Royal Secrets & Beastly Desires

2. The Bloodline: Legacy of the Lycan Throne

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As Dakota sat at the forest's edge, sunlight filtering through the leaves, a sense of peace enveloped her. The past few years had been filled with emotional turmoil, healing, and personal growth.

Now, at 20, and with Victoria by her side, she had learned to embrace her wolf and navigate the complexities of pack life. Surrounded by the warmth of belonging and the strength of community, she treasured every moment.

Her friends were beginning to find their mates, some even starting their own journeys of love and commitment.

The joyous memories of bonding ceremonies filled her mind, each one bursting with laughter, dancing, and the profound connection of finding one's soulmate. Yet, as she watched her friends forge those deep, unbreakable bonds, Dakota felt a pang of longing in her chest.

"Why is it taking me so long?" she wondered, running her fingers through her dark hair. She had always been told that the bond between mates was a powerful force, revealing itself when the time was right.

However, as she observed her friends pairing off, the feeling of being left behind began to overshadow her thoughts.

Victoria had frequently reassured Dakota about the uniqueness of each person's journey to finding their mate.

"Some discover their mates early, while others may take longer. Trust the process, Dakota. Your mate will come when the time is right," she would say.

Those words resonated in Dakota's mind now, serving as a gentle reminder that her journey was her own and that each moment of waiting held its own significance.

Determined to remain present, Dakota stood up and stretched, feeling the energy of her wolf awaken within her. Just because she hadn't yet found her mate didn't mean she couldn't enjoy her life to the fullest.

She had supportive friends, a loving mother, and a community that embraced her wholeheartedly. Today, she resolved to celebrate those relationships.

As she walked back to the pack house, the familiar scents of the forest surrounded her, grounding her in the moment.

The sound of laughter reached her ears even before she stepped inside. Her friends were gathered around a fire pit in the backyard, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories.

The warmth and joy of that scene enveloped her, reminding her that this was home—a home built on love, resilience, and cherished connections.

"Hey, Dakota!" her friend Mia called, waving her over. "Join us! We were just talking about the upcoming moon festival. You should definitely participate in the mate ceremony this year!"

Dakota smiled, her spirits lifting at the thought. The moon festival was a cherished tradition in the pack, a time for celebrating bonds and where unmated wolves sought their mates. "Maybe, we will see"

"Dakota, it's time for dinner, sweetie!" Victoria called.

"Coming, Vic!" Dakota replied.

As she walked down the hallway, Dakota sighed, realizing she would miss this place when she left for college.

Entering the spacious kitchen, she sat at the table across from her mom and smiled. "Mmm, steak! My favorite. It smells delicious!" she praised, eyeing her meal.

Victoria laughed. "Well, dig in, honey, before it gets cold," she said, chuckling as Dakota eagerly tore into her semi-raw steak.

"That was amazing!" Dakota exclaimed, licking her lips and leaning back in her chair.