Chapter 2

Chapter 002

Valeria's Point Of View

The figure at the top of the staircase captured Valeria’s gaze while her heart pounded furiously inside her chest. In front of her, he stood, addressing the crowd, and he embodied every expectation she held of her destined partner. He occupied the room with a commanding aura while his confidence was apparent, yet he exuded a strange warmth and familiarity despite their lack of previous acquaintance.

His scent was unmistakable. Coffee and cinnamon. She felt a comforting and intoxicating aroma envelop her in the way a blanket would on a cold winter night. The universe seemed to softly call out her name, and she realized her journey had finally reached its conclusion.

She breathed out "Mate" as a silent prayer while the word slipped from her lips. She attempted to regain control, but the overwhelming magnetic pull toward him made her hands clench at her sides. Selene’s wolf paced restlessly inside her mind while she felt a strong urge to run to him and claim him.

But Valeria held back. Her eyes scanned the ballroom crowd to find familiar faces. Standing by the stairs, Valeria saw her parents, Santiago and Isabela, facing the man at the top. Emiliano stood among them, but his eyes revealed his distraction since his past admission still weighed heavily upon him.

The sound of Mateo’s voice broke through Valeria’s thoughts and brought her back to reality. With his hand resting on her shoulder, Mateo stood behind her while he spoke in a voice filled with worry.

She responded with a “I—yeah, I’m fine,” but the strain in her voice revealed the truth. “It’s just… him. He’s my mate.”

Mateo’s expression softened. He recognized her internal conflict as she battled between her obligations and her wants. Mateo knew the irresistible attraction between mates because none of them could avoid it. “Go to him, Val. He’s waiting for you.”

Valeria shifted her gaze towards Mateo to detect any sign of jealousy or anger in his eyes. Her loyalty to him remained strong, but her heart had already chosen another person. Since childhood Mateo served as both Valeria's closest friend and her most trusted confidant. Their engagement existed primarily as a strategic alliance. She worked to maintain this balance while experiencing a deep bond with her mate.

“He’s here. Valeria whispered, “He is here at last.” I cannot abandon Emi in this state even though it feels necessary.

Mateo committed to staying with him while showing understanding through his voice. “You go. You deserve this. We’ll be fine.”

Valeria gave a nod while carrying both a burdened heart and a hopeful spirit. She sensed Selene growing impatient inside her body, which pushed her to start moving. Her eyes locked straight onto him as she faced the man who stood at the staircase's peak. As he continued to talk, Valeria focused on his presence rather than listening to his words. Her entire life she had been searching for him—the man who would complete her—and he was the only thing she could focus on.

Valeria exhaled deeply before starting to walk with slow and precise steps toward the grand staircase. People moved away to create space for her even though they appeared oblivious to her passage. Her heart pounded fiercely against her chest while she ascended the staircase where every step felt like an endless wait. The pull became unbearable as she approached closer. As she approached him, the sound of her heart pounding in her ears grew louder, like an intense drumbeat.

As soon as she climbed to the top, he turned to face her. His brilliant blue eyes held her gaze and made the room vanish from existence for an instant. The two individuals found themselves united by a force that was much greater than their own existences.

The words escaped her lips before she could control them as she whispered to him, “You’re him.”

His smile revealed a curious undertone. He introduced himself with a voice that sounded deep and full while saying, “And you must be Valeria Montoya,” as if waves were crashing against rocks. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

The sound of his voice made her heart leap inside her chest. The whisper of her voice barely reached his ear as she responded, "I've been waiting for you too."

He moved toward her, and his presence wrapped around her as if she were in a comforting embrace. His hand enveloped her face gently while his touch sent an electric shock through her body. She sensed his wolf inside him while she felt her own wolf just as both beings recognized and accepted the link they had created from their first encounter.

He introduced himself as Alpha Reynaldo Vargas while focusing intently on her gaze. “But you can call me Reynaldo. Or whatever you’d like.”

The mention of his name sent Valeria's heart fluttering. Reynaldo. The name felt like it belonged to her identity as much as her own name. She whispered his name, “Reynaldo,” and it tasted sweet as it left her tongue.

His smile returned while his eyes conveyed deep affection. Meeting you has been a genuine pleasure, Valeria.

Their silence grew heavy as they remained quiet, feeling the weight of their shared connection between them. Selene howled within Valeria while filling her with joy and pushing her to take control of what belonged to her. The same longing existed within Reynaldo as his wolf also showed enthusiasm for connection.

Suddenly Emiliano’s voice broke through as though reality had snapped back into place.

Emiliano called out to Valeria in a voice that sounded strained because he was worried. Valeria saw him standing tense at the stairs' bottom with a pale face. Mateo stood next to him while placing his hand on Emiliano’s shoulder to try to comfort him.

Valeria felt torn between her happiness about finding her mate and her sorrow for Emiliano's evident distress. Reynaldo, picking up on her inner turmoil, turned his attention toward Emiliano while maintaining a blank expression.

"Do you need any help?" Reynaldo asked in a tranquil voice that betrayed his underlying worry.

For an instant, Emiliano paused before he moved forward to meet Valeria’s eyes. With his voice breaking, he whispered to himself, "I don't know if I can do this." I discovered who my soulmate is, although my father will likely reject him. He’s not just a werewolf. He’s a male werewolf.”

Valeria’s heart sank at the admission. She had anticipated from the start that Emiliano’s search for his mate would face significant challenges. Emiliano's father, Santiago Montoya, possessed rigid beliefs, which made the prospect of accepting Emiliano with another man particularly difficult for him.

Valeria told Emi with determination and strength in her voice that she would stand by him. “No matter what. We’ll get through this together.”

Emiliano showed her appreciation through his gaze, but worry remained clear in his eyes. Reynaldo, sensing the tension, stepped forward. As he looked at Emiliano, his gaze softened because he understood how serious the situation was.

Reynaldo offered quietly with firm resolve, “I will stand by you as well if it helps.” Your mate belongs to you regardless of who they are, and their bond should remain unbroken. Not even your father.”

The words from Reynaldo caused Valeria to open her eyes wide in astonishment at his voice's serene power. She had believed he would protect her but never expected him to also defend her brother from harm.

Emiliano's face showed both disbelief and gratitude as he lifted his gaze to meet Reynaldo's. “You would do that?” he asked while his voice remained almost at a whisper.

Reynaldo nodded. “Of course. We are a pack. We are family. I refuse to allow anyone to break apart a bond like that.

Valeria experienced an emotional surge within her chest as she confronted the full extent of her brother’s difficulties. Emiliano’s eyes showed clear relief when he understood he now had support in his fight.

Reynaldo pledged to take any necessary actions to ensure their safety while his eyes moved between them. The present moment calls for us to release our past attachments to progress forward. I promise to find a way that will bring everyone together.

Valeria felt the genuine tone of his voice touch her heart deeply. Valeria had absolute confidence she could trust Reynaldo. He wasn’t just her mate. He functioned as both her partner and equal who recognized the value of family unity through every challenge.

Emiliano whispered, "Thank you," filling his voice with deep emotion. “Thank you for understanding.”

The reassuring warmth of Reynaldo’s smile caused Valeria’s heart to flood with love. “It’s what we do, Emi. We protect each other.”

A quiet understanding passed among them as they stood together for a brief moment. The burdens of the night vanished from Valeria’s shoulders as her heart filled with warmth. Although she anticipated future obstacles ahead, she felt ready to face them because Reynaldo stayed by her side and her family provided their full support.

Reynaldo interrupted the quiet with a playful smile. “Do you want to introduce yourself to the other guests?”

Valeria smiled back, her heart light. She took his hand in hers as she directed him forward.