Chapter 1

Fated To Love You Book 1:

I've been waiting for this night for as long as I can remember. Tonight, the packs will finally know about Kurt and I.

"Aly, we have to leave soon. Kurt said he'll pick you up at eight." Ryan, my older brother repeats in exasperation.

I'm too busy attacking my auburn locks with a flat iron, wondering if my navy dress is formal enough for this evening. I wouldn't want Kurt to think I'm underdressed, especially since he's deciding to make such an important announcement at such a prestigious event.

It's the annual Moonlight Gala, the one night where all twelve werewolf packs in the country are reunited. Whether we like it or not, all of us must get along and the Moonlight Gala is an attempt to encourage social relations between each pack. Only high ranking pack members are allowed to attend, which is why this is such a big deal for me.

Kurt and I are not mates. We've been dating for over a year and we couldn't be happier.

Despite his position as Alpha, Kurt has the same beliefs as me - mates are a myth, they don't exist. By taking me as his 'plus one' to the Moonlight Gala, he's making a statement. I'm the girl he wants to be with and no supposed soulmate can change that. I am his soulmate.

"I think you're making a big mistake, Aly." Reese, my other brother chips in.

I continue to feign ignorance, pausing to glance briefly at my twin brothers who are both staring back in concern, their identical faces showing disapproval. As senior pack fighters, Ryan and Reese are on good terms with Kurt. However, they can't stop him from seeing me. I know they're starting to dislike Kurt due to his audacity by dating me so openly.

"This is my life, guys. My choice. My decision." I hate being so stuck up with my brothers. The three of us are inseparable and any spats between us are usually light hearted.

"Aly, one day ... Kurt will find his mate. He's an Alpha. Do you really think he'll ditch the future Luna of this pack for a teenage romance?" Ryan refuses to give up, his tanned features turning red.

I slam the flat irons down on the dresser, refusing to take the bait. They'll never understand what Kurt and I share. No-one will. I walk past their towering frames, slipping on my black stilettos.

"If it were up to us, we'd put a stop to this. Dad would put a stop to this." Reese adds, scratching his shaven chin.

That's when I cave in, huffing indignantly.

"Well he can't. None of you can!" I snap, losing what little composure I have.

Ryan and Reese blink in surprise, slightly hurt by my temperamental reaction. I'm never like this, I'm usually so calm, this whole situation has been throwing me off for the past few months. Instantly, I regret losing temper. They're only looking out for me.

"Dad is Kurt's Beta." I whisper calmly, smoothing my hair down. "Therefore he can't question Kurt's actions. He can't stop us from being together, so he'll just have to deal with it."

We're interrupted by a brisk knock on my bedroom door. My father pokes his head around the corner, the signature frown present on his broad face.

"Alanna, Kurt is here. Don't keep the Alpha waiting." His disapproving eyes scan my appearance, frown growing harsher.

"I'm ready." I nod, reaching for my clutch purse.

There's nothing else left to say and to avoid another argument, it's easier to leave without another word. Dad steps aside, ready to let me pass.

"Think about what you're doing, Alanna." He states, grabbing my elbow firmly. "This will end badly and you'll be the one with the tainted reputation."

Don't overreact. He's just doing his part as the concerned parent. We should listen to him.

I ignore my wolf, tuning out her protests. She's waiting for our 'mate' and according to her, Kurt is a waste of time. Even his Alpha status isn't attractive to her and wolves love power and dominance.

"I'll see you guys at the Gala." I mutter tersely, prising my arm out of Dad's grip without looking back.

He reluctantly lets me go with a deep sigh. I leave my family standing in my bedroom in awkward silence as I hurry down the stairs to meet Kurt in the manicured driveway.

He's sat in his sleek sports car, nodding his head to the thumping rap music as he checks his appearance for the hundredth time, spiking up his short, corn blonde hair.

He senses my presence as soon as I close the front door, leaning out of the window with a lazy grin. As I approach the car, he flashes his all-American smile in my direction with a wink of his cerulean eyes.

"Hey babe, you look hot." He calls, as I walk around the car and open the door, slipping inside.

You know what else they call a babe? A pig. So technically, he compared us to a pig.

I hush my wolf silently, wishing she'd give up with the snide comments already. Yes, I know she hates Kurt but he's our Alpha and she has to respect him.

He didn't even bother getting out of the car to open your door.

"You ready, Aly?" Kurt asks lightly, squeezing my knee in affection. He starts the car, reversing out of the driveway and speeding off down the road, ready to make the fifteen minute journey to the manor where the Gala will be held.

"Of course, babe. I'm so glad we're going together." I emphasise the word, trying to annoy my wolf. She responds with a growl, showing her distaste regarding my choice of words.

"Good, I can't wait to show you off to the other Alphas." Kurt waggles his eyebrows playfully, making me giggle. Of course, I don't cackle like I usually do. Instead, I use my girly, reserved tone because I know he hates my real laugh.

Oink oink. Stop acting like a Barbie doll. I love your laugh.

"How come we're leaving without the rest of the pack?" I inquire, wondering why Kurt insisted on picking me up so early. The Gala doesn't start till late.

"As Alpha, I have to turn up a little early. The Gala's being held on our turf this year, so I need to greet all the other packs personally." He grumbles, rolling his eyes as he steps on the accelerator, zooming down the dark country road.

He's not our Alpha. He never will be. He's just a pretender.

Stop making this so difficult! Why can't you just agree with me for once?

I'm just stating what everybody else thinks. This fool will never be the great Alpha his father was.

Michael is gone. Kurt's taken over and he's doing a decent job despite being so young, while having to deal with his father's death. Now stop it.

"I was thinking, we should go away for a while. A vacation." Kurt unknowingly disrupts the mental argument I'm having with my wolf.

"I'd love that." My smile fades instantly. "But I don't think Dad would approve."

"Mike can't object." Kurt insists arrogantly, raising an eyebrow in superiority. "As my Beta, he has to listen to everything I say."

Asshole.

----

"I can't keep my hands off you." Kurt whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my skin.

"Well you'll have to. We've got a sea of werewolves watching our every move and my Dad's pacing the halls like a madman every time he looks at us." I murmur back, placing a hand over his larger one.

He tightens his grip on my waist, grabbing a delicate flute of champagne from a waiter. I study my shoes nervously, wondering if I've done the right thing by showing up here.

Every werewolf regarded me with a shocked expression as I stood by Kurt's side, letting him welcome each pair to the event. There are thousands of people present, all hailing from every corner of the country.

Alanna, this is a big mistake. You're ruining your reputation. These people think you're a side chick.

I'm silent, beginning to agree with my wolf for once.

So far, eleven out of the twelve packs have show up. In the process, each Alpha and Luna of their respective packs have silently judged me like I'm some sort of escort. I'm such an idiot, thinking I can parade around here like I'm attached to Kurt's hip. Everyone will disapprove and unsurprisingly, they all do.

Chapter 2

Maybe I should leave, I don't think I can take the glares and whispering any longer. Kurt won't be happy but this is a minefield that I'd rather dodge before the damage becomes irreparable.

"Where's the Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack?" I recall the name of the remaining pack who are yet to arrive, looking up at Kurt's face. He pulls a face, snorting derisively.

"You mean that asshole, Dante Pelosi? He never turns up, sends his Betas along instead. Must be intimidated by me." Kurt announces loudly, catching the attention of a few people.

"I don't think I've ever met him." I mumble to myself, studiously ignoring the group of girls shaking their heads and pointing in my direction as lean in and gossip.

The tinkering chimes of broken glass makes me jump, as I look around for the source of the noise. Kurt's deep exhale of breath grabs my attention as I peer up at him, taken aback by the dumbstruck look on his face.

It's him who is responsible for the noise, his shattered champagne glass at his feet. Kurt's mouth hangs open, his thunderstruck look refusing to let up.

"Kurt?" I call anxiously.

He doesn't reply, blinking repeatedly as he automatically lets go of me, stepping away.

"Kurt?!" I repeat, trying to follow his line of vision. What's gotten him in such a state?

"Mate." He grunts, his cerulean eyes shimmering brightly.

I can feel my heart pounding, as if fissures are already starting to emerge with each palpitation. This can't be happening. This was meant to be our chance to declare our love. How can this be happening to me? Kurt loves me, he already said he doesn't want his mate.

"Mine." Kurt breathes, moving further away from me and stepping forward.

"Mine." A girlish voice repeats, echoing faintly through the palatial banquet hall.

I gasp uncontrollably, my body shaking as I watch a petite woman step out of the throngs of people, approaching Kurt with a similar, glassy eyed look. They stop in front of each other as if they're long lost lovers, finally reunited.

Aly, we need to leave. Don't put yourself through this.

Kurt pulls the pretty girl towards him, planting a passionate kiss on her lips. She melts into his touch, responding with equal ferocity. They continue to eat each other's faces and I'm frozen to the spot, unable to look away as I watch the love of my life kiss another woman.

Tears are running silently down my face as I shudder from the silent sobs emitting from my body. I'm aware that every pair of eyes are trained on me, watching my reaction to this public embarrassment I'm facing. Whispers fill the hall, growing louder and louder until the room is positively buzzing.

"Aly, come on. We're leaving." Ryan's angry voice whispers.

My brothers appear out of nowhere, each of them flanking my side protectively. I still can't move, unable to tear my eyes away from Kurt while he continues to kiss his newly found mate. I think I'm going to be sick, bile and humiliation rising in my throat.

Reese and Ryan pull me way from the heartbreaking scene, forcing my attention to the crowd of stunned onlookers.

"What are you looking at?!" Reese spits at some stranger, causing some of the chatter to fade.

I'm quickly escorted out of the building, Ryan pausing to lift me into his arms as I stagger dangerously on my heels. My sobs grow louder and my wolf is solemnly silent, letting me grieve. I bury my face into Ryan's shoulder, sniffling. They were right, everyone was right.

"Let's go home." Reese mutters, a faint jangle of car keys accompanying his rapid footsteps.

Somehow, we make it to the busy parking lot, ignoring the curious valets. I look over Ryan's shoulder, glancing back at the retreating lights of the impressive manor. Somewhere inside, Kurt is fawning over his mate while I'm left to pick up the pieces. The very thought is enough to set me off again.

"Come on Aly, he's not worth it." Ryan whispers sadly, hugging me tighter.

We make it to the Reese's monster truck and Ryan flings the door open settling me in the back seat and following suit. Reese jumps into the front, starting up his beloved truck with its familiar roars.

I'm leaning against Ryan, letting my brother pat my back in comfort. He says nothing more, a pained expression marring his face. I know Reese must look the same, although I can't see him. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, back stiff with anger.

"Alanna?" Dad's muffled voice calls in concern.

Wiping my nose, I look out of the large window to find Dad approaching the truck, accompanied by a tall figure. The sidelights of the truck illuminate their profiles and I find my father looking unsettled and flustered for first time ever.

"He found his mate!" Reese roars in disgust, thrusting a thumb back in the direction of the manor, for Dad's benefit.

Dad closes his eyes in expectance, nodding as if he was waiting for this to happen.

"Take your sister home. I'll be back soon."

Without another word, he looks back at the anonymous figure still shrouded in darkness behind him.

It can't be ...

My wolf is restless, yipping in excitement and making a fuss. It's wreaking havoc on my emotions, my wolf seemingly giddy with elation while I try to deal with my fresh heartbreak.

The mysterious figure steps forward, finally revealing themselves.

My soft sobs are halted immediately, mouth going dry. My eyes widen in shock as a delicious feeling of warmth invades my body, stretching from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes.

Staring back at me stands a breathtakingly gorgeous man, golden eyes gleaming wickedly in the artificial light. His strong, ethereal features are marred with shock as he's rooted to the spot, his tousled dark brown hair ruffling gently in the breeze.

I gasp at the funny sensations taking over me and I feel like jumping out of the truck and throwing myself at him. His broad, imposing body is tense, unmoving as he portrays every emotion I'm feeling.

Reese begins to move the car, cruising slowly past this delectable man. I lock eyes with him properly, every ounce of air being knocked out of me.

"Mine." I hear a deep, sensual voice float towards me.

Reese floors it, forcing the large truck forward and leaving the elusive man behind.

"Wait--" I protest.

Ryan looks down at me in confusion as I crane my neck back, trying to catch one last glimpse of this gorgeous stranger.

I spot his substantial figure, imposing and immovable. Darkness makes it difficult to see and he fades into distance as Reese continues to zoom away and out of the manor grounds, leaving everything behind.

Mate!

My wolf howls with longing, trying to take over my body and force me to shift, in an attempt to get back to the manor, back to the handsome stranger. I grab the seat in protest, remembering Kurt. The manor is the last place I should be right now.

My conflicted state just makes things worse and I feel physically sick, huddling against Ryan for some sort of solace.

"Alanna. Starving yourself won't change things."

I huddle further underneath the covers, letting the darkness enclose me. I've been keeping a low profile these past few days, sticking to the solace of my bed.

I hear Dad sigh in exasperation, the clinking of cutlery sounding out as he sets down whatever food he has. Just when I think he's given up, my snug covers are cruelly torn away from me.

"Dad!" I mumble, curling up into a ball. "I'm not hungry. Please, just give me my covers back."

I open an eye reluctantly, watching my Dad tower over my bed with a disapproving look. He says nothing, launching the bed covers out of the open window.

"Leave me alone!" I yell, burying my face into the pillows.

"No." He replies firmly.

I feel the bed sink down a couple of inches, Dad deciding to take a seat near me. Clearing his throat awkwardly, I know I'm in for an uncomfortable talk.

"If this is the part where you say 'I told you so', then save it. I feel like such an idiot." I whisper hoarsely.

"I'm not here to rub it in, Alanna. I'm worried about you. So are your brothers. The-- the Gala ended last week and you've been hiding in your room ever since."

"What else can I do? I'm the laughing stock of the whole pack, Dad. I lost both my dignity and my boyfriend in a matter of moments." My voice trembles dangerously and the warning of tears already has my Dad fidgeting.

Chapter 3

"Are you more upset about Kurt finding his mate or your reputation amongst the pack?" My father, ever the professional. Not a hint of emotion in his tone.

"Both?" I snort tearfully, getting up to face him.

Dad says nothing, nodding to himself. After a few seconds, he reaches for the breakfast tray and places it on my lap. Setting a spoon in the palm of my hand, he gestures for me to eat.

"Dad, I'm really not hungry." I whisper.

"Just a few bites, Alanna. For me?" His rare plea catches me off guard and I try my hand at a few mouthfuls.

Cracking a small smile, Dad watches me force down some food. It's eerily comforting, sitting here with him after so long. We barely spend more than a few moments together nowadays.

"Where are the boys?" I ask, the sudden urge to see my brothers taking over. Dad's smile vanishes instantly.

"Alpha Kurt and his mate have moved in together. Her name is Claire. Her initiation ceremony into the pack is happening tonight. She will be announced as our Luna later tonight."

I drop the spoon heavily, gasping in disbelief. Tears begin to form in my eyes and I blink them back angrily.

"So soon?! It's only been a few days!"

"Kurt wants her in the pack immediately. The boys have been issued orders to help with the function tonight." A look of anger flashes across his face. "You were also ordered to attend...but I stepped in and put my foot down."

The nerve! I told you he was a jerk!

"Despite everything, he still thinks I'll attend?!" I exclaim, breathing heavily. "Not once has he called or even contacted me to-- to draw a line under things! He's just tossed me aside like I meant nothing!"

Dad nods, rubbing his face tiredly. Lines are starting to appear too frequently across his broad face and I wonder just how many worries he has placed on his shoulders.

"Kurt has stated that he owes you nothing. What happened between you guys was a mere fling. You knew from the start that his loyalties would lie somewhere else. This was your choice from the beginning. You coerced him."

"So he's trying to save his own skin now? Trying to prove to his mate that he was loyal from the start?" I scoff, wiping away my angry tears.

Dad pats my shoulder tersely, back rigid with anger.

"As Beta, Kurt seems to think my allegiances to him are prioritised over my daughter."

"I refuse to go, Dad! I'd rather throw myself off a cliff, then be seen--"

"I know, I know. And I'd never let you go there...not by yourself, anyway."

Tears fall silently and I huff intermittently, feeling like a fool. Kurt has well and truly played me.

"Alanna, do you remember the night of the Gala? When you were leaving with your brothers?"

My stomach jolts and I nod. I remember feeling uneasy and my wolf was yipping with excitement, which I couldn't pinpoint.

"Yeah...I remember seeing you with-- someone else." I pace myself, feeling butterflies for no reason.

"That's right, Dante Pelosi. The Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack."

Mate!

I flinch in recognition, an eerie feeling of hope filling me. Conflicting with the sense of rejection, it's too much. How can my wolf be so happy when I feel like complete crap right now?

"That was-- the Alpha?" I whisper.

"Your mate." Dad states, getting to his feet abruptly.

"What--" I huff, pushing the breakfast tray aside.

"You heard me, Alanna. I saw the look in your eyes when you saw him from the truck. Your eyes were glowing...and so were his. That only happens when you first set eyes on your mate."

Dad towers over the bed once more, arms crossed over his chest as me watches me with a knowing smile.

"That's impossible!" I insist, avoiding eye contact.

"No it isn't. And you're blushing."

"Well, we've been invited to his house. He wants to meet you face to face."

I gesture to my food stained pyjamas and greasy hair, shaking my head furiously. Dad just shrugs, as if there's no problem.

"You have time to make yourself look presentable. This is your chance, Alanna. To avoid Kurt and his mate."

"But Dad--" I insist, yet I'm cut short.

"No excuses, Alanna. Be ready by seven. Presentable or not, you are going. It's either this, or the initiation."

With nothing left to say, Dad leaves the room while I stare into space, absolutely bewildered.

"Listen, Aly. Dad's trying to protect you." Reese explains, watching me comb my tousled locks vigorously. "I know Dante. He's a pretty cool guy; one of those modern Alphas who are destined for greatness. Nothing like Kurt."

The mention of his name flips my stomach with disgust. Whatever feelings I had for that loser have been quashed. Atleast, that's what I'm trying to tell my stubborn brain.

"You should wear this coral dress." Ryan adds, poking his head out of my closet and tossing the outfit towards my bed.

"I don't want to." I grumble, folding my arms and ignoring the exasperated looks I'm getting. "Don't look at me like that! I'm not dolling myself up so I can be objectified."

You didn't have a problem when Kurt objectified you...

My wolf and her snide comments are testing my limits. She might think we've found our mate but I beg to differ. Mates don't exist, despite what everyone thinks. What Kurt suffered from was a major infatuation, not a bond.

"Aly! Look, even if this wasn't an important introduction, you would still have to look presentable. Dante is one of the main Alphas and you're the daughter of a Beta. But forget all that; the bottom line is - Dante could potentially be your mate." Reese scolds me with a frown.

"How do you know? How does anyone know? If you don't recall that night, we were all preoccupied. If he were my mate, I'd have felt it. I would have noticed his presence." My voice is laced with heavy sarcasm, my usual stubbornness on the topic of soulmates.

"Okay, I'll accept that." Reese nods reluctantly, his serious face plastered on. "But Dad was with Dante when he first saw you. Remember, you were in the truck so maybe he didn't see enough of you to react. Dad said he had never seen Dante so restless and he only caught wind of your scent."

"Don't forget your reaction." Ryan adds, lounging on my bed. "I saw you freeze up and hesitate. You couldn't resist him."

I stay quiet, knowing I've been defeated. There was definitely some weird chemistry between Dante and I, that's for sure. Soulmates? Definitely not, but it could be something else.

"Someone's blushing..." Reese sings, grinning at me.

"No-- I'm just thinking." I reply defensively, reaching for my makeup to distract me.

"Don't overthink. Go with the flow. Get ready and just give the guy a chance." Ryan talks in short bursts, jumping to his feet.

"Now that you're a little more accepting, we'll leave you to get ready. You have an hour." Reese launches a scrunchie at my face, exiting the room with his super speed before I can yell at him.

Ryan chuckles, pointing at the coral dress one last time and following Reese's footsteps.

I face my mirror with a frown, ditching my sneaky master plan. I had been plotting to look deliberately ugly; frizzy hair, no make up and stained clothes, to put this Dante guy off. Now come to think of it, there's no reason why I have to put a dampener on my appearance. If anything, I should look extra presentable.

"Prove that I still got it." I mutter to myself, the shame of Kurt's rejection getting me worked up.

----

"I can drive there myself. There's no need for a family trip." My frustrated words are ignored, Dad pulling out of the driveway.

Embarrassingly, I'm sat in the passenger seat with the twins in the back, poking fun at me. I've made some effort but nothing like the night of the Gala. Dad gave me his approval, even though I didn't need it.

"I know but we need to be your ward. Dante can't access our pack lands without Kurt knowing, as Alphas must inform each other before entering another's territory. If Kurt realises Dante is here to see you, he'll block it." Dad checks the clock on the dashboard, his obsession with punctuality taking over.

"So Kurt wouldn't approve? It's none of his business." I spit grumpily, folding my arms.

"That's why he won't know." Ryan adds firmly. "Dad, Reese and I have taken the day off our duties. Kurt doesn't care because he's too busy with the initiation. We've said we'd rather be at home to support you and that shut him up."