Lathan's POV

Lathan had just returned home from Lena's hostel, his girlfriend by his side. He often wondered if he should reveal his true nature as a werewolf to her someday or if he should start praying diligently, hoping she would become his Mate in this life and the next.

At just 19 years old, Lathan was the seventh generation of Gemma in the world's strongest pack. When he turned 20, he would take over from his father, Alpha Cander. Despite being the youngest in the pack, his strength was on par with his father's, who had decades of experience.

Upon arriving home, Lathan noticed several cars parked outside. The sound of his mother crying, accompanied by his father's growls, filled the air. He hurried into the house and found Alpha Cander with a few Betas and Gemmas, all looking at him with sad expressions.

His mother sat weeping, holding his two older brothers, who looked lifeless. Lathan's confusion grew as he saw the lifeless bodies of his brothers' Mates. His father approached him, embracing him tightly. In that moment, Lathan wished it were all a nightmare.

Tears streamed down his face as he looked at the four corpses, their condition heart-wrenching. They had fallen victim to a vampire attack. Clinging to his father, Lathan felt no shame, even as the Alpha and higher-ups witnessed his grief.

After the funeral, which proceeded smoothly despite the sorrow, Lathan, his mother, and father returned home. The atmosphere remained heavy with sadness. Lathan struggled to accept that this was reality and not a dream. His second brother had married his Mate just three years prior, and their lives had ended tragically.

"I think we should go to Sweden!" his father declared as he sank into the black couch.

"Yes, son. You must take over as Gemma in our Pack, replacing your father and brothers," his mother said, gently rubbing his shoulder.

Still in shock from the loss of his siblings, Lathan was overwhelmed by the thought of leaving the country and leaving Lena behind. His mind was a whirlwind, and he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

"But my education isn't finished. I'm only 19, with one more year to prepare before I can take on the role of Gemma," he replied, looking at his father who was now standing.

"No... everything will be expedited. We leave tomorrow afternoon. You must be ready for this. Father’s decision is final. I know you have a special relationship with that human girl, but remember, son, you will meet your Mate one day, and everything will change. Werewolves have a destiny that cannot be denied," his father's words were firm and unyielding.

With that, his father and mother left, leaving Lathan standing alone, feeling as if his world had shattered. He had to let go of the girl he loved deeply for the sake of his family and Pack.

He reflected on his father’s words and the possibility of meeting his Mate. He would have to part with Lena and try to forget their memories. For the sake of his brothers, he was willing to sacrifice his youth to become a great and dependable Gemma.

The next day, as he faced Lena for what he feared would be the last time, the pain of leaving her was unbearable. He longed to hold her and reassure her that everything would be fine, but he forced himself to leave.

Every step away from Lena was painful, and his tears flowed freely as he walked. Back home, he saw his parents preparing for their departure, loading their belongings into the car.

As he sat in the car, his thoughts were consumed by Lena. He wanted to jump out and run to her, to hold her and apologize. But his dreams were just that—dreams. They arrived at the airport, and he boarded the plane to Sweden, overwhelmed by his longing for her.

1 year later.

Upon meeting Lena again, Lathan discovered that Vina, Lena's niece, was now a mature and independent woman. His heart, once numb, began to beat with hope. It seemed his prayers had been answered—Lena was his Mate.

To his surprise, Lathan found out that his former lover had moved to Sweden. Their reunion was marked by disappointment and anger, but he was determined to win her back, even if it meant enduring hardships. He was ready to fight for their love, willing to bleed for her belief in him.

Lena's POV

Lena had listened to Lathan's story and was initially confused by his actions after his transformation into a werewolf. She had always admired his tattoos, even though she never mentioned it.

“So, that’s the beginning and end of the story I left you,” Lathan said with a bittersweet smile.

“What do you think?” the man beside Lena asked, his gaze intense.

“I… I accept you!” Lena answered hesitantly.

“You’re not afraid? I’m a monster, and I fear you might be scared of me,” Lathan said.

Lena met his gaze and took his arm, “I don’t care. As I said before, I still accept you. Even if it means waiting again, I will.”

“Alright, now that you know my true identity, you must come with me to meet Alpha Cander and Luna Vina,” he said, smiling gently.

“Sure… I’ll follow you,” Lena replied firmly, determined to face whatever came next.

Marc's POV

Arriving at the palace, Marc entered the opulent but daunting space. He could sense his father's presence, a man who was both powerful and ruthless. The tension in the air was palpable.

“Did you kill that girl?” his father demanded.

“Not yet, but I have information that Cander’s Mate is human,” Marc replied, contemplating his next move.

“They’ve exploited this situation to their advantage and imprisoned their future Luna in a palace surrounded by her loyalists,” his father raged.

“When the full moon rises, I will strike and kill him in front of Cander. Just be patient,” Marc said confidently, turning to leave.

“Hahaha… you made the right decision, son. As long as Luna, that weak human, dies, we will triumph once more,” William’s voice echoed through the room, lingering even after Marc’s departure.