"Let's have a toast everyone for my little sister, Rachelle," announced by Storm as he raised his wine glass.

I smiled, doing the same as they raised their glasses. I was overwhelmed that Storm has to do this effort together with his wife, Casey. Very formal event but we talked informally. I love how we do this thing. Surely, I'm going to miss them once I am in the palace.

"Thank you everyone for doing these things to me. I'm going to miss you all," I said happily, looking at them one by one. "I'm going to miss Alpha Storm's soldiers I trained so well. Please protect our pack even if I am gone in this pack. Don't worry I'll be back. That's all."

Warm applause echoed in the kitchen. I smiled widely.

I put the wine glass down and went outside because of some fresh air. I am bothered because Claude is not around. I sighed in distress. Why do I have to worry about him, huh? I shook my head, shoving the thoughts deep inside of my head. I shouldn't be bothered. I should not worry. I don't need him in my life. My heart pricked when I said it. My wolf was hurt. She needs Claude and his wolf.

I tucked the strands of my hair when a cool breeze passed at me. I hugged myself, feeling so cold because of the dress I was wearing. I wasn't used to this dress. I am shivering in cold right now. To divert the coldness, I removed my heels and walked to the quiet village. The pack is in the pack house. For now, I want to be alone. I need some time to think before I sleep.

I walked in my bare feet. I love the feeling of the grass tickled in my feet. When I reached the small pond where children used to play here, I sat on the large stone and started to the starry sky. Especially, I stared at the lovely moon.

I raised my hand as if I was touching the moon. I felt like we were connected in some way. I felt like most part of me can only find it on the moon. I wish I can talk to the moon goddess so she can tell me where pack I came from and who my parents were. I wonder what the moon goddess is doing right now. How did she guard us, all werewolves?

I put down my hand and stared at the pond. Some of the dishes are still swimming at night. I was lured to look at them. I hugged myself when I shivered in cold again as the breeze passed quietly.

I flinched when I felt a cloth draped on my shoulder. I turned my head instantly only to find it was Claude. My heart beats seeing him again. What we did earlier is the most mistake I've ever done. But I don't know but I don't feel any regrets in me.

"You should at least get some coat, my dear." Claude smiled and sat beside me.

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised to see him.

"I follow my mate as to where she is going," Claude said, looking straight into my eyes. His dark hazel orbs penetrate me.

I looked away, glaring again at the pond. I didn't respond to his statement. But deep inside my heart is jumping in joy together with my wolf. I frowned to hide it. Claude and I both fell silent. I was feeling awkward that he was beside me. But I was fully aware of his presence.

"Your brother's pack is vividly amazing," Claude started.

I nodded my head. "Yeah. You're right."

"I'm happy that Casey is living happily with him. Now, I could breathe in contentment. Because there's someone who will look after her and protect her." I could sense the happiness in his voice.

I turned my head to look at him. He was looking at the pond. I returned my head back. "Storm is overprotective when it comes to me even though we're not blood-related. Did Casey tell you about that thing?" I asked, emphasizing Storm and I were not siblings.

"Yeah. Also, Storm explained about shooting you then he also told me that." He sighed. "I'm sorry if I acted that way."

"Hmm." I just nodded my head and remained silent. I'm glad he felt sorry for it.

"You knew he loves you being part of his family, right? You won't doubt any single thing, right?"

"I do know. And I am so blessed that his parents adopted me and Storm became my old brother." I smiled widely, reminiscing. "But I feel so different even though I still belong to this pack. My heart is longing for something. A part of me wants to search for everything about me. Storm helps me but he can't find any details for me." I sighed sadly. I was snapped back at everything I said. Immediately, I gawked at him only to find he was looking at me intently. "Don't assume that I'm letting you entering in my life now that I'm opening this up. Just forget what I said," I said defensively.

I felt my cheeks heat when he stared for so long into my eyes. I looked away, can't look at him, not for just seconds.

"I love everything about you." He murmured

My breath hitched. I could still hear it even though it is just a small whisper. My sensitive ears can hear his fast heartbeat. I'm sure Claude can hear mine. My heart is pounding so wild and I don't know why my heart has to react to his statements.

I chose to remain silent. I don't know what to say to him. I can't even move a little because he was staring at me again. I swear I couldn't take it. I lowered my head and played with my fingers instead.

"Can I ask you something, Rachelle?" he asked after a moment of silence between us.

I stopped myself not looking at him. "What is it?" I asked, my eyes glued to the fish swimming in the pond.

"What pushes you as to not accepting me as your mate?" he asked after he remained silent. I think he was weighing his words.

I took a sigh because of his question. "Why do you have to be so curious about this? I'm sure my brother had already told you." I couldn't help but look at him now.

"I only want to hear it that is coming from you. I was wondering why you can't accept me or do the otherwise."

"Because I'm still confused." I averted my eyes.

"Confused about what?"

"Of this! You, meeting you unexpectedly! The fact I met you as my mate!" I said, exaggerating, spreading my hands.

I heard him chuckle. "The moment I saw your wolf form in the woods, I already know that you are my mate. I'm glad that I met you here. I thank the moon goddess that she pushed me through visiting my sister. I swear I didn't want to pay a visit to Casey. My father insisted at first but I declined. But then, I was curious about the living of my sister. Of course, I still care for her. I'm glad that I finally found my missing piece in my life."

"You know I can't still accept you, right?" I asked after it took me a long silence of his confession. I was overwhelmed with it.

Claude nodded his head. "I'm hurt because of that." I bit my lower lip when I felt something prick in my heart and my eyes started to water.

'You can feel his feelings.' My wolf whispered. 'We are connected to him. He knows what we feel and we know what he feels.'

I nodded mentally. Right now, I could feel our strong bond with him.

I could see lots of emotions in his eyes. I want to touch his handsome face. Something is urging me to caress his face right now but I do not have the guts. I blinked so many times to stop myself that I was about to cry. Instead, I focused myself again on the pond.

We both fell silent again. I fixed the coat that was on top of my shoulders when I shivered in cold.

"'Mind if I dance with you?"

I raised my glance when Claude is already standing and offering his hand to me. I cocked my brow. "What?" I said, stopping myself not to laugh. "Are you asking me to dance with you with no music at all?"

"Just dance with me and you'll know that we don't need any music at all. C'mon! Dance with me, milady." He bowed.

I laughed and accepted his hand. "Yes please." At the contact of our hands with each other, wild static electricity flowed in my skin. It sent a delirious feeling to my senses as he helped me to stand and took my hands, placing them on his shoulders.

I tried to act neutral and told myself not to react as he encircled his arms on my waist. Claude pulled me closer to his warm body. The coat on my shoulders fell but I didn't mind it. I was focused on Claude and his warmth. His hands on my waist sent shivers to me. I ignored the feeling and stared into his eyes.

"Now, I'm bored. It's better if we have music." I suggested with a hint of a joke.

Claude grinned. "I told you and I'm not going to repeat it. Now, let us both keep silent as we dance. You'll realize it to the soonest." He murmured to my ear.

I gulped as his hot breath fanned not just in my ear but also on my shoulder. Meanwhile, he started to sway me. I found it so boring at first. So, to make this exciting, I dare myself to look straight at his dark hazel orbs who are doing likewise to me. We just stared into each other's eyes while dancing with no music. The more I stared at him, the more my heart pounded every second. I am fully aware of the contact between our bodies. I am fully aware of him, not my surrounding.

When I couldn't take it staring at him, I clung to his neck and leaned on his shoulder. I closed my eyes in submission as I hear the beating of his heart. That made Claude hug me tighter into his arms.

He was right. It felt good with no music. The singing of the crickets is the only I can hear. It was so peaceful when I was just beside him.

"I wish I can be with you like this," I said without thinking. But I knew to myself I said it intentionally.

"If you accept me wholeheartedly, we will always be like this," he whispered.

"Give me some time to think. My life is complicated."

"I'm afraid you are right, my dear."

"You do respect my decision, right?" I opened my eyes and looked at him.

Claude nodded his head. "I do."

I couldn't help to touch his face with my hand. My eyes started to pool. Why am I hurt of not to see him when I return to the palace?

"I'm leaving you." Tears dropped in my cheeks when I couldn't take of stopping my emotions anymore. "I think I couldn't reach you anymore." A sob escaped from me.

He held my face, too. A sad expression was written in his eyes. "We are mates. The moon goddess will surely find a way to meet us in some place. We will be seeing each other, my dear sweetheart." He wiped the tears from my eyes.

I sobbed again. "But I'm hurt right now." I don't know why I am so honest with him. Maybe I really couldn't take it. I couldn't take to building barriers to him.

"I know. And so do I." I closed my eyes when he leaned his forehead toward mine. I felt tears on his cheek as I was still holding his face.

"I can't stay with you."

"You're always in my heart."

"Please wait for me to think about this. I'm still confused about this mate thing. Give me a chance to understand this fully."

"I will. I promise."

I cried, even more, when Claude's lips descended on mine. I missed him back with so much passion. We were fully hurt. I can't take it. I can't afford this feeling.

"Rachelle.." he leaned again on my forehead. "I will miss you." I nodded my head in response. "Please do take care of yourself."

"I will, Claude," I murmured and cried silently.

We hugged each other as we consoled ourselves. I'm giving up on this feeling but I don't know if I'm ready to accept him.

"I love you," Claude murmured as I felt his hot tears fall on my shoulder.

After Claude and I made a moment, we decided to go to the woods with our wolf form. I agreed to make memories with him even though a part of me is yelling at me as to why I'm letting this.

We passed the border lines then I mind-linked Storm I'm going with Claude. I don't know why I let him agree on me with this. Because the wolf part of me wants to be with Claude before I say a painful goodbye to him. I would think of going far away from him sickens me now. I sighed.

Claude nudged me with his nose. I looked at him and found his massive wolf form. His red eyes were looking at me lovingly. At every end of the strands of his fur released gold dust which I found beautiful to my eyes. I nudged him, too using my nose. My wolf purred and so was Claude's wolf.

I transformed into my human form and I was now dressed up. I came to Claude in his wolf form and placed my hand on top of his head. He pushed his head more to my touch as if Claude wants me to pet him.

So I did and I giggled.

"Good boy," I said, smiling. I kissed the side of his face. He just nudged me as if he liked what I did.

I was confused when the massive, beautiful wolf lay down. He looked at me and moved his head.

I chuckled, understanding him. "What? You want me to lie on your stomach? That's insane!"

Claude growled and he gave me his dangerous, beautiful pair of red eyes at me. He once again moved and told me to lie on his stomach. Chuckling, I did and lay on his stomach when he lay in the grass bed. I sighed in contentment as I looked up to see the starry sky.

The soft breathing of Claude is like music to my ears. The fast beat of his heart gives me a wonderful tune to me.

I fixed my position and hugged Claude's wolf form to feel his soft fur tickling on my skin. I gently grabbed his fur and closed my eyes as I inhaled his scent. The same scent I smelled when we were in the woods. It's very addictive and at the same time alluring to my senses.

"I wonder if I can sleep here, you as my soft pillow. What do you think?" I murmured.

He growled softly and agreed with me. I smiled and let myself drowns in the silence with Claude as my pillow. The soft breathing of his is so cute.

Not long after my eyes are getting heavier with tiredness, I slowly closed my eyes and let sleep drown me.

I was half awake when I felt being lifted up. I felt like my world is spinning. I snuggled closer to the person I was with not even opening my eyes who I was with right now. But when I sniffed the scent, his familiar scent ranged through my nostrils.

"Claude..." I murmured, feeling the sleep wanted to drown me again.

I felt his lips on my hair. "Sshh. Just sleep, love. You have to sleep." His soft, warming voice is like a lullaby to me. I nodded my head in response and clung to his neck. The last thing I heard before I slept again is Claude's voice murmuring in my ear, saying, "Good night, Rachelle."

I woke up with the good sleep I ever have, feeling my energy fully loaded into something. I went to the bathroom and quickly dressed up. Before I left my room, I glanced around my room I will surely miss this. From childhood and 'till I grown-up, this is already my room.

I went downstairs and met Casey in the living room. My eyes widened because she is dragging my suitcases out.

I quickly ran to her. "Luna, you don't have to do this."

Casey looked at me and smiled sweetly. She shook her head. "No. I want to help. You guys are so paranoid. And besides, Storm had already known about what I was doing. Please? I want to help." She gave me her puppy eyes that anyone couldn't resist.

I sighed. "Fine. If that is your wish."

Casey patted my cheek lightly. "Go grab some breakfast. Storm is there. Have a final talk with him. He was a bit mad, you know."

"Mad? To whom?"

"To you." She giggled. "I am just joking. Not you. To my brother, Claude. You know, men," she winked before she left me.

My feet guided me to the dining room and there I saw those two idiots seriously talking to something. I cleared my throat so that I got their attention and I wouldn't hear their talks.

Storm's face lighted up when he saw me. "Rachelle!" he said, smiling. He stood up and opened his arms. I rolled my eyes. He is becoming a clingy brother I have.

"Storm!" I said and smiled widely not minding Claude's intense stares shot right through me. I ran to him and hugged him.

I was enveloped by a nice and warm hug coming from Storm. The same hug I always receive whenever he consoles me if he saw me crying. My forehead knitted when I heard Claude lowly growling under his chest. When I shot him a glare, he was holding the bread knife tightly and shot us a death glare from our position. I was confused by his action.

I averted my gaze and gave Storm a tight hug again before we pulled out.

Storm patted my head. "I will surely miss my sister here in my pack."

I smiled at his statement. "Likewise, brother."

"Have a sit and eat breakfast." He offered me a chair to sit in. I sat and faced the table.

Just when I was about to get my own breakfast. Claude stood up and took the plate of fried rice. He spun around and went to me as he served my food. His male scent filled my nostrils. I get addicted to it while my heart didn't stop beating knowing that he was so close to me. He sat right beside me and took a strip of bacon and placed it on my plate. He gave me a sunny side-up egg and hotdog.

"Now eat," he said darkly.

I glanced to Storm who was amusingly glaring at us. When our eyes met, he flashed a smirk. He stood up from sitting. "I'll leave you two. Have some time to get along with each other," he said and left us here.

My heart beat wildly, noticing Claude and I are here alone in the dining room. I looked at him. He was giving me his intense glare again.

"What are you looking at? It's as if I did something wrong," I said half-annoyed.

"Of course, you do. You were hugging him earlier!" He whined. His voice is dark causing me to have goosebumps on my spine.

"He's my brother," I stated and ate the food he prepared for me as memories of our last night played inside my head.

"You two are not blood-related. I'm jealous, Rachelle."

I stopped myself to gasp from him being so honest. I bit my lower lip, looking at him. I observed his face. His hair was disheveled right this morning. And he looked so hot right now. "So? We treat each other like we are siblings. We always do this. Shut the hell up." I snorted and continued to eat.

"But..." I cut him off with my finger snapped right in his face. I don't want him to ruin my breakfast. He must shut up or else I will snap at him.

I munched my food before I swallowed. "Goodness! Graciousness! Stop that. Let's eat, will you?" I gave a bread and shoved it into his mouth. He gladly ate it. I laughed at his cuteness. Claude smiled and took a strip of bacon and offered it to me. I opened my mouth to eat it. "Hmm!" Delicious! I would say.

"I'm going to miss you for sure, Rachelle." My heart stopped right from his words.

I averted my gaze and didn't know how to respond to his statement. I was overwhelmed, yes. This guy happens to be my mate. If it wasn't, I will surely punch his face. Something is fluttering my insides and I don't know why I am feeling this. I sighed and relaxed.

That's right, Rachelle. Relax.

"I still got no response from you? I thought we already have a deep connection?"

I glared back at him. "I'm not prepared for this thing. How many times do I have to tell you?" I have to calm my nerves. No way I could burst out from this talk again. "I thought you already understand me. If you don't, you can reject me anyway." A pang of pain spiked in my heart when I said that.

I don't know if I could bear Claude rejecting me. My wolf howled in disagreement with my statement. She didn't like what I said to our mate.

I saw how Claude's eyes crossed the painful expression. I was hurt by it. I didn't mean it. Something pushed me to say it.

"I'm sorry if I keep on pushing further. I know I told you last night that I promised to understand you. I'm sorry if I keep on assuming things," Claude said and walked away.

He left me here in the dining area and was stunned by his words. I blinked as I felt the tears coming. I hurt him again. I am hurt, too. I bit my lower lip.

'You're making this difficult for the two of us.'

I sighed from the mere whisper of my wolf. She was now bothered by my thoughts and to what I said to our mate.

"I want to fully know about myself before I accept him."

'What if he can't wait for you anymore?'

"That would be my problem. I'm willing to accept my fate," I whispered. It hurts to say this. I know my wolf knows that I'm lying about this shit. But even so, she is still worried about me.

After I grabbed my breakfast, just in time, I've been calling up. The transportation that would lead me to the palace is there, waiting for me. I tried to look for Claude again to say goodbye to him. But I can't find him. Where is he? So this is it? I will not have a chance of saying goodbye but the last words I say earlier? How could you, Rachelle?!

I composed myself not to be affected by the absence of Claude before I leave. I should be more strong.

As I went to the front gate, Storm and Casey are already waiting for me. I saw them glistened tears as I chuckled going after them.

"Cry babies," I commented before they pulled me in a hug.

"Too bad I still have no chance to fight with you, Rachelle. But next time, okay?"

I nodded and smiled. "If Storm will allow me then so be it." Casey and I giggled. We clasped our hands and hugged each other again. I turned to Storm who was already frowning. "What?" I asked, chuckling. I knew he didn't like the idea from his wife.

"Take care of yourself. Don't do anything stupid." I shot him a glare. Of all people, why is he the one who said that?

"I'm not stupid!" I glared at Casey. "Look! He is calling me 'stupid'!" I blabbered.

Casey shot him a glare. "Storm!" she said with a warning.

"I'm not!" he said defensively. "I meant for her doings, not her." I rolled my eyes just because of that. Pathetic! Storm smiled. "I'm just joking, dear sister. Be strong!"

I smiled. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

I waved goodbye to all of the people in our pack. But as I waved, my eyes were looking for Claude. I couldn't see him. I sighed in sadness.

I opened the horse carriages and turned my head back to the people and also to Storm and Casey. I caught my breath when I saw Claude just beside Casey. He was looking at me intently with a serious look on his face.

I glared into his eyes and saw emotions crossed. I averted my gaze and continued hopping in as I gave Claude a last glance. I turned to the driver.

"Let's go," I commanded.

"Yes, commander." Then the engine started.

I glared at the side view mirror, seeing Claude standing far inches away from this vehicle. My heart stops when I saw him looking at the side view mirror. As soon as the vehicle went towards the road, I knew by then that I will never see him again. I don't know when.

Excitement shot right through me as I saw the palace from afar to this road I was at. At last, I'll be back to my job and I will surely find myself to know everything. I'm still confused as to where pack I was belong before Storm's parents took care of me.

The royal library holds the answers I am going to look for. I haven't been went to the royal library ever since I was promoted as battle commander. I always passed by it every time I patrolled around the palace. If I get a chance to have my off, I shall take the opportunity to enter in the library.

"Commander, we have been arrived."

I snapped back to reality upon the coachman's announcement. A royal carriage servant opened the royal carriage door for me. I smiled at him, thanking him.

As I stepped out, a young man approached me and saluted me. I made a salute at him. He was wearing a cutaway coat and glasses on his eyes. "Greetings, Royal Commander Rachelle Simon. My name is Avedon Pillar, the junior courtier of the Grand Alpha King," he introduced. "Pleasure to meet you, commander."

I nodded. "The pleasure is mine," I said with a mixed of tone of formal. He must be the one I was hearing who managed to pass the examination to be the courtier of the Grand Alpha King having the highest grade over all the history of valet de chambre examination.

"I will ask the royal servants to bring all your belongings to your quarters, commander." I nodded as a reply. "Also, Fleet Admiral Francisco y Selvia orders me to take you to the royal conference room upon your arrival."

I remained a passive expression. I just arrived and the Fleet Admiral wants to speak with me. What I worried about is I am not wearing my battle suit. I felt like I am meeting him informally. In the end, I nodded at him. "Take me to him," I ordered.

"Yes, commander."

I was greeted by a ton of salute whenever I passed by the hallway until I arrived at my destination. I stared at the gold-coated wooden door for a moment before I nodded at Avedon deciding that he must open it.

I entered in the room and was greeted by the Fleet Admiral and the Grand Alpha King. Avedon and I bowed our heads before the Grand Alpha King Claudian Alexander III. I raised my head and quietly observed the room looking for the Alpha King Claudian Alexander IV, son of the Grand Alpha King. I haven't seen even once the Alpha King. I hadn't gotten a chance to see his coronation as the Alpha King last month. My vacation in my brother's pack lasted for two months. Shame that I didn't get a chance to see the new Alpha King. I only knew he is coronated when Storm told me the news, Plus, I wasn't invited so there is no chance I could go to the coronation. What I have known to the king in front of me was his son is still in isolation for training and is not allowed to see by other people.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, Fleet Admiral," I greeted them formally. The former Alpha King has now granted a new title of Grand Alpha King but his son, the Alpha King, will remain the highest rank and rule his kingdom. "I am here to report my arrival."

"I am so glad you are here now, Rachelle," the Grand Alpha King said with a smile, sitting on his favorite chair. "Have you found your mate yet?" My face turned to sour and I didn't answer him. He laughed heartily. "You are really allergic when it comes to mate topic."

I frowned. The Grand Alpha King really liked to tease me when it comes to this mate topic. He is like a father to me and he sees me as his daughter. "You never changed, old man." I snorted.

"Commander Simon!" Fleet Admiral Franz scolded. "Know your place. Don't disrespect the Grand Alpha."

I bowed my head and was about to apologize when the Grand Alpha King chuckled. "Calm down, Francisco. Rachelle is still not on his duty so let her talk to me like I'm one of the ordinary people."

"But Grand Alpha..." The old man cocked his brow at him and the admiral silenced. "Pardon me..."

He chuckled. "Avedon, you can take your leave. Thank you for bringing Commander Rachelle here."

"Your wish is my command, Your Majesty." Then Avedon left.

"I am really glad that you are here, kid." The Grand Alpha stood up and embraced me.

"Likewise, old man." I hugged him back. Then we both distanced and chuckled.

"How's your vacation? I apologize that I forgot inviting you for my son's coronation last month. You would have gotten to meet him by any chance." His voice masked with guilt.

I frowned. "You are not match-making me to your son. Let him find his mate, old man." From what he said, I suddenly remember Claude and left my pack with heavy heart because I didn't manage to bid good bye at him properly. But even so, this is the best. I just don't want to see him again.

'Liar.' My wolf whispered.

I secretly clenched my teeth in annoyance to my wolf. I am not letting her to whisper anything about Claude and his wolf again.

"But I can see you are a perfect match for my son! I would love to see you two together when he comes home."

"Not a chance, old man. I have responsibilities here in the royal palace so I don't have time to know your son. I can acknowledge him as my king but not as a lover. I hope you get choke later." I huffed which earned him a heartily laugh. I frowned. The Grand Alpha really likes to see me in bitter state upon match-making me to his son I haven't seen even once.

If Claude hears this, I wouldn't doubt he would growl at the Grand Alpha upon match-making. Wait up! Why he suddenly occured to my mind again?

"Okay. Okay. I won't push you further. But I have a feeling..."

"You are just hungry, Your Majesty." I grinned then I bowed. "I shall go to my quarters. Fleet Admiral..." I salute at him.

"Train the private soldiers in the morning. Sharp, commander," he ordered and saluted me after.

"Yes, Admiral!" Then I looked at the Grand Alpha who was having a father smile looking at his daughter. "Grand Alpha..."

He nodded. "You shall take your rest."

I nodded at him and smiled then bowed my head. Then I took my leave. I walked straight to the grave of the Luna Queen resting in the royal garden of the palace. I bowed my head before her grave then left.

I am really looking up at her. I could have wished I have met her before she passed away.

I went straight to my quarters and decided to stay and have rest. It was such a long day for me even though I have just arrived. But it was nice to see the Grand Alpha King. I remembered the father's comfort of the former Alpha of Dark Soul Pack, Alpha Phillip, father of Storm. Both of them are so kind.

I laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling.

"I wonder what my father looks like..." I muttered.