I've traveled to the far ends of the earth trying to send out the warning, some have heeded it and others haven't. My names Ariadne, meaning "the purest" but in this world I go by Ariagna. You see I'm here because I was sent on a mission by my parents, they didn't want to send me but they didn't really have a choice, they always said "it was my destiny." As far as I know destiny can screw itself, I and I alone decide my destiny.

I've been traveling for the last six years going to every pack around the world to get them ready for the war that's brewing, this is my last stop, the "ble fengári" pack, also meaning "blue moon". Personally to me that's a dumb name, the moon isn't even blue, I would know I've been there. Now don't start asking questions and getting distracted, back to my story. So anyways I've been in this pack for three years now, the Luna and Alpha are really amazing people and treat me as their own. They have a son named..uhh...ok maybe I wasn't paying attention to that but can you blame me, he's been away to "Alpha training" for the past 4 years so I've never met the guy. All the females in this pack are freaking out about him coming home tomorrow, not because their scared but because they are hoping he's their mate, this is the biggest pack yet, -that's why I made this my last stop-, so even if he was their mate it would take him a while to find her.

NEXT MORNING

I woke up hearing a lot of commotion happening outside my door. Ughh I just want to sleep. "Ari" someone said knocking on my door, or should I say banging on my door. "What?" I said. "Ari you have to get up, the Alphas son will be here in less than 30 minutes." The person said who by the voice I'm assuming it's the Alphas beta John. "What time is it?" I said really talking to myself but I guess he heard me. "It's 3 in the evening" Beta John said. "Now get up."

After beta John left I finally got up and decided to get ready for this little party. I'm glad he woke me up or I would still be sleeping, don't worry about his tone he's a really sweet guy, kinda like a father to me the same way the Alpha treats me.

As I stepped out the shower I went into my closet to look for some clothes to wear. I'm usually not picky with my clothes...or anything for that matter so I just chose a simply high waste blue skinny jeans with a simply white shirt and some white Air Force 1's. I walk to my mirror in the bathroom to fix my hair, So I took my bonnet off...yes I wear a bonnet if you're a girl with kinky curly hair then you definetly need a bonnet. My hair was a mess and needed to be washed but wash days are for sundays, so I simply wet my hair and threw a bunch of gel in it and put it in a low ponytail. "Should I put on makeup?" "No" I heard a voice from my room and looked out the bathroom door to see lily( betas John daughter and my close friend) sitting on my bed. "When did you get here?" She raised an eyebrow, "you didn't hear me? That's weird, you hear literally everything Ari." She was right I really do hear everything (thanks to these powers) I guess I was too distracted. "You're always distracted" my wolf Amy said. "Oo look who finally decided to show up huh, are you still mad at me Amy?" I asked her through mindlink. "Hmph, yes I am." Amy you can't stay mad at me forever." ...."I can try" she whispered (like she isn't in my head).

She got mad at me yesterday for the same reason she always does, she wants a mate but I don't. I simply don't have time for a mate, I'm preparing for a war and I don't need any distractions. "Ari, Ari, snap out of it." I forgot lily was here. "Oh sorry" I said. "Let's go."

Walking into the hall way was way more packed than I thought. "I don't get what's the big deal about him coming home honestly" I said to lily. "Well I don't know, maybe because he's been away for 4 years" she said side eyeing me. "Girls stop arguing and get your butts down here" I heard the Luna yelling. By the time we reached downstairs the Luna was already at the door gesturing for us to come outside. "Wow" lily said from behind me. "This place looks great, doesn't it Ari?" Uhh I guess, I don't know why but Amy was all giddy since we got outside, she's literally on the verge of coming out. "What's wrong with you" I said to her in my head. "I don't know I'm just very happy, I can tell something amazing is going to happen today, maybe it's our lucky day" she said. That's when the smell hits me, the most amazing smell I have ever smelt, it was intoxicating. It was like lavender mixed with the smell of the forest, it was very light but really manly. "Ari he's here" lily said, I have completely zoned out everything in the past 3 minutes, that's when I felt heated eyes staring daggers and me and I looked in the direction of the gaze and looking at my was a very handsome dude. I don't know how long we stared at each other for but then I finally looked away and Amy whispered "Mate." I walked away because this was what I have been trying to avoid all these years, finding a mate, I wasn't happy at all because like I said I don't have time for a mate.

I don't know how far I walked but when I looked around I was almost at the packs border, that's when I heard a twig snap and a low growl, I couldn't help but smirk because some idiot is trying to scare me. "I can smell you" I said with a smirk on my face. "Ugh you're getting good Ari" the voice said. "Getting? I've been good my whole life, now come over here and give me a hug." As soon as I said that a tall figure came from behind the tree with a smirk on his face. He had jet black hair like mine and big gray eyes with a hint of red in them. Before I can tell him again to hug me he ran right into me and picked me up in a bear hug while spinning me. "Uhh I missed my little baby so much, don't you miss me?" He asked. "Little?" I'm not little I said, the last time I checked I'm older than you big head. "Yes but I'm taller he said while putting me down, that's when all of a sudden I felt the little butterflies in my stomach and immediately knew the reason why so I turned around and met the eyes of the Luna's son.

"You just found your mate and you run off in the woods to some other guy" he said. I was confused as to why he was acting grumpy, then I saw him looking behind me full of rage ready to launch. I couldn't help but burst out laughing, he had this puzzled look on his face, from the corner of my eye I can see my "big" baby with a smirk on his face then I felt his hand go around my waist and he pulled me closer. My laugh got even louder, the Luna's son looked confused and even more angry. "Ok ok, I'm done calm down. Are you really jealous of this big head?" I asked him. He looked at me and nod his head, "he's touching what's mine" he said. That's when I got serious, "I'm not yours or anyone's for that matter". Who does he think he is? "Our mate" Amy said. Oh shut up where have you been!! I yelled at her.

You can have her a voice said beside me, I looked up at him who was now looking at me. "Drop the act Ace", But what's the fun in that " he said.

I looked to the Alphas son again, um what's your name I asked him. He looked a little calm now but I guess me not knowing his name made him a little upset. It's Alex he said. Well Alex take a closer look at me and him, don't you see the resemblance? Alex eyes popped out. "Y'all related?" Duhh she's not my type said Ace, I'll catch you later he added as he walked back to the pack house. That's my brother his real name is Aegeus meaning "protector" but as you can tell in this world we call him Ace. He's my brother and best friend, but just like me he plays his part in this war, his "destiny" as my parents say. Which is complete crap, why did his destiny have to be so dark? I'll do anything I can to prevent it from happening.

"Umm hey" I heard a voice realizing it belongs to Alex, hey I said as I started walking past him. "Why are you ignoring the bond!" That question made me stop in my track, what bond? I asked. Don't play dumb the mate bond he said. I looked him dead in the eye and said "because I don't want, need, or desire a mate, I have more important things to foucs on." As I turn to leave I saw hurt and confusion all over his face but thank the gods he didn't stop me, I don't know what I would have done if he did. The rest of the day goes on as a blur soon enough it was time for bed.

I twist and turned all night, I don't know why but it was so hard to fall asleep. My mind kept drifting back to Alex's big green orbs, I kept feeling like he was looking into my soul. Soon enough I saw the sun rising and decided to get up a little early from my usually time to go for a run. I didnt want to shower because I already did last night and I'll have to again after my run, so I simply brushed my teeth and put my hair in a bun and got my running clothes on . As I stepped out into the hall of the packhouse I was happy no one was around, I mean it's 5:30am so no one should be. As soon as I got outside I felt so free, I couldnt wait to go for a run so I quickly took off into the woods. I dont know for how long I ran but I soon stopped at the lake deep in the forest, my secret hideout. I dont really remember how I found it but I come here when I need to think. So I layed in the grass and closed my eyes and started to drift off to sleep to the sound of the waterfall.

*SNAP* as soon as I heard a twig snap my head shot up, ugh right when I was finally falling asleep. "Who's there?", no answer. "Come out now, or there will be a problem" thats when the scent hit me, lavender mixed with the smell of the forest. "What do you want? I asked him, "why are you so grumpy?" alex asked me as he stepped out from behind the tree. " im not, and are you following me?". "Why would you think that" he asked, can you stop replying to my questions with a question it's annoying at this point. "What? I thought we were having a moment ari" . Dont call me that, only people I know can call me that. "Well im your mate so I guess I should call you...mhmm baby? Or sunshine...nah sunshine isn't really you, how about my little moon?" I'm not little I said annoyed." Ok sorry my little moon" he replied. I rolled my eyes and sat back down enjoying the peace and quite. "

"You know this is my spot?" he asked, ughh do you ever shut up?? I heard a low chuckle coming from beside me, did you just laugh at me? "Sorry" he said a smile on his face, "you really dont like me huh? I looked over at him and saw..sadness written all over his face. It's not about you I told him, I simply don't have time for a mate when a war is brewing, why did my mom do this to me? I whispered to myself but of course he heard me. "Your mom?" he asked looking confused. Ahh yea...you'll understand in due time.

As we walked back to the pack house together people started coming out, I'm guessing they are getting ready for training. A few hours have passed since I first came out to run, I was so caught up in what I was doing and Alex distracting me that I lost track of time. "Well good talk" I said to Alex as I turn to walk away. "Umm ari" he said as he grabs my wrist. " I know you're not really into mates and whatever but maybe you'll like to go on a date, just so we can get to know each other? You know like friends" I stood there shocked because I didnt know what to say. "Tomorrow maybe?" I'll take you're quietness as a yes" he finished. "Well i'll see you later...friend he said with a smirk as he walked away.

ACE—a few hours later in the evening

I stood on the balcony outside my room looking at everyone training, really my mind wasn't focus on what they were doing. Ari and I have been at this pack for 3 years now and I can tell they still needed a lot of training. As I thought to myself I remember seeing Ari and Alex coming out of the woods earlier this morning, I couldn't help but smile. I listened to their conversation and saw how hesitant she was I'm just glad she didn't reject him. Ari has this thing where she feels she needs to protect everyone, all this saying about her not wanting a mate is crap -she deserves to be happy- but she feels being with someone like that was a disadvantage for her, people will use him as her weakness to destroy her and she didn't want to give them that kind of power over her, not when she was already fighting for so much. I love my sister very much, she means more than the world to me, everything I do I do because of her. She's always telling me to live my life and be happy but what's the point when I'm going to die soon?

"Ace, Ace" someone banged on my door. As I went to open it I saw it was Ari, I couldn't help the smirk that came on my face.

ARI—

Didn't you hear me calling you? Ugh what are you smirking about huh? " Oh nothing really, how was your little chat with Alex this morning?" You saw that? You would not believe he asked me out, I honestly didn't know what to say....so are you gonna let me in or what?

*Ace moved to the side to let Ari pass*

Omg what am I gonna wear?? "Ari breathe!!" Ace said to her in a calm voice. Yea you're right, but I haven't been on a date in 6 years, how should I act? " Just be yourself, you're amazing the way you are." Ari couldn't help but smile at her brother, he had a way with words he was her reason for everything she did, she needed to be strong to protect him in the future.

"Did you eat?" She asked him. "No, dinners almost ready." Well let's head down.

As we walked down to the dining areas those who lived in the pack house were already getting ready to sit at the table. The alpha sat at the head like always, the Luna on his right and Alex on his left. Ace and I sat at the far end of the table like always.

I felt eyes staring at me so I looked up and saw Alex who gave me a small smile, I blushed and look away...wait did I just blush?? Oh no this mate bond is making me do things I don't like.

*Clink* *Clink* *Clink* as the Alpha hit his glass softly and stood up everyone gave him their undivided attention. "I hope everyone had a good training today, as you know we are preparing for a war so no one should be lacking in their work." Also, we are glad that Alex is back with us he will become a great Alpha in the future and I'm sure he will have a Luna that will match his many talents" everyone gave approving nods as the Alpha finished talking and sat down. I felt Alex staring at me but had no intention of looking his way, it's best I stay as far from him as I can. After my date tomorrow that would be the last time I'd be near him.

Soon after dinner was served and everyone was chatting and eating happily...expect for me, simply because Alex had this girl- I remember her name was Sam- hanging onto his arm the whole dinner, I don't know why but I was angry, no furious... I know I'm feeling this way simply because the bond but I couldn't help it, I wanted to rip her head off her body and throw her in a body bag...too far? Maybe, but I was just so upset and he didn't even try to take her off his arm. Soon enough dinner was over and I couldn't wait to leave, I was the first one to get up. I felt Alex eyes on me as I left the dining room, I'm just glad he didn't follow me.

When I got to my room I locked the room and headed straight to the shower to wash off today's work. Soon enough I was in bed snuggled up, I took the book I was reading off my night stand and started reading, soon enough I dozed off in a dreamless sleep.

Alex Pov—

Being back home was great, I've been away for far too long and I missed home, my parents, and especially my best friend Lucas. Going home my first day my mate was the last thing I expected to meet my first day back, my dad was telling me about new members joining the pack for a while now and I guessed she was one of them because her face wasn't familiar.

When we made eye contact and my wolf dion said the word "mate" I couldn't be more than happy, but when she saw me she barely glanced at me before walking away. I was so confused, did she not know I was her mate? Was she of age yet? I had to find out so I followed her. When I saw her in the arms of another man I couldn't help but feel enraged, she had just found her mate and was already looking at another man, seeing this dion was on the verge of coming out it took everything in me to hold him back. When she told me it was her brother the relieve I felt made me happy, but when I had asked her why she was ignoring the bond the answer she gave me made me confused and hurt. If she didn't want a mate or see the point of one I was going to make her want me, I wasn't raised to give up so easily. I could tell she wasn't going to give in so easily but I had to try, after all she was my mate—for how long can she ignore the pull.

When I had asked her on this little date I was so nervous, I saw her reaction so I thought of adding the "just a friend" part, I didn't want to seem too pushy but it's hard not to seem that way when she's my mate and I just wanna be with her. I wasn't one of those Alphas who are scared to show his love for his mate and I wasn't going to start.

Sitting at the dinner table I couldn't help but glance at her every now and then, she was just so beautiful—and her smell don't even get my started she smelled like a field of roses mixed with peppermint, it was so calming. Throughout dinner I could tell she was trying to avoid eye contact with me, I didn't know if it was because she hated me that much or because of Sam hanging onto my arms the whole time. I didn't tell Sam to let go only because I wanted to see if she was affected by another female giving me attention, it didn't seem like it was working and I started to get upset, "how could she not care about us" dion said in my head. I don't understand either I replied but we'll make her care—eventually.

I decided that on this date I am going to try to find out everything about her life, her parents, where she's originally from—everything. I don't want to seem like a creep or rush things with her but I can't help just wanting to know her and be around her, I pray that she feels the same way.

ARI—

I woke up a little late in the evening but I still had enough time before my little date with Alex so I decided to train for a little while.

After about three hours of training it was time to get ready for my date. I didn't know where Alex was taking me so I just wore something simple, I'm not really a fan of dresses but I decided to go with a body-con dress that hugged my curves, light makeup, stylish sandals, and let my kinky curly hair down. I looked in the mirror and honestly liked my look because I don't really get to dress up. When I was done getting dressed I took a peek outside my room door to make sure the coast was clear. It's not that I'm embarrassed to be seen with Alex I just don't want anyone to know he's my mate—of course other than Ace—because sooner or later I will reject him, that's the only way to protect him.

As I walked down the stairs the smell of lavender hit me and I looked up to see Alex smiling at me, I was probably drooling...even though I don't want a mate I have to admit that mine was super hot, like hotter than hot. "Are you gonna stare at me the whole time?" I heard Alex said above me. I don't know when we got this close but it wasn't uncomfortable. "You don't only have to look you can touch too you know, it's all yours" he finished. When I realize I was still admiring him I turned and walked out the door, I didn't want him to see me blushing. As I stepped outside the cool breeze cooled my face down, that I was happy for. Soon we were in the car driving for almost an hour, "where are we going" I asked for the 16th hundred time, "have a little more patience sweetheart, we'll get there when we get there".

I looked out the window at all the trees passing by, I really only did that to distract myself from stealing glances at Alex...I guess mate bonds are stronger than I thought. Mother help me ugh, "what happened?" I looked over at Alex when I heard him speak, "what do you mean?" " you just said help me mother" said Alex. Ohh...I didn't realize I said that out loud, after I said that Alex gave the cutest chuckle I've ever heard...wait what did I just say...did I just call him cute...I need to get out of this car and be done with this date.

Soon enough the car stopped and before I could get out Alex came to open the door for me. "After you ma'am" he said with a smile. "Thank you", where are we?...."my secret spot"...came the answer...you really have a lot of secrets spots don't you I said to him with a small smile...he didn't answer me so I looked up and him and saw him staring at me. "What'a the matter? Stop looking at me like that", "I can't help it, you're so beautiful" he answered. I was so flustered I didn't know how to respond so I started walking—to where—I don't even know, I heard a low chuckle behind me "you're going the wrong way, come" Alex grabbed my hand and started walking up a little hill, well it's a good thing I didn't wear any heels cause that would have been an hell of a walk. "Don't worry it's not a long walk" he said as if reading my mind. "Don't worry you'll like it".