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.
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