Chapter 1.

My name is Klaus Relish, I am 25 years old, I come from one of the oldest families in England, current Lycan King, my parents Carlos and Lyla are still young, but I took over as King a few months ago because they wanted to rest and travel, enjoy their time together, so they decided it was time for me to take my place as it corresponds next to my moon, the one who is supposed to be the love of my life destined by the Moon Goddess, nothing could be further from the truth.

I had my first transformation when I was 17 years old and met my destined and current moon when I was 20 years old, I made her my wife, I marked her, I presented her to everyone as my moon, and everyone adores her, my parents, my pack, everyone who knows her loves her, even me. Well, until I met the real her, the ambitious woman she is, she never loved me, she only loves the power she has as my wife.

Today I am before the council of elders because although we have been married for 5 years, we have not had offspring and that has them worried.

Elder: Hello young King, I assume you know why we have summoned you?

Klaus: Yes, I can imagine why.

Elder: We cannot continue without an heir.

Klaus: I understand, but I don't know what you want me to do if the Goddess has not blessed us.

Elder: I understand, don't worry young King, but we have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to intervene, things cannot continue like this.

Klaus: I don't understand, explain yourself better.

Elder: Well, it's just that maybe there's something wrong with you or your moon, and we'd like a doctor to check you out. I know we're intruding on your privacy, but I'd like you to try to understand, there's a lot at stake.

Klaus: I understand and that's why I won't object.

After that uncomfortable conversation I got out of there, I know they're right, I need a child, not only because I would like to be a father but also for my family, as I said, we come from an ancient family that has reigned for generations and being an only child, it is my duty to continue the family line. If I have no offspring, the blood of my family and what it represents will end with me.

Two weeks later we had already done all the medical tests and checkups, both Liz and I, today they would give us the results, so we were all gathered, the doctors, being from the pack hospital, had to speak in front of the council of elders, my parents, in front of Ana and me.

Doctor: Good morning everyone, we have done all the necessary studies to make a medical opinion about how fertile our King and Queen are, regarding King Klaus, we did not find any health problems, he is very healthy and has no problem conceiving. As for our Queen Liz, well, the studies revealed that she is not fertile, we found scars on her uterus and apparently from many years ago, I assume since her childhood.

Elder: I understand, what do you have to say to this Queen Liz?

Liz: When I was a girl I had an accident and yes, they operated on me, later the doctors mentioned that I was left sterile.

Klaus: And when were you planning on mentioning that?

Liz: I'm sorry, I love you so much that I didn't want to lose you.

Lyla: It's okay daughter, we understand, don't worry.

Klaus: It's okay Mom? Don't worry? Do you realize what this means?

Elder: Easy, please calm down, boy.

Klaus: I can't, don't ask me that, she hid it knowing how important this matter was.

Lyla: And what would have happened if she had told you? Anyway, she is your mate and you cannot conceive with anyone else.

Elder: Come on boy, you're very upset, I understand it's not a good time, but there's still a chance.

Klaus: What are you talking about?

Elder: While we cannot conceive with someone who is not our destiny by the Moon Goddess, there is a precedent.

Klaus: What are you referring to?

Elder: Many years ago, when I was not yet born, a man who lost his mate met a woman who was also left alone. They spent years together, but he needed offspring and someone suggested a ritual where permission and blessing is asked of the Goddess.

Klaus: Is something like that possible?

Elder: As it can work, it may not, but there is a problem.

Klaus: What?

Elder: You have a partner, I don't know what could happen to you.

I can't believe what's going on, having to use someone else to have a child, I'm dizzy thinking until I see my mother and father comforting my wife who is crying like a Magdalene, damn hypocrite.

Klaus: Very well, I trust you, if you suggested this I suppose you also have a person in mind, right?

Elder: You know me very well boy, and yes, I have the perfect woman.

Klaus: Then make the necessary arrangements, I will not object.

After saying that and everyone staring at me as if I had lost a screw, I left that place, I need to run, I need to get my wolf out that is howling in fury.

My name is Ava Williams, I'm 25 years old, and I am the only daughter of Arthur and Mary Williams. I became a wolf at the age of 17 and met my destined mate at 21.

Mario Smith, that was his name, a simple, kind, sincere man, but whom I didn't know how to appreciate at the time. When I met him, I was immature, proud of my status, vain, and classist. I was part of a world of luxury and appearances, and discovering that my mate was someone who didn't share my status and wealth disappointed me. And that's how I started avoiding him. Every time he came to see me, I always humiliated him. When he gave me roses or something simple, I behaved terribly towards him.

My family comes from an ancient lineage; for many generations, my family has ruled the Storm Pack. My father is the Alpha, and my mother is his Luna, and I, as their daughter, always thought that the Goddess would bless me with an Alpha mate. And when that wasn't the case, as I said, I just ignored him. I later discovered that my pride and that stupid thought were only going to make me suffer.

Months after meeting him, one day he came very excited, saying that he had a surprise for me. I felt a little bad about how I had been treating him, so that day I gave him the keys to my car and told him to take me wherever he wanted. I remember he was excited, he had a huge smile, and I was just annoyed, until out of nowhere, a car hit us. Everything happened so fast, I only remember someone pulling hard on my body. For a moment, I saw his face with tears and heard his voice saying that everything would be alright.

Two days later, I woke up in the pack hospital. My parents were in the room; they looked terrible, as if they hadn't slept well. Their faces were tired and haggard. When I asked them what had happened, they just looked at each other and told me that I had been in an accident. And when I was about to ask about Mario, the door suddenly opened and an older woman dressed in black entered. She stared at me with hatred.

The woman began to say that everything was my fault, that I had taken him from her, that I was a curse. I didn't understand anything; I was confused. I had received a severe blow to the head, and I had just woken up. It wasn't until she said that her son had died because of me that I understood. I looked at my parents, their eyes filled with tears, pleading with them to tell me it wasn't true, but they just lowered their heads.

When the lady left, and I was able to process what had happened, I took my father's hands and begged him to tell me exactly what had happened.

He told me that when the car hit us, it simply sped away. I was knocked unconscious from the impact, but Mario wasn't. He pulled me out of the car and away before it exploded. And when help arrived, he made sure I was attended to first, but by the time we got to the hospital, he simply collapsed.

Apparently, he was seriously injured, and it didn't matter to him. By the time the doctors attended to him, it was too late. They couldn't do anything for him. That day, I cried like I had never cried before, and there was no point in regretting it because he was no longer here to ask for forgiveness.

It's been four years since that day, and I still blame myself for many things, especially for his death and how I behaved with him. I know I can't fix anything anymore, and the only thing I can do for him is to change and honor his memory. These years, I have focused on the pack, helping my father and our people. I left behind the life of luxury and frivolities I led.

Now I see the world in a different way. I have taken charge of improving the pack hospital, which, although we don't need it as much since we heal quickly, we have still managed to save some lives, especially in difficult births. We have also improved the school, purchased materials and modernized it a lot, including tablets for children, projectors, laboratories, and more.

All the work and improvements for the pack have given me great satisfaction, and I feel like I have a purpose. It was hard to overcome the depression I went through, and the guilt is still there, and I don't know if I can ever overcome it.

These years I have learned a lot, and I feel like I have changed. I have matured, but the loneliness I feel is always there, it doesn't go away. Sometimes at night, I dream of him, and he tells me that it's not my fault, that it was his destiny and that mine will change soon. I don't understand it, but I know it's just a dream.

I'm getting home very tired because today I went to the hospital to deliver supplies and stayed to help and check on some things, but as I'm crossing the living room, I stop dead in my tracks when I hear voices in Dad's office mentioning my name.

Arthur: What do you want Ava to do?

Elder: I want you to think about it and discuss it with her.

Arthur: Goddess, have you gone mad? How can I go and drop such a bomb on my daughter after everything she's been through?

Mary: Is he serious?

Elder: Yes, and this may be her only chance. Think about it, she lost her mate, do you want her to be alone all her life? This way at least she will have a child to hold on to when you are gone. And besides, you need an heir, and so does he.

Arthur: I know, but I can't put that burden on my daughter's shoulders. You know what it means for her to have his child.

Elder: She needs to make a decision. Both he and your daughter need this, and you know it. What will happen in the future with your title and your lands, with your pack? Are you willing to let your legacy and that of your ancestors, your lineage, end with her?

Arthur: I understand you, but understand me, old man. I can't just go and tell my daughter, "You need to have an heir, and since your mate died, you're going to mate with the Lycan King so you can continue our lineage and his, so you're going to give birth to the future King."

After hearing that, I was paralyzed. Goddess, what the hell was going on? What did my grandfather want me to do?

When I could react, I ran out as fast as I could. I let my wolf out and ran. I don't know for how long, but long enough to almost faint. I needed to think rationally. My grandfather is right, but I can't help but feel my heart ache. How can I go on with my life?

After many hours of thinking and crying until my soul couldn't take it anymore, I made a decision. I don't know if it's my salvation or my doom, but I owe it to my parents, my family. My mistakes and my sins will haunt me for the rest of my life, but I can't keep crying; that's not the solution.

Arthur: Honey, where were you? We were very worried about you, we were looking for you, are you okay?

Ava: Dad, I accept.

Ava

Father, I accept.

That was all I could manage to say before heading upstairs to my room. I was too exhausted and overwhelmed; all I wanted was a bath and my bed. I didn't want to think about anything; I just wanted to sleep. But when I stepped out of the shower, Mom was there.

Mary: Honey, are you okay?

Ava: Yes, Mom.

Mary: I know you better than you think. (She gestures for me to sit beside her on the bed.) Did you hear our conversation?

I simply nodded in response to her question; I couldn't speak yet as I was still confused and afraid of regretting things. So it was she who continued.

Mary: Sweetheart, I know this is very hard for you. I understand, and believe me, I don't want this to be happening either, but I'm scared—scared that you might get hurt even more. I want you to think it through; you don't have to decide today. I love you, my dear.

Ava: Mom, who is he? (I could feel my voice cracking just by saying those words.)

Mary: Our king? His name is Klaus Relish. I know you've never seen him, but he's your age—25 years old. They say many things about him, but I don't know him well enough to know if they're true. However, your grandfather knows him, and if he is suggesting this, it's because he can't be a bad person.

Ava: Mom, how did he lose his mate?

Mary: Sweetheart, that's the problem. That's why I'm afraid you might suffer. He didn't lose his partner; apparently, she is infertile.

Ava: But then what do they want? If he's with his partner, which would be me...his mistress? (I felt anger rising within me. How could they be considering making me this man's mistress? They weren't even thinking about what she would suffer. What kind of man was this Klaus if he didn't care about his partner’s feelings?)

Mary: Honey, calm down. I know this is crazy, but I want you to be a bit selfish with this decision. I want you to think only of yourself. I know I'm wrong for saying this, but you deserve to be happy, and if what's happening right now is going to bring some light and hope into your life, then may the Moon Goddess forgive me, and I’m sorry for the others, but you matter to me.

After saying that, Mom tucked me in like when I was a child and left. I never thought I’d hear her say something like that. She was always so sweet and kind, and I must say, it left me quite stunned.

When I woke up the next day, it was already late. I got up and got ready to go downstairs to eat. It seemed I had missed breakfast. I found Mom and Dad at the table, and I sat down to eat with them in silence. They didn’t say anything either, I suppose they wanted to give me my space, which I appreciated.

In the following days, the topic wasn’t brought up again. I continued with my activities in the pack, and I was at school playing with the little ones when I saw a young man approaching me.

Unknown: Hello, good morning. Sorry to bother you, but I’m looking for Ava, the Alpha’s daughter. They told me I’d find her here.

Ava: Yes, that’s me. What do you need me for?

Unknown: You’re Ava? I thought you were the teacher. You don’t look like the Alpha’s daughter.

Did he really just say that? How is the Alpha's daughter supposed to look?

Unknown: Your father told me you were here. I would like you to accompany me; there are some things I want to discuss with you.

Ava: I’m sorry, but I don’t know you, and I’m not sure what we could possibly have to talk about. However, since my father is the one who told you where to find me, I suppose I should listen to you.

Unknown: Let’s walk a bit. I’d like you to show me the pack.

We walked as I showed him some things. I still didn’t know what this man wanted, or even his name. He hadn’t bothered to introduce himself, but something about him made me a little uneasy. He was handsome—very handsome, I must say—and it made me feel nervous. I caught him looking me up and down several times.

He didn’t say much, but when he spoke, his voice sent chills down my spine. It wasn’t fear or anything like that; it was something else, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint what. The whole time, he kept his distance and maintained a very serious demeanor; he even looked angry.

As we approached home, my grandfather came out with a bright smile. He hugged me and gave me a kiss, then turned his gaze to the stranger.

Old Man: I see you’ve already met.

Unknown: That's right, your granddaughter is very kind. I'd like to discuss our matter, as I have a rather tight schedule and can't afford to waste my time.

Elder: Ha, ha, ha, young king, as direct as always. Of course, let's head to the office; there we can talk more comfortably.

Young king, damn, was this man Klaus Relish?

Klaus

A few days had passed since my conversation with the elder, after running around like mad and feeling my wolf angry and frustrated, when I received his call asking me to come to the Storm pack. When I asked what it was about, he said it was to introduce me to his granddaughter Ava.

That she was the person he had in mind to carry my child; I couldn't believe it. What did he intend by offering me his granddaughter like this?

I simply told him I would go the next day and hung up. I had no idea what that old man was plotting, but I planned to find out before doing anything stupid.

The first thing I needed to do was find out who Ava was, so I called a few people to investigate her, needing that information ASAP since I would meet her tomorrow.

That night, I received an email with information about her. Apparently, there wasn't much to say—25 years old, single, her mate had died years ago, she didn't socialize, no scandals, and she wasn't seen at parties currently. But years ago, she was quite active in parties, luxury, and rather frivolous. Goddess, I don't think I can handle another one of those in my life.

The next day, I woke up early; it was best to end this nonsense before it started. I couldn't deal with a Liz 2.0. I could no longer look at my wife's face without feeling disgust; I couldn't stand being near her for that reason, which was why we hadn't shared a room in years.

When I arrived at the Storm pack, I was impressed. The pack review had been done by my beta Ryan, who had been away for a month to deal with some issues the packs in the United States were having with some rogues.

Alpha Arthur and his luna Mary welcomed me as always. The elder still hadn't arrived, and I didn't feel patient enough to wait for him. After all, I had decided not to go along with this madness anymore, so I told the alpha that I needed to speak with his daughter. He seemed surprised but simply said she was at school with the children, told me where to go, and I went to find her.

When I arrived, I saw a beautiful young woman playing with the children; I assumed she was their teacher. I was mesmerized watching her with the kids; she looked lovely, and my heart raced. It wasn't just me; I felt my wolf restless, but he hadn't spoken to me for three years after what happened. I felt he blamed me, but also that he was hurt. After all, our pride was wounded, and he was taking it worse than I was.

I approached her directly as if pulled by a magnet, unsure of what to say. The first thing that came to mind was to ask about Ava. I thought that since I would reject her, I could at least ask for the teacher to take her place. There was something about her that drew me in, but I was completely surprised when she said that she was Ava. Damn, I was left speechless, and that doesn't happen to me with anyone, not even when I met my mate.

I asked her to walk with me to talk, but I couldn't focus; I only listened as she showed me the pack. All I could do was watch her. She was dressed quite simply in jeans, a blouse, and sneakers, no makeup, and for a moment I thought about kidnapping her and taking her with me to hasten that damn ritual.

What the hell was I thinking? I came here intending to reject her, and now I wanted to abduct her. I was angry with myself for my thoughts. What on earth was happening to me? I'm not like that; I never let myself be swayed by emotions. I'm always rational in my decisions.

When we arrived at her house and the elder finally showed up, I needed to settle this damn problem once and for all. So I told him we needed to talk; for better or worse, I had made a decision, and there was no turning back.

If the goddess granted us her blessing, she would be the mother of my child, and something told me she wouldn't refuse.