***

I placed my hand on my chest to steady my breathing. The moment my father and I stepped foot on Alpha Richard's land my wolf was going crazy. I didn't know what it was but it was weird. It was as if I was having an anxiety attack. My wolf was on full alert.

My father was visiting to form an alliance with Alpha Richard. I was forced to tag along since I would be taking over the alpha position in the next couple of years. I was upset when my father refused to give it to me on my eighteenth birthday. Most alphas take over the position when they turn eighteen. My father didn't think I was ready for the responsibility that comes along with being an alpha. I think it's bullsh*t.

I've worked my a*s off since I was fifteen to prepare for this and his refusal really pissed me and my wolf off. I wasn't power hungry, no. But when you've wasted your teenage years training and breaking every bone in your body. Then you'll understand why I was upset.

As we pulled in front of a pack house, a small girl ran by our car. She had shoulder length blonde hair and striking grey eyes. My wolf perked up in the back of my mind at the sight of her, intrigued.

A small boy with similar features ran after her. I exited the car and joined my father. He was talking with Alpha Richard and Luna Jill. I bowed my head in respect. "Alpha Richard." I stated.

"This is my son Titus." My dad rested his hand on my shoulder. I extend my hand and shook the Luna's and Alpha's hand.

The girl ran by us giggling loudly. Before she could get any further her dad grabbed her by her waist, causing her to squirm in his grip. "Daddy! Owen is going to catch me."

"It's time to stop playing. We have guest." He ordered in a voice that showed, this was not up for discussion.

At the realization that there were others around, she hid behind her father. "This is my pup Brinn." He stated proudly.

My father crouched and extended his hand to her. "Nice to meet you Brinn. I'm Alpha Zander." She took his hand cautiously.

"This is my son Titus." My dad said as he straightened.

I pulled my hands out of my pocket and extended it towards her. When my hand engulfed her tiny one, the electric pull that I was feeling intensified beyond belief. I pulled away immediately.

MATE! My wolf growled in my head. Brinn backed away slowly and buried her face in her father's leg. She was scared, I didn't blame her.

No that can't be! She is just a little girl!

It's no secret that a wolf with alpha blood can sense their mate before their mate's first shift. But this, was ridiculous. Why would the moon goddess pair me with a ten-year-old?!

They all looked at me with worried expressions. "Are you okay?" My father asked.

"Uh yeah." I ran my hand through my dark brown hair.

This might be a problem.

The little boy that I assumed was Owen came up behind Brinn and poked her in her right arm. "Tag your it." He said with a toothy smile.

She balled her hands into fist and groaned. "That's not fair!" She shouted.

"Calm down sweetheart." Her mother's soothing voice filled the air.

Alpha Richard chuckled. "This is my youngest pup Owen." My father and I shook Owen's tiny hands.

Brinn crossed her arms over her chest and sat crossed legged on the ground. Occasionally letting out pouts and growls toward her brother. "Brinn get up. You're going to ruin your dress." Her mother pleaded. She kept her eyes focused on empty space in front of her, They all chuckled at her stubbornness.

I would have to pull my father aside eventually and tell him the news. He'd probably laugh in my face or call me delusional. But this was far from a mistake. The moon goddess doesn't make mistakes.

Although it is strange to have a mate as young as she was I knew from that moment on, I would protect her no matter what. She was mine and I wouldn't let anything or anyone come in between that.

***

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