Bound by Fate

Steven's POV

I fixed my gaze on the large screen, scrutinizing it with intense disappointment. A wave of frustration churned in my stomach like a twisted vine. I scoffed, unable to conceal my disdain.

"Is something wrong, sir?" Mr. David, my fashion director and the presenter to the board, inquired. His voice trembled slightly under my intense stare.

"Actually, yes, something is wrong," I responded, causing the room to fall silent. All eyes were now on me, their faces a blend of curiosity and fear.

"Is this really the grand end-of-the-month plan you've been raving about?" My tone dripped with disbelief.

"Yes, sir," he answered, though his confidence wavered.

"Well, it doesn’t seem impressive. Your—"

"But, sir..."

I slammed my palm on the table, the noise reverberating through the room. Everyone flinched, their eyes wide with shock. "Don’t you dare cut me off when I’m speaking!" I yelled, my anger boiling over.

"I apologize, sir," he mumbled, his voice shaky, mirroring the tension in the room.

"This is a fashion and modeling firm. You assured me you’d develop an outstanding new line of men’s clothing by the end of the month, and this is the best your stagnant mind could produce?" I tossed aside the presentation folder, the papers scattering like autumn leaves—a clear sign of my disapproval.

"Develop a better line by next week, or prepare to lose your job. I will not tolerate ineptitude," I declared, rising abruptly.

"I assume this meeting is over." Without another word, I walked out, my heart still racing from my outburst. My secretary, Debby, hurried to match my stride, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

"We've hired a new team of fashion designers for the company as you requested, sir. They'll start tomorrow," she informed me, her tone sincere yet cautious, as if trying to calm my rising anger. I nodded, still immersed in my thoughts, the weight of the day pressing down on me.

"I don’t have any further meetings scheduled, do I?" I asked, hoping for some peace.

"No, sir, you don’t," she replied, a hint of relief in her voice.

"Good. I’m heading out, then," I said as I stepped into my car, grateful for the quiet.

"Goodbye, sir," Debby said with a slight bow, her respect evident.

******

"The mansion?" Liam, my driver, inquired. I nodded, sinking back into the plush leather seat.

As the car moved, I shut my eyes, allowing the hum of the engine to envelop me like a comforting embrace.

"Tonight is the full moon," Liam remarked, breaking the silence. I feigned disinterest, retreating further into my thoughts.

"Will you be attending the Moon Goddess's shrine with us this time?" he pressed, his tone light yet insistent.

"Not interested," I replied tersely, using silence as my shield.

"Maya arrived at the mansion this morning to join you for the ceremony," he added, clearly hoping to provoke a reaction.

"What?!" I snapped, and a grin spread across his face.

"I suppose I finally said something that piqued your interest."

"When did she arrive?" I asked, irritation simmering just beneath the surface.

"This morning," he replied. I sighed, rubbing my temples. "To be honest, I don't believe Maya is the right mate for you. She's as relentless as you are. No offense, but you might want to consider someone more..."

"The only reason you're still breathing is that you're my blood relative," I warned coldly. "But if you keep rambling, I won’t hesitate to cut off your tongue."

"Sorry, Steven," Liam muttered.

The rest of the ride passed in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. As soon as we arrived, she was there.

"Steven!" Maya shrilled as she rushed toward me, wrapping her arms around me in an exuberant hug. I stiffened, discomfort prickling at the edges of my patience.

"Can you not do that every time you see me?" I muttered, stepping back. My irritation was barely contained as I walked toward my room. She followed like a shadow.

"Why not? You’re my mate," she said lightly, as if that should somehow erase the tension between us.

"Mate-to-be," I corrected, my tone clipped as I sank onto the couch, the weight of the day still heavy on my shoulders.

"That'll change soon. We’re getting married next week," she said, her excitement palpable.

"Right," I replied, making no effort to match her enthusiasm.

"When will you announce our wedding to the media?" she pressed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"I already had my media aide handle it this morning," I said flatly.

"Our wedding will be amazing, right? Promise me you’ll make it spectacular," she insisted.

I scoffed. The pressure of her expectations sat heavily on my chest. "You know an Alpha’s promise is unbreakable. I don’t make promises I can’t keep," I said firmly, a warning laced in my voice.

"Fine," she muttered, disappointment creeping in. "So, what are you doing here?" I asked, eager to shift the conversation away from her expectations.

"Tonight is the full moon," she reminded me.

"And?" I replied, feigning indifference.

"Come on! I told you we’d join the ceremony and seek the Moon Goddess’s blessing for our union," Maya implored, her eyes wide and earnest.

"And I told you I don’t care about that fanatic Goddess’s blessing. I am not going with you to seek any forsaken blessing," I said, removing my jacket with deliberate calm. Inside, however, my agitation was rising.

"Steven!" she yelled, frustration spilling over. "The Moon Goddess is a respected being in my pack, and I won’t tolerate you speaking ill of her. If you say something like that again, I’ll make you regret it."

I walked toward her, my anger bubbling to the surface. In a flash, I gripped her throat, my fingernails extending and digging into her skin. "Don’t you dare threaten me," I said slowly, my voice laced with menace.

"Ste... Steven, you... you’re hurting me," she stuttered, her eyes wide with fear as she struggled to break free.

"You should know the only reason for our union is to merge our packs and increase my stronghold over all werewolves. Do not overstep your limits, Maya," I warned, shoving her aside with a sharpness that echoed the storm within me.

"You want to seek your dear Goddess’s blessing, right? Fine, I’ll go with you," I said, my voice devoid of warmth.

"But you’ll be the one doing the seeking." Without another word, I turned and walked out, leaving her standing there—confusion and resentment swirling in her gaze.

Steven’s POV

"Steven, it's time. The pack has arrived," Liam announced, peeking into my room. His voice carried a mix of urgency and excitement.

"I’ll come," I responded, attempting to conceal the mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling in my stomach. He nodded and left, the door clicking shut behind him. I turned to the mirror, my gaze locking onto the Oakwood Moon mark on my shoulder. A mix of pride and pressure settled over me. This mark wasn’t just a symbol—it was a reminder of my responsibilities, of who I was meant to be.

"It’s time," I muttered under my breath, taking a deep breath to steady myself before leaving the room.

Outside, the sight of the Oakwood Moon Pack gathered below the mansion struck me like a wave of energy. Their excited chatter filled the air, the anticipation almost tangible.

"Pay your respects to the Alpha of the Oakwood Moon Pack!" Liam called out. As one, the pack members bowed in submission. The show of loyalty sent a fam