Chapter 2

It was unusual because they were in such much rivalry that they barely ever got along with other packs. All of them desired improvement and advancement. They thus seldom invite other packs over or visit them.

Elise has never visited the territory of any other pack. She was solely familiar with her pack. She constantly anticipates when the Alpha stops by a nearby pack, but he never includes her. He often warned her about the dangers and the potential consequences of dealing with the other pack.

She thought to herself as she entered the house: "The Alpha was always being theatrical and overreacting."

She remembers how hungry she was when the aroma of her mother's seasoned roasted meat reaches her nose. She grinned and went over to where they were dining. She hesitated when she saw the new face before saying, "Her mum..."

He raises his head and focuses her with his lovely blue eyes. From the depth of his eyes to the soft nuances in his voice, he was attractive. His face was the type that made you hesitate. In all of her years, she had never seen a guy as attractive as the one who was seated in front of her and ogling her.

She took a trembling breath and broke the look. If she sees him in his werewolf form, she could pass out. It must be a ten-fold improvement above his current form.

Her father grinned, proud of their first set of eyes. It provided him encouragement for his plans. He would achieve his goals and grant his daughter's dream at the same time.

"Hunter, meet Elise, my daughter."

As her father presented her to the guy, who he named Hunter, Elise turns to face him. She wanted to laugh, roll her eyes, or even blush. She wasn't sure how she should respond.

Elise glanced up as Hunter slowly stood up. It was at that point when Elise became aware of his height. He was a little bit too tall for his frame; had he been a few inches shorter, he wouldn't have been as attractive. It seemed as if he stopped growing before being stretched out a further half-foot on one of those mediaeval racks. A black, silky beard that mostly covered his face and clung to it like ivy tendrils damaged by winter covered his face.

He catches her stare once again, this time refusing to shyly divert his sight first. How strange it is to see those somewhat recognisable features devoid of warmth, as if they were taken.

He said loudly above her head, "Pleased to meet you, Elise." She quickly glanced at her father as he held out his hand. He nodded at her while grinning.

In addition, her mother smiled at her. She wasn't at all sold on her husband's plan, particularly in light of the fact that their daughter was obstinate and wouldn't bend on anything she didn't want. She could only hope and pray that Elise would be open to the idea.

He grabbed Elise's hand and kissed her knuckles as she held it. His lips were gentle on her skin, and she could feel the excitement tingling through her veins. It was the first time she had ever felt that way. It was pleasant. And she would do everything to relive the sensation of it on her lips.

The world seemed to halt and her heart seemed like it was soaring. She was able to nod and grin at him. His calm demeanour astounded her, yet she sensed something odd about him.

Before taking a seat himself, he extended an invitation to her.

Together, they ate supper and conversed while doing so. Elise kept her head down the whole time and remained silent until she was prodded. Her mother sensed that she was worried and gently squeezed Elise's hand. She smiles as she looks up at her mother. She was put at rest by the fact that her mother never stops hearing her anguish in the midst of commotion.

There was nothing she would ever swap her mother for.

To grab their attention, the Alpha screamed through his throat. As Elise fixed her eyes on her father, her heart skipped a beat. She was aware that something tense was about to happen. Despite not knowing what it was, she was prepared for it.

"Hunter is an Alpha from The Umbris Pack, the pack next next door. Not long ago, his wife died unexpectedly. He is a recognised individual who has accomplished many wonderful things. He is the only wolf in my pack who I can claim I can trust. That is why I consented when he asked you to be his Mate.

Her eyes widen as she turns to face her father after a brief period of mental stuttering. Her whole being pauses as her thoughts gather speed.

In order to replace his deceased Luna, Hunter needed a powerful female wolf, thus he picked her to be his mate, which is why he was here. He could have picked any female wolf from his pack, but he went with her. He made the decision to cast his gaze outside his comfort zone and choose the only successor to the daughter of the Scuris Pack Alpha. How self-centered and careless.

Elise, you wanted to be a Luna, but you haven't shown me a partner.

“No! I may pick my Mate on my own. Out of rage and amazement, she said, "And I most definitely wouldn't want my mate to be from another Pack... at least not his pack.

She could hear the rage in her father's voice: "I will not have you interrupting me when I speak or talking back at me, young lady." She was apathetic. She wouldn't get married to someone she didn't like.

"I can promise you that my pack is full of excellent citizens."

"Do I have to say it again? I refused! And neither you nor my father, nor anybody else, are qualified to decide for me. I have said that, and it's finally...

If I survive, you will never turn into a LUNA!

She jumped in fright as her father screamed and pounded his fist on the table. She gives him a long look before standing up and storming out of the room.

Her mother yelled, "Elise," but she had already rushed out and closed the door to her room.