My Enemy is My Mate

Ava's POV

I am Ava, the daughter of the Blue River Clan Alpha, Robert. Members of our Clan address him with all sort of titles from a simple "Sir, Lord, My Liege," to even more absurd words in our native language that sound like short songs, "Hahaha...funny bunch, " but to me he's just daddy.

To the public, he's stern and commands immense power within our Clan, I think some of those folks even fear him. My father is a wise and kind wolf who has always been there for me. He loves me deeply and spoils me with gifts, but sometimes I feel suffocated by his love and protectiveness. We have a close bond, but I can't help but feel a longing for something beyond the walls of the Blue River Clan territory, I have not been out of our little village since I was born and I am nineteen years old.

My father has always been a source of comfort and wisdom for me, there was a time when I was still a cub when he had to tell me something that would change my life. It was a dark and stormy night, and the house was filled with shadows. The only light in the room came from the flickering fire in the fireplace. He spoke to me in a low, trembling voice.

"Ava, my daughter, I have something important to tell you," he began. The sound of his voice filled my heart with fear.

"Your mother, her name was Bella" he said slowly, his words catching in his throat, "passed away when you were born. She gave her life to bring you into this world, and I want you to know how much she loved you. She would want you to live your life to the fullest, to never give up on your dreams."

I felt a lump form in my throat as tears stung my eyes. I had never known my mother, but I could feel her love and sacrifice in my heart. I was grateful for my father's love, but knowing the depth of my mother's love for me filled me with a sense of awe and wonder.

I have always been fascinated by the outside world and the endless possibilities it holds. I've spent countless hours wandering through the our Clan's territory, exploring every nook and cranny of the vast forest. I've seen things that most wolves have never even dreamt of, from the towering mountains to the crystal-clear rivers that wind their way through the land.

"Hello, Princess Ava!"

I chuckled and gave her a hug, "Mia, you know that I don't like when you call me that. Even though I'm the daughter of the Blue River Clan Alpha, I'm still just Ava."

"I know, I know but you are. You're the princess of the Blue River Clan and deserve to be treated as such."

I rolled my eyes, "Alright, Mia, you win this round but you have to promise to stop calling me Princess Ava."

Mia smiled, "Deal."

"Your dad was really firm about the harvest dispute," Mia said, "I don't think anyone else could have dealt with it the way he did."

"You know, my dad is always stern in public, but behind closed doors he loves to spoil me with gifts. He's really a big softy when it comes to me."

Mia smiled, knowing exactly what I meant. "That's true, Ava. Your dad is one of a kind and he loves you so much."

"You know, Mia," I said, "Even though my dad is so loving and caring, sometimes I just want to break out of this place. I want to see what else is out there, to explore the world beyond the walls of the Blue River Clan territory. I wonder what other wolf packs are like and how they differ from our own."

"I understand, Ava. It's natural to want to broaden your horizons, to see what else the world has to offer. We're lucky to have such a strong and stable home like the Blue River Clan territory, but it can't hurt to venture a little further."

I hugged back, feeling grateful for her support. "Thank you, Mia. You're a good friend."

"Mia, how did you fare in the interclan warrior-only event?" I asked her, curiosity etched on my face.

"I made it to the top five finalists!" she exclaimed with pride in her voice. "It was such a tough competition, but I'm so glad I persevered. I even took down the previous champion in the semi-finals."

"Congratulations, Mia! You truly are the best female warrior in the Blue River Clan and with the way you're growing, I'm sure you'll become number one even with male warriors soon."

Mia's face lit up at my compliment, "Thank you, Ava. It means a lot to hear you say that. I'll keep working hard to reach my full potential."

"Mia, there have been three different Clan men who have been asking about you, seems your plan is working."

Mia's expression changes from shocked to sly in an instant. "Yes, I am aware of the effect I have on men," she says, with a smile on her face. "I'm not even finished with the plan."

"Well, I have to admit, I admire your initiative. It's not easy to be bold in a society like this. Just be careful, okay?"

Mia nods, "Don't worry, Ava. I can handle myself."

I smiled back at her. "I know you can. You're a strong and capable wolf. Just remember to be careful, okay?"

"I will, Ava. Thank you for being a real friend. Quill sent his greetings."

"Oh, dear troublesome Quill." I said with a knowing smile. "How did he fare at the tournament."

"My brother barely made top ten, I guess he did great too."

"You and Quill make the Blue River Clan shine in such competitions, I am sure Clan members are grateful to you two."

"You are right, Ava. We have turned into celebrities within the clan." Mia said as she walked to the window to peep outside.

"Mia, it is hard to believe you are the same girl that used to get bullied." I said as we both burst into laughter.

I remember the first time I saw you being bullied at the playpen.

"Stop it," I said firmly.