ZEPHYR'S P.O.V
"So you're ready for tonight? Because your parents are definitely gonna bring up the subject of your marriage with Lucia." I sigh at Ralph's words, a close friend of mine, which I knew were certainly true. Styling my hair, I let out an audible exhale.
"That's not gonna happen and even if it does happen….well then it happens." Ralph lets out what seemed to be in-between a scoff and a laugh.
"Are you hearing yourself? You damn well know that it won't be as easy as you make it seem. And I mean you can't really blame them can you? You and Lucia make things seem serious between you two. Not to mention that she's from a good home and-"
"There's nothing serious going on between Lucia and I Ralph and I'd very much like for you to not insinuate that there's something going on between us except sex." I say, cutting him off as I turn to look at him while leaning against the vanity table with folded arms. "I'm gonna be honest, Lucia is..very beautiful and can be sweet when she wants to be, but she's very clingy and persuasive which can be pretty inconvenient. We'd make a marriage of convenience and not one of love, believe it or not, I'd like to be in love with my wife and not tolerate her."
Standing to his feet, Ralph walks up to me and places a hand on my shoulder, "Look I get you man, but just remember that you have responsibilities, both to your parents and to the pack." And with that, he leaves me alone to my thoughts. I knew he only meant well and his words were true but I couldn't consider the possibility of spending the rest of my life with a woman who I had no romantic feelings for. My parents were mates, I envied their relationship a lot. Although they had their moments where they argued, they made sure that it never affected me for a single moment which I was grateful for, perhaps I'd have turned out badly if the situation had been reversed. Checking myself out one more time to ensure I was presentable enough, which I always was, I head out for the night.
Reaching my parent's house, I had hardly stood outside for a minute when the door swung open revealing my mother's smiling face, she was glowing.
Kissing her cheek, I pull away before speaking, "Mother, you look stunning as always." She blushes at the compliment as she ushers me in. Leading me into the dining room, I see my father already seated, a smile gracing his features as his eyes light up upon seeing me as he walks up to me, pulling me into an embrace.
"Father." I greet with a smile.
"It's been a while Zeph, haven't you missed your old man or has your alpha duties totally taken up your entire time?" He says as he leads us to the dining table.
"Of course not father, and I apologize for the lack of communication. I've just been jumbled up with a lot of work and other stuff so I haven't really had much free time on my hands." Just then the maids come in with dinner and begin serving. We were halfway into dinner when my father spoke.
"So Zeph, when you say you've been occupied with a lot of stuff by any chance is Lucia included?" Not expecting the question, I choke on my food.
Calming down, I respond "Dad Lucia….Lucia and I aren't exclusive. We're just having fun, nothing serious."
"Oh come now Zephyr, Lucia's a sweet girl and she'd make a perfect wife and Luna. Not to mention the fact that she'd make a perfect mother for your children." Typical mom.
"Mom please," I plead, pinching the bridge of my nose. "There's absolutely nothing serious going on between Lucia and I. I dunno what makes you think there's something between us but honestly mom there's nothing. And besides I want what you and dad have."
"Zeph time's running out, we don't mean to rush you but you have a duty to the pack. And have you considered the fact that you could fall in love with Lucia while being married to her? Werewolves are fated to have mates but that doesn't stop us from falling in love just like regular humans and having a family of your own. We're just looking out for you baby." She says softly in a coercing tone.
"Mom I still have time, c'mon dad talk to mom. It's not like I'm forty yet, I believe that I'll find my mate soon but it's just a matter of time and patience."
"Let's be logical Zephyr. The chances are slim, you've met practically every female within the pack border and still you're yet to find your mate which I believe is a huge sign that you and Lucia are meant to be, she loves you and I believe that with time you'll learn to love her too."
"Father there's no need to rus-"
"You have a year Zephyr"
"A year? What do you mean by that dad?"
"You have a year to find your mate and if you don't then you'll have to marry Lucia. I believe that's enough time for you to find your mate, and if you don't then get to know Lucia better."
Clenching my jaw in anger as my fingers tighten around my wine glass I let out a scoff, "That's not happening father. Lucia's not my mate and I refuse to be with someone other than my mate. You had an opportunity to live your life with your mate so why the fuck won't you let me find mine?" I fire at him angrily.
"Language Zephyr." My mother cautions but I couldn't care less at this point about my fucking language.
"Do not forget that I am your father and was once the alpha of this pack, don't test me Zephyr."
Having had enough I rise to my feet, grabbing my car keys, "And don't you forget that I'm the alpha now dad so don't you try to threaten me and don't test me." Turning to my mother, I lean down and kiss her forehead, "Thanks for dinner mother, have a goodnight." With that, I storm out of the house into the night in anger.