"Rise and shine, Yuki." A soft voice drifted into Yuki’s ears. Her brows furrowed as she forced her eyes open. The windows were wide open, letting sunlight stream inside.

The bright rays struck her eyes, causing her to grimace. An annoyed groan escaped her lips. The voice spoke again. "Wake up?!" The person snapped, then yanked off the blankets and every ounce of sleep disappeared from her eyes.

She stared at Aevia, who was standing by her bed with her hands on her hips. Her brows furrowed deeply. "I don’t wanna," Yuki groaned, feeling her head pounding from a hangover.

Aevia watched her with a blank expression. Yuki was a complete mess. Her hair was scattered on the pillow, drool leaking from the corner of her mouth.

Aevia took in a deep breath. "You have to go shower. We have a flight to catch and it is already 10 a.m.," she complained. Her nose scrunched up, still catching the whiff of alcohol on her.

Annoyed, Yuki grabbed her head and forced herself to sit up. Her eyes darted around the room and she realised every personal item of hers had already been packed. She frowned. "Where are my things?" she asked, wondering if Aevia had packed them.

Aevia sighed. "I already packed them and had them sent to the car," she explained, crossing her arms. "Get yourself cleaned up. I already laid out your outfit. I don’t have time for this," she said in an authoritative tone.

Aevia was 19 years older than Yuki, but she aged like fine wine. Her platinum blonde hair and light green eyes never lost their glow. She looked like she was a decade younger, still in her twenties.

Yuki didn’t have the energy to argue, so she dragged her tired body from the bed and headed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. This was her fate. There was no need to fight it. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Maybe it was better to leave a place that reminded her of Kieran.

*******

The flight back was longer than Yuki expected. It was dark by the time they arrived at the airport in Ravencourt pack territory.

Ravencourt was one of the biggest and most powerful packs amongst shifters, not just because of their vast territory or wealth, but their mere strength. They didn’t just possess one of the best military forces, but also the biggest business conglomerate.

Yuki was still dumbfounded by the fact that they travelled first class. Arriving at Ravencourt was even more shocking. They arrived at the VIP lounge waiting for Aevia’s ride. Yuki was suspicious the entire time, glancing at her sister.

She couldn’t help but wonder what type of man Aevia was getting married to. Her eyes darted around Aevia, noticing the expensive brands and accessories. Her fiancé must be wealthy.

She wondered if he was a top pack official or a top management staff member at one of Ravencourt’s companies. A few minutes after they settled in the lounge, a figure approached the sisters.

It was a tall man in his mid-forties with a powerful presence. His build was enormous and, from the aura oozing off him, Yuki could tell he was a powerful shifter.

From the moment he entered the VIP lounge, his gaze locked on Aevia. Yuki wondered if he was her fiancé. He looked wealthy. She could spot the Patek Philippe on his wrist.

The man indeed walked towards them and stopped a few feet away. "Madam Aevia, I am here to take you home," he said, leaving Yuki stunned at the respectful tone he used. Aevia smiled, then gracefully stood up.

"You took longer than expected," she sighed, then glanced at Yuki. "That’s my younger sister, Yuki. She will be under my care. Have someone handle our luggage," Aevia said before striding away with her head held high.

She walked gracefully like she owned the place, which left her sister bewildered. Yuki walked up to Aevia and couldn’t help questioning her. "Who are you, Aevia?" she pried.

Aevia smiled. "Don’t worry, you will find out soon. We are having dinner together," she explained, not slowing down while the man followed after them.

They arrived outside. The moon was half full. In a few days, it would be a full moon, but the night sky was breathtaking. Yuki didn’t have the time to admire the sky. She was too nervous.

A familiar voice drifted into her ears, making her stop in her tracks. It sounded like Kieran’s voice. She glanced around, her eyes anxiously searching for him. Close to the airport exit, her eyes spotted a familiar figure that made her heart freeze.

Kieran. It was really him. Yuki could feel her heart race. Was he from Ravencourt or a nearby pack? After all, this airport was used by several nearby packs.

She raised her hand to wave. She wanted to apologise for last night, but before Yuki could even lift it properly, a slender figure pushed through the crowd and pounced on Kieran. It was a girl around the same age as Yuki.

She had beautiful cinnamon curls and bright brown doe eyes. She was beautiful without a doubt. Kieran accepted her with a bright smile and spun her around. Their laughter rang together.

Yuki stood struck as reality dawned on her. So that was her, Yuki thought. The childhood sweetheart and his future mate. A sharp jolt struck her chest and she couldn’t look away. There was this weird possessive tendency she had towards Kieran.

She was foolishly in love with a man who belonged to another.

Aevia noticed she was spacing out and patted Yuki’s shoulder. "What are you looking at?" Aevia asked.

She shook her head. "It was nothing."

Aevia could tell Yuki was lying, but she didn’t push. She sighed, then got into the open car. "Hurry up. We don’t have all day," she urged, stepping into the car.

Yuki followed after. The car smelled of expensive leather and cedar. Aevia reached for the mini fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. "Do you want some?" she asked. Yuki shook her head, then glanced at the window, not in the mood to talk.

******

The drive from the airport to the main pack grounds was silent. After what felt like forever, the car drove through large iron gates and soon a towering manor that looked more like a palace came into view.

Yuki frowned, her gaze drifting to Aevia. Her guess was that this was the pack house. What was Aevia’s connection to this place? Her stomach churned with a bad feeling.

The car stopped at the entrance. The doors were pulled open and the sisters stepped out. Yuki’s gaze darted around, noticing how lavish the place was.

On the steps, a row of maids was waiting, all of them bowing at Aevia. The feeling in her stomach got worse. At the top of the stairs stood a man. He had a soft smile on his face, but it didn’t soften his presence.

He looked to be in his late thirties, but Yuki was certain he was older than that. He was tall, easily over 190 cm, with broad shoulders, sharp striking features and a jawline that felt too familiar to Yuki. What struck her the most were those sharp blue eyes that seemed oddly familiar.

He strode down the steps, then pulled Aevia into his arms. Aevia melted into his touch and, in front of everyone, they kissed deeply. The sight made Yuki awkward at their public display of affection.

After the kiss, they stared at each other like they were reluctant to look away before Aevia remembered her sister was there. She gave Yuki a smile. "Alexander, this is my little sister Yuki. She was studying medicine and healing at Xyrus University," she introduced, then glanced at Xander.

"Yuki, this is my fiancé, Alpha Alexander Ravencourt, the Alpha of Ravencourt pack," she said casually like he wasn’t one of the most dangerous men on the planet.

Yuki was floored. She immediately bowed her head in fear. "Alpha," she gasped. No way in her dreams could she have imagined her sister was getting married to an Alpha, nonetheless the Alpha of Ravencourt.

That made her a future Luna. It felt too absurd. A deep laugh rang out. Alexander looked amused. He placed his hand on Yuki’s shoulder. "No need to be so formal. We will soon be family. You can consider me your second father."

He seemed warm. Yuki nervously glanced up. She didn’t know what to say. Alexander’s arm wrapped around Aevia’s waist and he warmly welcomed Yuki in. "Come on, dinner is ready," he urged, walking up the stairs.

Yuki’s hands were shaking. She clenched them, trying to keep herself together. Alexander led them to the dining room. The entire time, Yuki’s eyes kept darting around. She had never seen this kind of luxury before.

The dining doors were opened and a lavish table came into view, set with actual gold cutlery. Alexander pulled out a seat for Aevia like second nature. Yuki awkwardly stood at the side. She was about to take her seat when the doors were swung open.

Alexander’s head snapped to the door with a tight expression. A voice boomed through the room as three figures stepped inside, one Yuki knew too well.

"Dad, what am I hearing about you rejecting Mum and taking a second wife?" he hissed. Yuki was shocked to her bones. Her face went white as she stared at him.

What was Kieran doing here?! A terrifying thought formed in her mind.