Mated Mistaken: Under My Sister's Shadow

"I've reiterated countless times that you will be reunited with your loved ones once you're prepared," Marcus asserted forcefully as Karen swiftly defended her position.

"And when might that be?" she grunted, parrying her sword with his own.

"Excellent move!" he exclaimed, catching his breath. "You have the potential to be a formidable swordswoman if you maintain this level of skill"

Karen knew Marcus was once again dodging her question, feigning ignorance. His actions always angered her, and she suspected he was purposely training her to be more persistent. For eighteen long years, she had endured his frustrating behavior, but she held onto the hope that it would all end today, on her eighteenth birthday.

"I understand, but you still haven't answered my question. When can I finally go outside and see my family?"

"Very soon, but that will be a surprise," Marcus replied slyly, evading her attack with a swift spin.

"Do I even need this training? I'm a werewolf, after all," Karen exclaimed, tossing her sword in the air. She caught it effortlessly and went for a powerful strike at Marcus.

With expert deftness, Marcus deflected her blade and offered a teasing reply. "Yes, there may come a time when these skills will be necessary, and you'll be glad you have them."

The intensity of their sword fight only escalated, the metallic clangs growing louder with each passing moment. Despite Marcus's best efforts, Karen's defense remained impenetrable. Seeing an opening, he aimed a sweeping blow at her feet, but Karen leaped over it and delivered a swift kick to his face.

Quickly, Marcus recoiled to avoid the forceful blow, but he was caught off guard by Karen's next move. Karen's sword swiftly disarmed Marcus, knocking his sword from his grip, before she pointed her own weapon at his neck.

"Easy young lady. You wouldn't dare slit your master's throat, would you?" Marcus said, an unusual grin on his face.

"What if I did? Would you report me to my father?" Karen chuckled, her shoulders rising and falling as she caught her breath.

"Of course not. But I would report you to the moon goddess, Selene," Marcus retorted, rising from the floor and dusting off his trousers after Karen had withdrawn her sword.

"She's the only one who can handle you, since there is no one in the pack who can match your strength," he added, a determined expression on his face.

"Whatever. You don't need to remind me that Selene blessed me with greater strength than the others," Karen responded, turning to walk away.

As Marcus watched her leave, a wide grin spread across his face and his gaze fell upon his fallen sword.

"Do you remember what I taught you when you were younger? A true warrior never turns their back on an enemy, even when they seem defeated in battle," he reminded her.

With that, Marcus stepped on the hilt of his sword and it swiftly leaped back into his grasp. Abruptly, he struck at Karen, thinking she was unaware of his attack and leaving her defenseless. However, to his amazement and admiration, Karen deftly swiveled and used her left hand to block the strike. Her strength was in her left hand, and she could defeat anyone in a fight if she utilized it.

"Otherwise, he will strike you down from behind, leading to your downfall. Did I get it right, Master?" Karen teased, a smirk appeared on her face.

Her powerful forest green eyes shone with intense focus.

"How could I have forgotten that you never let your guard down?" Marcus mused, no longer surprised. "But perhaps you should have dodged my attack instead of breaking my favorite sword. You know, your left hand is like a weapon of mass destruction.", he stared at the hilt of the shattered sword before casting it to the floor.

Karen's eyes returned to their normal color as she finally noticed the damage she had done. The collision had caused the sword to shatter into broken splinters and its hilt.

"I'm sorry for that," she apologized.

Just then, footsteps echoed down the silent hallway, causing Karen and Marcus to turn and focus on the door. After a few moments, the footsteps stopped and a shadow appeared at the doorway. The clicking sound of the door knob was followed by the door creaking open, piquing Karen's curiosity as to who was visiting her.

"Hello sister," a sweet feminine voice rang from behind as the door fully opened.

Karen was disappointed to see that it was her elder sister, Charlotte. She had been the only one from the pack to visit her since she was little.

'Does that mean no one else cares about me except trainer Marc and my sister Charlotte?' Karen thought to herself.

"Did I interrupt something?" Charlotte asked with a dazzling smile on her face.

"Not at all," Marcus replied. "In fact, Karen has greatly improved since I last saw her. She can now control both her wolf and witch powers. And she just demonstrated her strength by breaking my well-crafted sword."

"Okay, I'll leave you girls to catch up. I'll be waiting outside," Marcus said, pointing to his right as he headed towards the direction.

Charlotte gazed upon the shattered pieces of the sword, her eyes shifting to Karen, whose displeasure was evident. Assuming Karen regretted destroying her master's sword, Charlotte hastened to reassure her.

"Don't worry Karen. Marcus isn't upset with you",she told her, hoping to ease the apparent guilt in her heart.

Karen's smile, however, lacked conviction, and Charlotte sensed something deeper troubling her.

"Happy birthday to my dear Karen, you're now eighteen!" Charlotte exclaimed, attempting elation. Yet, even after the celebration, Karen remained unhappy, prompting Charlotte to inquire about the source of her discontent.

"Karen dear, what's wrong? Aren't you happy that I came to visit you, or are you upset because we haven't talked in a while? It's your birthday, remember," Charlotte questioned, placing her hands on Karen's shoulders.

Karen withdrew, folding her arms, and walked to a small window she used to glimpse the outside world for eighteen years.

"How long are you guys gonna keep me here? I'm eighteen; I can handle myself and this disastrous power of mine. I just want to see Mom and Dad, feel their touch and let them hold me tight," Karen expressed, searching for the right words.

"And just know how it feels to be loved by your parents and your mate. I just..."

Charlotte smacked her temples a bit frustratingly and sighed, "Karen, please just stop. You've ruined the surprise with that mood",she said with a frown.

" Anyway, Father has decided to let you meet the pack today and after that, you'll no longer return to this bizarre place anymore. He has already organized your birthday party and everything that will be needed to make it memorable. And guess what?"Charlotte paused to watch her reaction.

" What?"Karen's face brightened. Her eyebrows raised in curiosity.

" Your mate is gonna be attending the party!"

" Really?!" Karen exclaimed, pop-eyed.

"Absolutely. The best part is that he's the son of the powerful alpha of the Golden Paw pack," Charlotte added.

" Is that the name of his pack?"

"Yeah"

" Wow! I don't know what to feel right now. Do you think he's the right type of guy for me?", Karen asked, worry written all over her expression.

" That, you'll decide for yourself. C'mon, you've got to relax, the party is just eight hours away. I think that's enough time for you to get prepared. Maybe, things might even turn out different", Charlotte said, wearing a secretive smile.

" What do you mean by that?"Karen inquired, eyebrows raised suspiciously.

"Uhm, it's nothing to worry about. I was just saying that he'll definitely like you," Charlotte lied, surprised by Karen's perceptiveness.

Karen didn't believe her sister's innocent expression.

She could have forced her to tell her what was going on but she feared spoiling her mood again. Lost in euphoria, her worry was soon replaced with anticipation to meet her parents and mate. Oh, she couldn't wait to meet the last one!

"Dad's beta will pick you up soon. Before that happens, I'll send the maids to fix you up. You look so pale and stressed out. Enjoy the rest of the day," Charlotte announced, leaving for the door.

As Charlotte's figure faded from her view, Karen ascended to her lofty bunk. Enveloping a pillow with her arms, she submerged herself in contemplation, envisioning how others would treat her as the strongest werewolf within their pack.

While Karen indulged in anticipation of the splendid moments awaiting her on her first-ever birthday celebration, she never knew fate had other plans for her.

"How do I look?" Karen inquired, her heart racing with anticipation, as she emerged from the dressing room.

Her gaze was fixed on her trainer and mentor, Marcus, seeking his approval. She valued his opinion greatly and had made a silent vow to abide by his judgment.

Ever since Charlotte's departure, Karen had been bestowed with the care of the maids, who were tasked with ensuring her attire was befitting for the party.

The moment Marcus set his eyes on her, he could proudly say that she made the right choice in her outfit.

Her hazel green eyes matched with the dark-trimmed lashes that framed them delicately. The iconic red ball gown worn by her, exuded regality, embodying her true personality as a princess and chosen Luna of the pack. Her almond-shaped visage radiated like that of a porcelain doll, while the moon itself seemed to illuminate her captivating smile.

" So what do you think?"Karen spoke, breaking his silence.

" Child, I'm literally speechless and I don't know what to say right now. You look so stunning, gorgeous and irresistible. I bet whoever your mate is, he's definitely gonna fall in love with you once he sets his eyes on you", Marcus brandished praises on her exceptional beauty.

" Thanks for the compliments. I'm feeling quite flattered already," Karen shyly responded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

She seemed to be concealing something behind her back, a mischievous glint in her eyes. When Marcus inquired about the hidden object, she playfully tossed a sword towards him with a sly smile.

"There, I've got your sword back," Karen announced triumphantly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Marcus's heart swelled with joy as he caught sight of his beloved sword, his astonishment evident in his expression.

"Thank you. It's just like the last one. But how did you manage to retrieve it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued as he admired the gleaming emerald stone adorning the hilt.

"A witch has her own ways of getting things done," Karen chuckled, a sense of pride evident in her posture as she stood tall.

"So, Trainer Marc, what do you think? Do you believe they will eventually accept me? I'm feeling rather nervous about it all," she admitted, her fingers nervously twisting together as she sank into a nearby chair, her eyes searching for reassurance.

"I am confident that they will come to accept you, Karen. Your determination and skills speak for themselves," Marcus replied, his voice filled with conviction. "Just be yourself, and they will see what a valuable addition you are to the pack."

As Marcus was in the midst of his speech, a loud honking sound from outside abruptly broke the silence, catching both him and Karen off guard. Karen instinctively sniffed the air, detecting the unmistakable scent of lycans approaching the door.

"I think they're here," Marcus whispered to Karen, his own senses confirming their visitors' arrival.

"This is your night, Karen. Get ready to enjoy it," he reassured her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders and offering an encouraging smile before heading to greet their unexpected guests.

As the door swung open, Marcus exchanged polite greetings with the formidable trio standing before him. Karen's heart skipped a beat as she laid eyes on the three muscular men entering the room. Their imposing stature revealed them to be two gamma werewolves and a striking beta werewolf with piercing blue eyes, who seemed to exude an air of authority. It was evident to her that they were there on her father's behalf.

"Good evening, princess"the beta werewolf, bowed respectfully before her.

" I'm Beta Cullen from the prestigious Blood Moon Pack. Alpha Adam has sent us to ensure your safe passage to the gathering" he said, his tone carrying a blend of formality and underlying strength.

Uhm...okay," Karen managed to mutter a response.

With Cullen leading the way, they silently strolled out of the cabin. Karen felt a surge of joy that far surpassed mere happiness at the thought of no longer being confined to the house. As they meandered through the hallway, the world outside beckoning, they emerged into the clearing where a sleek black Maybach awaited them.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Karen inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh breath of life that filled her lungs.

' God! Is this real? Could it be that I'm finally stepping into the world beyond?' she wondered, her heart racing with excitement.

Running her hands over the rough bark of the trees, she reveled in the sensation of the natural world around her. With a delighted spin, she relished the caress of the grass beneath her feet.

"Princess, we must leave now," Beta Cullen's voice broke through, gently reminding her of the party ahead.

Hurriedly, Karen ran towards the car and opened the door. She paused to watch her lonely cabin for the umpteenth time before entering the car.

The car suddenly came to a halt as they arrived at their destination, the other end of the woods. Karen's eyes were drawn to the sight of a castle nestled amidst tall trees, and she knew that she was finally home. The building was ablaze with vibrant lights of various hues, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The serene tune of classical music added to the allure, soothing Karen's nerves.

Cullen stepped out of the car and opened the door for Karen, taking a moment to admire her appearance and ensuring that nothing was amiss. He was awestruck by her ethereal beauty and could not help but wonder how she managed to maintain it, despite her injuries from training.

"Princess, you look absolutely charming and stunning tonight. I had no idea that Alpha Adams had such a breathtakingly beautiful daughter," he complimented her.

"May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" he asked.

"Karen," she replied.

"Hmmm, a nice name for a beauty like you. Your mate is truly lucky. After you, ma'am," he grinned, stepping aside to let Karen enter the castle.

"Thank you," she murmured. Marcus followed behind her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder and whispering.

"See, I told you everyone would love you. Now let's go inside and rock the party," he said playfully, earning a shy smile from Karen.

Karen was escorted to her room and informed that her parents would join her shortly. While she waited, she took the opportunity to explore her new room. It was spacious, just like her former room at the cabin, but it was much more luxurious. The walls were painted in her favorite color, pink, with a delicate layer of cream. Instead of a bunk, there was a plush queen-sized bed nestled in the corner of the room.

As she marveled at her new sanctuary, her eyes caught glimpse of a family photo on the side table. The scene before her seemed oddly familiar; a picture she had once received back then at the cabin looked strikingly similar to this one. She couldn't shake off the feeling of déjà vu as she stared at the people in front of her.

A feminine voice, one she didn't recognize, broke the silence.

"Do you like your new room?" it asked.

Karen turned to face the speaker, surprised to see the person she had been admiring in the photo standing right in front of her.

"Mom?" she uttered, her confusion evident in her voice. The woman, elegant and in her mid-thirties, stood at the entrance with open arms and a warm smile.

"Come here, darling. I've missed you so much."

Without hesitation, Karen rushed into her embrace, not wanting to let go of this precious moment.

"Mom, I've missed you too. You have no idea how long I've waited to be able to hug you like this," she said, her voice thick with emotion as tears streamed down her face.

"Looks like we're in for a great family reunion," Charlotte exclaimed, entering the room with their father, Alpha Adam, by her side.

Karen saw him and immediately ran to hug him as well, but she felt him stiffen in her arms. Unfazed, she held on tightly, refusing to let anything ruin this moment.

"Father, I missed you too. You look so handsome in person," she complimented, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Adam cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uhm, the party is about to start and we can't keep the guests waiting," he said, pulling away from her embrace as if her presence was bothering him.

Feeling a little hurt but determined to not let it show, Karen stepped back, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. She knew her father was still trying to get used to the idea of having her back in his life and she didn't want to push him too much.

But before she could leave the room, Charlotte stopped her. "Oh, Karen, I almost forgot. I have a present for you."

"Apologies, Charlotte, may we postpone this conversation for a later time? The gathering has begun, and I will soon be required to attend," Karen sulked, reminding her that they were running late for the party.

"Very well, I accept," she agreed. "Come on, let's get moving, ladies," Cullen motioned for them to follow, and they exited the room.

***** *****

The grand hall buzzed with life as a plethora of individuals graced the party. The space was adorned with inflated balloons, shimmering ribbons, and vibrant, glowing lights, evenly distributed throughout. The atmosphere was nothing short of magnificent.

Prominent alphas from various packs had come to attend in anticipation of meeting the strongest werewolf from the Blood Moon pack. Each lycan was exquisitely dressed, not wanting to be caught underdressed for such a special occasion. The men donned dark tuxedos atop immaculately white shirts, complemented by polished black leather shoes, reflecting their esteemed personalities.

The women, on the other hand, exuded glamour in their iridescent gowns of diverse hues and designs, paired with the perfect stiletto to complete their captivating ensembles. They all took their seats at the opulent golden tables in anticipation of the celebrant' arrival.

Alpha Adam ascended the elevated floor with a confident stride, his presence commanding attention as he gracefully bowed in a gentlemanly manner, acknowledging the esteemed guests gathered before him. A warm smile broadened on his face as he began his speech, addressing the expectant audience with a sense of gratitude and excitement.

"Greetings, esteemed guests, and welcome to our grand celebration. It brings me immense joy to see each and every one of you here tonight, despite your busy schedules and commitments. I know many of you are curious about the purpose of this gathering, and I am here to enlighten you," he announced, his voice carrying a hint of suspense.

Pausing for a moment to capture the attention of the intrigued crowd, Alpha Adam continued, his tone filled with paternal pride and affection.

"Today marks a momentous occasion in our family, as one of my daughters has reached the significant milestone of her eighteenth birthday. In our Lycan tradition, this day holds great significance, as it symbolizes her transition into womanhood and the auspicious opportunity to meet her chosen mate," he explained, his words resonating with tradition and reverence.

"So I give you the delectable and strongest she-wolf of our pack, Karen Adam Van Brunt!"

With a flourish of grandeur, Alpha Adam gestured towards the entrance as the curtains swept open, revealing the radiant figure of Karen, the beloved she-wolf of their pack. Her eyes sparkled with a rare blend of strength and grace, embodying the legacy of her lineage as she stepped forward, welcomed by the heartfelt applause and admiration of their esteemed guests.

"Hello, everyone, I'm Karen Adam Van Brunt. I don't have many words to express my gratitude, but I simply want to thank each and every one of you for making tonight so incredibly special for me. Thank you once again," Karen spoke into the microphone, her voice filled with genuine appreciation as she set it down shyly, her eyes shining with emotion as the audience erupted into applause.

Just as the applause began to settle, a wave of excitement swept over the room as the guests rose from their seats in a standing ovation, their voices joining together in a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday" in honor of Karen. The joyous chorus filled the air, enveloping her in a warm embrace of love and celebration.