My Hidden Mate

{Years ago}

"Diana, listen to me," my dad said, lying on the ground with his legs deeply injured. I shook my head in denial, realizing he was slipping away. The fear that death might take him, just as it had taken my mom, clenched my heart like a vise.

"No, Dad," I cried, leaning close to him, gripping his hand tightly. "Please, don't leave me."

"Momma, no! I'll hate myself if you leave me!" Layla, my stepsister cried, her slender figure trembling as she stood next to her mother. Her mother was limping, panting furiously, her injured leg barely supporting her weight.

"Diana, you must be strong," my dad muttered, groaning in pain. He looked down at his legs, attempting to move them, but the effort only made him cry out louder. Sweat dripped from his forehead and soaked his body, the metallic smell of blood stinging my nose. "Take Layla and run as fast as you can. Leave this pack and go far away."

"No... no, Dad. I won't leave you here!" I sobbed, shaking my head in refusal. The sound of crushing leaves filled the air, accompanied by deep growls and violent thrashing. The chaos of war surrounded us, a brutal battle caused by the disagreement of several combined packs.

My father was the Alpha of our pack and also the strongest but even his strength couldn't stand up to hundreds of angry wolves on the verge of tearing themselves apart.

"Diana, listen to me!" my dad growled, his voice sharp with authority, though weakened by pain. His glowing red eyes locked onto mine. "You'll do as I say. Take Layla and run. Now!"

The crushing of the leave continue heading our way faster, they were coming. "Dad, please." I begged, my voice breaking. Before I could resist further, I felt Layla's hand grasp mine. She started pulling me away, her grip firm despite her trembling.

"I'll always be with you, Diana. Take care of your sister," he shouted. Before the wolves finally emerged, Layla's mother stepped forward, shielding us. She turned back briefly, her gaze filled with sympathy and pain, before launching herself into the fight.

"Let me go, Layla!" I struggled against her hold, desperately reaching out towards my dad. Over her shoulder, I caught a fleeting, heartbreaking glimpse of him, and saw the aftermath of everything. My dad was gone, and I'll never see him again.

I collapsed to the ground as Layla finally let go of me. Tears streamed down my face blurring my vision as I cried. Layla dropped to the ground beside me, but she didn't cry. She just sat there, staring blankly into the distance, her silence heavier than words.

The crushing weight of the realization settled over me, as I held my chest at the pain. My dad was gone, and I'll never see him again, I screamed and cried, pounding the ground with my fist. My teeth clenched in anger and anguish.

From that day onward, everything changed. Layla and I became lone wolves, abandoning the remnants of our pack. Together, we sought refuge on the eastern side of Norway, carrying the heavy burden of our past with us.

-

I adjusted the straps of the emerald bodycon dress, tugging it down in vain, hoping it would reach my knees. It refused to budge, settling stubbornly in the same spot.

"Shit," I muttered, fidgeting with the dress one last time before giving up. My reflection in the mirror earlier haunted me, Layla, my stepsister, had pulled the dress from her closet and insisted it was the best choice for me. The way it clung to my hips, accentuating my curves and cleavage, had made me want to rip it off the moment I slipped it on. But I didn't want to upset Layla by refusing or enduring the ordeal of trying on her other dresses.

After all, this was her favorite dress. The idea of attending a party had been hers too. The fact that I'd agreed to tag along still felt surreal. Layla, meanwhile, seemed entirely at ease, typing furiously on her phone, likely chatting with her mate. She looked excited, and why wouldn't she? Parties were her thing.

I sighed, glancing at her, silently willing her to notice me and say I could stay home or, at the very least, wear the baggy clothes I'd originally planned on. But she was too absorbed in her phone to pay attention. I could have refused outright, but I didn't want to hurt her feelings or make it seem like I didn't appreciate her efforts to celebrate my success.

Landing a job at one of the biggest companies in the Moonlight Pack was a big deal, an achievement worth celebrating after days of waiting and hoping for good news.

I tucked a loose strand of raven-black hair behind my ear as we approached the car parked a few steps from the house. Layla's mate, Mark, leaned casually against it, flashing his usual charming smile as we neared.

"Hey, babe," he greeted Layla softly. They both wrapped each other in hugs and kisses briefly. Mark's gaze shifted to me and he smirked. "You look good, Diana."

"Thanks," I replied with a polite smile that quickly faded when his attention turned back to Layla.

Mark was tall, broad-shouldered, and undeniably handsome, the perfect mate for Layla. She was curvier than me, and together, they looked like a picture-perfect couple. Meanwhile, I was still mate-less, even though I'd turned eighteen last year. Not that I cared much, I'd been too focused on finding a job to worry about anything else.

Minutes later, we arrived at Tonia's house, a sprawling, luxurious building alive with music and laughter. A few people stood outside, sipping drinks and chatting. Tonia is the Beta's daughter and Layla best friends, she had a connection to the Alpha of the Moonlight Pack, which afforded her a lavish lifestyle. According to Layla, they'd met at a club.

"The party's already started!" Layla exclaimed, linking arms with Mark as they headed toward the entrance. I followed close behind, feeling out of place but trying not to show it.

Inside, the living room was packed with strangers. Smoke hung in the air, and Drake's music boomed from the speakers, vibrating through the walls. Layla and Mark disappeared to grab drinks, leaving me standing awkwardly by myself, trying to adjust to the chaotic vibe. For a fleeting moment, I thought about finding my mate, but I brushed the idea aside.

"Hey, sis," Layla called out, walking up to me with a half-filled red cup. "Want some?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. I don't want alcohol."

"Come on," she coaxed, her grin playful. "Relax for once. Tonight's about celebrating you."

Reluctantly, I took the cup from her. Layla beamed triumphantly. "See? That wasn't so hard. Just don't make it obvious we're lone wolves. Blend in, sweetheart."

Before I could respond, Tonia appeared, dazzling in a red sequined dress. She hugged Layla before turning to me.

"Let me guess, Diana?" she asked, glancing at Layla for confirmation.

"You got it right," Layla said with a laugh. "This is my sister, the one I told you about. And guess what? She just got a job at Warren's company."

Tonia's smile widened as she shook my hand. "That's amazing. Congratulations."

"Thanks," I smiled as she let go of my hand. Someone called her name from across the room. She excused herself gracefully, leaving Layla to gush, "Isn't she nice?"

"She's not bad," I said simply, looking at the content in my cup. Layla gasped which made me look up and saw her glaring at her Mark's direction as he chatted with a girl in the corner, without a word she hurried towards his direction. Layla was protective of her mate so I wasn't surprised by her reaction.

Left alone, I slipped outside, finding a quiet spot to sit. The cool night air was a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere inside. I sipped the drink in my hand, gazing up at the stars.

"Diana, what are you doing out here all alone?" Layla's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "I was looking for you and I thought you've gone home."

"I just needed some fresh air," I replied, finishing the last sip from my cup.

She sat down beside me, placing a half-filled bottle of liquor between us. "I get it, it's your first party. But we're here to celebrate you, and we can't do that sitting outside. Besides, there are some good-looking dudes in there. You never know; one of them might be your mate."