Chapter 2

I cracked a smile. "Thank you very much, Dad. I have just one more question. Is Alpha Viktor aware of who I am?"

"He is aware that a royal entourage will accompany him. I haven't told him yet that it will be you."

"Could you please not tell him what my title is?" "I don't want anyone knowing who I am or why I am here," I added, optimistic. This might work if I only get this one concession. Alpha Viktor, after all, was a suitor, but I heard he was engaged.

"I can do that." Though a little research would reveal your identity to anyone.

Your name is one of a kind. I've got it! Call yourself Diana Winters. You two will be my nieces. That could work, and you can still have your guard... " he began to ponder. "Let me contact Alpha Viktor to finalize the details." Simon will inform you about our plans."

He kissed my brow and then walked away. I left feeling optimistic about this trip. Hopefully, I'll finally find my King. Here I come, Shadow Moon pack.

I returned to the living room to spend time with my mother. She put down her project and stood up to hug me.

"I can't believe you're leaving us for an entire year," she tightened her grip on me.

"Mom, I can't breathe," I wiggled free from her clutches.

"Are you feeling nervous, sweetie?" Mom inquired, concerned.

"Only a little. Probably more concerned with the potential of finding a companion. It's so permanent, but it's my responsibility." Scrunching my nose, I muttered.

"I didn't think you were a commitment phobe, Jacky," she joked.

"No, it's not that. It's just that what if I pick the incorrect person? What if he's just not right for me and I don't realize it until it's too late?" I paused.

"Then you'll deal with it when it comes up." Jacky, you're going to be Queen someday.

"There's also divorce," she pointed out, giving me the side eye.

Divorce has become increasingly popular throughout the years. Marriage has been on the rise since humans stopped having mates. People, on the other hand, can't seem to locate their ideal companion.

It's not what it used to be. A divorce would only make it appear as if I didn't know what I was doing.

"I will be a failure and a disgrace." "How am I going to run a kingdom if I can't even keep my marriage together?" I inquired.

"You would not be the first queen to divorce, and besides, Jacky, those are all things you don't have to think about right now." "For the time being, you should concentrate on finding someone who is compatible with you." The rest is simple. "Don't you have a choice of seven alphas?"

"Six, in fact. "I believe Alpha Viktor is already engaged," I clarified.

"Engaged does not equal marriage, Jacky," she smirked.

"Now you sound like Gabriella," I rolled my eyes.

"Sometimes even a blunt ax can hit its mark," she chuckled.

"I'm not going to break up someone's engagement, Mom." After all, Alpha Viktor is more of a protector than anything else. "He's not in my jurisdiction," I explained.

"Who says you can't marry your protector? You are free to marry anyone you want. Plus, I'd heard he was a real hottie. "I'm easy on the eyes and very fit," she blushed.

"We now know what you enjoy. I prefer the cerebral type. "I wanted to marry Simon, but I don't think it's in the cards," I frowned.

"Is Simon your advisor?" You couldn't do much better than him. He is easy on the eyes and matches my criteria," she remarked.

"Yes, but he doesn't seem to like women." "At least not me," I explained.

"He never gave me that impression, but what do I know? I'm just an old lady." "Perhaps you should talk to him about it so you're on the same page," she said.

"I guess I could do that." All I have to do now is find my time. "Though I can't see a way of talking about homosexuality," I reflected. "You're not old, mom."Thank you so much, Jacky. "But if you could feel this body, you'd think differently," she smiled. "I'm confident you'll find your moment, sweetie." It's becoming late. Maybe we can chat more about it tomorrow?"

"Thank you, Mom. "I'd love that," I answered as I stood up. "I believe I'll go to bed now."

"I hope I was able to make you feel a little better. "Goodnight, sweetheart," she whispered as she hugged me. "You already know how much I adore you."

"I do. I adore you as well. "Goodnight, Mom," I replied as I squeezed her back.

Although it was wonderful to talk to my mom about my concerns, I don't think she truly understood what I was saying. My mother is a free spirit, whereas I am more of a type A personality. I'm not sure what I'd do if I didn't have a plan or a list. My desire for perfection would most likely be my undoing.

I went downstairs to my bedroom and got ready for bed. I wish I had some solid advice on what I should do at this time. I was trying not to feel rushed.

I was fantasizing about dinner with my family that night when something unexpected happened. "Wake up," a distant voice urged. I was immediately taken to an ancient woodland.

The trees appeared to be gnarled and twisted. It was filthy and slimy on the ground. The air smelt clean and pleasant, yet there was a trace of something else. What exactly is it? Peppermint with cedarwood? Isn't that strange?

"Wake up, Jacky."

"Who's there?" I inquired, looking around.

I could see a wolf approaching me in the distance. It was massive, all white, and had an ethereal shine to it. As it moved forward, I could see that it towered over me.

"Hello, Jacky," the wolf said. This wolf was odd. Not only because of its enormous stature, but also because of the way it spoke. I've never seen a wolf talk; all I've seen is a mental link. "I am the Moon Goddess." Selene is my given name."

"Are you the Moon Goddess?" "What are you after with me?" I inquired, perplexed and a little concerned.

"That's an excellent question. "I know you're looking for your King, and I have a special request for you," Selene remarked, her huge eyes fixed on me. "As you may be aware, mates have been extinct for the past two hundred years." It is time to bring them back."

"Mates? "Dream partners?" I inquired.

"Yes. I made one just for you. "He'll be waiting for you at your next stop," Selene smiled.

"How, though?" Why?" What she was saying was unbelievable to me. A predestined mate? Those haven't been seen in a long time. I doubt there is any literature on them.

"Two hundred years ago, the mating system was deteriorating, resulting in abuses that were far beyond my tolerance." Mates were connecting based on their worst personality traits rather than on their best. That's when I decided to start fresh. I've finally created a mating mechanism to replace the old one, and I'd want to try it on you."