Conrad.

“My name is Conrad Reign, son of the late Lucas and Evangeline Reign. Heir to the Reign Group and future Alpha of the Maelstrom pack. I'm technically about to become the most powerful man in the country, so…”

“And yet you're talking to your mirror like a nervous teenager.” I spun swiftly, sighting Clyde leaning against my room's doorframe.

“Clyde! Er…how long have you been standing there?” I asked, clearing my throat and walking up to my brother.

“Long enough to know how much you're gonna flop your own mating ceremony.” Clyde said, still leaning.

His narrow eyes looked at me with a load of disapproval. He wasn't even trying to hide it.

“When did you return?” I asked and he finally stood upright.

“What does that have to do with anything? I'm here now unfortunately to witness a horrid moment…”

I grabbed his shoulder and yanked him backward. Glaring at him, I said, “You will do nothing to disrespect me or sabotage my mating ceremony tonight, is that clear? And need I remind you that I'll be your Alpha soon? I advise you to start learning to give me the respect I deserve, for your own peace of mind.” I seethed, my jaw clenching.

Clyde stood rigid on the spot, holding my glare with one of his.

You arrogant piece of…

“Master Reign.”

“Yes?” Clyde and I answered at once.

The maid paused at the entrance, blushing.

“I mean, senior Master Reign. Alpha Griffith requests your presence.” She said with a slight bow.

I glanced at Clyde before following the maid out.

“Where is he?” I asked.

“His private study, sir.”

“Any idea what he wants?” I asked as we made our way into an elevator.

“Not certainly, sir. But I think it's about your mate.” She said.

My mate. I've almost forgotten that that's what everyone thinks -that I've got a mate that I'm about to perform the mating rituals with.

If only that was the case.

“And my grandmother?” I asked.

“She's at her quarters, instructing your cousins on the code of conduct for the night.”

I chuckled slightly. Grandmother always liked to let everyone know how to interact with each and every guest during ceremonies.

The elevator gave a jing and slid open. The sixth floor of the pack house was where my grandparents had their quarters and other places that they fonded. I still don't understand the necessity of building such a massive house apart from using it as a show of power.

We were, after all, the most wealthy and influential family in the country. It has been so for decades.

While the maid walked away to attend to her duties, I stepped up towards my grandfather's private study and knocked.

“It's open.” The old man's gruff voice echoed from within.

“Grandfather.” I said, bowing my head slightly as I stood before his majestic table.

“How's the preparations going, son?” He asked. He liked calling me son and I've come to accept that it was simply his way of remembering his lost son.

“Going well, grandfather. Although I'm still yet to meet my mate.” I said.

He cleared his throat. “About that, she might not make it here early.”

I looked up. She's not coming?

“I got a call from Alpha Zhola last night, his plane had an unforeseen issue which, unfortunately, hasn't been taken care of yet. But they should be in a couple of hours.” Grandpa explained and I nodded.

There was silence for a moment before grandpa spoke. “Today is an important day, not just for you, Conrad, but for the entire pack.

“Even though we had to lie to our people about your…condition. But it's all worth it.” He said and my hands fisted involuntarily.

He just had to remind me of my inability to sense my mate. I've been suffering from that since I turned eighteen, the same age when werewolves began to sense mate bonds.

That wasn't the case for me. I waited years, visited multiple packs but felt nothing with no one. It was like I was cursed.

Although only my grandparents and the family doctor -who'd finally diagnosed me with a rare case of partial wolf dormancy- knew of this disability, I still felt like a failure in my pack.

My grandparents had decided to keep it a secret. Not even my brother knew about it. The excuse they spread across the pack was that I was a special one, born with a mate ordained for me by the moon goddess. And that she mustn't be revealed until the day of my coronation.

A bullshit story but it worked, to an extent I guess.

And that's the reason I found myself about to marry someone they'd arranged for me. All I knew about her was that she was from a middle class pack in South Dakota.

“I won't mess things up, Grandfather. I promise.” I said.

“You better not.” He replied, his brows creasing slightly.

Three consecutive knocks sounded on the door and a butler walked in.

“Alpha, the Alphas of Silverbane, Redclaw, Crescent moon and Azure moon packs are here.” He said.

Grandpa only waved a hand at me and, understanding what to do, I went for the door.

Was I happy? I don't know. The only time I did know was when I was with Skylar. That girl knew how to make my day. I'd almost gotten addicted to her.

But now there could be nothing between us. I heaved a sigh as I clicked the elevator button. I drew my phone from.mu pocket and went to my contacts.

I stared at Skylar's name, my finger hovering above it. My finger felt heavy at that moment. We've had an agreement not to contact one another again. I told her that.

But yet the urge I felt…

My phone rang and Skylar's name popped up. My heart skipped a beat.

“What the hell?”