Chapter 1
From the moment she first stepped foot in this place almost two decades ago, she had instant felt like an outsider, a perpetual visitor in her own life. Nothing had ever been the same since that day and days before but today, she wasn’t the frightened eight-year-old she once was, yet somehow, she felt as though the eight-year old relining from the death of her parents. As she parked her car, a heavy sigh escaped her lips, acknowledging the harsh reality of her existence. Despite months of mental preparation, she realized she wasn’t truly ready for this moment. All the overthinking and meticulous planning seemed futile now. What made it even more challenging was the timing of her return—it coincided with the highly anticipated event in the werewolf calendar: the Reed. It was a day that drew unmated werewolves from all corners of the Southern Pacific, converging at the Main in a quest to find their destined partners, a fast-track journey to discovering their other halves.
Every year since she turned sixteen, she had managed to evade these gatherings. The Reed held no allure for her; she couldn’t fathom the idea of finding her other half. Being half-human and haunted by childhood traumas, she harboured a deep scepticism about discovering her true love. Her parents’ tragic demise had instilled in her the belief that nothing in life was permanent. With a resigned sigh, she stepped out of her Jeep. There was no escaping it this time. Reluctantly unlocking the trunk, she pulled out her bags, choosing only to retrieve the ones containing her clothes. The upcoming days promised to be hectic; she planned to gradually settle into her assigned apartment while adjusting to the familiar surroundings.
“If it isn’t Dr. Sexybutt!” a voice called from behind, and she couldn’t help but groan. Turning around, she spotted her best friend, Thandeka ‘Thandi’ Simmons, the daughter of King Alpha Qhawe and Luna Cindy Simmons - Thandi had been the first person her age she had met when she arrived here.
“If it isn’t my annoying friend,” she retorted, dragging her luggage toward her. They stood outside the front door of the mansion.
“Best friend,” Thandi corrected with a playful grin.
“Are you going to stand there and not help?” she moaned, feeling the weight of her bags.
“You act like you don’t have super strength,” her friend rebutted.
“Shit, I forgot about that.” She had spent many years living among humans, learning how to mute her supernatural abilities came naturally.
“You’re home now, sweetheart.” Thandi smiled sweetly.
“Don’t remind me,” she whispered to herself but she knew her friend heard her. Super hearing and all.
“Leave your bags. I’ve got a sexy hunk coming to help,” Thandi said, with a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
“Do you mean your mate?” she asked, smirking knowingly. Thandi had met her mate three months ago at one of the many conferences she attended as the daughter of King and Queen. She had never met him, but she knew all about the man who had captured her friend’s heart.
“Yes,” Thandi blushed, her eyes shining with happiness.
“Are you going to stand there forever, or are you going to give your friend a hug?” she asked. Beaming, Thandi descended the stairs and enveloped her in a warm embrace.
“I missed you,” she whispered, hugging her tightly.
“I missed you too, sis,” she replied, pulling away and taking a good look at Thandi. Thandi was the epitome of femininity; she vividly remembered the first day they met when Thandi wore a red tutu dress, white pumps, and her hair in the neatest bun she had ever seen. Growing up, she always felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb around her friend. She was a tomboy at heart, spending years avoiding dresses or skirts, until she found herself in high school with a mandated uniform. These days, her style was a mix of comfort and minimal chic. Since her body had changed, she didn’t enjoy dressing up as much plus it wasn’t as if she spent her days attending anything that required her to be dressed-up. Her curves attracted unnecessary attention. “Looks like finding love has made my friend even more stunning,” she mused at her friend.
“Well, there is a certain je ne sais quoi that comes with finding your mate,” Thandi replied with a smile.
“Are you sure?” she teased. “I think it’s all that dick you’ve been getting,” she joked.
“Don’t let Dad hear you saying that. He’s been grumpy ever since I found my mate.”
“He has always been protective. His little girl isn’t so little anymore.”
“Tell me about it,” Thandi groaned.
“Zoleka Vera Adeka,” she heard her name being called from behind Thandi. Thandi stepped aside, beaming.
“This is him,” she whispered to her.
“You told him my government name!” she hissed scolding her friend. “You must be the man who has my friend blushing like a teenager?” she asked.
“If that’s how you’re seeing it, then yeah,” he smirked, winking at his mate. “Thato Diks Noah at your service.” He stood at 6′0, with mocha skin, a slim build, tapered cut with curls to die for. It was clear why her friend was enamoured.
“It’s great to finally meet you,” she said, smiling. “Not too shabby, friend,” she whispered to Thandi.
“Now, I’m guessing the Simmons boys have grilled you enough to know – mess around, and I’ll kill you,” she said with a smile.
“Oh, I’ve been told you’re a master at vengeance,” he joked. “I’ve heard your senior prank is still one for the books. Warning received. Are all these your bags?” he asked.
“I still have more in the car – I’ll settle in my apartment after the Reed. I just need these for now.” She pointed at the luggage besides her.
“You’re not staying at the apartment,” Thandi corrected.
“I am,” she said defiantly.
“I’ve spent weeks preparing your room and office. I’ve missed living with you. I’m in a house full of boys.” She spoke. “It’d be like the time we were growing up. I need you please.” She begged. She looked at Thato who just shrugged at her. They both knew there was no stopping her.
“Fine.” She knew better than to argue with Thandi.
“Yes!” She beamed. “Now come. Mom has been waiting for you.” She said dragging her inside.
“Slow down. Give me the rundown as to what I’m walking into.” She told her friend.
“You know Mom, doing what she knows best hounding everyone. Dad is somewhere, the twins – I can’t tell you where they are. Sive, is away should be arriving today.” She explained.
“Mom, she’s here.” Thandi yelled when they walked in the kitchen.
“My dear Zoleka,” her aunt beamed walking in the kitchen. She had on a blue max dress, her hair in two braids and no make-up. She looked beautiful; she looked regal like always.
“You have no idea how happy we are to have you back, my dear. It’s been far too long.” Her aunt said hugging her tightly.
Zoleka smiled, feeling the genuine warmth in Auntie Cindy’s embrace. “I’m glad to be back, Auntie. I’ve missed all of you.”
Cindy pulled back, holding her at arm’s length. “Well, you’re here now, and that’s all that matters. We’ll catch up properly later. Right now, let me introduce you to the chaos.”
As they made their way further into the house, she couldn’t help but feel a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation. The familiar faces, the comforting scent of home, and the laughter that filled the air—all of it stirred something inside her that she hadn’t realized she missed so much.
In the heart of the bustling kitchen, Auntie Cindy made the introductions. “Everyone, our Zo is back!”
A chorus of greetings filled the room, and she found herself surrounded by the Simmons pack, each member eager to welcome her home. There were warm hugs, friendly smiles, and a few playful jabs that reminded her of the camaraderie she had always cherished.
“I thought I won’t see you until later tonight.” She spoke hugging her uncle who walked in the room bee-ling for her.
“You’d think I’d miss your arrival. Who do you take me for,” he smirked. King Alpha Qhawe Simmons, 6’6, dark mocha skin, beard and the most striking caramel eyes she’d ever seen. The first time she had meet him, she was two when he came to visit her parents. She told her mom; he looked like a Giant Beast from the stories she read. He was a giant and oddly enough, she had found his started comforting.
“How could think so lowly of you?” she questioned him.
“It’s okay. I’m hoping I’ll see you tonight?” he asked her. Everyone knew she always vanished during the reed.
“Yes, you will.” Her aunt interjected. “She isn’t missing it.” Her aunt smiled.
“Then I’ll see you later.” He kissed her cheek and walked back in the direction of his home office.
“Let’s go. The girls from Coutre have laid out a fantastic dress party for us. I got all your favourite snacks and drinks.”
“Food and drinks. You don’t have to convince me twice.” She let her aunt drag her to the living room.
Auntie Cindy guided her through the crowd, introducing her to various pack members. They had made it to the living room, when Thali, ran towards her engulfing her in a hug. “Hey babe.” She laughed at her excitement. Thali and Chris were born the senior year of high school and she had loved them from the moment she felt them kicking in her aunts stomach.
“Can you do my hair, Zo?” Thali asked, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and reverence. “I want the perfect high-puff.” She smiled.
She couldn’t help but grin, recognizing the spark of determination in Thali’s eyes. “Of course, Thali. Lead the way whenever you’re ready.”
As the day wore on, she found herself immersed in the lively atmosphere of the Reed ceremony preparations. She helped Thali with her hair, shared stories with the younger pack members, and even engaged in a spirited debate with some of the older wolves.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, she felt a sense of belonging settling deep within her. This was her pack, her family, and despite the challenges that lay ahead, she knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Later that night, after the preparations were complete, she stood on the balcony, gazing at the moonlit garden below. The Reed ceremony would begin soon, marking the start of a significant event in the werewolf calendar. With the help of the girls, she had picked her dress for the night, after trying out three dresses, she had begged to stop and picked the blue sapphire maxi dress, with a side slit and an extremely low-cut V-neck. Out of the dress she a tried out and refused to try the one she was wearing now was the best option. It seemed as though her friends and family wanted her to wear the most skimpiest outfit.
As she took in the serenity of the night, Auntie Cindy joined her, her presence comforting and reassuring. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” Her aunt said, her eyes reflecting the moon’s glow.
“It truly is,” she replied, her voice soft. “I can feel the anticipation in the air.”
Cindy placed a hand on her shoulder, her touch gentle yet grounding. “The Reed ceremony is a time of hope and possibility. Werewolves from all walks of life come here in search of love and connection. It’s a reminder of the beauty of fate, of finding your destined mate.”
She nodded, her gaze never leaving the garden below. “I’ve always been sceptical about the idea of destined mates. But being here, surrounded by this energy, I can’t help but wonder...”
Her aunt smiled, her eyes wise and understanding. “Sometimes, Zoleka, the heart knows what the mind cannot comprehend. Love has a way of finding us, even in the most unexpected places.”
As the first notes of a melodic howl filled the air, signalling the beginning of the Reed ceremony, she took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
“Whatever the future holds,” Auntie Cindy said, her voice carrying the weight of experience, “trust in your heart, my dear. It will guide you to where you truly belong.”
With those words lingering in the air, Zoleka turned her gaze toward the garden once more, her eyes alight with newfound hope. The Reed ceremony was about to begin, and amidst the crowd of hopeful werewolves.
“Let me have a last look at you.” Her aunt asked. She stepped back from the rail and faced her aunt.
“You look as beautiful as ever,” Cindy smiled. “You keep on looking like your mother,” she said sweetly. “You’ve got her curves,” she complimented.
Zoleka groaned at the comment. The dress the girls had chosen for her – hugged her curves to perfection. The long blue dress accentuated her deep chocolate skin. Over the last few years, her hips and ass had grown wider, much to her dismay. “I keep on buying new clothes to accommodate,” she admitted.
“I wish I had that ass,” her friend teased, giving her a playful spank. Where the hell did, she come from.
“Keep your hands to yourself,” Zoleka nudged her. “It’s good to see that the nipple covers, I asked you to pack worked in my favour. Your boobs look emulate.” Thandi said swishing her DDs together playfully.
“Let’s go ladies. We need to find her a mate.” She rolled her eyes; it was going to be a long night.
“Your mother just called me again. She wanted to know when we will be arriving.” Daniel said sitting across from him. Tonight was the Reed; he had been in Kenya for the last two weeks and despite his best efforts – they would land just in time.
“Here I’d hoped I’d miss this one.” He deadpanned. He wasn’t excited. Alphas normally found their mates by twenty-one but here he was at thirty-three mate-less. He knew that that’s all that anyone talked about. He had been attending the Reed since sixteen. Fifteen years of attendance and it’s been unsuccessful.
He knew people were questioning his family’s legitimacy, they just would never say it his face. There was a slim chance that today would yield any successful results. He had been expected by the time he turned twenty somehow, he would have meet her but his been unsuccessful. Truly he wouldn’t have been happy about it, if he had found his mate ten years ago. Being the Kings’ son was one expectation he was willing to take. Being someone mate, future King and father that young wasn’t something he was looking forward too but now at thirty-three. He wasn’t sure how ready he was for anything but he couldn’t avoid it anymore.
“You think today would be unlucky fifteen?” Daniel asked him. He kept quiet, Daniel knew how he felt.
“I hate being paraded around and my mom looking at me hopefully every time an unmated girl passes our way. The fact that I’m supposed to meet my mate in front of everyone. What happened to privacy. By the time the night is done – the questions will start. We just met.” He groaned.
“Don’t tell me about it.” Daniel said remembering how he met Melody. They were at a conference in Nairobi and Melody happened to be standing next to her father and thirty other people in the room. They had barley exchanged names and people were asking them when are they having pups. “I don’t wish the experience on anybody.” Daniel grumbled.
“You and Melody seem to be handling the pressure well.” He was impressed but he didn’t expect nothing less from Daniel. He was calmer than him and Melody was Alpha royal, her father was the Alpha of Cameron – she knew how handle herself.
“The delay in you finding your mate, means that Lucila is happy.” He stated mentioning his friend with benefits. He and Lucila had hooked up since high school, making her his unofficial girlfriend. They both knew the moment they each met their mates, whatever they had going on would stop. Much to Lucila’s disappointment, he had wanted him to renounce the tradition of letting the god’s choice his mate and make her his make and future Luna.
He shook his head at his comment. A bitter smile playing on his lips. “Lucila may be beautiful, but she’s not the one. We both know it.” He spoke.
“My mother would wrangle me if that happened,” he laughed. He knew the odds – that wouldn’t happen. Daniel’s phone pinged, and he smiled when he unlocked it. He knew it was Mel; they often sent each other texts and pictures to keep up with what they got up to when he travelled.
“Everything okay with Mel?” he asked.
“Your mother is working everyone like crazy. Mel sent me a picture. It seems like your mother has set up a dressing room for the ladies, and Zoleka is home,” Daniel smiled relaying the information.
“Better yet, Dr Zo” he beamed. Before he was mated to Mel, Daniel had a crush on Zoleka. They both hadn’t seen her in years, since she went to university. His father had mentioned that she was coming back to work at the Medic Centre – he figured having another Doctor had never hurt anyone.
“Judging from the picture it seems like Zo is ready to jump out of her skin,” Daniel laughed.
“I’m sure. I don’t know how her and Thandi are even friends. They are total opposites.” He commented. Thandi his sister was the definition of Princess, poised and ozzed out feminity while Zoleka was a tomboy. Though they were different they had been thick as thieves the moment Zoleka arrived after her parents passing.
“I used to think that too. I’ve seen them together enough times to recognize that they are Jin and Yen. They balance each other out.”
Don’t remind me. The amount of time I ’ve had to listen to Lucila go-on and on about what they had allegedly done to her. I know my sister is the ringleader. If we weren’t adults, Lucila would be plotting her revenge.”
“I would pay to see that,” Daniel laughed.
“Do you know what her role will be at the Medic?” he asked.
“Your Dad said, she is planning on seeing where she will fit in better. Zo has always been smart. I’m sure wherever your dad places her, she will excel.”
“If I didn’t know better, I would say you are still enamoured,” he teased his Beta.
“Melly has my heart. It’d be great to see her,” Daniel said, his tone sincere.
“We will be landing shorty please fasten your seatbelts,” the pilot, Andreson, said over the intercom. He looked at his watch and sighed. It was a short drive home -from the private air flied, after a shower and dressing in whatever his mother had laid out for him. That meant he had two hours to mingle and be parade around. Today wasn’t his lucky day.
“It looks like your mother has won this round,” Daniel smirked, fastening his seatbelt.
“Hey, at least you’re not tied down,” Daniel said, trying to lighten the mood. “You can enjoy your freedom a bit longer.”
“Freedom,” he scoffed. “I’m not even sure what that means anymore. Being the next King Alpha comes with its perks, but damn, it’s suffocating sometimes.”
Daniel clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Look, Sive, I get it. But you’re strong, and you’ve got a whole pack who believes in you. Your mate will come when the time is right.”
He nodded, appreciating the support from his friend. “Let’s just get through this Reed, and then maybe I can breathe a little easier.”
As the private plane landed near their pack territory, Sive’s thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. He could already hear the distant sounds of the Reed ceremony, the excited chatter of unmated werewolves filling the air. It was a stark reminder of what awaited him.
“Ready?” Daniel asked, his eyes filled with determination.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Sive replied, steeling himself for the challenges ahead.
Together, they walked off the plane, facing the bustling energy of the Reed with a shared sense of determination. Whatever the night held, Sive knew he had the strength to face it. Whether it led to finding his destined mate or embracing his own path, he was prepared to confront his destiny head-on.
He didn’t even make it past the foyer when his mother pounced on him dragging him upstairs to his old room to get ready. He was already two hours later, which wasn’t his fault. But that didn’t matter to his mother, she had a show to put on and her the lead hadn’t made an appearance yet. He had seen a few teenagers making out around the bushes and some newly formed couples closely coupling together, getting to know each other – when he and Daniel had driven in and from what he could tell, it was another successful Reed. When he had landed at their private airfield, his wolf, Heno had been anxious – he always got this way during the Reed. He had been longing for his mate. He was a thirty-three-year-one year old man, and his wolf, a shy few year from thirty, needed his mate. It was rare for Alphas to go this long without finding one, and the weight of it was torturing Heno and him.
He had quickly taken a shower, per his mothers’ instructions and wore the rich blue suit that was laid out for him. He had promised his mother he’d be done in thirty minutes; he wasn’t shocked when he opened his door and found her standing outside about to knock.
“Handsome as always,” his mother said when he walked out of his room.
“Geez, Mom. Give the man space,” he said, rolling his eyes.
“You took your sweet time. Now come,” she said, ignoring his comment. They silently walked down the stairs and found his father patiently waiting for them. His father who shoots a look of sympathy wrapped his hand tightly around his wife beaming down at her.
“I know you hate this, but it’s your duty, son,” his father chimed in. He sighed. He knew that being born an Alpha; his duty was fated to him long before he was born. He could sulk the whole day, but duty was duty, and his father reminded him every day.
“You don’t have to remind me, Dad. So, give me the rundown,” he said, ready to face the night.
“We have over a hundred and fifty mated couples. I think that’s a record,” she smiled. His mother was diffently a hopeless romantic. “Your father is currently hosting some of the unmated royal Alphas across. We are headed there now – maybe yours is there.”
I doubt it” his wolf said, his voice echoing in his mind.
“Heno says no,” he relayed to his mother, who just frowned at him. He was sure his mother had spotted a perfect candidate for him.
“Seriously?” They stopped in the kitchen. He nodded his head. “Well, how about we go outside?” she suggested.
“I think that’s a better idea,” he murmured. He needed fresh air, and he knew he could easily bypass everyone and head up the mountain for peace. He needed a breather, and Heno was starting to whine, giving him a headache.
“Great, I’ll walk with you.” She beamed excitedly.
He knew better than to argue they both walked outside and he spotted his sister in the parlor sitting with her mate and Daniel whispering to Mel. “Let me go say hi to the gang.” He spoke.
“Okay, promise me you will walk-around.” His mother begged.
“I will.” He promised.
He might not actively try and find his mate – but he will stick around and hang with his friends. His mother nodded walking away.
“Mom let you go?” Thandi asked when he walked in the parlour.
“I agreed to stick around.” He said grumbling. “I need a beer,” he sighed picking up the beer from the table.
“So, care to tell me what I’ve missed. Where are the twins?” he asked. He hadn’t seen them around since he has been back.
“A party, some of the underage teens have set up a party at the park.” Mel filled in.
“They are having more fun than us?” he muttered.
“More fun than you,” Daniel pipped.
“Don’t remind me.”
“Wait where is Zoleka?” Mel asked looking around.
“She wanted to take off the dress. The dress mom forced her to wear has reached its expiring date.” Thandi laughed.
“The things I would do with that body. Rose chimed in joining the crew.
“I think about that every day.” Thandi said.
He was confused he hadn’t seen Zoleka in so long – the last time he had seen her she was wearing an oversized t-shirt and sweats. That was her uniform years ago.
“She’s been going for so long – think she flaked out on us.” Thato said.
“She’ll comeback. Probably waiting for everyone to leave.” His sister assured.
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
“Meet me at the garden.” The text read from Lucila.
“If mom asks me for let her know I went to the pool.” He told the group.
“More like Lucila,” Thato snickered. He saw his sister roll her eyes; she didn’t like his relationship with Lucila. He knew it steamed from childhood but he felt like he was something deeper he didn’t know. “Just cover for me,” be begged his sister.
“Whatever.” Thandi replied ignoring him.
He walked away from the group towards the garden. Heno was whining was starting to give him a headache, it also didn’t help that was meeting Lucila. He wasn’t a fan – over the years he had learnt to tune him out.
He walked away from the group towards the garden. Heno whining had turn into anxiousness. He walked across the pool to the garden; his mother had built a gazebo years ago. He liked sitting there from time-to-time it was very relaxing. He heard giggles from the garden and she saw someone sitting on the lounge bead oblivious to his presence. The strong whiff of honeysuckle and vanilla hit his nose and instantly made him dizzy. His heart thumped at an alarming rate. It reminded him of the first time he had shifted.
Mate. Heno, excitedly whined. It couldn’t be, he walked closer to the figure before him.
Mate, mate, mate… Heno whined further.
He cleared his throat trying to get her attention but it didn’t work. He walked closer standing in front of her. She was deep in whatever she was watching on her phone. He moves forward again and this time, her attention gazed away from the phone and she looked up at him. Her eyes widened.
“Zoleka?” he asked. He hadn’t seen her in years but he could recognise her face anywhere.
“Mate,” he whispered, the word heavy with anticipation.ing here…
