Chapter 1
Davina Pov.
Breakups weren't a strange and heart-wrenching feeling anymore; they were my new normal, thanks to Vincent, my on-again, off-again boyfriend from college.
I'd lost count of how many times we'd broken up, and it had become a casual feeling to just walk away from the one you love. But today, I wished he had done it over the phone.
Bringing me my favorite diner and having my best meal served, only to break up with me, was absolute torture. Especially since I had no one at home to console me or tell me everything would be alright.
"Don't look so forlorn, Davina. I'm doing this for your happiness," he said, his voice laced with insincerity. "I don't want to hurt your feelings more than I already have. This job is eating so much of my time. You deserve someone who has time for you. I'm obviously not that candidate."
I slipped a bored look out of my upright expression. "Really, Vincent? You've made this speech countless times. How long do we have to keep going on and off?" I paused, my voice firm. "You know, I'm beginning to think you're taking my love for you for granted."
I flagged down a waiter, requesting a champagne, obviously on his bill, not mine. "But you've barely touched your meal and the wine," the waiter protested politely, but Vincent glared at him. "Is that how you do things here? Questioning your customers?"
"You don't have to pretend to care, Vincent," I said, ignoring his glare and turning back to the waiter with one of my sweet smiles. "I actually planned on getting a pack to gather these, home. Is that possible?"
"Yes, ma'am," he bobbed his head, taking notes. "You have a change of sixty-two dollars."
"Take that as your tip," I said, waving him off.
Vincent frowned, his expression childish. "What was the meaning of that? We could still have our last dinner together."
I rolled my eyes. "I have things I need to do at home. My father would get worried."
He sighed, his voice laced with condescension. "I know you're mad at me, Davina. But when you find someone else, you'll be grateful I broke up with you."
I flared, getting up from my seat. "You didn't break up with me, Vincent. You don't call the shots here, not anymore. I'm done with you and your inability to make a decision on what you want. Bye, Vincent."
The waiter came with the pack and got my things together. I gave Vincent a last long look before walking out, but as usual, he followed me. "At least let me drive you home," he pleaded, walking closer, and I took a step back.
"No-" I started, but a voice interrupted us.
"I'm taking her home," Carson said, his blue eyes standing out against his tanned skin. His biceps were alluring, and ever since my father brought him back from the military, I couldn't help but steal glances.
Vincent's face contorted in anger, but Carson remained unfazed. "I'd advise you to watch your tone and step back, Mr."
Carson stepped in front of me protectively, and a sigh of relief immediately escaped my lips. "You don't want to go to work tomorrow with clutches and an arm holder," he added, his voice firm.
I saw the fear flash through Vincent's face as he nodded and jogged back inside. It was finally over. I trusted myself this time not to give in to him, no matter how many times he came back begging for me.
"Are you okay, miss?" Carson asked as we got into the car.
"Perfectly," I replied, remaining silent throughout the ride home.
As we arrived, my father's voice boomed from the living room. "Where the hell did you put your phone, Davina? The preparations should be finished by now. We can't afford to need things up."
I sighed tiredly, entering the room. "Everything is as you ordered, father. If you bothered to check my messages, you would see I sent you the reports."
He only checked my messages when he needed something from me. Right from when I was young, my father hadn't really been there for me in terms of care. He claimed I was a female, which made me weak and unable to take up the mantle as the Mayor of the human realm in Riverdale.
"The dining room? The servers? I want nothing to go wrong with the meeting tomorrow," he demanded.
"And they are all like you asked for. If there's a word like 'everything is overly ready,' it's this. Nothing will go wrong, father," I assured him.
"Have you checked on Mom?" I asked, trying to switch topics,
He hates it when I try to switch topics, but I was tired for the day. Heartbreak, responsibility as the Mayor's daughter, and what other unlucky fate does the day have for me ?
Was my father's demanding character the reason my mom has been away for two months, on a 'business trip'?
"I'll be there in the morning to check it out." He hung up.
A frown made its way to my lips as I stared at myself in the mirror, packing my hair into a bun to fit into my night bonnet.
Not even a 'take care or a well done'. I sighed, used to the feeling as I let sleep take over the moment I lay on the bed.
Chapter 2.
Klaus POV.
I clenched my fists, struggling to contain the rage that threatened to consume me as I stared at the mansion of the one man who destroyed my life, killing in cold blood. The werewolves should have had an upper hand, but in order to maintain peace my father accepted the kind gestures of fruits they gave which was poisoned with wolfsbane.
We've been at war for decades, but I think it was time peace reigned. Revenge was not always the option, but to say the least, I have had my fair share of revenge on some of his men who trespassed into my territory.
My instincts screamed at me to rip his heart out, to avenge my loved ones' deaths. But I knew that would only bring an abrupt end to whatever peace we were trying to arrive at today. And I am not putting my pack in danger.
As the Alpha, I had to maintain control, no matter how much it killed me. I turned to my followers, my voice firm and calm.
"Remember, we're here for a treaty. Let's keep our cool and stay alert. We don't know what they're capable of."
Nicholas, my brother, nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the surroundings before giving me a nod. He has always had the sharper sense of smell. I had too but I had my eyes roaming around.
A maid greeted us, her smile nervous and her hand trembled. It was expected. My Alpha aura was on full leash, causing fear on both humans and werewolves alike.
"Welcome, Alpha Klaus. The Mayor is waiting for you."
I nodded,
"Lead the way." I said coldly.
As we walked, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Something didn't feel right. Nathaniel should be the one leading us in, that was disrespect and a dash on our ego but we swallowed our anger.
Nicholas whispered in my ear, "Klaus, I don't like this. Something's off."
"I know. Just keep cool and don't act rashly. Once you detect anything strange let me know first, okay?" I said in a low voice. I can't risk the maid eavesdropping on my conversation.
Nicholas stared at me worriedly. "Fine. But I am worried about you. This might be a trap for you, not even us."
"I am an Alpha, Nicholas. I am not afraid of some humans with muscles. We are here to get Cole out of here and get on some agreeable terms. End of discussion. Now keep your eyes on alert."
My assurance to Cole wasn't enough. I quickly texted Sabine, the leader of the coven of witches we had in our pack asking for her telling. The witches have been of great help to us. Where our strength couldn't prevail, magic does and strength and magic were two attributes for a powerful kingdom.
Her response sent a chill down my spine. "Klaus, there's a high possibility of an attack. Be cautious."
My grip on my phone tightened, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. I glanced at Nicholas, and he knew exactly what I was thinking.
"Be alert." I mind linked everyone of my men as we walked into a large room with white ceiling and coloured tiles.
Tables and chairs sat facing each other, while a set of other tables sat along the wall.
A guard dressed in black overalls motioned towards the table in the center. "Sit. The food would be served and the Mayor would see you soon."
I gritted my teeth, a growl leaving my lips. "How dare you give me orders ?"
I was on my feet, anger and rage pouring off me in torrents. Fear flashed through his eyes, but he soon recomposed himself, stepping closer with an equal glare.
"Go ahead and do what you werewolves do, kill!" He opened his arms wide with a smirk, and lord I wanted to rip his head off from his body. But his next words kept me in control. "And that wolf we caught, what is his name again, Cole or Cal? Whatever it is would surely die."
Cole was my cousin. His mate Freya and family profusely begged me to get him back and I am not leaving here till I do. I had men stationed outside sniffing him out which they have successfully done. If we don't get him through peace and normalcy then we resort to violence.
"Klaus." Nicholas shook his head. I sat with a huff , calming myself with deep breaths.
The door opened, ushering in the scent of food. My men knew better than to salivate, instead of the scent for any trace of poison or wolfsbane.
But amidst that was something stronger. Something that had my wolf turning and stirring from its sleep. A scent that was out of the world. I inhaled deeply. I couldn't get enough of this.
I was on my feet, walking towards the direction of the scent. The hall room was silent and I guessed everyone was watching me but I didn't care, all I cared was getting to the origin of this scent
'Slow down Klaus. It might be poison for all we know.' My wolf purred. I knew he was enjoying and salivating at the scent as much as I did.
'it isn't. I know poison when I see one. And even if it is, I am a hybrid. I can get it off in seconds.'
My wolf went silent. I took further steps but Nicholas grabbed my head with a firm shake of his head.
'Can you smell that?' I asked through mindlink.
'the food yes. But if you don't sit down they might think we want to fight.' he motioned with his chin to the guards eyeing me suspiciously.
'`whatever.` I grumbled back and walked back to my seat. The scent was getting stronger and then I saw the most beautiful and alluring girl I have ever seen. Her dark raven hair cascaded down her back in waves, a smile on her face that brought out her lips more.
Her tight fitting black dress clinged to her body like a second skin and hell she looked damn hot. My dick stirred in my pants by just staring at her.
The scent got stronger as she drew near and my Killian purred out the words I have wished to hear for a very long time.
"Mate."
Chapter 3.
Davina Pov.
I groaned, leaning against the smooth wall of the hallway that led to the hall room where the peace treaty was taking place.
Deep breaths Davina. I chide myself inwardly.
"Miss Davina, the Mayor, ordered us to take the meal right away." One of the maids I led reminded me.
I brought my attention back to reality, staring at the lines of maids that held trays of food. All for a peace treaty. It was just 'too much'. But who was I to go against my father's order?
"Let's go. Follow me directly. We can't afford to make mistakes." They all nodded and moved.
The moment I entered the ballroom I was met with the most alluring green eyes I have seen in my entire life. The pair of eyes studied my movements right from the moment I walked in. My mouth went dry. I lost the ability to speak as the intensity of his stare was just too suffocating, but it felt good.
Or maybe he stared at me because I was clumsy and wasn't doing my hostess duty room. His dark gaze became so intense that I could almost feel it on my skin. I wasn't familiar with any faces in the hall so I just kept my mouth shut tight using my chin to give instructions as they served the meals.
"I'll be right back " I whispered urgently to the head maid. She raised an eyebrow and I fixed her glare in return. I'm the Mayor's daughter, I shouldn't take orders from anyone except my father.
"Davina." I bumped into my father the moment I stepped out of the hall room.
"Where do you think you are going?" He asked, raising a full eyebrow.
"Um, I wanted to catch my breath before it started. I-"
He dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Enough excuses, we are starting now. Remember we can't afford to make any mistakes."
"Yes father." I said submissively, trailing behind him as he walked into the hall room. His shoulders were squared and confidence emanated from him in torrents. My father's men bowed their heads in respect, but the werewolves remained steady. Chins high with a subtle hint of arrogance. The green eyes that once stared at me now glared at my father with so much hatred and anger and I wondered why.
My father was not an 'ideal' good father, but I was certain he did his job as the Mayor perfectly. He has fought so hard to maintain peace through the years, and the least they could do is to show a little ounce of respect.
"You are all welcome. I am Mayor Nathaniel's. Here with me is my daughter, Davina." My father briefly introduced, earning him grunts from the bulk men in response.
I slipped my gaze back to the little crowd and the forest green eyes stared back at me. I watched him breath in sharply as he stood up. His muscular frame looked so appealing in his tuxedos and black vintage.
"I'm Klaus Ritcherson. The Alpha of the Dark Moon Pack and the leader of the wolves on this part of the world." His voice was rough like his exterior. His husky voice sounded deep, alluring and commanding. He walked towards us, reaching out to shake my father.
My father frowned but returned the gesture with a forced smile.
I watched as my father shook Klaus's hand tightly, their gazes locked in a heated glare. Then, those piercing green eyes shifted their attention to mine, and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Nice to meet you," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.
Up close, his scent was overwhelming, a mix of earthy and masculine notes that made my head spin. His facial features were chiseled, with high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a small scar above his left eyebrow.
"I'm Klaus," he introduced himself, his voice low and husky.
I dreaded shaking hands with him, knowing that even a simple touch could set my body ablaze. But I had to be polite, so I gulped and extended my hand. "Davina," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He held my hand for longer than expected, his touch sending sparks through my body. It was as if time had stopped, and all that mattered was the sensation of his skin against mine. "Davina," he repeated, his voice rolling over my name like a gentle caress. "A fine name, indeed."
Just as I was about to pull my hand back, my father stepped between us, his voice stern. "For all politeness, Klaus, you should address my daughter as Miss Nathaniel."
Klaus's eyes never left mine, but he nodded, his grip on my hand finally releasing and fixed an angry glare at my father.
"We agreed on seven delegates on both sides. But why do we have fifteen of your men?" Klaus gestured towards the guards littered everywhere.
I had the same suspicion the moment I entered. If it was a peace delegation and not a war, so why the guards.
"I know my rules Klaus. But one can't be too careful, we are dealing with the most dangerous beings that have ever existed." My father deadpanned.
Klaus growled, stepping forward. "If not that you had one of my pack members captive, this delegation won't hold. And you know that. You know how dangerous we can be, don't push me to the edge Nathaniel."
I frowned at his tone. Despite the estrangement between me and my father I saw no reason why he should use such a tone. My father was just trying to make peace here and he was being irrational if I put it that way.
But what man was he talking about ? My father have never mentioned keeping one of their captive
"Have your seat, we'll start the delegation soon." My father concludes drawing me out and I couldn't help but steal a glance at Klaus. Something about him drew me to him more, and it seemed like these few seconds we spent together were one of the best moments in my life..
"What captive was he talking about ?" I crossed my arms as soon as we got out of earshot. "You never made mention of that."
"Because it is not your business." My father stepped closer, his expressions dead serious, giving me no room for arguments. "stay away from Klaus, he is dangerous."