His Mate, Her Fate: Darius and Lila

By Oyizamarvellous

LILA KING is somewhat notorious in her old pack - as a child she led a rebel crew of delinquents who caused havoc in the reserve and fought vampires. She was one of the best fighters in the pack, but following her best friend's death at 18 she left the pack to live with humans.
For her 25th birthday, she finally returns, but only to introduce her werewolf family to a human fiance.
What no one expects, though, is that at the party her family throws... she will encounter her fated mate. He is no other than DARIUS CARTER - the new Alpha of the biggest pack in the region, holding a bad rep for killing the former Alpha to assume his righteous position.
But there is much more to him than just a pretty face and a fabulous six-pack...
Can Lila fight destiny? Does she even want to?

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Oct 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890087829

Book preview

His Mate, Her Fate

Darius and Lila

Werewolf Romance Series Book 1

Oyizamarvellous

BLURB

LILA KING is somewhat notorious in her old pack - as a child she led a rebel crew of delinquents who caused havoc in the reserve and fought vampires. She was one of the best fighters in the pack, but following her best friend's death at 18 she left the pack to live with humans.

For her 25th birthday, she finally returns, but only to introduce her werewolf family to a human fiance.

What no one expects, though, is that at the party her family throws... she will encounter her fated mate. He is no other than DARIUS CARTER - the new Alpha of the biggest pack in the region, holding a bad rep for killing the former Alpha to assume his righteous position.

But there is much more to him than just a pretty face and a fabulous six-pack...

Can Lila fight destiny? Does she even want to?

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Dad, please, I say as politely as I can, nervously twirling a strand of my long jet black hair with one hand, and holding a phone in the other. You don't have to make a big deal out of it.

I will not hear it. It's not every day that my only daughter comes to visit. Plus, I haven't had the chance to celebrate your psychiatry degree.

Psychology, I corrected him without thinking.

That's what I said, he says and makes me chuckle. I love that old man. Even though he is not old at all, mother and he were only 19 years old when they had me.

Plus, he continues, Graham's been showing off his son's fighting skills ever since he became the new third in command, and Jorah's daughter seems to have found a mate. He's the beta of the Carter Pack, so he won't shut up about it. Now I finally have something to brag about myself.

Jorah is our pack's Alpha. His daughter Simone and I have been very good friends growing up, as my father is his Beta. I'm so happy to hear about Simone!

I am happy for her - she's an amazing girl. But she's the firstborn in her family and as such, the heir to our pack. I've always known my wolf could not only eat hers for breakfast, but have it as an appetiser side dish. And so I couldn't force myself to follow her. It was almost insulting - not only was she an average fighter, but also a very bad strategist.

She always wanted somebody in the high ranks, he almost snorted. The Carter Pack is the largest and the strongest wolf pack in the region and beyond. But to be honest, he continues, I doubt they're really mates. To me, they only seem to be strongly in love.

Hearing my father talk about mates always saddens me. My mother, his mate, died giving birth to my stillborn sibling. My youngest brother, Jamie, was only 2 years old at the time. Having mates is very rare in packs, and my dad could never remarry after losing her, as he suffered too much.

I try to change the topic lightly. It was about time, though, for Graham to get replaced. And who better than his own son to take his position? He must be bursting with pride.

He is, indeed. But the kid's got big shoes to fill in. I swear his old man is one of the three best fighters in the pack, even in his 50s.

I laugh. After you and Jorah, I assume.

Of course, Lily, he says with no humor whatsoever. You never took pack titles seriously, he murmurs disapprovingly, but each title is earned with blood, sweat and tears!

And inheritance, I try not to sound bitter - it's only the truth. I know the highest ranking members get the best training, but sometimes it's still not enough.

Exactly, he says with a painful voice. And you turned your back on being the number two.

I sigh on the topic he opens almost every time I call.

My father has been a Beta of Emerson Pack for as long as I can remember. As Mom died when I was only 7, I often replaced her position for my three younger brothers: Jamie, and twins Jason and Jacob.

I moved out of my parent's home when I turned 18, though. Luckily, I seemed to have no mate and, with Jamie having turned 13, I finally had the chance to leave the pack and live life freely. This usually isn't done, and my father was strongly against it, but no one could ever force me to quit on something I made my mind up about. Father often says this trait would never make me a good pack member, anyway. So I went to study psychology and got a degree, made great human friends, opened my own practice, and found myself a fiancé. A human fiancé.

For my 25th birthday, I decided to go back home and introduce him to my father as the man I am going to marry. I know he will disapprove. He is a Pack-kind-of-a-guy.

But I want what I want. I will bring him to meet my family and we will get my father's blessing. I told you I'm not like you. I can't pretend to be something I'm not.

He almost chuckles. I don't pretend. Jorah is better than me. And let me tell you... You'd be surprised to see how Simone has improved.

I inhale deeply, ready to leave the wolf inheritance topic behind us.

Alright, paps. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I've got some good news to share with you all.

Oh, man, this sure sounds like a boy related news to me, he clicks with his tongue. Dad, seriously? I'm 25.

You'll always be a little girl to me, Lily. Always.

I smile wholeheartedly. Dad's the only one who still calls me Lily. I think it must be because my Mom's name was Lila and he still cannot mention her name without breaking. Even after all these years.

Love you, paps, I press a pendant around my neck holding my mother's photograph. I got it from my Dad right after my Mother died. When I was a kid, he'd always say never to take it off as it would protect me from vampires. Can't believe I bought that nonsense back then...

Love you too, Lily. And Lily, he clears his throat, don't go near the woods... remember? I can't help but to roll my eyes. I'm not a little girl anymore, dad.

I feel his tension build up. Just promise me, ok?

Brooding, I open the pendant and a beautiful woman with the widest smile looks back at me. I... I promise, dad.

Chapter 2

As we parked in my family's driveway, I noticed Ian fidgeting with distress.

Babe, is everything okay? I caressed his thigh.

Just a tad nervous, he admits. He knows everything about my family, so it seems only fitting for him to be anxious. Well, not everything, but the most outrageous thing - that we can shift into wolves.

Just don't let them see you're blond, that really triggers their werewolf gene.

He looks at me both shocked and confused. What? How can I not show my hair? You should've told me earlier to bring a hat or - he stops when he notices me smiling.

We both burst into laughter.

You... he messes with my nose, shaking his head. Ian is a really great guy. We met at college and started dating in our second year. We've been inseparable ever since. He's so easygoing and uncomplicated. I always know where I stand with him. We're each other's support system and best friends. I am so lucky to have married my best friend.

I lay a gentle kiss against his lips and we left our Prius.

As soon as we approach the porch, the door opens and three crazy boys run into me, hugging, tugging, and lifting me! Of course, they're my brothers.

Hey! I shouted, laughing. Showing off, huh? Don't let me shift, you know I can eat all three of you for breakfast!

Oh, yeah? Jamie says, amused, tickling me and trying to tackle me.

That's when Dad comes out of the house. Chill out you wannabe beasts, he shrugs them off with love in his words, and they back off immediately, still laughing.

What a pleasant welcome! I said honestly, walking towards my father. I hadn't realized how badly I'd missed you guys until now. Dad met me half-way and we shared a strong, loving hug.

Even though he says nothing, I can feel his eyes piercing through Ian.

Dad, I'd like you to meet Ian, I said as we parted and I motioned for him to approach.

Good morning, Ian held his hand out. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.

My dad shakes hands with him, openly checking him out. I bet he is confused with his gelled hair and perfectly groomed suit styling.

The werewolf men and women are all dark haired and tan. Most of them have dark eyes, deep brown, and some have green in them, like me. But none of them look like Ian - light tanned with blue eyes and golden hair.

Where did you find this lady? he finally speaks.

Dad! I shouted, shocked at his words. My brothers are dying out of laughter, on the other hand.

Oh, chill out, Lily. I'm only messing with you. Come on in!

I'm so sorry, I mouthed to Ian as our dad gestured us into the house.

* * *

We spent the entire day talking, laughing, and eating. My brothers seem to like Ian a lot. They think he's great fun. I do, too.

My dad, on the other hand, barely spoke a few words to him. I will pin it on him missing me very much, so he is paying me his full attention. Even though deep down I knew he was hoping I would find somebody else. From the pack, preferably.

I suddenly feel like it's time to announce my engagement.

Dad, there's something I want to tell you, I began cautiously, and looked at Ian.

I now have the attention of my brothers as well.

Ian and I... I nodded, we're getting married.

My dad drops his fork and they all stare at me. Ian took my hand into his and smiled. We would very much like to have your blessing.

My dad is still staring at me, and I notice his eyes are welling up. I can't tell the reason behind it, though, but my psychology skills tell me it isn't pure happiness.

Well, he looks at his plate and picks his fork up, you have it. Then he continues eating.

The awkward silence entails the table, so my brothers hurry to stuff their mouths as well. Jamie is the only one smiling. Congratulations, Lily! He stands up and goes around the table to squeeze me into a tight hug.

Thank you, Jamie, I kissed his cheek.

Congratulations, my two other brothers say as well, although not as enthusiastically as they noticed my father's dissent. I wish you all luck, Jason adds, giving me a half smile.

I think we should stop eating, because the party's gonna begin in two hours from now, and I don't want to be too full for the feast, Jake wanted to.

More eating? Ian asks, shocked, and we all burst into laughter.

It's a werewolf thing, I explained, patting him lightly on his shoulder.

We leave our rooms to prepare for the party. I am very excited about seeing all of my friends. It's been so long since I last saw them. After having showered and brushed my teeth, I put on simple attire - tight black leather pants, a black silk blouse, and red heels. I finish off with some mascara, subtle eyeliner, and bright red lipstick.

At 8 o'clock, Simone's the first guest to arrive, along with her partner, Beta of Carter Pack. They look magnificent together. He is pretty tall and masculine, while she is petite and feminine. Although I agree with my father's statement about them not really being mates. I've seen how mates around each other and these two simply can't measure up.

Lila! she rushes to hug me.

Simone, it's been so long! I held her tightly. You look amazing!

It's love that makes me look this good, she laughs and motions toward her plus one. This is Derek. He is Darius' Beta.

So I've heard, I held my hand out and shook hands with Derek. He has a firm handshake as expected. I'm Lila. It is nice to meet you.

Derek.

Congratulations on snatching the best gal in our pack, I say warmly, and I mean it.

I thought you left your pack, he says.

He makes it sound like treason.

Chapter 3

Yes, I now live in the city, I say as politely as I can. And this is my fiancé Ian, I take his hand and pull gently over.

Oh my God! Simone screamed excitedly. You're engaged!

Derek and Ian shake hands and the Beta narrows his eyes, seemingly displeased. You're not one of us.

No, I lay a protective hand over my fiancé. Ian is fully human.

Does he know? he asks in a code.

Yes, he does. I answered confidently, not trying to sound polite anymore. If he were to be rude, I might just enjoy ripping his head off his neck. Maybe I'm being too protective over here, but I hate Ian feeling uncomfortable in my own home.

That's wonderful! Simone says, amazed. It's like a movie love story! She tries to subtly hit Derek and let him know he should stop being rude, but I still notice. That is a nice gesture of her anyway.

Other guests arrived soon as well. My three best childhood friends - Rachel, Helena, and Campton - missing one. The closest one I've had - Dione. But he's gone now. He's been gone for 8 years. All because of me.

My friends' families have come with them, my father's friends and their families, my brothers' friends and their families, the Alpha and Gamma of our pack - Jorah and Graham - and a lot of people from the Carter pack. I guess now that Simone is linked to their Beta, the packs have become tight knit.

A small group - consisting of my father, Alpha Jorah, Graham, Derek, Simone, and myself - gathers around the buffet and we start talking wolf stuff while sipping wine.

How's Jamie's training going, Patrick? Jorah asked my father.

Dad waved his hand off. He is still learning.

Jake and Jason improved, Graham comments. I saw their progress yesterday on the field. Jacob has fast reflexes... Jason's got a strong grip.

My father nods. They did improve. But they have a long way to go.

Jorah's eyes shifted to me, suddenly. This one never had to train hard, though. She is a natural. We have all seen it since she was only a kid.

Dad laughed to himself. I've got three sons, gentlemen, and it's this lovely lady that steals the show every time. Go figure, he cheers.

The crowd laughs.

It's a real shame we lost a fighter like you, Lila, Jorah tells me.

My dad nods absentmindedly. "Her wolf has always been the strongest of my kids'. Well, she's the strongest in human form as well. She's always been the rock