THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER FIVE

"So, Elias," Isolde began with a sly smile, "tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from?" After the somewhat awkward introductions of the four of them.

Elias cleared his throat, clearly nervous but determined to make a good impression. "Well, I'm originally from a small and relatively unknown pack. It's just my family. But my mother's extended family, like Lyla here, are from this pack. I used to live here until I was old enough to reunite with my family and then I studied to become a vet. Recently, I decided to come back and open a vet clinic." Elias explained, trying to navigate what he should and shouldn't say.

After a bit of small talk, trying to get to know each other without delving too deeply, Lyla, who decided to sit and ditch Isolde's request about the books, grew increasingly impatient, mindful of her work obligations.

"Okay, until when do we pretend not to see the elephant in the room? Both of you are mates, right? So what now?" Lyla asked bluntly. Her straightforwardness momentarily rendered Luna and Isolde speechless.

"What? I mean, you wanted to meet her to make sure, right? Now that both of you are sure the mate connection is real, what will you do?" Lyla continued, unfazed by Elias's disapproving look.

Sensing the discomfort, Isolde jumped in. "What will they do? Even if they are mates, they still have their jobs to do. Elias will be at his vet clinic, and Luna needs to train for her Rite which is coming up."

"The Rite? Did you mean the Ascension Rite? But you just broke up with Alpha Rafe, so..." Lyla trailed off, looking at Luna and Elias with a sudden realization of the significance of the rite, and of course she knew about Luna and Rafe's relationship. She was a proud researcher, after all; she needed to know all the information that happened in the pack, including gossip and rumors.

Elias looked confused. "What's the Ascension Rite?"

Lyla sighed, realizing she needed to explain, knowing her cousin wasn't well-versed in the workings of the werewolf world, especially in larger packs. "The Ascension Rite is a trial every werewolf must undergo to prove their strength and readiness for leadership. It's a dangerous and grueling test that Luna must undertake to become the leader of this pack. Partners are required to accompany the candidate not only to show their support and commitment but also to prove their strength as powerful as the leader candidate's. It's absolutely not something you can take lightly."

"I'll go," Elias said confidently.

"No!" both Luna and Lyla exclaimed simultaneously. Luna's protective instincts couldn't bear the thought of bringing this gentle and kind beta male to face Rafe, let alone into the perilous Ascension Rite.

"Where in my words did you get the idea that you can go, Eli? You absolutely can't," Lyla said, frustrated. She had already emphasized that it's not something he can take lightly, but Elias didn't even need a second to say he'll go.

Isolde attempted to reassure them. "It's a tough trial, but it's also a way to demonstrate your dedication and strength. I'm sure Elias will do fine."

Luna, her protective instincts heightened, added firmly, "No Isy, Lyla's right. The Ascension Rite is too dangerous. It's not something every werewolf can face. It requires a level of strength and resilience... that only an alpha possesses."

Luna felt a twinge of guilt for invoking her alpha status to dissuade Elias from joining her, but she knew it was necessary. It was the first time Elias regretted being a beta, realizing that he might not possess the strength to support his mate during such a critical trial.

Isolde somehow felt guilty because she's the one who bring up about the rite. Now, their silent is unavoidable, everyone is in their own mind.

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