KADE’S POV

“FUXK!Kade！You should be mingling, The Obsidian Howl needs a worthy Luna and we have no time to waste for your fated mate." My grandfather roared at me.

Leaning against the railing of the cruise ship, I drank my wine as I watched the crowd dancing on the deck, reluctant to answer the gruff voice from my grandfather, Easton Nightshade.

He always repeated the same spiel every Hunting Festival—screw finding your mate, network, and marry a daughter from a powerful pack. Oh Goddess, when could he stop this?

"Are you listening to me, Kade? Don't think you can ignore me just because you became an Alpha! I''m still your grandfather!"

I sighed and turned to my dear grandfather. Even though he is now very old, he is still strong. Since the death of my parents, he has taken on the role of alpha again until I came of age. He has always instilled in me that the interests of the wolf pack are more important than anything else, even greater than the bond with a mate. He did just that, he rejected his destined mate, who was said to be an omega. Now, he still asks me to do the same.

I have no objections, but my wolf Jackson refuses to claim anyone but our destined mate. In order to keep Jackson from bothering me, I finally agreed to do so. I agreed to wait for five years, this is the last attempt.

"It's the last time, grandfather. I have promised Jaxon."

“What’s the point?” Grandfather complaint. "You have waited so long and she never shows up. Maybe she doesn’t even exist."

I heard a low growl from Jaxon inside my head. He was unhappy to hear something like that.

But my grandfather didn't notice it at all and continued harshly. “You’re not like any of these other wolves, Kade. You run the most powerful pack in New York and we need a powerful Luna to lead the pack alongside you. Countless prominent packs are in attendance tonight— and you shouldn't miss this chance. It's right tonight. Either you find one yourself or I'll set you up with one!"

After my grandfather finished speaking, he left. I grunted and threw the empty cup into the sea.

I have no opinion on who I should choose as my luna. I may have had certain expectations when I first started looking for a partner, but I waited too long. I believe the moon goddess has given up on me, and I am angry about this. I will accept my grandfather's arrangements for me. However, I am angry that he interferes too much in my life. I took another sip of wine to suppress my inner restlessness. Before the crowd disperses, I should find some entertainment.

The hunting festival is the most anticipated event of the year for werewolves, a sacred tradition full of rituals and revelry. Werewolves gather from all over the world to pay tribute to the moon goddess. Most werewolves believe that this is a sacred celebration aimed at receiving the goddess's blessing and finding their mates, which they believe will greatly enhance their power.

I scoffed at this, my strength is already strong enough, I don't need any help. My grandfather also proved that, even though he didn't find his destined mate, our pack - the Blackwood pack, is still the most powerful pack in the North American wolf packs.

But my grandfather is still worried about the future of our wolf pack. We have many opponents, and we can never let our guard down. That's why he insisted that I choose the daughter of the alpha of a strong wolf pack as my luna.

Suddenly, a sexy blonde woman caught my attention. I promised Jackson not to mark any female wolves other than our mates. But I didn't promise to keep our dicks locked tonight.

"You'll regret this, Cade!" Jackson grumbled discontentedly.

I rolled my eyes as I walked away, focusing on my goal.

She was wearing a golden tight-fitting dress, the poor material of which could not completely cover her plump breasts, and her buttocks were almost exposed. If I wanted to find an uncomplicated one-night stand, she would be a good choice.

When she saw me looking at her, she blinked her eyes, bit her lip, and came over, pressing her full chest against my firm chest. "What are you doing here alone on such a beautiful night?"

She looked at me, her eyes showing a longing for me, which was expected. No she-wolf could resist my temptation. I placed my hand on her waist and pressed her against me. I leaned down and bit her earlobe, saying, "You are here now, so I am not alone."

She burst out laughing immediately, her hand moving down from my strong chest muscles, over my belt, and then down to my dick, saying, "I know a place." The woman muttered.

"Damn it! Her hot palm brushed against my dick, and I could feel my trousers being stretched. I immediately opened my mouth and bit her breast, and I immediately heard her moan. I didn't want to waste time."

'She isn’t our mate!' Jaxon’s voice sounded in my mind the moment the woman touched me.

'So?'

'We should be with our mate! What if she’s around?'

'I'm tired of waiting, Jaxon. What if she doesn't even exist?'

Jaxon bristled. 'You idiot. You'll regret it one day.'

'Then we'll see about it.' I ignored Jaxon's protests as I moved closer to the woman, wrapping an arm around her waist.

As we walked off the deck, a cool breeze blew across the garden, and a sweet scent came to me. It was a hint of wildflowers, unfamiliar but pure. I couldn’t move as it rooted me to the spot.

“Happy?” the woman in my arms crooned, nuzzling my neck. “Let’s go.”

But I could feel nothing but that scent. I turned my head and that's when I found her.

Her lavender dress hugged her curves in all the right places, dipping low enough to expose the toned, tan expanse of her back. Her dark hair was curled into an intricate bun adorned with pearl clips. And even though it was tight with anger, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

She had a stunning radiance about her that outshone everything else around me. My heart had never beat so crazily.

Finally, she turned around—our eyes met, and it was like lightning struck the space between us. Every nerve, every cell in my body was pulled taut, and my wolf was stirring, howling.

"Mate!"