Shattered Ties

The morning sun had barely set, casting an eerie glow through my window. I woke up with a feeling of excitement fluttering in my chest and I couldn't help but smile. Today was my mating ceremony, the day I would be mated to Kael, my childhood friend.

Kael and I had grown up together in our packs. Our love bond formed when we were teenagers, As we matured, our connection deepened. It felt like we were destined to be mated.

My father, Alpha Lycan and Kael's father Alpha Jasper were friends. As children, Kael and I would explore the forest, playing and sharing laughter.

My father, Alpha Lycan foreseeing a united future for our packs, had arranged for Kael and I to be mated when we came of age. The union would solicitate our packs for the future.

Kael and I loved each other, we didn't hesitate to accept it. We often envisioned our life together, of leading the pack and protecting our people.

Tonight would be a dream come true, I couldn't wait to be wrapped around his chiseled arms, I couldn't wait to be his mate, and to bear him pups.

I rubbed my eyes, and I got off from my bed, and then I headed to the bathroom. As I stepped out of my bed, my feet sank into the plush fur rug. In the bathroom, I quickly tidied myself and went to join my family for breakfast.

My mother, Queen Diane busied herself in the kitchen, my sister Lola assisted her. While my father sat on the couch, waiting for breakfast to be served.

"Morning"... I greeted.

"Morning", they chorused, my mother glared at me, her face gleamed with a smile

We sat in silence, savoring the delicacy of freshly baked potatoes, oyster sauce and some fruits.

"I'll miss you when you're gone", Lola said, her expression turned somber.

I smiled."Lola dear, don't feel sad, I'll be coming to see you often, you could visit me too".

She nodded...

My father Alpha Lycan spoke. "Eleanor, I'm very happy at the woman you've become. Today marks a new beginning for you and Kael. You'll be bound together under the light of the full moon, just like our ancestors before us."

I smiled, feeling the words of my father settled down upon me. I was now a woman, soon to be mates with my lover.

After breakfast, I strolled to the ceremony hall. I wanted to make sure everything was in place. Then I went to my room to take a nap. I didn't want to appear tired or restless tonight.

In the evening, my mom entered my room with a warm smile, carrying a delicate silver gown adorned with intricate embroidery. The dress shimmered in the candlelight.

"Wake up Aria, time to get prepared", she said, her smile gleaming in the candlelight.

My friend, Aleatha, assisted in preparing me for my mating ceremony. She styled my hair with beautiful silver pins, my black long shiny hair cascaded down my back.

"Aria, you look stunning," Aleatha said.

"Thanks Aleatha", I replied smiling.

"Eleanor dear, today's the day, you'll become Kael's mate, solidifying our pack's alliance." she said, tears welling up in her eyes".

"Yes mother, I can't wait".... I replied, my smile widening.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as guests from neighboring packs arrived, eager to witness the union of Kael and I.

Alpha Jasper, Kael's father, welcomed dignitaries from the neighboring Nightshade packs. The atmosphere widened up with anticipation.

Kael stood, resplendent in his attire of black vest made from supple leather fitted to accentuate his broad shoulders and chiseled chest, adorned with tartan pattern and wolf shaped pendant and leather boots with intricate buckle. He stood beside his father, his face gleaming with warm smiles and his eyes locked onto mine.

I felt a butterfly in my stomach, I was lost in his eyes. As the full moon rose, everyone was seated, the pack's Luna, Elera began the ceremony. Kael and I stepped forward, our hands clasped together.

Elera said "We've gathered here tonight to witness the union of Eleanor and Karl, to be bound together by love and loyalty, and become mates forever ". I declare, in the presence of everyone seated here, may the Lunar gods bless your union and seal your bond.

Then we took our vows and sealed our bond with a kiss. The guests erupted into cheers, their applauses and screams filled the air.

The night seems to stretch on, music and laughter reverberated through the pack's hall. Karl''s hand rested on my back, his touch sending shivers down my spine. We danced, our body swaying into the rhythm, under the starry sky.

"You look so beautiful", Kael whispered, his breath tickling my ear. "I'm the luckiest man to have you "

I giggled."Thanks Kael, I'm the luckiest woman to have you". I said, my heart overflowing with joy,

The pack members and guests from neighboring packs mingled, sharing well-wishes, food and drinks were shared. The atmosphere pulsed with warmth and love.

My mother's face glowed with pride, her eyes shone with happiness. My father, Alpha Lycan, beamed with joy, his strong arms wrapped around my mother.

Our mating celebration continued, laughs and cheers from guests filling the air, I looked around, the guests smiles making me blush. Just in, I noticed something odd.. Something wasn't right... Someone wasn't at my mating ceremony.

Aleatha, my friend .....

Thoughts swirled in my mind, Was she okay? Aleatha was my best friend, she would never stay back from my mating ceremony....

She had assisted my mother in dressing me up, why wasn't she here? Was she in my room, had she slept off? My mind wandered.

I whispered to Kael that I needed to have a word with my mother, Kael nodded, letting go of my hands. I curtsied to Kael's parents and headed to where my mom stood.

"Mother, have you seen Aleatha?, I noticed she wasn't at the mating ceremony" I asked, my tone laced with concern.

"I noticed so too, after you left, she was in the room with me, I had left her in the room, I had something to attend to, I don't why she isn't here".

Just then, my sister appeared, holding a note in her hand. "Eleanor, I saw this on your bed, I think someone dropped it there"....