Her Missing Pieces, The Alpha's Treasure

***My Dearest Zoey,

If you're reading this, it means I'm not in your life when you initiated your first shift. I do trust that you're well and happy in a pack with people who love you. That's all I ever wanted for you.

If by now you didn't know, I was a rogue. I ran away from my pack when I was 21 for reasons I wish for you not to worry about.

If your mom ever told you anything about me, I hope she told you that I love you, and that the rogue life was never what I wanted for you. The constant running and looking over my back was never how I wanted you to live. And so, I'm trying my best to get you into a pack.

Maybe the reason why I'm not with you is because my lifestyle got me to the grave, or maybe it's some other reason.

But I want you to know that being a wolf is more than just shifting.

You'll find your mate and live the happy life I always wished for you.

Have my grandpups and make me proud.

I hope you know that I loved your mom. She changed me for the best and gave me the best gift I could ever wish for.

My precious Zoey.

If by some unfortunate incident you learn that my death wasn't natural and was by the hands of someone else, please don't try and avenge me.

I've done a lot of bad things in my life, and I don't want that for you. It's not worth it in the end. So always choose to be good Zoey.

Be good and do good. I know your heart is bigger than mine and your mom's combined. And I have faith that however and whoever you grow up with, teaches you the right way to be a wolf.

You are and will always be the most precious jewel I was given. I want you to remember that and always stay true to yourself. Be happy and live life to the fullest. I will still be with you through every milestone.

Know that you're strong Zoey. You're stronger than you'll ever know. And I hope you use your strength to be the wolf you're destined to be.

I love you my dearest child. My blood will always run through your veins.

Zoey Isabella Boysen.

My love, my heart, the reason for the most joy I've ever known in my life. My baby girl.

Your dad, Reagan. <3

Forever in my heart.

.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I glanced over the letter one more time.

This letter was written by my dad before he died. What pained me the most was that he actually had a feeling that he would, and so he needed to write me this.

All my life I've never known who my dad was. There were no pictures, just stories from my mom about how he was when they were together.

I've always wanted to know him and to talk to him, to learn so much more about him. This letter was the first thing that made me feel somewhat connected to him, but it also made me feel lost.

Who was my dad? What really happened to him?

My sister never knew him personally since we had different dads, and the one person who knew enough about him, died seven years ago along with his memories.

I felt torn. I felt like I didn't know who I was. I want to know more, to know everything.

Growing up, I always knew that I was different. My mom was a human, and my dad was a werewolf. But I've always known that something was different about me.

For a girl with only one parent with wolf genes, I was way too strong, and this was before I even shifted. Something about my life story isn't adding up. And this letter just made me more curious.

I deserve to know my truth. I can't live knowing that there's something about my background with missing pieces.

And this letter was my first clue.

I clenched the letter against my chest and looked up to the ceiling.

"Thanks dad. I'll make you proud. I promise" I whispered, as my heart ached with heaviness.

My big sister, Victoria, pulled me into a comforting hug, but I winced at the pain that ran through my body.

I just shifted for the first time today. Other werewolves shift for the first time when they turn sixteen, but my wolf hadn't awaken in me until this morning on my 18th birthday.

I was so excited, that I woke up my sister and ran down to the backyard to get ready. Like my mom, my sister is human too, so she had no idea what to do about shifting, but I was just so eager.

So her mate and our current Alpha, Luka, helped me every step of the way.

It was hella painful, but it was worth it. I felt so much stronger and complete. That is, until Victoria handed me this letter.

"How did you get this? " I asked through a sniffle as I pulled away.

"Mom gave it to me when you were six. She wanted me to give it to you on the day of your first shift. That's what your dad wanted"

My heart sunk at the mention of both my parents in one statement. Though I didn't know my dad, I still felt his absence. And when mom died too, it was like I lost them both.

But I was never short on love. The people that I live with are some of the most loving wolves I know. Dad would've been happy.

"Why would he want her to wait until I shifted? "

"I don't know sweetheart. Maybe he had his reasons."She sighed and tucked one of my curls back into my bun. "I know you have questions, and I really wish I could answer them. But I promise that I'll help you find anything you want to"

I buried my face into her shoulder as my head throbbed in pain. "I want to know everything Victoria. I want to know why everybody is convinced that I'm from a high ranking family because of my scent. I want to know who my dad was, why he left his pack and where his pack really is. "

"I know sweetheart "

I continued. "I feel like I can't fully know myself until I know who I really am you know? "

I huffed and peered at the letter again. My eyebrows scrunched as I read over a certain line.

"I've never really asked how he died. Do you know? "

Victoria tensed at my question for a moment, before meeting my eyes with a certain reluctance.

"Zoey-"

"There's my big bad wolf! " She was cut off by Ciara as she barged into my room with a huge smile on her face and Ashley right behind her.

Ciara was our Gamma's mate, and Ashley was the Beta's mate. I grew up with them also, and they too treated me like a little sister.

"Congrats baby girl. I knew you had it in you. Oh and happy birthday" She added, handing me a small box.

"What's this? "

"A little something I got for you when you turned sixteen. But since you didn't shift, I assumed I'd give it to you now"

I opened the box to see a beautiful gold bracelet with a wolf shaped pendant on it, and my birthstone in the chain.

"Oh my gosh this is beautiful Ciara. Thank you" I wrapped her in a hug despite my aching muscles, and pulled away once again to admire it.

"It's a shifters bracelet" She informed me.

"As in? " I asked confused. Ashley chuckled before filling me in.

"Meaning that you can shift with it and it won't rip apart like your clothes. Instead it transform into a cute chain collar when you're in wolf form."

"I didn't even know those kind of things were possible" I mumbled while putting it on.

"We're humans that have the ability to change into wolves three times our size. Anything is possible" She laughed and I followed.

"Well I love it. Thank you guys"

"Some people say they are lucky charms. I hope it's true"

I chuckled as I spun it around on my wrist. "I'll really be needing all the luck I can get."

After a few minutes, Victoria ushered them from my room and laid a dress on my bed. I scrunched my nose up at the heels that she sat beside them. I never liked heels, they made me seem too tall. Plus, I twisted my foot once and I've stuck to flats, sneakers or boots ever since.

"Your party starts at six. But we're having a family party first with everyone downstairs now. So get ready" She chirped with a enthusiastic clap. I groaned and threw myself on the chair.

"You mean I have to wear heels all day? " I whined, already feeling my feet ache.

"You're only young once Zoey. Better live it up"

"By live it up you mean sit while you use me as your personal living mannequin"

She threw me a glare, but I could see that she was biting back a smile. That's the thing with my sister, from a young age she always liked to pamper me up. I didn't mind though, but sometimes it was a bit much.

"Are you gonna sit there and smirk at me or are you gonna get over here and and let me make you prettier? "

I rolled my eyes and sat in the chair in front of my mirror. She pulled the band from my hair, letting it fall below my shoulders in all its wild coily curls. She always had a thing for my hair, and I let her do whatever with it since I could barely tame it myself.

Two hours later, we headed to the living room where everyone was beaming and shaking with excitement. I stared at eight happy faces as Victoria and I entered the room, and I already felt the love radiating from them.

"Happy birthday Zoey! " They all shouted in unison, causing a smile to further break out on my face.

There were decorations all around, and a huge cake sitting on the table in front of the TV.

In a house this big, you couldn't get lonely. With the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, their mates and their kids present, there was no way I could feel alone.

But as much as I was grateful for them, I couldn't help the want in my heart to have my parents here with me. Or to at least know more about myself so that I could carry out their legacies in pride.

I didn't think it was possible to feel happy, loved, confused and torn at the same time. But turning 18 to me meant a new chapter in this story of mine.

And I had a feeling I was about to go on a rocky ride. Emotionally, mentally and physically. Yet I was ready for anything that was to come from this day on.

No matter what.

Better buckle up Zoey.

.

.

.

***

Hey there!

Thank you so much for choosing my book.

You should know that this will not be a boring story, I just suck at descriptions lol.

This is a spin off from both "The Human",where the female lead is from, and "Undercover Wolf" where the the male lead is from.

BUT you do not have to read them to love and understand this book. The only advantages cross over readers will have, are the little 'omg' moments when they recognize a character, location or scene.

So don't you worry about missing out. But if you wanna read one or both go for it!

However, I kinda do recommend that you read The Human because a lot of things will be clearer sooner and easier for you. I know i'm contradicting myself but I just want the full experience for you. You don't even have to read all of it.. Just skim through like a crash course lol.

So with that said :)

If you are from The Human, hey again! Zoey will be happy to see you lol.

If you are from Undercover Wolf, hi lol. Niall will be delighted by your presence.

If you've read both, my heart goes out to you completely. I would hug you right now

Annnnd if you're new, feel free to fall in love with these characters! They'll love you too.

So sit back, relax and enjoy! I know you'll enjoy it. This won't be as long as The Human, but it won't be as short as Undercover Wolf. I can't say how long it will be but prepare to be taken on a journey.

Best regards,

Anna.

"Happy birthday Zoey! I really hope you had a great day" Emma exclaimed on the video call.

"Thank you! I miss you"

"I miss you too sweetheart. I'm sorry I couldn't make it today and I am so proud of you for shifting. Luka said you were great. Can't wait to see for myself" She sighed in content as Jody took over the phone and started her own series of wishes.

Emma is Luka's younger sister who lives in England. Her twin brother and also Luka's younger brother, Ty, is the Alpha of the Emerald Pack in England. He found his mate there a few years ago, and since she was the only heir of the former Alpha, Ty took the position once they were fully mated.

A few months later, Emma went to visit him and found her mate too, who was Ty's Beta. It was such a lovely story that will forever leave me in awe.

When ever I went there throughout the years, I always felt right at home. Even though I wasn't blood related to Luka, his siblings always welcomed me with open arms whenever I visited, and their mates did just the same. And it was even better that Jody was my age, so we always got along quite well. Jody was Emma's mate's little sister, but she always seemed like my sister.

We even looked alike for the most part, and her hair was just like mine. So whenever I visited and I didn't have Victoria to help me with my hair, she always did. Unlike me, Jody was an expert on our hair-type.

"And then we will finally run together in wolf form and be the badasses we were born to be" Jody continued with her rambling while I searched through the mass of people in our backyard for my sister.

"I cant wait. I'll make it my duty to get a flight to England as soon as I can" I shouted over the loud music so she could hear me.

Luckily I was using headphones so I could hear her well. Not to mention that my senses were way better than they were yesterday. Perks of having my wolf awakened in me.

"Ugh that party sounds so great. I wish I listened to my bloody heart and flew down for your birthday. I'm a terrible friend Zoey"

I laughed and shook my head at her statement, and her accent alone made me it impossible for me to be upset. I loved hearing her talk.

"You're not a terrible friend. You are one of the two people I consider my best friends. And trust me, I don't go around and just choose who to be close to"

"I know. But I really wished I was there"

"Me too" I sighed just as I spotted Luka.

"Hey Jody, I'll call you back later. Tell everyone that I got their wishes and messages and I'm grateful. But having two parities really slowed down my replying"

"You had two parties?!"

I rolled my eyes at the fact that she only seemed to acknowledge that part, and rushed out a bye before hanging up. I threw the phone in my purse, then rested the headphones on my shoulders. I approached Luka and he smiled at me as I neared him.

"Hey birthday girl, having fun?" He asked as soon as I reached him.

"Yes thank you so much for everything. But I'm beat and still kinda aching so I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm gonna head up now"

A semi-sad frown took over his lips as he heard this.

"Surely you can stay a little longer. It's only a few minutes past six, and some of the guests haven't arrived as yet." He told me and I lifted my eyebrows in shock. I gestured to the massive amount of people in our backyard before turning back to face him.

"More people are coming? Literally everyone in our pack is here"

"Who said they were from our pack?" He smirked, making me narrow my eyes at him.

"What do you mean?"

"I invited Ace and his family" He proclaimed proudly, which made all tiredness vanish from my body.

"As in Alpha Ace from Truemoon Pack?" I rushed out. It wasn't Alpha Ace that I was excited about. It was his son Niall.

We met four years ago for the first time when Victoria and Luka had a meeting with his parents. We both hadn't shifted as yet, so we didn't know if we were mates or not.

I had no idea why I felt so connected to him. I developed my first and only crush that day, and though we never spoke or saw each other again after that day, I never forgot him or the way he made me feel.

If he should come tonight, I'll know for sure if he is actually my mate. If he isn't, it will be okay. I would just blame my crush on his charm and perfect face.

Gosh I wonder how good he looked now.

"Actually Ace isn't the Alpha anymore. He bequeathed the title to Niall a couple weeks ago."

My eyes widened again at this. "Isn't he a little young?"

"Maybe. But we always tell ourselves that an Alpha's son has to be twenty-one in order to take over. But in reality, they can take over as young as eighteen. Ace said that Niall was more than ready, even if he's just nineteen"

I nodded slowly as a pinch of doubt surged through me for a short second. Sometimes I forgot that I may or may not be a high ranking wolf myself. And since high ranking wolves were 99% of the time only mated with other high ranking wolves, this may or may not be an issue on my side.

No doubt that Niall is Alpha blooded, but I on the other hand don't know what I am. If it is indeed right that I am not a high ranking wolf, then I can kiss my dream of having him as a mate goodbye.

"So Niall is Alpha now?" I asked once again to make sure, and he gave me a small nod with a teasing smile on his face.

"That's hot" I mumbled, but even over the loud music Luka seemed to have heard, and he shot me a playful warning look.

"Be careful now Zoey. Don't do anything I wouldn't do" He gave me one final smirk and a wink before leaving me in the mass of dancing people.

I didn't even remember that there were this much young people in our pack. When I didn't shift at sixteen, I kinda just excluded myself from every class and activity.

The other classes after sixteen were solely wolf related, and since I never had one, there was no need for me to go. So I just focused on my art by taking some human classes in town to further my skills.

I have friends, because the wolves here are very loving and welcoming. When I didn't shift, I thought they would've made fun of me or treat me lesser than, even though live in the Alpha house. But instead, they still invited me to hang-outs, treated me just the same, and they even invited me to run with them. I never went though; I wasn't okay with riding their wolves.

Despite all, I was only really close with my best friend Emily. She was the first person who talked to me on my first day of school ten years ago, and we've been close since.

Whenever I went to the pack house, I always stayed in her room. And when she came here at the Alpha house, she would stay with me.

At first, she was uncomfortable because all the high ranking wolves under one roof can be intimidating. But eventually she got so comfortable that she would just go to the kitchen and eat anything with anyone. She still respected them though, and only called them by their titles.

"There you are birthday girl!" Speak of the devil. "I've been looking everywhere for you. It's almost time to cut the cake"

I frowned at this, not quite ready for that as yet.

"Can we wait a while longer Emily?"

"It's your day after all" She shrugged then pulled me to a group of our friends.

Time went by and all I kept doing was looking over my shoulder. My heart rate never dropped as I anticipated seeing him again. But eventually, one hour went to two, and two to three and people with kids were starting to go home.

I knew I had to cut the cake soon, but I couldn't stop the disappointment that ate away at me. I really wanted him to come.

The party was suppose to end at ten, and it was now nine, so I decided to end my stalling.

"Hey Vic" I touched her shoulders, interrupting her conversation with Ashley and she beamed at me when she saw me.

"Hey enjoyed your party? Luka really went all out didn't he?"

I smiled. "Yea it was really great. I can't thank you guys enough for a memorable eighteenth birthday. I think I'm ready to cut the cake now"

She quickly looked behind me and scanned the crowd, then frowned slightly. I guess she knew they were suppose to be here. I also knew that was the reason why she didn't hurry me to cut the cake either. She of all people was very much aware of my crush on the boy I met when I was fourteen.

"Okay I'll go get the knives and the cake. Sit right here"

I took my seat at backdoor porch behind the highly decorated table as everyone started to gather around. Victoria emerged with yet another three layer cake as everyone started the birthday song.

Even though I was bummed, I couldn't help but smile at everyone and everything. I was indeed happy that I had them all. It's just as dad insinuated in the letter. Being in a pack makes you feel safe and happy.

"Who would like to cut the cake with the Zoey?" Ciara asked.

"I would like to cut the cake with the birthday queen" An unfamiliar voice said, making me whip my head to the backdoor.

My breath hitched in my throat and I immediately stood up when I saw that it was him.

It was Niall.

He came! And he definitely looked great.

He took slow teasing steps towards me with a sexy smile on his face and a white rose in his hand. My heart thud out of my chest as he got closer, and everyone just watched in anticipation.

"Hello again beautiful" He whispered when he was just inches away from me.

I opened my mouth to reply, but I couldn't find the words. Suddenly all the irritation I felt when Victoria plucked my eyebrows today, all the frustration I felt when I was back and forth in the heels all day, and the overwhelming feeling of having two parties was nullified as I stood there in front of him and stared into his eyes.

He made it all go away, and I could only think about how he was making me feel in that moment. Because he was undoubtedly and unquestionably my mate.

Happy birthday to me indeed.

.

.

.

Just a quick note. If you haven't read about Niall and Zoey's first encounter and you want to, it's in the bonus chapter of Undercover Wolf and The Human. But either one is fine since they have the same cross over scene.

Happy reading!

Niall's pov

"Niall wake up!" A voice I knew too well shouted from the door.

"I'm up mom! And you know it" I chuckled as I pulled up from the floor and used a towel to wipe my sweat.

I took a swing of my water as I pulled the door open to see the wonderful woman I called my mom beaming at me.

"Still doing morning work outs in your room son? There's a gym for a reason you know?" She had a teasing glint in her eye, since she already knew what my answer was.

"I only -"

"Yea yea I know" She cut me off, and I secretly rolled my eyes at her as she barged into my room.

"What are you even doing here this early?"

It was seven in the morning and I knew my mom wasn't a morning person. So for her to be here this early, I knew it was something.

She faked a hurt expression and threw her hand over her heart. "My own son doesn't want me in the Alpha house anymore? This has been my home for nineteen years you know?"

I chuckled lightly and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I know mom, and I'm glad you're here. I just don't believe you came all the way from your house to wake me up"

She didn't say anything for a while; she just smirked at me. I knew it couldn't have been anything horrible since she obviously wasn't upset, but the silence was giving me anxiety.

"Mom are you pregnant?"

Her eyes widened at my question before she burst out into laughter. I mean, it's not like it was impossible. She held onto my shoulders as she caught her breath, shaking her head rapidly.

"No no sweetheart. That's not it. Far from it actually"

"So what is it?" I asked impatiently, but still calm enough so she didn't assume I was being rude. Alpha or not, I still respected the people who raised me.

"Okay okay. There's this thing later"

"Mom...." I dragged in frustration. "Just say it"

" Roxy, why are you taunting the boy?"

My head snapped to the door at the sound of my dad's voice. Him being here too made me even more curious about what was happening. He had his signature smirk on his lips as he joined us, and I suddenly felt like 12 years old again getting the sex talk.

"I'm sorry Ace. But he's just so cute when he's impatient" She laughed.

"Even when I'm forty you'll think I'm cute" I mumbled, but I wasn't complaining. My mom always treated me like a prince, like I was the best possession that life ever gave to her.

"But-" I interrupter before she started another conversation. "Can someone please tell me what's happening? Is something wrong in the pack?"

I suddenly felt protective at the thought. But if something happened, I would've been the first to know.

"The pack is fine. But I got a call from Luka from Brightwater Pack"

My ears perked up at this, and I was suddenly very interested in whatever conversation he had with Alpha Luka. But it wasn't him who I was interested in.

"They're having a birthday party for a certain someone this evening. And you, my son, have a special invitation" He told me, and my mind could only think of only one person whose party I would've been invited to.

"Is it?" I asked a little too excited, and they both nodded with knowing smiles on their faces.

"Yep Zoey turned eighteen today. And strangely, she just shifted for the first time today" He continued, but my mind wasn't focused. All I could think about was the fact that I could finally see her again.

I'll finally know if she's mine.

The first time I saw her four years ago, was the first time I ever felt connected to a complete stranger. I was only 15, so my wolf wasn't actively living in me as yet, so I didn't know if she was my mate or not. But how could she not be? There's no way I could've been crushing on someone I only saw once for four whole years.

I tried to steal her sweater that day, thinking that when I turned 16 and shifted, the first thing I would've done was get a good whiff of her scent. But then I figured that it was kinda creepy so I let it slide.

When I actually shifted, I begged my dad to take me to Brightwater pack so I could know if she was mine, but they suggested that I waited until she shifted since she would've been too young to even come back home with me.

But even after I waited a year and I learnt that she still haven't shifted, I was too impatient. I wanted her. Wolf or not.

Strangely, I don't know why we never contacted each other. Maybe because none of us were completely sure. I never actually knew the exact date of her birthday, but the fact that she has shifted and will be able to identify me as her mate too was exhilarating.

If she actually is my mate.

"The party starts at six, so you have approximately five hours to do whatever work you have here. The drive to Brightwater territory is six hours, so better get to work" My mom said, snapping me out of my daze.

"You guys aren't coming?" I asked confused.

"Oh dear heavens no. You're big enough to go on your own"

I gave her a pointed look, since she knew quite well that's not why I asked. "I just thought that since you are such good friends with Luka and his Luna"

Dad shrugged as they got up to leave. "We've talked, and I've already informed him that I won't be there. He just wanted you to be there most of all"

I chuckled at the thought. Dad and Luka have always been playing match maker from the first time they saw Zoey and I first encounter. Luka kept tabs on me through dad, and dad kept tabs on Zoey through him.

"For now you know what to do. Decide who you'll take if you won't travel alone, and since you'll have to stay overnight-"

"I know. Thanks dad" He gave me a curt nod as he and mom turned to leave.

"Oh and Niall?" My eyes found the doorways again where he returned. "I really hope she's yours"

I gave him a genuine smile as I thought about the whole possibility again. "Me too"

As soon as he left, I dove into work and sorting out everything. I was never the person to feel nervous, but this was killing me. I wanted the clock to move faster and the possibility of something going wrong would make my head hurt.

<"I'm going to Brightwater Pack later today. I'll need you guys to take over until I come back"> I said in the mindlink to my Beta and Gamma, Asia and Jared.

<"Noted">

<"Got that"> They replied immediately, and I smiled at having such wonderful people to work side by side with me.

People thought that we were too young to be running a pack, and the fact that my Beta is a female made them think we were weak. Little do they know that Asia was more than capable and strong. If anybody thought that they could just walk over her, they had another thing coming.

Though Jared was a year younger than me, he too was a very good Gamma. He's been trained to be just that, and he never failed his dad. Overall, we were a strong team, and anybody who feels like they can mess with us has another thing coming.

<"Finally gonna get your girl huh?"> Jared asked after a while, and I couldn't help but smirk.

<"You know it">

***

"You know what would be funny? If she's actually my mate and not yours"

My jaw clenched for the hundredth time since I've been in the car, and my gripped tightened on the steering wheel.

"Shut up Valero. You already made me late. No need to be pushing it" I gritted out, already having enough of my cousin's taunting.

"How many times do I have to tell you? I had a pack emergency. As an Alpha you should understand. You're the one who gave me short notice."

"I called you at eight in the morning. You seemed fine then" I argued back.

He was quiet for a while, until he dared to speak again. "You could've just went without me. But you love me to much to leave me"

I scoffed at his assumption. "Just shut up and don't piss me off anymore. I'm already four hours late"

He did a zip impression with his hand over his mouth before leaning back against the seat. Deep down I understood why he made us late, but it was eating me alive to think I might not see her tonight.

Valero is my uncle's son, that is, my mom's twin brother's son. We grew up like brother's mostly, and since our packs are side by side, we were never more than thirty minutes away. Uncle Aiden was the Alpha, but he gave the pack to Valero the same time dad stepped down to give our pack to me. He was only a year younger than me, so we were mostly in this thing together.

I can call on him for anything, and the same with me. When I called him today, I knew he wouldn't have denied since for one, he knew how much finding my mate meant to me, and we just had that kinda reliability towards each other.

"Slow down Niall you're gonna kill a squirrel or something!"

"The squirrel wont be the only thing I'll be killing tonight if I miss that party." I snapped back. "What time is it anyways?"

"Uh-... " He hesitated, making me know that it was actually late.

"What time is it?" I asked again with a little more urgency and edge.

"10:02"

"F**k" I cursed under my breath as I raced through the trees. I knew I was close, but instead of being calmer I was getting more and more antsy.

In a few minutes I realized that I was nearing the Alpha house, and I was there in a split minute. I gently picked up the rose I got her, and ensured everything was off before I exited the car. I did my best to put on a calm demeanour, but my chest felt heavy with every step I took.

I could hear that the party was going on in the back, but I spotted Luka standing near the entrance when I arrived.

"You've made it" He smiled as I shook his hand.

"Yea. Really sorry for being late but-"

"I know. Ace called me when he got your message earlier tonight" I nodded once as he turned to Valero who was standing next to me.

"Alpha Valero. Welcome to my pack" Luka greeted.

They curtly shook hands and exchanged greetings, and I respected how much he treated us with respect, despite our age difference. Shortly after we walked through the house, where I saw Luna Victoria heading towards the back. She turned abruptly when she heard us, then smiled brightly as she embraced me warmly.

"I'm so glad you made it! Zoey was so bummed when she thought you weren't coming. They are singing to her now but come on; she'll still be glad to see you"

She started to pull me to the backdoor as my mind wondered over what she just said.

"She knew I was coming?" I asked, just to be sure.

"Yes of course" She replied, never slowing her pace.

I couldn't help but smile at the thought. She knew I was coming and she wanted me here. Maybe I wasn't the only one with these feelings. Maybe she wanted me too. The wonderful scent in the house didn't go unnoticed by me either, and I knew from then that it only meant one thing.

"Who would like to cut the cake with Zoey?" The woman I recognized as the Gamma female asked once I stepped onto the backdoor porch, and that's when I saw her.

She was still so damn beautiful, just like I remembered. And to think, I was only seeing her profile. My wolf got restless in my head as I took another step towards her.

"I would like to cut the cake with the birthday queen" I said loud enough for her to hear. She whipped around quickly at the sound of my voice, and the moment we met eyes my legs got weak.

She looked both shocked and delighted as I took slow steps towards her. I wasn't trying to taunt her or put on a show, but I really couldn't have moved any faster on weak legs. She watched me expectantly as I got closer to her, and I could see that she had just the same reaction to everything as me.

I wanted to hug her so badly, just to have my arms around her. I wanted to stare into those mesmerising eyes all day and night. I wanted to run my hands over those alluring smooth shoulders that she had exposed, and trace them down to every perfect curve of her body.

Damn, her body was so perfect. Her hips curved in the right places at the right angles, and her legs were long and smooth; perfect for all the caressing they'll receive from yours truly. Her hair was still as luxurious as the first time I saw her, except now it was a little longer, and my fingers itched to run through those perfect curls. And her neck, God her neck looked so welcoming, and I had to fight hard not to claim her right there and then.

My mate. Zoey is my mate. I freaking knew it.

"Hi again beautiful" I whispered, once I was only inches away from her. Neither of us even care about the hundreds of pack members who were watching, because in that moment it was just us.

She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I smiled sweetly at her as I moved a curl behind her ear.

"I knew you were mine from the moment I saw you four years ago" I told her as I placed the rose in her hand.

She peered at me before looking at the flower, and the most beautiful smile I had ever seen sketched its way on her plump lips.

"A white rose " She uttered, her smile never faltering "White roses symbolizes-"

"New beginnings" I finished for her, as she met my eyes again.

"Thank you" She said in the sweetest voice, and I knew right then that I was whipped.

"Shall we?" I asked as calmly. I picked up the knife and held her hand under mine without breaking eye contact.

The immediate rush of fire that rippled through my body made me want to do more than just hold her hand, and the almost inaudible moan that I heard escape her lips made me know that it wasn't me alone who felt it.

I lifted both our hands and placed the knife into the cake, then slowly guided it down until it hit the bottom. It was then that I heard a series of cheers erupting through the crowd, and that was when we broke eye contact to look at them.

I could see that they weren't just cheering for another birthday for Zoey, since it wasn't hard to guess what obviously just happened.

"Happy birthday Zoey" I said, this time I made the bold move by wrapping my arms around her waist. She fitted so perfectly in my arms.

"You made it happy" She answered with an equally genuine smile. I pulled her even closer so she could see the truth in my eyes as I uttered my next words.

"And I'll always make you happy. I promise"