My Luna Has Returned

Alec's POV

I wipe the sweat from my forehead using the hem of my shirt. Training with the guys was challenging, but nothing I couldn't handle. Today was particularly amusing, watching Carter attempt to coax Carmen into exercising while she only wanted to relax and munch on some chocolate chip cookies. Rebecka made sure to capture it all on video, and I knew it would lead to some playful arguments later in the day. It was all in good fun, and I enjoyed witnessing their banter.

My attention is diverted when I see my mother rushing past me, visibly upset and murmuring to herself. I try to call out to her, but she's out of sight before I can intervene. Worried, I make my way towards my father's studio.

I enter without knocking, knowing it would slightly annoy him. "What's wrong with mother? She seemed as if someone died," I inquire with concern.

My father glances up with a lazy smile on his face, and my frown deepens. "Remember the young she-wolf that went missing about a decade ago?" he asks.

Of course, I remember. The case was serious and remained unsolved for years, putting the entire kingdom on high alert. I recall my mother befriending the missing pup's mother during that time. It was difficult to witness her sorrow, and the thought of something happening to my younger sister, who was just thirteen at the time, made my wolf angry.

"Yes, I remember. What about it?" I reply, waiting for an explanation.

My father's smile grows wider. "Just this morning, the pack's patrol found her wandering alone in the big forest close to the pack. Isn't that amazing?"

I'm left speechless, trying to process the unexpected news. How is this possible? Why has she resurfaced now? Didn't she go missing in a state in the United States? My mind is full of questions, and it's hard to make sense of the situation.

"They didn't provide many details over the phone, too astounded themselves, I suppose," my father adds, still seemingly in disbelief. "I'm actually on my way there now. I need you to be on high alert in case anything requires my attention, okay?"

I nod in acknowledgment before heading to my room to take a shower. Once there, I quickly make my way to the bathroom. The hot water soothes my tense muscles, but as I near the end of my shower, I turn the water cold to distract myself from the swirling thoughts that threaten to overwhelm me.

In front of the mirror, wrapped in a layer of vapor with a towel around my hips, I can't help but wonder about my true identity. Stripping away the partying, alcohol, and casual relationships, who am I at my core? I've lived for over two centuries, and despite enjoying my bachelor lifestyle with carefree nights and different women, being surrounded by my mated friends makes me yearn for someone special to share my life with. The loneliness gnaws at me, and each passing year adds to the fading hope of finding my destined mate. Perhaps she hasn't even been born yet, and that thought only adds to my frustration.

My parents are growing impatient, pressuring me to mate with Elena, the daughter of the prime minister. However, I can't stand her spoiled and entitled attitude. I refuse to settle for anyone other than my true mate, but time is running out, and the pressure is mounting.

With my mood dampened, I put on some clothes and make my way to the living area where my friends are already gathered, looking refreshed. Ignoring their cheerful greetings, I head straight to the bar and pour myself a humble glass of whiskey, seeking a moment of solitude to reflect on my life and the uncertainties it holds.

"Hey, man, everything okay?" Carter's concerned voice reaches my ears, and I respond with a grunt. Slumping lazily onto a nearby couch, I spill a little of my drink on the carpet without much care.

Felix brings up a topic, and I furrow my brow, clueless about what he's talking about. "What are you talking about?" I ask, trying to catch up with the conversation.

"That she-wolf who went missing eleven years ago was found this morning," Rebecka informs me. News and gossip spread like wildfire in the palace, and I find myself nodding in acknowledgment.

"Yeah, my father told me after training," I reply, feeling like I'm not fully engaged in the discussion, but my mind is preoccupied with other thoughts.

Carmen seems to have a lot of questions about the girl's return. "We'll probably find out more tonight," Rebecka says with a smile. Both Carmen and Rebecka are curious and love gossip, just like cats.

Confused, I inquire why the revelation will be made tonight. Carmen explains that Annie, our friend, had informed her that the queen is throwing a welcoming party for the she-wolf. As my mother is still with her friend's daughter, the responsibility of event planning has fallen to my sister.