“Zane, Mercedes’s parents have arrived.”

Jace entered my office, where I’d been trying to focus on work while my mate was asleep.

I nodded and rose from my chair.

Together, we took the elevator to the Alpha floor. When we stepped into my bedroom, we found Mercedes sleeping peacefully on my bed, looking like a little angel. Seeing her there filled my heart with overwhelming love. I silently vowed to always protect her and make her happiness my top priority.

Elise had fallen asleep beside her but woke as soon as we entered.

“She was exhausted. She was already drifting off while I was bathing her,” my sister whispered, careful not to wake Mercedes.

She’d slept for about two hours, likely not nearly enough to be fully rested. But her parents were waiting, I needed to convince them that their daughter was unharmed. I was acutely aware that I was under scrutiny, everyone would be watching closely how I handled this unusual situation with my young mate.

Carefully, I sat on the edge of the bed beside her.

“Little one, it’s time to wake up,” I said softly, gently stroking her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open, and a happy smile spread across her lips.

“Zane.”

She sat up and wrapped her small arms around my neck. My wolf, Jax, purred with contentment at having his mate so close.

“Did you sleep well? Go wash your face, and then you can meet your parents,” I said, lifting her from the bed and setting her on her feet. We waited while she used the bathroom, then walked out of the room together.

To my surprise, she voluntarily took my hand in hers as we waited for the elevator. As we descended, she stood close beside me.

“Are you still hungry? Should I ask the cook to make you something else?” I asked, trying to hide the joy her innocent gesture brought me. She nodded enthusiastically, making us all chuckle. Everyone knew by now that eating was one of her favorite habits.

I saw Jace quickly send a mind link.

“The cook anticipated your appetite and has already prepared your cereal,” he relayed to Mercedes. Her face lit up, and she beamed at me.

On the main floor, we went directly to my office. There was a comfortable sitting area where Mercedes could eat her cereal while I spoke with her parents. Once we were all seated, a servant brought in her meal. Moments later, the Head Warrior escorted Mercedes’s parents into the room. We all jumped to our feet and I extended my hand to the Beta and his mate.

“Welcome to Midnight Moon, Beta Marc, Selin,” I greeted them. “As you can see, your daughter is safe here in my pack.” I led them to the small table where Mercedes was still enjoying her cereal. When she saw her parents, she launched herself into their arms, hugging them tightly.

“Daddy! Alpha Zane is so nice to me! He said I can stay here when I’m on school holidays,” she exclaimed excitedly. “I told him I’d ask you first.”

Her parents nodded, their expressions unreadable.

“Why don’t you finish up first, sweetie, while we talk to the Alpha?” her father suggested softly. “Then we can go home.” Mercedes gave me a quick, shy glance before returning to the table. The couple then joined me at my work desk, where I offered them each a chair.

“Beta Marc, Selin. We found your daughter within our territory. We don’t know how she got here, but I did detect the scent of Silver Moon pack members on my land,” I started. “I can’t confirm any direct connection to Mercedes’s disappearance at this time. We’re still investigating.”

Beta Marc met my gaze directly, his expression serious. I held his stare.

“Alpha Ahri suggested that you kidnapped her and brought her here. And now you’re claiming she’s your fated mate,” he stated, his voice rising slightly. His mate immediately reached out and placed a calming hand on his arm.

“As soon as my Beta informed me of his discovery, I went to the location. Nothing like this has ever happened before. I’ve never heard of a pup being found so far from home, all by herself.”

I deliberately ignored the Beta’s thinly veiled accusation.

He knew it wasn’t his place to make such a statement, but he now held the unique position of becoming my father-in-law. Any other pack member who had spoken to me that way would have faced severe consequences.

“I confirm that she is my fated mate. My wolf, Jax, recognized her as such. I trust he can convince your wolves as well,” I stated firmly. “I have a proposal. You both know that mates need to be together to strengthen their bond. This is especially important for me as an Alpha. My mate will not only strengthen me but also bring greater balance to my pack.”

“And what is your proposal, Alpha? My daughter is just a pup. The mating can only happen when she turns eighteen,” her mother said with concern. Mercedes was a miniature version of the woman sitting before me, though she had a noticeable birthmark near one ear. Selin likely had Alpha blood in her lineage, perhaps from a different pack than Silver Moon. It was common for Alpha’s sisters to mate with Betas, either within their own pack or from another.

“I understand that. I have no intention of claiming Mercedes before she’s eighteen. I’m a reasonable man, not a pervert,” I said dryly. “I propose that Mercedes visit Midnight Moon during school holidays and on weekends when she doesn’t have homework, whenever she wants to. And I’ll visit her at your pack. This will continue until she turns eighteen and accepts me as her mate. Then, we’ll have a grand Luna ceremony here in my pack.”

My thoughts drifted to that moment in the future. I envisioned an adult Mercedes standing beside me, our hands intertwined, as my pack welcomed her as their Luna. The thought made my heart beat faster.

I heard a soft chuckle, and I looked up to see Selin smiling.

“Alpha, my wolf is convinced. And the look on your face when you spoke about Mercedes accepting you at eighteen was priceless,” she declared, turning to her mate. “Marc, the Alpha’s proposal is reasonable. If the Moon Goddess brought them together in this way, we shouldn’t keep them apart. I trust the Alpha.”

Beta Marc looked at his mate, still hesitant.

“I’ve never heard any negative reports about Midnight Moon’s treatment of minors,” he admitted reluctantly. “Let’s start with weekend visits before considering longer stays,” he suggested.

That was acceptable for me.

I smiled at my future in-laws. I stood and shook hands with both of them.

“I assure you, you won’t regret this. I’ll visit your pack within a week to formally discuss this agreement with Alpha Ahri.” Through the mind link, I instructed Jace to prepare appropriate gifts for my in-laws while I shared a meal with them in the dining room.

“Beta Marc, Selin, I insist you join me for a meal. You’ll want to know more about me, about the man who is destined to be your daughter’s mate,” I said.

They gratefully accepted my invitation.