Mated To Rival Kings

Raven's POV WTF? That was the only thought running through my head. Mate? I stood there, frozen, as the world seemed to slow down around me. I reached inward, my mind racing. Eva, are you sure? I asked, my voice trembling. I could practically feel Eva rolling her eyes at me. She gave a huff of annoyance, as if to say, Really, Raven? After all this time, you’re going to doubt your own nose? I knew she was right. I could feel the pull in my chest tightening with every step he took toward the pack house. But I didn't know how to take it. I felt a rush of heat in my cheeks, a mix of terror and a tiny, sheepish spark of hope. Why would the Moon Goddess do this to me? Gary was the Alpha’s son. He was destined to lead this pack before the end of the year. He was like royalty, and I was just one of the Omegas. Still, I couldn't help it. I stared at him, taking in his strong jaw and the way he carried himself. Suddenly, his eyes began to sweep over the yard. My heart nearly jumped out of my throat, and I quickly ducked behind a tall shrub. Why am I hiding? I scolded myself. I realized then that the wind was blowing in my direction. The cool breeze was carrying his scent straight to me, but it wasn't carrying my scent to him yet. I wondered what I would smell like to him. Would he like it? Then I caught myself. Raven, stop it, I thought. An hour ago, you didn't even care about finding a mate. Don't start acting like a lovesick puppy now. Gary was at the heavy front doors of the pack house now, but suddenly, he stopped. He looked confused for a second, his head tilting to the side. Then, his eyes flashed a brilliant, piercing green—the color of his wolf. His nose went up, sniffing the air, and he started looking around like he was searching for a hidden treasure. I’m right here, dear mate, I thought, a small, nervous giggle bubbling up in my mind. Up close, he was even more handsome and well-built than I remembered. He looked like he could take on the world. He started walking, heading straight for the garden. His future Beta, Larry, was following close behind him. I gasped and quickly lowered my head, my hair falling over my face like a curtain. “Raven, look!” Diane whispered harshly beside me. Her voice was shaking. “The Alpha’s son is coming right toward us. Oh goddess, are we in trouble? Did we do something wrong?” I just shrugged my shoulders, unable to find my words. In mere moments, the sun was blocked out by a shadow. I looked at the grass near my feet, seeing two pairs of expensive boots. I slowly lifted my head. Gary was standing right in front of me. For a second, he just stared. His eyes were wide, and he looked like he was in total awe, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. My heart soared. Maybe, just maybe, the bond was stronger than rank. But then, the spell broke. His face twisted, turning from awe into absolute repulsion. It was like he had just realized he was looking at a piece of trash. “An Omega?” he spat. The word sounded like a curse. I looked up at him, my mouth opening to say something, anything, but he snapped before I could get a word out. “Lower your eyes when you address me!” he barked. I flinched and immediately looked back at the dirt. “Yes, sir,” I said quietly. My voice was small and shaky. I could feel the tears already stinging the backs of my eyes, but I told myself to be strong. I wouldn't cry in front of the crowd that was already starting to gather. Everyone was watching us now. Even Alpha Hilton had come out of the pack house to see what the commotion was about. “When did you have your first shift?” Gary asked. His voice was cold, like he was interviewing a criminal. Yeah, go ahead and air my dirty laundry, I thought bitterly. But I answered him. “Three years ago, sir.” “And who are your parents?” “I don't know,” I whispered. Gary let out an incredulous laugh, looking over at Larry. It was like he thought this was a cruel joke played by the heavens. “You have no social standing, you shifted way too late, and you’re a lowly Omega,” he said, more to himself than to me. Larry didn't help. He just stood there with a smug look on his face, shaking his head in disgust. “This is an absolute embarrassment,” Gary said loudly, making sure the whole pack could hear him. “My Luna is supposed to be strong, beautiful, and of a respectable status. I need a woman who can lead beside me, not… this” I wanted to tell him that I could be whatever he needed. I wanted to tell him I was smart and hard-working. But he held up a hand, his eyes steeled and hard as flint. “What is your name?” he demanded. My lips started to wobble. In the back of my mind, Eva began to howl a long, mournful sound that made my chest ache. I knew what was coming. I knew he wanted my name so he could say the words that would break me. “Raven Crowley,” I answered. Gary took a step back, standing tall so everyone could see his authority. “I, Gary Inker, reject you, Raven Crowley, as my mate and Luna. This decision I make willfully and of a sound mind.” A collective gasp went up from the crowd. Beside me, I heard Diane whisper a shocked, “What?” I let out a long, resigned sigh. I had always known deep down that this would happen. Why did I let myself be hopeful even for a second? Then, the pain hit. It was a mind-numbing ripple that tore through my soul and my wolf. Eva whined painfully, a sound of irredeemable loss that made me feel like I was being physically ripped apart. My heart ached so badly that I felt breathless, but I gripped my skirt tightly. I refused to crumble to the ground. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. I looked toward Alpha Hilton. He was the man who had taken me in when I was an abandoned baby, despite my unknown origins. He had always been decent to me. But to my crushing disappointment, he just stood there. He stared at me with a look that said this was just the way things had to be. I guess I was good enough to be a pack member, but never a Luna. I cleared my throat and looked Gary in the eye. My voice was firm. “I, Raven Crowley, accept your rejection, Gary Inker. This decision I make willfully and of a sound mind.” Gary looked shocked. He actually looked annoyed probably because I hadn't fallen to my knees and begged him to keep me. He huffed, looking offended that I had matched his resolve, and then he turned on his heel and walked off. “Everyone back to your posts!” Miss Freya shouted, her voice cutting through the silence. “The show is over! Get back to work!” The crowd scattered, though I could feel plenty of eyes lingering on my back. Diane and I sat back down in our previous spot. She was quiet for a long time, just watching me. “Are you okay?” she finally asked softly. I nodded, staring at a patch of clover. “I will be.” I tried to force a small smile. “That’s what happens when you get too hopeful, I guess. Not to dash your own hopes, though.” We both let out a sad, hollow laugh. We got up and finished our work in silence, the weight of the rejection hanging over me like a dark cloud. When night finally came, I went to the dining hall to get my dinner. I could barely taste the food, but I forced myself to eat every bite. I knew I needed the strength to survive this life. Eva had been silent since the garden. Hey, I whispered to her. Hey, she replied, her voice sounding tired. How are you holding up? Bad, Eva admitted. But I know there’s a reason this happened. The Goddess wouldn't just hurt us for no reason. I won't be upset forever. I smiled a little. That’s the spirit. I want to go for a run, Eva said suddenly. I looked out the window. It was already dark, and I didn't know if the guards would let me out, but I told her I’d try. I finished my meal and walked across the large compound toward the gate. The Inker Pack territory was impressive. The main house could hold sixty people, and there were dozens of smaller houses for families. We had an infirmary, a farm, and a garden, all surrounded by a massive fence. Beyond that fence were miles and miles of woods. I reached the gate and saw a guard with a friendly, familiar face. “I want to go for a run for a while,” I told him. He smiled at me, a bit of pity in his eyes. He must have heard what happened. “Sure, Raven. Just stay safe out there.” He opened the small side gate for me, and I stepped out into the cool night air. It was so peaceful out here. The silence of the forest felt comforting. I went behind a large oak tree and took off my clothes, folding them neatly so I could find them later. I gave the reins over to Eva. The shift happened fast. My bones cracked and reset, and within seconds, I was standing on four paws. I was a small wolf, reddish-brown in color, almost like a deep wine. It was an unusual color, but I was super fast. I took off into the trees, my paws thumping against the dirt. My heart felt like it was breaking all over again, and as I ran, I let out a long, piercing howl, sending all my pain and rejection up into the stars.

Raven's POV “Wake up. Wake up, Raven!” I could feel hands shaking my shoulders aggressively. I groaned, pulling my thin blanket higher over my head. I wasn't willing to rouse from sleep yet. My body felt like it was made of lead, and my eyelids were glued shut. “What time did you sleep that you aren't awake by now?” the voice continued. It was Diane. I tried to ignore her, wanting to sink back into the darkness of a dreamless sleep. “Miss Freya is coming!” I bolted out of bed immediately. My heart beat hard against my chest, and I nearly tripped over my own feet as I stood up. There really is nothing like the name of Miss Freya to provide instant motivation. I looked toward the door, expecting to see the scowling woman ready to skin me alive, but then I heard someone laughing. I spun around to see Diane doubled over, clutching her stomach. I glared at her, my hands on my hips. “That wasn't funny, Diane,” I snapped, though my voice was still thick with sleep. “Nobody is coming yet,” she said, wiping a tear from her eye. “But someone will be here very soon. It’s already seven in the morning, Raven. I’ve never seen you sleep this late.” I rubbed my eyes, feeling the exhaustion deep in my bones. Now that I thought about it, it made sense. I had spent hours running through the woods, howling until my throat was raw, and then even more hours crying myself to sleep once I got back to my small bed. I was physically and emotionally drained. I glanced around to see empty beds. “Why is everyone up?” I asked, trying to smooth down my messy hair. “We’ve all been asked to gather in the dining hall,” Diane said, her expression turning a bit more serious. “All the domestic workers.” “For what?” I asked, reaching for my brush. Diane shrugged. “I don’t know. But we need to move. If we’re late, Miss Freya won't just chew us out.” We rushed to the communal showers. The water was lukewarm, but it helped wake me up. I dressed quickly, picking out a clean dress. I tried to find one that looked presentable, although, in my wardrobe, "presentable" was a stretch. Most of my clothes were hand-me-downs that had seen better days, but I did my best to straighten the collar and brush off the lint. We hurried toward the dining hall, arriving at the same time as a crowd of other workers. The room was buzzing with nervous energy. As I was walking toward a spot near the wall, a guy named Owen bumped into me intentionally. He was a regular pack member who loved to pick on anyone he thought was beneath him. “Oops. Didn't see you there,” Owen said with a mocking smirk. He leaned in closer so only I could hear him. “You’re just really inconsequential, you know?” I felt a flash of anger, but I just rolled my eyes at his childish antics. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. I ignored him and moved to join the other Omegas. I looked around the room as it filled up. The only people missing were the Enforcers who worked as guards, the doctors from the infirmary, and the teachers. Everyone else was here. There were only about six Omegas in the entire Inker Pack. It always baffled me that the pack didn't treat us better. We were actually the most fertile members of the pack because we could get pregnant at almost any time, unlike the females of other ranks who had a very small window every month. Plus, male Omegas could get pregnant too and they were pretty rare. “Get in line! Get in line!” Miss Freya’s voice boomed through the hall. We quickly scrambled into three orderly rows. I stood straight, keeping my eyes forward. “This meeting is to select the staff who will be traveling with the pack leadership to the Peace Summit,” Miss Freya announced. She paced in front of us like a general. “The summit is only three weeks away. Those who are picked today will start training immediately on how to act properly. We will not have the Inker Pack embarrassed in front of the Kings.” The room broke out in whispers and excited sounds. I looked at the girls next to me. I honestly didn't know why they were all so happy. But then again, as I thought about it, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. The Inker Pack territory was the only world I had ever known. Seeing the outside world, even if I was just serving food, might be the distraction I needed after recent events. I had heard rumors about this year’s summit. People were saying it was going to be a bloodbath. Apparently, the Kings of the North and South couldn't stand each other. Past Kings had been simple rivals, but these two were actual enemies. I didn't know the history or the reason why. Our pack was in the South, so we were under the rule of the Southern King. I zoomed back into focus just as Miss Freya started picking people. She moved down the line, pointing her finger like a weapon. “You. You. And you,” she barked. I saw Diane get chosen and felt a genuine pang of happiness for her. She had wanted this so badly. Maybe she really would find someone there who would treat her right. “Raven!” I jumped, my eyes snapping to Miss Freya. She was looking at me with that classic scowl, like she knew I had been daydreaming. She gestured toward the small group of chosen workers. My heart did a little flip. Goddess, I had actually been chosen. I was going to the Peace Summit. Miss Freya dismissed everyone who wasn't picked and told the rest of us to follow her. As we walked through the halls of the pack house, a side door opened. Gary walked out, looking as smug as ever. He had his arm wrapped tightly around the waist of a blonde girl I didn't recognize, some bimbo with fake-looking hair and way too much makeup. As our group passed him, we all bowed slightly. I felt his eyes catch mine. He looked at me with a weird expression, almost like he expected me to be crying or upset that he was with someone else already. Ridiculous, I thought. I looked away immediately, keeping my face blank. If he wanted to parade his new Barbie doll around, that was his business. I couldn't deny that I felt a bit salty about it, but I wasn't going to let him see that. He had rejected me so he didn't get to own my emotions anymore. Diane pinched me from behind and whispered, “Don’t let him get to you. You’re going to the Summit. He’s just staying here to be a big fish in a small pond.” We arrived at the learning building, a place I usually liked because of the library. We were divided into smaller groups for our orientation. Sadly, Diane was sent to a different room. I walked into the classroom and stopped short. Pinned to the large board at the front were two massive pictures. Underneath them, names were written in bold, elegant letters. Valen Aibek, King of the Northern Lands. Darian Callisto, King of the Southern Lands. These were the men who ruled our world. Every Alpha of every pack reported directly to one of them. Most people in the smaller packs had never even seen their faces. Our tutor, a stern man named Mr. Rake, tapped the board with a wooden pointer. “We are showing you these pictures so you can recognize them immediately,” Mr. Rake said. “If you are in the same vicinity as a King, you must know who he is. You cannot make mistakes. A mistake in front of these men could cost you your head.” I stepped closer, staring at the photos. They felt strangely familiar, almost like I had seen them somewhere, though I knew that was impossible. King Valen, the Northern King, had hair as brown as dirt. In the photo, he was reclining casually on a throne, his chest half-exposed under a dark robe. He looked like someone who enjoyed trouble—sly, handsome, and dangerous. He was staring lazily into the camera, but his eyes were so sharp it felt like he was looking right into my soul. King Darian, our dark-haired King, was the exact opposite. He looked like the picture of an upright, traditional ruler. He was dressed formally, sitting perfectly straight, and almost glaring at the lens. He looked stern and no-nonsense, the kind of man who followed the rules and expected everyone else to do the same. The only thing they really had in common was that they were both incredibly good-looking. Both men were fine. Like, really fine. I shook the thought out of my head. It didn't matter how handsome they were. It wasn't likely I would ever even see them in person, let alone meet them.

Raven's POV The next few weeks were filled with lessons and lectures. We were drilled on everything from Southern customs to Northern etiquette. Mr. Rake and Miss Freya made it very clear that we were to be invisible but perfect. We learned how to address Alphas from other packs, where we were allowed to walk, and most importantly, how to behave around the Northern staff. “No picking fights,” Miss Freya had barked at us daily. “No being rude. You are on neutral ground for three days. If you embarrass the Inker Pack, you won’t have a home to come back to.” The Peace Summit wasn't just a party. It was three days of intense pack discussions and treaties. But to keep everyone from snapping at each other’s throats, there were also feasts and games planned to help the leadership and staff from both sides actually get along. Finally, the day arrived. I was sitting on the edge of my small cot, staring at the medium-sized bag I had packed. I didn’t have much to bring, so it had been easy. Diane, on the other hand, was having a total meltdown. “It won’t close, Raven! It just won’t close!” Diane groaned, shoving a pile of sweaters into her bag with both hands. “Stop stuffing the bag!” I laughed, watching her struggle. “We’re only going to be there for a few days. You won’t wear even half of those clothes.” Diane huffed, wiping sweat from her lip. Her bag was bulging at the seams. She actually had some really nice things because her mother was a nurse in the pack’s infirmary. Nurses earned bonuses for their “excellent” work, which meant Diane had a bit more money for better fabrics. In the pack house, nobody was paid a salary per say. We just did our share for the pack and got a bed and food in return. The work we did was considered insignificant by the higher-ups. I couldn't help but see the irony in that because if we stopped working for one day, the whole pack house would fall apart in hours. Diane had been kind enough to give me some of her older clothes over the years, so I at least had a few nice dresses for the Summit. She eventually gave up on the extra sweaters and finally managed to zip her bag shut. “Ready?” she asked, breathless. “Ready,” I said, hoisting my bag over my shoulder. We walked to the main foyer where the rest of the chosen group was waiting. Of course, Owen was there, looking like he already owned the place. Off to the side, I saw Alpha Hilton, his Beta, Gary, and Larry. They were huddled together, discussing something in low, serious voices. I looked at Gary for a second. His scent didn't hit me like a ton of bricks anymore. The grape and olive smell was still there, but the pull was gone, replaced by a dull ache. The rejection had done its job. I was about to take another step forward when my vision suddenly blurred. Everything around me vanished. I was standing in a dark, cold forest. In front of me was a massive wolf. It was a beautiful ash-brown color, its fur glossy but dusty. It looked like it was in pain. It let out a howl that sounded so sad it made my own soul hurt. I watched as its eyes flickered back and forth. One second they were a vibrant, beautiful blue, and the next, they turned a terrifying, muddy red. Red was the color of a rogue. This wolf was in danger of going feral, losing its human side forever. I felt a strange, overwhelming urge to help it. I reached out a hand, wanting to comfort the beast, but the moment my fingers were about to touch its fur, I was slammed back into reality. “...aven? Raven!” I blinked rapidly, the bright lights of the foyer making my head swim. Diane was looking at me with a worried, expectant face. “I’ve been calling your name for like a minute,” she said. “You looked totally lost in thought. Are you okay?” “Did you see a wolf?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. “An ash-brown one? Big?” Diane looked at me like I had finally lost my mind. “A wolf? In the foyer? Raven, the only wolves here are the ones in human form. You need to get some sleep on the bus.” Before I could explain, Miss Freya clapped her hands sharply. “Head out! Everyone to the buses! Move it!” We filed out of the gates, our group talking excitedly like we were going on a school field trip. It was unbelievable. Three long buses were waiting for us outside. We loaded our bags and our food rations and climbed inside. I headed straight for the very back, with Diane following closely behind me. The journey to the neutral territory was going to take two days. The buses were big and surprisingly comfortable, with enough space for each of us to stretch out and sleep. As we drove, I watched the Southern landscape roll by. We passed through thick forests and small human settlements where people stopped to wave at the pack buses. By the middle of the first day, the scenery began to change. The lush green of the South started to fade into rocky plains and thinner trees. It was beautiful, but kind of empty. I spent most of the time just staring out the window. We arrived at the neutral territory on the evening of the second day. My jaw nearly dropped. In the middle of a vast, misty valley sat a gigantic stone building that looked more like a castle. It looked really old but sturdy. There were smaller structures scattered around it, all built with the same grey stone. We got off the bus, shivering in the cooler air. Alpha Hilton and the other leaders immediately walked toward the main entrance, probably headed for the VIP suites. The rest of us “peasants” were told to stay put. “Follow me,” Miss Freya commanded. She led us to a side entrance near the back of the complex. She stopped and turned to us, her face stern. “Do not forget your training. Do not speak unless spoken to. Do not embarrass our Alpha. Do you understand?” “Yes, Miss Freya,” we all droned in unison. She led us inside to a wing on the second floor. It was clean and simple, with long hallways and many heavy wooden doors. “Pair up as you like,” she said. “Four to a room. Get settled, freshen up, because you all stink like crazy and go to sleep. The pack leaders are meeting the Kings for a meet and greet tonight, but that has nothing to do with you. The real meetings start tomorrow morning.” My wolf, Eva, who usually stayed quiet and lazy unless she wanted something, suddenly perked up. Pick the window bed, she demanded. I huffed at her. Since when do you care about where we sleep? She didn't answer, she just paced in my mind until I did what she wanted. I dropped my bag on the bed by the window and looked at my roommates. There was Diane, a girl named Sheila, and... Dan. Dan was a male Omega. He was a sweet guy, but he looked a bit out of place. We all raised an eyebrow at him. “I know, I know,” Dan said, smiling sheepishly as he moved toward the fourth bed. “But you know how the other guys are. They’ve been picking on me the whole bus ride. I’d rather sleep in a room with you girls where I won't get shoved off the bed in the middle of the night.” “Fair enough,” I said. I pulled out my towel and signaled to Diane. “Let’s go find the showers.” It took us a while seeing as we got lost twice in the winding hallways but we eventually found the communal showers. The water was hot and felt amazing on my skin, washing away two days of bus dust. By the time we got back to the room, I felt like a new person. I sat down on my bed, pulling the covers up. Unconsciously, I looked out the window. The moon was high and bright, casting a bright glow over the valley. The forest at the edge of the neutral grounds looked dark and mysterious. I jolted, my heart skipping a beat. There, at the very edge of the tree line, was a wolf. It was huge, its fur an unmistakable ash-brown color. It looked magnificent in the moonlight, standing perfectly still as it stared toward the building. I blinked hard and rubbed my eyes. What are the chances? I thought. I looked back out the window a second later, but the spot was empty. There was nothing but darkness and swaying trees. “It was probably nothing,” I whispered to myself, lying back down.

Raven's POV The banging on the door sounded like a hammer against my skull. Through the thick wood, I could hear the faint, annoying screech of Miss Freya’s voice telling us to get moving. I groaned and pulled my pillow over my head, but it didn't help. My roommates were already starting to stir. Sheila, who was always in a bad mood, sat up and rubbed her eyes aggressively. “That woman is so annoying,” Sheila muttered, her voice raspy from sleep. “I agree,” I whispered back. I peeked out from under my blanket and looked at the window. The sun was barely even rising. The sky was that weird, dark purple color you only see when it’s way too early to be awake. Why would she wake us up now? We had gotten into bed so late last night. Miss Freya definitely takes her job too seriously. Despite the complaining, we all stood up. Nobody wanted to deal with her wrath this early in the morning. Dan looked over at me and offered a small, bright smile. “Good morning, Raven,” he said. I crinkled my brows, wondering why he was being so cheerful at what must be five in the morning, but I tried to be polite. “Morning, Dan. How did you sleep?” “Great,” he said, grabbing his towel. “I’m going to go hit the showers before the line gets too long.” I nodded. I didn't need to go since I had showered right before bed, so I just sat on the edge of my mattress. Sheila left the room a moment later without saying a word. She really did seem like the kind of person who was just born angry. I picked up my hairbrush and started taming my auburn hair. It was a mess of tangles from the bus ride and the night of tossing and turning. Diane came over and sat on the edge of my bed, already buzzing with energy. “What do you think they’re going to make us do today?” she asked, watching me brush. “Do you think we’ll be in the kitchens? Or maybe cleaning the main hall?” “Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll involve a lot of walking,” I said. I pulled my hair back into a tight updo, making sure it was secure so it wouldn't get in my way while I worked. I looked at Diane and noticed her hair was already styled perfectly. It was in the same tight bun she had worn yesterday. “Did you seriously sleep with your hair like that?” I asked, leaning back to look at her. Diane shrugged. “It saves time in the morning.” I couldn't understand that for the life of me. How can someone sleep with their hair pinned up like that? It sounded incredibly uncomfortable, but as the saying goes, to each their own. We waited for Sheila and Dan to get back, then the four of us left the room together. The hallways were already filling up with other pack members. We followed the flow of the crowd, feeling a bit small. There were only about twenty of us from the Inker Pack, and as we entered a large hall, I realized just how many wolves were actually here. Pack members from both the North and the South were gathered in one space. It was a sea of unfamiliar faces. Up at the front, a man stood on a small platform. He was a complete ginger with bright red hair and a matching beard, and he looked like an Alpha. He stepped forward to address the crowd, and his voice was so powerful it seemed to vibrate the floorboards. “We have all come from different lands and different packs,” he shouted. “North and South we are, but here, we are just wolves. One Goddess, one kind!” Everyone started clapping. It was a nice sentiment, but I wondered how many people actually believed it. The tension in the room was still thick enough to cut with a knife. “Today is just for socializing,” he continued once the clapping died down. “Move around, talk to each other. Make friends and alliances.” He gave a playful wink. “Meet your mates!” The crowd chuckled at that, and I felt a small pang in my chest. Yeah, right, I thought. Like that always goes well. “In the afternoon, the games will start,” he said. “They are meant to bond us together. Roles will be shared and rotated among everyone except the leadership. Be respectful, be responsible. That is all.” There was more clapping, and then the room turned into a flurry of motion. People were being pulled aside and given assignments. Diane was whisked away to some other part of the building, leaving me standing there with Dan. I decided to just walk around. I didn't have much interest in socializing with a bunch of strangers who would probably look down on me the moment they scented my rank. Dan stayed right at my side like glue. “Go on, Dan,” I said, shooing him with my hand. “Go make some friends. This is your chance to see the world.” He rolled his eyes. “Who would want to be friends with a male Omega? Unless they’re men with bad intentions, I’m not exactly at the top of the guest list.” I stopped walking and looked at him. I realized then that Dan truly had it worse than I did. At least people expected females to be Omegas. For a male, the stigma was even harsher. “How old are you, Dan?” I asked. “Twenty,” he replied. “And when did you shift?” “Four years ago,” he said. “Well, at least you didn't have a delayed shift like me,” I said, trying to find a silver lining. “Do you wish you’d meet your mate here?” He looked at his shoes. “It would be nice, I guess. But honestly? It’s not likely they would want me. Not many wolves are looking for a mate who is weak.” We walked around for a long time after that, sharing our woes and talking about what it was like back at the Inker Pack. Before I knew it, the afternoon had arrived. It was time for the games. A voice boomed over the speakers, asking everyone to gather in the courtyard. I knew I wouldn't be competing, though. I had been chosen as one of the servers to hand out drinks while the Alphas and other wolves showed off. I told Dan to go ahead and find a good spot to watch. I headed for the kitchens, which took me forever to find. The place was a maze of nice looking hallways. When I finally got there, it was chaos. Trays of drinks were being lined up, and other servers were rushing in and out. I grabbed a heavy tray filled with different juices and water and began the long walk back to the courtyard. When I got there, the first game was already starting. It was a contest to see who could shift into their wolf the fastest. A group of volunteers were already getting undressed. In the werewolf world, nudity isn't a big deal so nobody seemed bothered by it. I moved through the crowd, handing out glasses. My tray was empty before I knew it. I hurried back to the kitchen for a second round. As I was coming back toward the courtyard, I took a shortcut through a narrow stone archway. I was moving fast, trying to not dawdle, when someone else stepped into the archway from a side path. We slammed into each other. The impact sent a jolt through my body. I lost my balance, my feet slipping on the smooth stone. Oh no, I thought, closing my eyes. I was supposed to not make any mistakes, and now I was about to dump a tray of drinks all over a stranger. But the crash never came. A pair of hands grabbed the tray with scary-good reflexes, and another hand gripped my waist, hauling me back upright. I steadied myself and looked up to apologize. My breath caught in my throat. Dark hair. Intense amber eyes. A strong jawline and a face that looked like it was carved out of granite. It was Darian Callisto. The King of the South was standing right in front of me. I gasped, my heart stopping, and immediately lost my balance all over again. He frowned, his grip moving to my upper arm to keep me from falling. And then it happened. Sparks. The moment his skin touched mine, a jolt of electricity shot through my entire body. It was like a dam had broken because his scent flared up, and a wave of pure, overwhelming dominance washed over me, making my knees go weak. He smelled incredible. It was the scent of old paper and wet sand, the exact smell of the air right before a heavy rain. It was heavenly. It was intoxicating. Why? I screamed internally. This shouldn't be happening! I already have a mate! But Eva wasn't sharing my panic. She rolled her eyes in the back of my mind, her tail wagging with a force that made my head spin. He is our mate, stupid, she said. My head swam, the world tilted, and for the third time in a row, I felt my balance give way completely.

Raven’s POV King Darian’s hands were steady as he tried to keep me from falling for the third time. At this point, I wasn’t just shocked, I was beyond mortified. I had completely and utterly embarrassed myself in front of the most powerful man in the South. My mind was spinning. The son of my own Alpha had rejected me because I was a lowly Omega so there was no way the King of the South was going to want me. I felt like a disaster waiting to happen. My only instinct was to disappear, to run back to the kitchens and hide in a cupboard before I got hit with a second, even more public rejection. He was still holding the tray of drinks, his fingers long and strong against the silver edges. I reached out with trembling hands and managed to collect it. “Thank you, your majesty,” I squeaked. I turned on my heel, ready to bolt, but he was faster. His hand shot out and grabbed my sleeve, stopping me in my tracks. “Where are you going?” he asked. His voice was deep and smooth, like flowing water. My stomach did a somber little flip, and I turned back to look at him, my mouth hanging open like a fish. I tried to answer, but all that came out was a series of stutters and weird choking noises. I couldn't get a single sensible word out. Darian just shook his head and without saying another word, he started pulling me by my sleeve toward the center of the courtyard, heading for a long table. By now, we were already gathering a lot of attention. Wolves from every pack were stopping their conversations to stare at the King of the South leading a sweaty, wide-eyed server through the crowd. He reached the table and went to take the tray from me. I tried to hold onto it because it was my job, after all but he pulled it out of my hands as easily as if I were a child. He dropped it on the table with a clatter and didn't stop there. Still pulling me by my sleeve, he walked right into the very center of the courtyard. He let out a loud, sudden growl that radiated pure dominance. The scent of rain and wet sand became so strong it felt like a storm was about to break inside the castle walls. Silence fell immediately. You could have heard a pin drop on the stone floor. “I have an announcement,” Darian said. His face was perfectly straight, his expression unreadable. I really wanted to cry at this point. My cheeks were burning a bright, angry red from the sheer humiliation of it all. Was he really doing this? I thought. He could reject me privately in the hallway, but he wants to do it in front of everyone? Northern and Southern wolves alike? It felt low, even for a King. I lowered my head, wishing my hair would grow long enough to cover my entire body. “Who is the Alpha of the pack she is from?” Darian asked, his eyes sweeping over the crowd with a comfort that only a King could have. Alpha Hilton scurried over, looking like he wanted to be anywhere else on earth. He bowed so low I thought his forehead might hit his knees. Gary and Larry were a few paces behind him, both of them looking completely stunned. “I am, your majesty,” Alpha Hilton said, his voice shaking. He glanced at me with a look of utter confusion and worry. “If she has done anything wrong, I will take full responsibility for it. I apologize for her clumsiness.” I avoided his gaze, staring intensely at a crack in the pavement. Darian didn't waste any time. He was as blunt and to the point as the rumors said. “She is my mate,” he said simply. “I just wanted to know which pack she was from. Seeing as I recognize you, I assume she is from the South?” Alpha Hilton’s eyes went so wide I was surprised they didn't actually fall out of his head. He looked like he had just been hit by lightning. “M... mate?” Darian cocked his head to the side, his amber eyes narrowing. “Did I stutter, Alpha?” “No! No, of course not,” Alpha Hilton hurried to say, his hands shaking. “Yes, she is from the Inker Pack. In the South. She is one of ours.” “Good,” Darian said, his grip on my sleeve loosening just a bit but his presence still looming over me. “I’ll be taking her with me to my palace after the Peace Summit concludes. I—” “I don’t think so.” The voice cut through the air like a blade. Everyone in the courtyard gasped. The shock was so thick you could feel it. Who would dare interrupt the King of the South? I looked toward the sound, and my heart nearly stopped again. Standing near one of the center pillars was the King of the North. Valen Aibek. He was leaning against the stone with his arms folded, a slight, dangerous smile playing on his lips. The iciness in his eyes made him look terrifyingly unpredictable, like a man who could kill you on a whim. The people who had been standing near him scattered immediately, leaving a wide circle of empty space around him. Even though he was just leaning there, waves of dominance were rolling off him in a way that made my skin prickle. I had heard that Kings could hide their presence so they didn't crush everyone around them, but right now, Valen was letting it all out. Then, the scent hit me. Citrus. He smelled like the orange and tangerine air fresheners they used back at the Inker Pack house during spring cleaning, except it was much more exotic and rich. It was fresh and heady. I chuckled to myself despite the chaos because how could a man this powerful and scary smell like a fruit basket? Both Kings looked in my direction at the same time. I felt like I was going to melt into the ground. I could feel Darian’s heavy attention on my left, and Valen’s black, bottomless eyes locked onto mine. Then it hit me. Mate. It felt like rainbows and sunshine had suddenly erupted inside my chest, followed by a weird sense of elation that I couldn't control. My wolf, Eva, was practically doing backflips in my head. But then I jolted, my brain finally catching up. Hold up. Another mate? I thought, panicked. Why is the Moon Goddess doing this to me? Is she trying to kill me? Valen uncrossed his arms and started to walk toward us. His slightly long brown hair was tousled like he has a habit of running his hands through it and unlike Darian, who was dressed formally in a crisp shirt and pressed pants, Valen was wearing a dark, armless vest that showed off his massive, scarred arms. He clearly couldn't be bothered with royal fashion. He stopped just a few feet away from us, his eyes never leaving mine. “You don’t think so?” Darian asked. His voice was deathly cold. “And what exactly does that mean, Valen?” I could see Darian’s eye twitch. He was clearly trying his absolute hardest to keep his cool, but I could see he was losing it. “Meaning?” Valen asked, his smirk growing wider. He gestured toward me with a casual flick of his hand. “Meaning she isn’t going anywhere with you, Darian.” Darian took a half-step forward, his body tensing like a man poised to attack. “And why not?” Valen dropped the bomb with a calm voice that carried to every single person in the courtyard. “Because she is my mate.” The silence that had held the courtyard broke into a million pieces. The wolves watching the drama unfold burst into a riot of shouts, screams, and disbelief. People were grabbing their hair, whispering frantically, and staring at me like I was some kind of alien creature. My head was spinning so fast I thought I might actually faint this time. Two Kings. Both claiming me. Aren't they going to reject me? For Goddess’s sake, what is going to happen now? A war? A fight? This is absolutely nuts!