Chapter 1
In the woods, Thorne and Azar stood under the trees after a workout session. Thorne turned to Azar, “That was an amazing workout,” Thorne remarked, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Azar, filled with determination, shook his head, “I need more,” he replied, filled with eagerness.
Thorne chuckled, his voice warm with humor. “Save it for tomorrow. You know we’re celebrating Khiara’s 18th birthday today,” he reminded Azar, a fond smile playing on his lips.
Azar’s gaze softened as he thought of his younger sister. “How did she grow up so fast?” he mused, a disbelief in his voice.
Thorne placed a reassuring hand on Azar’s shoulder. “We’re only three years older than her,” he pointed out, a sense of nostalgia creeping into his tone.
Azar sighed softly, a flicker of sadness crossing his features. “And still without mates,” he lamented, his words laced with a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Thorne, ever the optimist, grinned at Azar. “I’ve been telling you my theory for years now. I’m sure we’ll find our mates together. They’re probably best friends like you and I,” he said, his eyes twinkling with faith.
Azar’s expression shifted to one of frustration. “I’m tired of waiting. We were supposed to find them three years ago,” he admitted, impatience in his voice.
Thorne’s gaze softened with understanding. “You know the whole story of your mother and father. You know what kind of mess happened because Uncle Fenrir wasn’t waiting for Aunt Azzy,” he reminded Azar, a note of caution in his tone.
Azar looked away, his thoughts drifting to his family’s history. “You know what I’m talking about,” he whispered, his voice filled with longing and sorrow in his voice.
Thorne glanced towards the darkening sky, a sense of duty tugging at him. “I need to go. My dads are going over the top again with organizing the party,” he said, a wry smile on his face.
Azar chuckled softly, his eyes alight with affection. “They’re always over the top. Especially Uncle Sammy. But we love them,” he remarked, a fondness evident in his words.
Thorne turned back to Azar, his gaze questioning. “Are you staying?” he inquired, a mix of concern and curiosity in his voice.
Azar nodded, a determined gleam in his eyes. “I’ll work out a bit longer,” he decided.
Thorne bid his farewell. “Suit yourself. I’ll see you later,” he called out as he trotted off towards the distant sounds of preparations for the celebration.
As Thorne disappeared from view, Azar closed his eyes, her thoughts turning inward. “Ready for my training, Blaise?” he whispered softly, his mind reaching out to her inner wolf.
Azar’s wolf Blaise eyes gleaming with unwavering loyalty. “Always,” he replied.
The more time passes, the more frustrated I am. I was supposed to meet my mate three years ago like every wolf does but Thorne hasn’t met his mate yet. He may be right and that gives me hope. After all, my dad met my mom when he was thirty. That’s the most unusual case. Everything about those two is unusual and rare. Others would say it’s impossible but looks like my parents broke all the odds. My mom is a hellhound and my dad is the alpha of all alpha’s and I’ll be taking his spot, that’s why I’m training so hard everyday. I want to be ready. Truth be told, I’m the strongest wolf that’s ever existed. The combined genes of my mom and dad made me invincible. No, I’m not a hellhound like my mom but she did pass me an amazing gift. Fire. We’re not sure how that’s possible but my family stopped searching for answers as long ago as we couldn’t find any information. Not only that, my wolf Blaise has the power of fire when he shifts but I do too in my human form. We know for sure that I haven’t unlocked my full potential. That’ll happen only once I find my mate and mark her. That’s why I’m searching for her so desperately. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not only power I’m seeking. Of course I want to meet the other half of my soul but having this gift was always really hard to control. Especially when I was younger. My poor parents. I don’t know how they endured that but they managed to teach me well. My gift is closely connected to my emotions. Having both my mom’s and dad’s short temper, as a child I’d end up burning everything around me when I’m angry. And with years and years of training made me have full control of it until I turned eighteen. That was the day I was supposed to meet my mate. But as you can tell, that didn’t happen. Not only was I disappointed I started having these strange feelings of something being wrong. It was like I could feel her even though we aren’t marked. I could often feel this severe pain and sadness. Sometimes, I could hear her cries echoing inside my head. This made me lose control. Something was wrong, whoever she is. I can feel it and I couldn’t shake the feeling for years. Not until a few months ago. Even though feeling strange emotions and pain that wasn’t mine was agonizing me. When it stopped I was far from happy. I couldn’t feel her anymore. I don’t know who she is or where she is…now our strange connection is broken, I don’t know if she’s alive anymore and that thought terrifies me. I’m hiding it from everyone. Everyone kept telling me it’s probably nothing, that it’s all in my head. It’s possible for wolves to feel their mates until they mark each other but my parents believed me. Their story is unusual and them being mates was completely odd. There were never records that a hellhound was capable of bearing children. Yet my mom ended up giving birth to me and my sister three years later. My sister, Khiara, is a regular wolf though, no special abilities. Still incredibly strong. These months after I stopped feeling my mate was pure torture for me. I decided to finally move out of my family’s house. I was so out of control and I was scared for the safety of the people I love. I didn’t want them to be around me. I concentrated on my training trying to regain control over myself. That’s the only thing that kept me sane. I felt like I was losing my mind. Thorne was by my side everyday. He’ll be my beta once I take the position of alpha of all of those from my father. Uncle Jesse and Uncle Sammy adopted him and we were inseparable since day one. He’s like a brother to me. I tried distancing myself from everyone for their safety but today is my little sister’s birthday so I need to stop avoiding my family. I just hope I find my mate soon or at least feel her. But one thing I know for sure, someone’s been hurting her for years and they’ll pay me with their lives as soon as I find them.
Meanwhile in the living room, Azrael sat across from Fenrir, her gaze fixed on his troubled expression. “What’s with that face?” she inquired, her eyes filled with concern.
Fenrir hesitated for a moment before replying, “Nothing.”
Azrael could sense the turmoil brewing within him. “Fenrir, I know it’s hard for you to accept that Khiara is turning eighteen,” she empathized, her voice soft yet firm.
Fenrir confessed, “She’s my baby. I don’t want her to have a mate,” his protectiveness kicked in.
Azrael reached out a comforting hand towards him. “You need to let our daughter be happy. Time flew by so fast. I’m sad they grew up so fast but they’re adults now and we need to get over it. Plus, you know we don’t have to worry about Khiara. We already know Cole is her mate.”
Fenrir’s brows furrowed, his gaze distant. “I don’t like him,” he admitted.
Azrael rolls her eyes, “He’s Felix’s son. The son of your best friend and beta. Who could be better for our daughter than him?” Azrael reasoned, her voice a soothing melody in the room.
Fenrir sighed, the weight of his emotions palpable. “He’s older than her,” he pointed out, his concerns lingering in the air.
Azrael raised an eyebrow, challenging his argument. “What did you just say? He’s only three years older and are you forgetting the fact that you’re a lot older than me?”
Fenrir struggled to find a response, realizing the flaw in his reasoning. “That’s different,” he tried to justify, his tone slightly faltering.
Azrael wasn’t waiting to back down. “How the hell is that different? Stop the nonsense. What would we do if we didn’t find out he’s her mate on his eighteenth birthday? And you know how protective he always was of her since she was born.”
Fenrir conceded, finally seeing reason in her words, “You’re right.”
Transitioning to a lighter subject, Azrael shifted the conversation, “Azar’s the one I’m worried about,” she expressed, her thoughts drifting to their other child.
Fenrir mirrored her concerns. “Tell me about it,” he muttered, his gaze clouded with worry.
Azrael took a deep breath, “I just hope his mate is okay and he meets her soon,” Azrael revealed, a hint of anxiety tainting her words.
Fenrir’s mind wandered to the uncertainties surrounding their son. “Do you think it’s possible that she’s dead? Since he can’t feel her anymore?” he pondered, his voice laced with a hint of fear.
Azrael’s face mirrored his uncertainty. “I don’t know what to think. Him feeling her before meeting her is strange,” she admitted, her thoughts echoing his.
Fenrir smiled slightly, “Everything about him is special,” Fenrir murmured, a mix of pride and concern evident in his voice.
Azrael reminded him, “He is our son,” Azrael’s words carried parental love and responsibility.
Fenrir, with a contemplative look in his eyes, remarked, “So true.”
Azrael turned to him, her gaze filled with curiosity. “You’re going to behave today?” she questioned with a hint of amusement in her voice.
Fenrir flashed a mischievous grin. “I will…on one condition.”
Azrael raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?” she inquired, her lips curving into a smile.
Fenrir leaned in closer, his deep voice barely above a whisper. “You give me another baby,” he declared, a twinkle in his eye.
Azrael’s eyes widened in surprise, a burst of laughter escaping her lips. “Oh hell no. What if the third one turns out to be like Azar? Thankfully Khiara wasn’t. We all barely survived his childhood and outburst,” she exclaimed, a playful glint in her eyes.
Fenrir chuckled, the sound rolling like thunder across the peaceful setting. “It really was a nightmare,” he agreed, his voice filled with fond memories. Azrael joined in, their laughter intertwining in the quiet evening. “You remember when he showed us the flame in his hand for the first time?” Azrael reminisced, a nostalgic smile on her face.
Fenrir nodded, his expression a mix of awe and amusement. “How could I ever forget that? We all wanted to faint.”
Azrael shook her head, “But he had us, and we taught him well,” she said with pride.
Fenrir’s gaze softened as he looked at Azrael. “With you as his mother,” he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Azrael smiled, “And you as his father,” Azrael added, her gaze meeting his.
A brief silence enveloped them, the memories of their children weaving a tapestry of emotions between them. Finally, Fenrir broke the stillness, a playful glint in his eyes. “I guess we should try our luck with baby number three. What do you say?”
Azrael’s eyes sparkled with affection as she leaned in to meet his gaze. “How could I say no to my alpha?” she whispered, her words filled with love.
And with that, they shared a tender kiss, sealing their unbreakable bond. “You’re so gorgeous today, puppy,” Fenrir complimented, his voice filled with adoration.
Azrael let out a soft chuckle. “Today?” she teased, her eyes dancing with mirth.
Fenrir laughed heartily. “Yes. Just like every single day for the past twenty-two years,” he declared, his love for her evident in every word.
Just then, Khiara appeared at the doorway, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Ewww! Mom! Daddy!” Khiara exclaimed, her youthful voice filled with playful teasing.
Fenrir glanced at Khiara, “What is it, princess?” he inquired, observing her delicate features shining with anticipation.
Khiara announced with a sparkle in her eyes, twirling in front of the mirror, “I picked the dress. I’ll look perfect for Cole.”
Azrael raised an eyebrow teasingly. “And that’s why you started yelling like crazy?”
Khiara giggled, her laughter echoing through the halls. “Why not? It’s my day today.”
The banter continued as Azrael and Fenrir exchanged amused glances. Azrael, always the voice of reason, teased, “Forget about the third child. Those two are too much already.”
Fenrir chuckled, a glint of pride in his eyes. “She has your temper and habit to scream and yell.”
Azrael countered, “Excuse me? You’re the one who yells all the time. Plus, look at her. She’s the splitting image of you. So technically it’s your fault.” Fenrir let out a hearty laugh. “They both are. I told you my genes are more dominant. I’m always dominant.”
Azrael playfully nudged him. “You could never overpower me.”
Fenrir raised an eyebrow mischievously. “You are forgetting about bedroom time.”
Azrael rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “That’s only because I let you.”
Khiara, amused by her parents’ banter, interjected, “I’m still here.”
Just then, Azar’s voice rang out, drawing all attention to the entrance where Azar stood, “I heard one princess has her birthday today.”
Khiara’s face lit up as she rushed to embrace her brother. “Az, you came.”
Azar smiled, “Of course I came,” Azar replied, returning the hug warmly.
Khiara couldn’t help but chuckle, “I missed you like crazy, big bro. I haven’t seen you in two months,” Khiara confessed, her eyes shimmering with joy.
Azar’s tone softened as he embraced his sister. “Let’s not talk about that right now. I’m just happy to see you, and you’re here. That’s most important.” Khiara’s gaze turned to admiration as she looked at Azar. “You look stunning, little sis.”
Khiara’s expression softened, “I’m dying to meet my mate.”
Azar, always the protective older brother, reminded her, “But we already know that Cole is your mate. You see him every day.”
Khiara’s eyes gleamed with hope. “Yes, but this is different. We can finally be together.”
Azar’s protective instincts surfaced as he remarked, “He better be nice and treat you like a queen, or we’re going to have a problem.”
Khiara laughed, “We’ve all known each other since the day we were born. We grew up together, and he’s been your friend your whole life. You know he’s a sweetheart.”
Azar’s expression softened, realizing Khiara’s point. “Still, you’re my baby sister. One wrong move and he’s out.”
With a twirl, Khiara announced, “I’m going to go touch up my makeup. I’ll see you in a few.”
As Khiara left to freshen up, Azar turned his attention to his parents. “Mom? Dad?”
Azrael rushed to hug her beloved son. “My baby boy.”
Azar chuckled, playfully protesting, “I’m not a baby anymore, mom.”
Azrael’s voice held a touch of sentimentality. “Shush. I don’t wanna hear another word. You’ll always be my baby. Didn’t you miss your mother?”
Azar hugged Azrael tight, feeling a wave of warmth envelop him. “I do. You know how much I love you but I needed to go, and you know why.”
Azrael’s smile widened, “How have you been doing? You look handsome and taller than the last time,” Azrael observed, a proud glint in her eyes. Azar shared, “I’m good. I’ve been training a lot,” a sense of purpose shining through his words.
Azrael affirmed, pride evident in her tone, “I can tell.”
Fenrir interjected, “Of course, you’re handsome when you look exactly like me.”
Azar greeted his father with a nod. “Hey, dad.”
Azrael’s gaze softened as she inquired, “Are you going to stay with us a bit longer this time?”
Azar hesitated for a moment before replying, “I don’t know.”
Fenrir shook his head, “We’re not pressuring you. The most important thing is that you’re okay,” Fenrir assured his son, his gaze filled with unwavering support.
Azar smiled, “Thanks, dad,” Azar responded, feeling the weight of love and understanding in his family’s presence.
Azrael smiled gaily, “At least you have Thorne by your side. Jesse and Sammy raised him well.”
Azar’s expression relaxed, comforted by the thought of his companion. “He’s helping me, and the fact that he hasn’t found his mate yet calms me down.”
Fenrir, always intrigued by strength and resilience, prompted, “Tell us about your training.”
