Chapter 5 5

Michael's POV

The day of our scheduled meeting arrived quickly, and I decided to set out with my entourage.

"Is everything ready? How long until we reach The Cold Moon Pack?" I asked Erich, while working on my tablet.

"Yes, Alpha," he replied. "We'll arrive at The Cold Moon Pack in about half an hour."

"And the security?" I inquired without looking up.

"We've doubled our personnel for this trip," Erich said. "Our best warriors are on standby if anything happens."

"If our purpose for this trip is leaked, the mastermind might launch an attack on us." I looked up at Erich.

"I've considered that," Erich replied calmly. "So, we announced that this trip is for negotiating a gemstone deal. Given that we recently acquired a jewelry company, it's completely normal to visit The Cold Moon Pack for gemstone procurement."

That's why Erich made such an excellent Beta. He always thought ahead, and I could always count on him to come up with a great solution to any problem.

"Erich, that excuse is brilliant," I said, turning back to my work. "We can't risk any information leakage."

He nodded, his expression serious. "I know. We can't take any risks. We need to find out who that bastard is. I want to stop him and cut his throat."

When it came to finding my brother's killer, no wolf was more dedicated than Erich. He had never forgiven himself for my brother's death.

"We'll get the answers. We'll end this once and for all, buddy," I said, sitting back down.

He smiled and nodded.

So far, everything was going smoothly.

Half an hour later, we arrived at The Cold Moon Pack on time, and we were warmly welcomed by Alpha Drake and his pack members.

After a simple lunch, Alpha Drake and I wasted no time getting down to business.

To my surprise, Alpha Drake had changed the meeting location to the interrogation room in the cellar.

"Michael, don't worry. This is because our scouts have detected unknown wolves frequently appearing near our borders since you confirmed your visit. The interrogation room has the best soundproofing to prevent any information from leaking."

I chuckled. "Drake, the idea of the interrogation room is brilliant. When I return to The Shadow Crown Pack, I'll have to renovate our interrogation room as well."

The negotiations went smoothly. Besides promising to help me track down the unknown assassins, Alpha Drake also offered us excellent gemstone prices.

In the evening, Alpha Drake invited me to a party to celebrate my arrival.

At the party, I stayed with Erich, Alpha Drake, and his Beta, Hugh. We chatted about everything while sipping the finest whiskey.

"Michael, there are many outstanding she-wolves from The Cold Moon Pack at the party tonight. You might find your mate," Drake said.

I glanced at the elegantly dressed she-wolves. The Cold Moon Pack's she-wolves were indeed as beautiful as rumored.

I nodded to Drake. "I hope to receive the Moon Goddess's blessing tonight."

"I have no doubt," he said politely. "After all, you're exceptional."

Suddenly, my wolf went wild, howling and jumping with joy and excitement. I was puzzled.

At that moment, the scent of jasmine wafted through the air.

I took a deep breath, filling my nostrils with more jasmine. Then, the scent of peaches followed. I looked toward the entrance of the banquet hall, and what I saw nearly made me lose control.

A woman in a burgundy dress walked in. The dress highlighted every curve of her petite body. Her hair, like silk, gently brushed her waist. Her ivory skin looked like the softest thing on earth, her full pink lips seemed to crave a kiss, and her straight nose complemented her features perfectly. Then, my green eyes met her amber ones.

Mate! She is our mate! I told you she would come to us! My wolf shouted excitedly, and I felt my eyes widen. My eyes and ears couldn't believe what I was seeing or hearing.

I looked at her smooth skin, wondering what it tasted like. What did she smell like? Jasmine and peaches?

My heart pounded in my chest. I just wanted to grab her and taste her.

"Goddess, have mercy," I whispered. "Who is she?"

Oh god, she's walking towards me. A sense of happiness spread through my entire body.

My wolf screamed in my ear, "Mine!"

Drake's voice brought me back. "Her name is Vera. She's my daughter, Alpha Michael."

This excited me because I knew my Luna would be very capable, being the daughter of an Alpha,and my mate.

"Does she have a boyfriend?" I asked Drake.

"No, she doesn't have a mate," Drake said calmly. "But she's only just turned twenty and has been busy with her studies, so she hasn't had much time to look for him."

"She has a mate! It's us!" my wolf screamed in my mind.

By this time, Vera had reached me. Just as I was about to engage in more conversation with her, Drake interrupted.

"Alpha Michael, I need to talk to Vera. Will you excuse us?" Drake said, leading Vera away.

When I saw Vera again at the party, it was during the dancing segment.

She had changed into a champagne-colored mermaid dress encrusted with crystals. Her burgundy hair was styled up, exposing her beautiful back. She sparkled under the lights, drawing all the men's attention.

I quickly walked over to her, hugging her tightly and breathing in her scent.

Vera was stunned. As the music played, I wrapped my arm around her waist and led her to the center of the dance floor. We danced gracefully, spinning around and around with the rhythm of the music.

My Luna was wild too. At the end of the dance, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed me passionately.

As we kissed, I suddenly couldn't smell the strong scent anymore. Was it because I had found my mate and the scent had faded? But I didn't care; I knew she was my mate because even my wolf recognized her as my mate.

Good times were always short. After the party, I returned to the hotel.

My Beta, Erich, was delighted to hear that I had finally found my mate.

"Michael, you sly wolf! I never thought the eternal lone hunter would finally fall into the cruel trap of love," Erich teased, handing me a glass of champagne, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"It's the blessing of the Moon Goddess. Now I don't have to watch you and Zooey flaunt your love in front of me every day. I've found my mate, and you don't know how charming she is," I said, taking the glass. My voice was filled with satisfaction.

"Good lord, you're so infatuated with her after just one meeting," Erich said, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

"I'm planning to propose to her." Now that I had found her, I couldn't lose her again.

"Michael, your approach to love is as decisive as your work style, but isn't this a bit too fast?" Erich said, leaning back on the couch, thoughtfully stroking his chin.

"You know, Drake and I are working together to investigate the mastermind behind my brother's murder. If someone finds out, Vera will quickly become a target for the enemy. I must bring her back and protect her in the best way possible. Making her my fiancée will give me a legitimate reason to take her with me."

Erich raised an eyebrow. "What if Vera doesn't agree to your proposal?"

I took a sip of my drink, slowly saying, "Once she's on my ship, it's easy to get on but hard to get off..."

Erich raised his champagne glass and clinked it with mine. "Then I wish you the best of luck in winning her heart."

"Thank you," I said.