose to wear a green off shoulder top complemented with a pair of black fitted jeans and matching heels.

I glanced at Gabriel, Rose, and my commanders in a worriedly fashion while they retained their proud smiley faces. Even though I was leaving for two days, It felt like two months to me.

"I know that look, Kevin." Gabriel's voice tousled my thoughts. "We'll be fine, we're not kids anymore and it's not like you both will be gone for long." He assured but I heaved a sigh, trying to feign a smile.

"We can handle things for two days without you both." Rose added, I exchanged glances with Claire, who seemed to be facing the same worries I had. I returned my gaze to them, finally able to wear a smile.

Gabriel nodded before pulling me away from the others, I stole a glance at Claire, but she was already busy chattering with Rose. As we stopped a few meters away from them, the stern expression on Gabriel's face notified me he was about to say something serious.

"You're going to meet Claire's Family today," he started whilst holding my gaze. "You don't need anyone to tell you that you have to be on your best behavior. Whatever anger you already have or you're going to have, keep it at bay please."

I nodded in silence, as if another burdensome weight had been added to me.

"You're one quick to make a bad impression so please, be a good mate." He softly soothed, while his hand rested on my shoulder.

I gulped down my saliva as I stared like an enchanted being at the ground. There was something else bothering me and I wished I could hide it.

"You're worried." He muttered, concerns blooming in his voice. I looked into his gray irises that endeared.

"I am, Gabriel. I really am." I asserted in a low voice. "And not because I'm meeting Claire's Family but because—" my voice trailed off.

"Moonsville is the Lycan's Pack." He helped me finish. Worry began to dawn on his countenance too.

"I don't even want to see him for now," I mumbled even though some part disagreed with that statement. Claire and my Pack was my new priority now not some revenge. A vengeance that could wait.

"I'm just doing this for Claire." I muttered in oblivion as I stared at her, all smiley with Rose.

"I know it's hard for you, but if you can, I want you to stay clear from the Lycan. And if by chance you come across him, please just focus on the task. Remember why you're in Moonsville in the first place." He pursed his lips. "Or better still, let Lupus take the reins."

"Lupus hatred for him knows no bounds either." I remarked, feeling a tiny surge of anger ignite within me.

"Aunt Flora!" Claire's voice pitched enough to pick our attention. I exchanged brief glances with Gabriel before we joined them.

"Kevin." She mumbled with a faint smile, pulling from her embrace with Claire.

"Aunt Flora." I responded in the same mannerism while I gave her a brief hug. Seeing her alone increased my worries, it reminded me of her health status.

"I-I had the strangest dream this morning, or perhaps it was a memory." She whispered as she held onto her head, as if she didn't want the memory to fade away.

"What did you see? Aunt Flora." I asked with furrowed gaze.

"I can't really say—" she stuttered, staring aimlessly across the floor as if she were reliving that moment. "Your Father, Your Father is in danger." She pitched and then her eyes returned to me. "Where's your Father?"

I gulped down my saliva. Exchanging worried glances with Claire. How was I supposed to break it to her that things had horribly fell apart. And that this danger she speaks of has already happened.

She fell on me; her eyes were barely open, and her breaths came out faint.

"Aunt Flora, you need to rest." I soothed while I glanced at Rose who simply nodded.

"Please, Rose will escort you to your room." I said whilst Rose gently pulled her from my embrace.

"It must have been a dream." I heard her whisper.

"I'll pray to the moon goddess that you two have a safe journey." She added and I smiled sadly. I exchanged one final glance at Rose before the two trailed inside the building.

I could have cancelled our trip for my Aunt but meeting Claire's Family was also important. I only hoped she would recover before we return. It was painful to see her in this helpless state.

"Don't worry, we will take very good care of her." Gabriel soothed and without thoughts I embraced him. To at least reassure me things wouldn't go haywire.

"Off you go." He chuckled as we separated. "And please drive our dear Luna carefully."

Claire giggled before throwing him a brief hug. And so, after our heartfelt goodbyes, we sauntered into the vehicle.

"You look worried." I stated once I closed my door gently. She stopped with her seat belt, beaming a fake smile.

"You look worried too, like something is eating you up." She replied. I turned to the windshield, heaving a light sigh. I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to break the news. That the Lycan who resides in Moonsville is my most hated enemy, that he is my Father's murderer.

"Of course, I should be worried." I answered after finding courage to wear a smile. "I'm going to meet your family today, so yeah."

She smiled but it wasn't the usual bright or cheerful one. It was moody but before I could point that out, she gently stroked my hand on the gear.

"Let's have a little talk about my family then."

I nodded slowly before starting the vehicle to life. We drove the first few minutes in silence before she finally spoke up.

"My Father, let's just say he's an important person in Moonsville." I nodded while my eyes focused on the road ahead. "I'm his favorite, kind of. So, he tends to go extra miles for me." She chuckled while a tiny smile arched on my lips for a brief moment.

"And I'm sure he'll be skeptical of you at first or let me say surprised that I have a mate and didn't tell him. Or that my mate is an Alpha of one the most reputable Packs. He might try to drill you or make you lose your cool but I'm sure he'll like you."

I heaved another sigh as I glanced briefly at her. Somehow I didn't want to believe her, a part of me knew she was hiding something. That she was carefully selecting the parts I should know.

"I have a twin brother." She mentioned on a sad note and it caused me to stare at her again. Her countenance had further dulled, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of personality, her twin had.

"Blake."

"You don't seem to happy about him." I remarked.

"He's a jerk." She blurted. I hummed. "We fight basically everyday ever since my mother died. He has this hatred for me because my Father thinks I'm better than him."

"He's your brother, Claire. He doesn't hate you, he can't."

"You don't know that. I'm sure when he exhibits one of his crazy attitude to you, then you won't sweet talk him again." She rolled her eyes, almost hissing in the process. I smiled, now I understood why she was worried. Her family relationship wasn't perfect.

"So," I started, thinking of a way to lighten her mood. "I'm going to meet an overprotective Father and a jerky twin brother who's definitely not going to be a fan of me. Nothing could possibly go wrong right?" I teased but she glared.

"Kevin I'm serious here. You might survive my Father, but my brother is a fool, and we all know you're one with the temperament. Besides, what if my Father says no, what if—"

"Claire." I interjected softly, cutting her off from her rants. Her body relatively relaxed as I briefly stroked her palm with a warm smile imprinted.

"I'm not perfect and I know have ruined important stuffs like this with my anger, but this time is different. I won't ruin this one." I ascertained with sincerity blooming in my voice.

"You promise?" She asked in a whisper.

"I promise." I nodded. "We'll do this together." My grasp on her left hand tightened on a gentle note.

"Now I don't want to see that worried look on your face, I miss that ugly smile of yours already." I teased while she chuckled.

"Have I told you, you look like a decorated donkey today?" She retorted and we both burst into laughter. And so, we drove the rest of the journey, joking about and arguing about random issues. But it came to an end when we arrived Moonsville boundary.

The vehicle came to a halt for guards doing the usual routine protocol. A strange feeling of fear intertwined with faint anger began to bloom within me as I viewed the tall trees shielding Moonsville beauty. This was it; this was the Lycan's abode. A place I had long craved to be in, to have my revenge but fate changed that course.

I lowered our door windows.

"Good Afternoon Sir, please state your purpose here." I almost answered when Claire interrupted.

"Let us in, Boston." She ordered and immediately, the guard's eyes exclaimed.

"Commander!"

Commander? My mind started to entertain several heart skipping thoughts as I frowned.

He briskly bowed his head before signaling to the others to let our vehicle in. "Forgive my tardiness." He added.

"It's okay." She responded with a smile, but I still retained my frown as we drove slowly along the tarred roads of Moonsville. Wondering why she hid something this big from me.

"So," I started. "You didn't tell me you're a warrior or that you're a commander of Moonsville army."

She smiled but I didn't buy it. I was right, she was hiding things from me. And something told me, this was only just the beginning.

"I wanted to make it a surprise but apparently you don't seem to be taking it quite well."

I cleared my throat.

"No not that Claire, I'm just," my voice trailed off thinking of the right words to use. "I'm just surprised and impressed at the same time." I finally mumbled as I stared briefly at her. I could still feel her stare on me.

"I'm impressed honestly."

"Kev this is you lying horribly again." She remarked.

"I'm not," I chuckled nervously. "I'm just wondering how many more surprises I have to face."

"Just a few more." She chirped.

"A few more?!" I almost screeched. Knowing she was a high-level ranking officer alone petrified me in a way, yet she still had a few more in store.

"I hope they're good." I quickly added.

"Of course." She replied. "So, what do you think of my Pack? Beautiful, isn't it?"

I stared uninterestingly at the place, I already had lots in mind to be worried about rather than gawk at beautiful houses and trees.

"How should I know, we're driving. I obviously can't have a splendid view." I muttered.

"Well then let's stop here. My home isn't far from here."

"That's a great idea, at least it would give me a wonderful view." I pursed my lips as I gradually drove the vehicle to a solemn halt. But deep inside, I hated it. I was horrified that I might come across the Lycan and do something crazy.

In the end, Claire and I were touring with our palms intertwined towards her supposed home. I had to keep giving beautiful remarks so she wouldn't notice my worries.

Although if I was being honest, Moonsville was indeed a beautiful place. It had the same settings like Greenville except their tress wasn't evergreen. Nor was I certain if they had beautiful lakes and valleys. But if I could appraise them for one thing, it was their beautiful houses and people.

"Claire!" Said the voice of an excited lady running towards us from the mall I rolled my eyes while I heaved a sigh. I was already tired of various people greeting my mate here and there. She was a popular one around here, I must say. A wide grin instantly sprung on my mate's face as she ran gently towards the lady.

"Kira!" She screeched and immediately, they embraced each other so tight. I just stood few inches away watching them do their squeakiness.

"My Goodness! So, you finally decided to show up!" Kira exclaimed with her bright smile still retained. I secretly admired her blonde low haircut style.

"I called, I texted but you didn't reply back. That's not fair, Claire. Did anything happen? Gosh I miss you so much, wait!"

I furrowed my gaze while Kira stared in amazement at Claire's mark.

"OMG!" Kira squeaked again, matching her heels excitedly against the floor. "You found your mate; you've already been marked, and you didn't bother to tell me?!"

I smiled, although I would have loved if Kira had given my mate the chance to speak the whole time.

"Kira!" Claire finally pitched with laughter minting alongside. "My goodness you talk too much."

Her friend laughed too before Claire pulled her towards me.

"Kevin, meet Kira. My best friend." Claire courteously muttered while I donned a smile.

"And Kira, this is Kevin. Alpha of Greenville, my mate." Claire mentioned with so much pride and joy evident in her voice.

"Hi." I greeted while she eyed me like a seductress.

"So, you're the fine young man who stole my best friend from me." She joked causing us to chuckle. "Anyways, my name is Kira and please tell your Beta," she inched closer to me. "I'm single."

"Kira!" Claire wriggled her head while Kira pouted.

"Oh, I will." I toned in a devilish manner.

"And you to, Kev. Are you seriously entertaining her madness."

I laughed.

"I'm sorry."

"Alright, I'll leave you two alone for now, but I'll be back." Kira mentioned while Claire nodded. "It was nice meeting you, Kevin." She waved before sauntering off in her stilettos.

"You've got quite a crazy best friend." I remarked as we continued our walk.

"I know." She smiled. "She's extremely playful but at the same time serious when it needs be." I hummed while we continued the rest of our walk in silence.

"Kevin Manchester," She called as we approached a gigantic building. One which was overly familiar. My smile vanished as we stood in front of Moonsville pack house. My heart started racing like sport cars and my lips parted in horror. Could it be? I asked within myself.

"Welcome to my home." She beamed a smile at me. She didn't even wait for my response before pulling me to the building's interior. As I walked lifelessly, amongst the guards stationed by the fence, they all had their heads bowed and my fears further increased. Could this be one of those surprises Claire had for me? That her Father was the Lycan?

"Claire." I called as we stopped in front of the two gigantic brown twin doors. My eyes focused on the door, but she could still read my fears.

"We're doing this together." She mumbled but that wasn't what I wanted to hear. That wasn't what I wanted to say. Nevertheless, two guards pushed the doors open and immediately, I was greeted with warmth and an overly familiar scent.

In the luxuriously furnished large room, before the throne, there were three men standing with smiley faces, but my eyes darted to the middleman. His dark hair had traces of grey and his blue irises still the same as I remembered them. This 6'2 man was nobody else but the Lycan.

"Father!" Claire exclaimed in joy and with every step she took towards this man, my heart skipped, my body quivered from invisible cold. My eyes twitched and anger easily ignited within me. It coursed through me like blood and as she embraced him, my doubts were confirmed.

My beloved mate was the daughter of the Lycan. My palms curled into a fist, my nose flared and my eyes entertained tears.

As both of them reveled in their useless hug all that blared in my head was that,

I had fallen in love with the wrong daughter.

"Kevin, meet my fa—" Her voice trailed off and their smiles vanished as they all focused on me. On my monstrous status.

"Kev?"

I only remained petrified in my statue-like position. The Lycan I had been preparing to kill for over twenty years was right before me, but I couldn't do anything.

I couldn't.