Destiny's POV
5 years earlier.
"Come here my darling daughter." My father's welcoming voice boomed through the hall.
I had just returned from a peace mission in the Southern region, hoping to negotiate a truce between the Red Cliff wolves and the Alpha of the Grey Moon pack. As we were not part of the Black Ridge treaty, I was sent as a neutral representative having no conflict of interest in the matter. The two weeks spent listening to Alpha's argue over twenty feet of the boundary line had me longing for home, well before the arbitration finished.
"Tell me Dezy, was your mission successful?" My father's asked as he passed me a bowl of mouthwatering stew. I eagerly accepted and barely nodded before I began to eat. Warmth spread through my limbs as the hot food settled in place. Kayia practically purred at the sensation
'Easy there ' I chuckled, 'people might think you're a cat not an Alpha wolf'
'Let them think whatever they want' she replied ' I'll put them in their place when I'm done luxuriating in proper food."
I had to agree. The food provided by Alpha Roland was at best edible. I was pretty sure I saw a young pup subtly take a cockroach out of his meat pie one evening. I stuck to my own provisions after that and tried not to think of the previous meals and their mysteries I had before that unsettling display.
My father's seemed to sense my need to eat in peace, and kept the conversation going between his warriors that he was having before my arrival. It was mundane pack business that was needed for day to date operations. The familiar issues and updates were just as soothing to my weary mind as the food.
After the second helping l, I finally sat back and caught my father's eye. This mission was more then a peace invitation, it had a political agenda too.
"Well gentlemen," my father clapped his hands together. "I must be off and catch Destiny up on her duties. I'm amazed we survived without her!" He gave the table a wink and extended his hand to me. I rose taking it and walked arm and arm with him to his study.
His study was a classic distinguished gentleman room. Brown leather sofas, whiskey decanters, floor to ceiling bookcases all made of mahogany were present. But the real show stopper was the brick fireplace that was always lit. The Artic was cold, and although our wolves didn't mind, the people sure did.
Above the stone mantle hung the only family portrait we had. Taken when I was only 5 years old, I sat happily on my father's lap, my late mother's hand resting on his shoulder. She held my baby brother in her arms. All of us with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. The mark of the royal family.
"Hi Mom. Hi Kai." I thought to myself. Two years after this was taken a deadly illness had swept through our territory and claimed hundreds of lives. My brother and mother were among them. It had been just my father and I since.
"Destiny, you're home" a warm voice spoke in the shadows. A tall woman with striking red hair revleaed herself among the stack of books that previously hid her from my view.
"Angela" I smiled in return and allowed her to embrace me. She was my father's witch and dear friend of our family. Our family ties went back generations and was the second most powerful family in our region. Her daughter Margaret was away studying her earth magic so she and I could continue the tradition.
"So tell me. What did you learn?" She asked in her honeyed voice. It was surprisingly deep for her light frame but suited her confidence and strength well.
"Hold on," grunted my father, "I haven't given her a proper hello yet"
"Da...." I began but it was too late. He picked me up as if I was 8 years old and swung me around in a bear hug. Despite myself I giggled. I had finally convinced him five years ago to stop in front of the warriors. After all an heiress should be dignified. He had reluctantly agreed but insisted on the small form of affection away from public eyes.
'I hate it when he does that' Kayia complained 'makes me nauseous '
Inwardly rolled my eyes at her. Truth was I didn't mind. I've seen pups with indifferent and abusive father's. I was glad mine loved me enough to show it.
A knock came at the door and Beta Aldrich appeared. "Sorry I'm late" was caught up at the training grounds. He glanced my way and grinned "Hi Dezy! Looks like you got your proper welcome ". I couldn't roll my eyes because the room was still spinning so instead I stuck my tongue out at him.
My father chuckled "No need to apologize we had just gotten here. Everyone let's take seat and get started."
We sat in our customary chairs and everyone looked expectantly at me.
"The peace negotiations went about as well as we expected. Alpha Roland postured and argued while Alpha Harris tried to reason and explain. It was just a consistent back and forth of nonsense. Thankfully the delays helped me with our other projects ".
The others leaned forward intently. "What did you discover?" Aldrich asked.
"Well Roland will be no use to us, but i think Harris may be an avenue worth exploring"
My father's nodded his head and stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What about Roland's son? Will he be any use to us?"
"Mortimer? Absolutely not. The man is worse than his father. We may be able to buy his help, but that also means someone can buy his betrayal ". The others nodded in agreement. The Grey Wolves were notoriously selfish and greedy. It had been a long shot, but neccessary to explore.
"So what are our opt..?" Angela began but was interrupted by a urgent knock at the door.
"Come in" my father said barely masking his annoyance. A small omega entered with her head bowed.
"Sorry Alpha, but the messenger is here, he is insisting in an answer"
I looked at my father puzzled, what was this about? My father's face had uncharacteristically turned a shade of red at her announcement.
We heard loud footsteps thundering down the hall. An impossibily large man pushed passed the omega and fixed his gaze on my father "Riker! What say you! When shall your daughter marry my son!"