Chapter 4 Draco's Mission

Draco's POV

Silva Moon Pack, Werewoods

I glanced at the stack of documents on my desk in the pack's office, but I couldn't see a thing. The documents needed urgent attention, but I couldn't concentrate. My thoughts had wandered far away from the pack and back to the mating grounds. I shook away the memories and tried to focus without much success. It would be silly to pin over something I could never have. The death of my fated mate had taught me that.

Amelia had been so beautiful and full of life. She'd brightened up my life and pack. Her presence here had made the pack feel more like home, and we all were coming out of the shadows and terrors of the past when she'd died. She'd slipped through my fingers, and I could only watch as her soul had left her body.

Intense pain filled me at the thought of Amelia's death. My fingers trembled, and I clenched my teeth as the pain filled my entire being. My wolf howled sadly as his emotions filled me and intensified. I had barely survived her death, with thoughts of my pack as the only reason I remained alive.

Now, I discovered that a second chance mate is waiting for me. Our meeting had been twice as magical. The memories I'd kept at bay burst open at that thought. I closed my eyes as her scent filled my nostrils.

As a powerful Alpha in the Werewoods and a respected member of the Shifter's Council, I could skip the mating hunt. I've done that for five years, but this time was different. I'd intended to skip the hunt, but Elder Derek, the leader of the Council, had requested my presence.

As an honorary member of the Council, few people recognized me because of my repeated absence from public gatherings. I would have loved to keep it that way, but the Council insisted I appear this year.

I went with my Beta, Sebastian, and only arrived when the hunt had begun. After a brief meeting with the Council members, I shifted and went for a quick run on the mating grounds to clear my head from unending pack matters. I was alone as Sebastian had gone to join in the fun of watching the alphas pick their mates from potential candidates. I was returning from my run when I met her.

Her scent had led me to her. She has a sweet scent of lilac, which appeals to my senses. My wolf, Noble, was in love with her even before he met her. He'd trailed the scent in a trace, and the sight of her was even more magical. Her wolf was majestic.

She was a large, pure white wolf that embodied royalty. Her fur was shining white with tiny, sparse, dark spots. My shock was plausible as I felt an unspeakable connection to her on sight. It felt familiar. It felt similar to my connection with my dead mate, Amelia, but two times more potent.

I can't believe I found a mate again. I never believed in second-chance mates, but that day, it seemed plausible. My fated mate had died because of my carelessness, and I thought I would remain mateless. I took it as my punishment for not taking care of my mate and ensuring her safety, but the moon goddess had other plans.

A knock on my door disrupted my thoughts.

"You have a message from the Council," Sebastian said as I glanced at him.

He is my beta and best friend. We'd built the pack together from scratch five years ago when I became Alpha, although we are still underpopulated. However, what we lack in numbers, we make up with strength. We are the strongest pack in the Werewoods, where strength is king.

"What do they want this time?" I folded my arms and leaned into my seat.

The Council made me an honorary member because of my prestige as the strongest Alpha in the Werewoods.

Recently, they have been trying to shape up my pack. They have been nitpicking at everything, from our size to the lack of pack alliances and a Luna.

"They want you to go on a tour of the packs and check out their situation as a representative of the Council," my beta said, handing me the message.

"And why would I do that?" I don't get involved in council business for a reason. I wanted to focus on rebuilding my pack.

Sebastian's blue eyes twinkled with a mischievous look. His expression told me I wouldn't like the news. "They believe this is an opportunity for you to connect with other alphas and build relationships."

A frown marred my face at his statement. I still don't see the need to gain alliances since we are the strongest pack in all the Werewoods. As far as I can see, only other packs would benefit.

"I will send them a reply tomorrow," I conclude, knowing I would not take up the request. "How are things with the pack? How is the enforcers' training going?"

"Bruno has it covered," Sebastian replied with a shrug.

Bruno is our pack's Delta and the head enforcer. He is a great warrior, and his wolf is powerful, so I know he has it covered.

"I'm heading down for lunch. Sheila cooked up a storm today. See you later." Sebastian waved as he left.

I returned to the stack of documents before me, putting thoughts of my mate aside for now. Those thoughts could wait. For now, I need to attend to my pack duties.

Later that night...

I am running in the woods when I smell a familiar sweet scent of lilac drifting from afar. My wolf, Noble, gets restless because he knows our mate is near. I see my mate running towards me, her tail wagging in excitement.

Just as she was about to reach me, a small grey wolf with a murderous look darted out and slashed my mate's chest open and snatched her heart with a triumphant look. My mate lay there helpless as her blood drained from her body. I felt my chest constrict, and intense pain filled my heart.

My wolf became agitated and cried in anguish, "Mate!"

I woke up with heavy panting, and an urgent crisis filled me.

My instinct was never wrong. It has saved me countless times from dangerous situations. It represented a gift given by the moon goddess to guide and lead me.

Something was amiss with my mate, and I needed to get to her fast. May it not be said that I failed to protect my second chance mate. The goddess has given me another chance to prove myself. This is a test I am determined to pass.

When Sebastian asked about the Council's mission by morning, my decision was clear. I would take the Council's mission and find my mate. I was going on a secret mission to claim my second chance.

"Prepare a team. We are going to tour the packs." I must find my mate and protect her.