Chapter 2

Ari

Sensing my discomfort, Kristoff continued with his speech, trying to clear out any confusion. I wanted to comfort Maddie, but Kristoff's hand didn't let me go.

"Father...Alpha Eirik...people of Moonshadow pack..." Kristoff started to address the crowd. "I am here to announce that I have found my mate." He then turned to me and smiled. "Ari Rosenberg."

“No,” Maddie whispered, refusing to believe everything she heard. “Ari is your mate?”

“Yes,” Kristoff smiled, confirming. “Ari is the other half of my soul and the woman am planning to marry soon,” Kristoff said firmly gazing in my direction with a smile on his face. 

"No! It can’t be! I was supposed to be your wife, not her! She doesn't deserve to be your mate because she doesn't love you!" Maddie was hysterical. Our father tried to pacify her but to no avail. I saw some of Kristoff's men alert themselves, yet Kristoff motioned them to stop.

My heart ached as I saw my stepsister cry in despair. She looked at me with hate and uttered, "You traitor! If I had known this would happen, I would not have treated you as my best friend. I hate you! I hate you!"

"Maddie, please. Let me explain."

"Explain what, huh? That you lied about not wanting Jarl Kristoff for yourself? You should have told me that you liked him too! I would have understood. But, no! You chose to lie to me. You played me, Ari. You took me for a fool. Did you enjoy it, huh? Did you enjoy playing with me?"

"Maddie! That's enough!"

"No, Dad! I won't stop! I won't let this half-rank whore do this—"

The next thing we knew, our father's hand landed on Maddie's face, earning a loud sound that echoed around. Aunt Seraphina rushed to her daughter's side. Maddie no longer said anything. Instead, she turned to me and said, "From now on, I don't have a sister."

With that, Maddie ran away with her hands covering her face. Aunt Seraphina swiftly followed her but not without throwing me a glare.

I wanted to stop Maddie and explain my side, but I couldn't get myself to move. I was a terrible sister to her, and I caused her pain. I was guilty of hurting the very person I vowed to protect.

I bowed my head in shame. I couldn't even look at my father because I was afraid to see his reaction. It must have been hard for him to see Maddie in that state. And I couldn't blame him.

For a moment, everyone turned silent, completely caught off guard by everything that had happened. My Dad apologized on my sister's behalf. The Ironwolf seemed to not mind the outburst as the news about his son's mateship with me was more important to him.

As people began to flock around us, the Ironwolf approached me, and I bowed my head as a sign of respect.

"Face me, dear one," he commanded. Slowly, I lifted my head. "Welcome to the family."

That was the first time I saw Ironwolf smile like that. He was so elated by the news and began congratulating us. Meanwhile, Dad was wiping his tears, as the Ironwolf was teasing him.

"My little Ari is all grown up," he commented as he extended his hand to hug me. Kristoff let go of my hand for a moment to give us the moment. "I am so happy that you finally found your mate."

"Thanks, Dad," I answered, and the people started to flock to us to offer their congratulatory words. I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of support.

And that was it. I was officially betrothed to my mate, and I couldn't be happier.

************

"I am sorry I still couldn't bring you to Ironflame with me."

I looked at my man as he uttered those words of regret. We were sitting under the moonlight, admiring the celestial diamonds twinkling in the night sky. His eyes closed, and he was facing upward. All I could hear was the sound of the evening breeze and the sudden beating of my heart.

Tomorrow morning, Ironwolf, he, and the rest of the Ironflame delegates would go back to their land... without me.

A few hours ago, I was a typical unmated she-wolf; hoping, longing, praying. The idea of finding our mate was more than an attempt to satisfy the needs of our bodies; it was a divine calling designed by our worshiped deity herself. I thought everything would run smoothly once I found him. But I was wrong. I didn’t ask for it but the moon deity gave me a future alpha for a mate. 

None of these things were planned. I didn't plan to be mated to a wolf that my sister was infatuated with. I did not choose this destiny. The moon goddess did.

But this was the fate I was willing to embrace. Because now, nothing else mattered to me but to be with him. 

To be with my mate.

I held his hands lovingly. I let him feel my warmth, my love, my understanding. Perhaps it was still early to distinguish whether what I felt for him was love yet I was certain. It transcends beyond the fact that we were strangers and barely knew each other. It may have been questionable to some, but for me, it was real.

"You don't have to say sorry. I understand. You have a lot of responsibilities that you need to attend. Don't worry, I will be okay."

Kristoff finally fixed his eyes on me. Under the moonlight, I saw his eyes twinkle. Full of love, he caressed my cheek. "Just give me at least a month to settle everything. Use that time to prepare for our wedding."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, does this mean we will be married here at Shadowmoon?"

"Your dad told me that it was your dream to get married under your pack's sacred oak tree," he said, grinning. "I will not let my future Luna not get her dream wedding. So yeah, I already asked my father earlier to do the wedding here, and he agreed."

"Really? Oh, my gosh! Thank you!"

Overwhelmed, I threw my arms around him, grateful for his love and understanding. Knowing that he acknowledged my preference said a lot about his character. I couldn't help but fall in love with him more.

Kristoff held my chin and tilted my head. The next thing I knew, his lips were on top of mine. I closed my eyes and let the cold wind sweep away all my fears. I savored the remaining moments I was with him, creating a wonderful memory that would be strength in our temporary separation.

I had waited for him for 20 years. What was another month compared to the lifetime of happiness we were destined to have?