Luther’s POV

*****

Beach House, 3:22 PM

It had been hours since Celeste shattered the air with her confession.

She awakened her wolf.

After months of the Academy calling her useless, pitiful or even saying she doesn’t deserve to be an Alpha King’s daughter—she finally got a wolf.

He couldn’t smell it on her yet. But he could sense the shift. Which means it would only be a matter of time before she becomes comparable to a normal hybrid.

Or possibly something more—

—Now that circled to the other thing she revealed.

He knew the bonds’ outburst earlier today wasn’t random. It was a result of those dark sigils appearing on her.

The question is, if truly she’s connected to some ancient chaotic magic that none of them understood yet... What would that mean for them?

For her?

All these thoughts swirled in his mind as he stood on the front balcony. His eyes were fixed on the beach below, watching the waves. And Celeste splashing in them alongside Atlas and Silas.

Their mate had nothing but a red bikini on. Her lips were stretched in a broad grin as she moved her hands, creating water balls and firing them at Atlas and Silas.

The witch could defend himself while his brother struggled helplessly, raising his arms to shield himself.

A small smile settled on Luther’s face.

Despite the unseen danger waiting beneath the surface, they at least still found time to have some fun.

Not him though—and of course, not Azrael.

"I wonder what hole he’s crawled into this time," he sighed, stepping away from the railing. "He’s been off since Celeste mentioned those dark sigils. Like he knows something... Or maybe suspects."

For someone who might be the youngest among them, Vaelmont always seemed to know things they didn’t. Whether it be magic or life in general.

It was almost as if there was someone centuries old living inside that head of his...

Scoffing silently, Luther was about to turn back into the room when his phone rang in his jacket’s pocket. He frowned, already having a guess of who it was before he picked it up.

He was right.

Someone from his pack. And not just anyone too.

"Elder Jacob," Luther forced a smile even though he didn’t have to. "This is a surprise. How are things over there?"

There was about three seconds of silence before the older man spoke. "Good day, Alpha. Are those seagulls I’m hearing in the background?"

’Hehe... Caught in HD.’ his wolf snorted while Luther’s cheeks burned.

Still, he didn’t make himself sound guilty. "Is this a welfare check or are you trying to spy on me?"

"Neither, young Alpha," Elder Jacob said with that tone he always used when he was about to say something to ruin his mood. Sure enough, he did. "I’m calling because your council and the rest of the pack have been talking. About you."

Luther arched a brow. "Talking about me? Okay... I don’t see how that—"

"They’re talking about your relationship life, Alpha." Elder Jacob interrupted. "And your need for a mate or powerful Luna who’ll give you an heir."

Silence.

No sound was made between both sides.

Other than the rolling waves and a few seagulls flying past.

Then, "Oh." Luther blurted. "Interesting."

Elder Jacob was livid. "Oh? Interesting?" He echoed. "Conversations like this can rile people against you, Alpha. Besides, look at the statistics of your relationships. The only two women you’ve ever been serious with were Hybrids."

Luther caught the slight irritation at the word ’hybrid’.

That was expected.

Most elders around Jacob’s age still carried the resentment for witch blood. All thanks to the centuries-long war.

Pfft. As if both sides didn’t cause damage.

"I see no reason why a relationship with a hybrid should be a problem, Elder Jacob." An edge was in his voice now. "Notwithstanding, both Celeste Bloodoak and Lysandra are Alpha King daughters."

"Who both still have witch blood that can dilute the Hale bloodline." Elder Jacob didn’t slow down. "You might think I’m an obstacle now but the other elders and council members aren’t so diplomatic. Alphas who delay securing a Luna invite speculation."

Luther’s jaw worked.

The old man was talking about a mate. Talking about the ’bloodline’.

Yes, the Hale bloodline was one of the most powerful wolf bloodlines in all of Europe. It was also one of the purest, having no dilutions from humans or witches.

Most past Alphas of the West Star pack had mates who ended up being from the pack itself. It’s almost always been that way.

Until now.

"What if I tell you I’ve found my mate?" Luther queried after thinking for a bit. "What if I tell you I’ve found the woman who’ll rule by my side? Not in West Star. But here in America."

Elder Jacob’s response was expected. "Then praise be to the goddess! If you’ve found her, why haven’t you brought her home yet?"

Luther didn’t answer that.

He didn’t need to.

His eyes slid to the waters again. To Celeste laughing freely and splashing in them, unaware of the turmoil he was facing. Or maybe she could sense a little of it through the bond.

Regardless, it was pointless informing the Elders and council that he’s mated to North America’s hybrid princess. At least, not yet.

"You bore me with talks of marriage and mates like I’m a balding man in his sixties," Luther sniggered, his words shifting to condensation. "Tell the rest of the elders and council to stick to their affairs. I have barely two academic years left here in Bloodoak..."

He paused, baritone becoming colder than ice. "... If they wish for me to come there and remind them WHY I took over from my father, I’ll do that. But they shouldn’t complain if I’m... Unsightly with it."

Without waiting for the Elder to speak, he hung up.

He knew he’d get an ear full whenever he saw the man—but he didn’t care.

If truly the West Star elders become difficult whenever his relationship with Celeste becomes public, he’ll shut them down. Again and again.

His father might’ve done his best to instill humility and leadership values in him, but he’d be damned before he let those come before his happiness.

"They’ll know what this ’young Alpha’ is all about soon enough." His mouth curved. Not exactly into a smile. But something sharper. Colder.