Lanterns hung from the tree branches, giving a warming and welcoming atmosphere as fireflies flew all around the pack members. String lights added to the homely aesthetic, some wrapped around the tree trunks to add dimension and quirk.
Long tables were filled with dishes various pack members have brought, its different flavours of spices and herbs were a testament to the talented cooks in the pack, Freya made a mental note to track them down for the enchilada meatballs and the strawberry cheesecake recipes. Her mother would be horrified if she found out that Freya heaved down the food in an unladylike manner, however, she couldn’t help herself, she began salivating the minute the aroma of Mrs Park’s pork kimchi stew hit her nose.
She was such a sucker for good food.
Adults stood with glasses of red and white wine discussing their child’s latest achievement, while young girls squealed about their upcoming twenty-first birthday and their plans to travel to find their fated mate.
Children ran around them, one crawling between their father’s legs in an attempt to hide from their peers in their game of tag, claiming that their father was the designated timeout spot. Toddlers had macaroni all over their cheeks as they’ve placed it everywhere except their mouths and their mothers laughed at a comment another made as she took out a napkin to wipe the little one’s face.
Freya leaned against a tree with a plate of food in one hand as she stuffed Mrs Abrams’ chicken casserole in her mouth, praising the heavens for creating such a creamy and savoury concoction. She listened as Hannah, who joined her not too long ago asked her various questions regarding her pregnancy and whether her bizarre cravings were harming her baby. She answered Hannah in between her bites, while smiling and nodding as people acknowledged her, some even stopping by while she was mid-bite to chat with her about her contributions to the pack.
She felt like Mulan’s first day of training when Mushu was giving her breakfast.
Today was the first Full Moon Gathering of autumn, commemorating Photina, the Goddess of the Sun and Moon. She was the one that raised and set the sun and the moon, often controlling light and darkness. Many scripts have described her to be selfish and arrogant as one folk song, which werewolves know as The Rays of Photine, had suggested that because she controlled light and darkness, which are essential in the essence of every living being, that she deserved praise and esteem, as nothing would exist without her.
Werewolves feared that she would never bring back the sun and that it’ll be nighttime forever, so they celebrated her through parties in her honour and gave her gifts as a thank-you for her services. Every full moon and eclipse is celebrated in her honour.
Packs often celebrated in various ways, the Meadow Stream Pack often held potluck gatherings whereas her aunt’s pack, The Cold Stream Pack organized a hunt where any meat they found would be given to Photina.
Freya smiled at Hannah’s enthusiasm and excitement as she chatted about potential baby names, apparently when she ran a poll with her favourites, Hans was winning for boys and Edith and Runa were tied for a girl, she wanted Freya to be the tiebreaker.
Hannah rubbed her belly, her smile gone, “Freya, I-” she stopped herself, taking a deep breath as she stared down at her growing belly, she met Freya’s eyes once again, “I’m sorry.”
She stood still, her mouth open as she was just about the devour the garlic bread in her hand, a family of flies could’ve taken residence there for her frozen state. She didn’t know how to feel, she felt somewhat numb, was this genuine, did they actually feel remorse or were they just grateful for her help despite their history with her?
Georgie said to give the benefit of the doubt, just as she said with Vincent. Perhaps it’d be fair if she gave Hannah the same courtesy.
Hannah continued, tears building up in her eyes, she quickly blinked as a couple of traitor tears fell down her cheek. Freya quickly looked around her, not wanting people to assume she made the beloved Beta Female cry. Hannah fanned herself, “I’m sorry, the hormones are making me so emotional.” she sniffled, “I was a horrible friend to you, you didn’t deserve what I did, I was caught up in being popular and having a fated mate that I never considered your feelings. You were the one that always stuck by me and I did something horrible to repay you. It took not having you around to realize what I did. I want us to be friends again, I really miss you,” she put her hand on Freya’s shoulder, she sighed before frowning, “But I would understand if you don’t forgive me.”
She was touched, tears forming in her own eyes, she never expected an apology from anyone, coming to terms with the idea a long time ago that people couldn’t change. Was she wrong?
She vividly remembered when Hannah chose Christian over her, letting Christian torment her while she stood back and did nothing.
But she also remembered when she and Hannah snuck out of the house during their sleepover to head to the lake for a fun midnight picnic, or when they cut school to watch the live-action Beauty and the Beast movie. Or when they tried to summon spirits with an Ouija board and both of them had nightmares for a month, believing that the ghost of the rejected mate, Johanna was trying to haunt them.
She put down her garlic bread before wiping her hand on her jeans, grabbing Hannah’s and doing their secret handshake, the simple, unoriginal pinky swear. “Thank you,” she whispered.
She didn’t know if they could ever be friends again, but this was a start.
Hannah beamed, “Freya, you’re so much better than us, you came back when you had every right not to.”
Freya shook her head, “It’s not about me.”
“I know Christian woul-”
Hannah stopped mid-sentence at the sound of Natalia’s voice nearby, mentioning Freya by name.
“I’m really happy to see her doing well,” her sister commented, Freya slowly backed closer to hear, using the tree she leaned on to hide her as she watched her sister. Hannah’s brows furrowed as she had a clearer view of what was happening given her werewolf sight and hearing.
She was only able to catch snippets of the conversation, Natalia’s voice hushed as she discussed Freya with Mrs Abrams, “...she’s always been sensitive, even as a child…” Her sister flipped her dark long locks, “---heartbreaking when she did what she did…don’t know if she could handle the pressure of this job…”
Mrs Abrams sighs, “...I couldn’t imagine what you’re going through…you’ve done so much for that child…
Her heart sank at her sister’s words, it was obvious she meant what she said with the disdain and condescension palpable in her voice. Freya’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, it stung that Natalia thought so little of her, her fists clenched, her jaw tensed, her heartbeat quickened, she debated whether she’d turn the other cheek or confront her sister.
Yes, Natalia did watch her growing up when their mother was off at galas and brunches with the other Delta wives, but she had no idea what Freya went through, passing it off as “mere teasing” and that “she was too sensitive”, and that “she couldn’t take a joke”.
Hannah rolled her eyes, “She acts so holier than thou,” she mumbled, “Ever since she took over the orphanage, it’s so annoying.” Hannah turned her attention to Freya, squeezing her hand, “Don’t listen to her.”
Freya smiled back, but it didn’t reach her eyes, she pulled her hand away from Hannah’s, “I-I just need some air.”
She threw out her leftovers in the closest garbage bin and headed to where there were no pack members. Many of them greeted her, she smiled back but her lips trembled as she scurried through the grass, heading to St. Mary Lake, she always went there when she was young and wanted to be alone for a while, luckily it was near where the Full Moon Gathering was being held.
She sat on the picnic table, looking ahead at the serenity of the water as it gently flowed and rippled, reflecting the moonlight and the surrounding stars, the mountains, and the trees. The sky held shades of navy that blended harmoniously together just as watercolour paint tended to do, the stars sparkled brightly, its bright light contrasting against the muted tone of the upper atmosphere. The moon resembled a pearl that night, she was fortunate to have seen Photina’s effort in creating a nocturnal beauty, a quiet semblance of the reason for the gathering tonight.
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A light, cool breeze flowed through, slightly swinging the lanterns hung along the tree branches and the string lights. She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, sniffling as the tears began to pour down her cheeks. She felt foolish for being upset at Natalia’s comments, she was twenty-six years old and crying like the child she’d been nine years ago.
She was weak back then and was only foolish enough to believe she’d moved past everything.
She jolted at the sound of a crack behind her, her shoulders tensed up and her breathing constricted, her bottom lip trembled and her heartbeat became tachy, she froze like a deer in headlights. She prayed to Atalane that it was just a deer passing by and not some rogue.
“Freya,” the voice said, she shivered at the raspy and baritone voice, it sent tingles down her back and allowed her shoulders to relax. There was only one person who would ever have that effect.
Vincent Engstrom.
He appeared in front of her, giving Freya a premium front-row seat to his toned physique, the curves of his abdomen and chest highlighted and contrasted against the slim, dark-toned dress-shirt he wore. She gulped, cursing herself for ogling Vincent Engstrom. He leaned down, the scent of his rosewood cologne filling her nose, she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath in, all the muscles that were once tense in her body relaxing, as if she had just finished getting a full body massage. The knots in her neck disappeared, the beat of her heart steadied, and her breathing regular, normal. The air moved in and out of her smoothly, and peacefully.
His scent reminded her of snowfall in the northern forests.
He placed the lantern he was holding in his hands beside her, his cheek brushing against hers as he whispered in her ear, the rumble in his chest as he spoke, brushing the tears from her cheek with his rough, large hands, “You shouldn’t go off on your own, it’s dangerous.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out, her brain and mouth refused to communicate with each other, “I-” she managed to stutter out.
This man was her fated mate.
What the hell was she supposed to say?!
The light emitting from the lantern did a splendid job highlighting the the curves of his features, his square jawline sharp, the prominent brow bones making his hooded eyes more mysterious, mystifying even. His blond fringes were under the light, creating more contrast to his face, she knew if he smiled, she’d be blessed with the dimples that adorned his gorgeous face, even though her feelings for him were conflicting, she knew when to appreciate an aesthetically pleasing face.
“We need to talk,” he said, pulling away from her, his hands now in the pocket of his dark jeans. Oh boy, this was it, this was what she was waiting for, an answer to the undetermined and unknown future they would have.
Their future together would be decided at this very instant.
And Freya didn’t know if she wanted an answer.
She stood up, facing him however, she couldn’t bring herself to look into his crystal eyes. This was Vincent Engstrom, the man that caused all her misery, he was meant to be her fated mate however, judging by both their behaviours, it was obvious they were not ready for such a phenomenon.
Agapian was cruel.
“We are fated mates,” he started.
She nodded, wringing her hands as she waited to hear his judgement of the situation. This could not be taken lightly as other fated mates pairing, Vincent was an Alpha, the Alpha of one of the largest packs in the kingdom, known for its superior diplomatic strategy, often on the advisory committee when the Royal Pack of Roscoe needed council for diplomatic situations.
His fated mate needed to be just as exquisite.
The silence between them was deafening, the only stimulation to the ear coming from the soft waves of the lake as another breeze came through.
After a while, Freya took a deep breath before asking, “What are you waiting for? Aren’t you g-going to reject me?”
Suddenly, Freya felt a hand on her chin, roughly bringing her face up to force her to meet his eyes. His once-blue eyes that resembled snowflakes of the Arctic Circle disappeared into darkness, a sign that Vincent’s wolf wanted to make an appearance.
“Are you insane?” he growled. “It’ll kill you.”
“I have no wolf,” she said, her voice steady, “I can’t die if you do.”
“My wolf wants you,” he said, “This pack needs you, as the rightful Alpha Female.”
Wait what?
He let her go, running a hand through his blonde locks, his jaw clenched, “With tensions rising at both sides of our border, I’ve determined that we need to best ensure the stability and safety of our people.” His icy eyes meet hers, devoid of any emotion or feeling, blank. “Accept each other as fated mates to benefit the pack’s political standing. This union would demonstrate unity and strength to our allies and adversaries, challenging potential threats and solidifying alliances.”
“A political union,” she mumbled.
“Exactly,” he said. “This union needs to happen, Freya, for the sake of the pack, it needs stability and it’s my duty to maintain order and unity, our people come first.”
“What about us?”
“What about us?” he said, “There’s no us,” gesturing between the two of them. “You of all people should jump at the joy of wanting nothing emotional with me.” He finished with, “Emotion cloud judgement, it’s best to not involve them.”
He should be right if she was thinking rationally, but she lived life with her heart on her sleeve. Her mind and heart were in conflict, she should be jumping for joy for him offering a way out, he was Alpha Vincent Engstrom, the man who was the root of her misery and torment.
But he was also Vincent Engstrom, her handsome fated mate.
But he didn’t want her, didn’t he?
“You want me to settle for a loveless union?”
He growled in frustration, “I’m not asking you to settle, I’m asking you to consider fulfilling your political obligation, and understand the importance of our roles as leaders of our pack. This union was created by the almighty god himself, who we all know is laughing on his ass about this cruel pairing.”
His proposal reminded her of the union between Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, who initiated confederation that allowed the unification of two kingdoms to create Spain. Since then, Spain had become a significant political power in international relations.
She nodded, she had a duty as the pack’s midwife to see to the wellbeing of expecting mothers and couples, now she had a duty for leading the pack, didn’t she? Her purpose both Atalane and Agapian set out for her.
His words offered a semblance of reassurance to his acknowledgement of her worthiness as his fated mate since he made the offer. However, deep down, she knew she was but a mere pawn to a political game, yet, she’ll play the part, striving to prove her worthiness beyond a pawn, but as a queen.
“Okay,” she said. “I accept.”
*****
Christian stood in front of the large gathering with Vincent beside him, the two brothers were large and tall, emitting power and dominance. The pack members chatted, whispering different reasons as to why the alpha and beta wanted to make an announcement. Some claimed that Vincent wanted to step down as alpha temporarily to travel to find his fated mate, while others believed that they were creating a new policy that helped the small business owners of the pack.
Freya noticed Vincent’s gaze on her, his expression hard and void. Was Vincent announcing her as his fated mate? Already? She wasn’t prepared for this, surely they would discuss some sort of plan before announcing it to the pack.
She turned her attention to Christian, whose own expression was stern with the way his jaw clenched and his eyes cold. Perhaps it was likely to do with the rumours regarding the tension at the border.
“Pack members,” Vincent’s voice boomed, the crowd instantly went silent. “As you may have known, there has been suspicion that the Land Bay Pack has been sending rogues our way, threatening the safety of our pack and violating the cease-fire declaration that was made in 1974.”
Pack members mumbled, some fearing that once again, the three packs would engage in open warfare again, just as the Meadow Stream Pack was on its way to its former glory.
Freya’s head felt light, her vision became blurry, she knew what was about to come and steadied herself by placing her hand on the tree beside her.
She stood in a field of white poppies, however, the air around her was thick, warm, it was difficult to breathe. Her chest struggled to expand, she was coughing, tears brimming in the corner of her eyes as she fell to her knees, her hands burning from the heat of the grass and stinging as they touched the petals of the poppies. She looked up, black smoke in the distance, shooting up to the sky that made the once white cloud poisoned by the flames brewing in the distance.
She could hear children crying and soldiers shouting orders to abandon their cause, and mothers desperately shouting out to their little ones to follow their voice, as the smoke was too thick to see through.
She covered her ears, as the shrieks and the screams that came from a distance will forever be burned into her mind.
She blinked, her vision going back to normal as her attention made its way to Vincent, once again, it was as if no time had passed by from her vision, and she was still conscious as well. It was triggered by…oh god no.
“It has been decided through the council,” Vincent continued, “That we, The Meadow Stream Pack, will retaliate with force, to show Land Bay that we are unstoppable, bound by loyalty and fueled by the fire of our ancestors! We will wage war once again under the moon’s watchful eye and come out victorious!”
Pack members cheered, embracing the nationalism they had for their pack, chanting “Meadow Stream”.
Open warfare has been declared once again.