Chapter 2

As soon as I got home, I sneaked into my room, sure that I was not seen by Isabella as I got into my room to freshen up from my messy dirty stained body. Just as I had finished taking my shower and was wearing my outfit for the day, I could hear the chanting and cheering voices from the back of the palace wall. I peeked through my window and looked towards the direction the voice was coming from, then I saw it. The Alpha King and his Queen are back and they are approaching.

I hurriedly tied my hair in a ponytail, hastly wore my dress and got prepared and then made my way to the king chamber where I met the maids already dressed and queued, waiting to welcome their arrival. I also watched as princess Isabella sat on her princess throne, smiling as she watched her parents approach.

The pack members placed their clothes on the floor in joy as they all paved the way for the king to step on it while he approached his throne the moment he and his queen got down from the horse.

Once at the throne, the king and queen stood in front of their throne, “Happy to see you all." Addressing his pack that he was happy to be home after being away for two days for a ceremony.

"My dear pack," he began, "it is always a pleasure to return home to the loving embrace of my pack and I have brought goodnews.”

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, showing their adoration for their Alpha King. Queen Elise stood by his side.

"We have returned from a successful ceremonial visit, and I am pleased to say that Alpha Garrett, Isabella's mate, will be visiting today." This was great news for them. Alpha Garrett? The most feared Alpha King whose pack is the strongest and richest in the clan. Many moons ago, Isabella's parents were informed that Isabella was the fated mate to Alpha Garrett and today, he is finally coming to claim her. Isabella on the other hand blushed so hard and couldn't wait to meet him.

In the final announcement, the Alpha King announced that his pack should be in their best behaviour when he arrives and that they should let their actions convince Alpha Garrett that the silver heart pack are happy to have him.

After the announcement, once the pack began to retreat to their homes, I made my way to the king.

“Welcome home father, welcome mother." I fell on my knees, greeting and showing some respect but then, the king lifted me up with a signal as he gave me a hug and the queen did the same.

“I'm happy to see you girls. I hope you both took care of yourselves?” The queen asked and just as I was about to reply, Isabella spoke.

“Mother, father, Lyssa have been sleeping around when you were away.” She spat. Oh my god, did Isabella see me while I sneaked into the castle this morning?

“Father, that's not true." I rebuked immediately.

"Enough girls, this will be talked about later. Go get prepared. Alpha Garrett is on his way.” Said the queen. Her words showed it that she was already used to Isabella's constant fight with me and right now, she has no energy for that. I mean, she has just returned from a ceremony and she needs to rest before the arrival of Alpha Garrett.

“Ok, mother.” I replied and walked away, walking into my room to get prepared.

Moment later, Isabella pushed my door open as she walked in, looking beautiful. She deserved to be, I mean she's about to meet her mate so indeed, she should look stunning. Her eyes scanned me from my head to my toes, giving me a disgusting look because it was so obvious that her dress speaks more luxurious than mine.

“You look beautiful," I said.

“Of course, I should," Isabella replied coldly. "I mean, I know I look beautiful." She added, rolling her eyes.

Shortly, a knock interrupted and a maid walked in and informed us that our presence was needed in the feasting ground.

“Everyone awaits your arrival princess Isabella and you, princess, Lyssa.”.

***

The girls nodded and the maid left. They made their way there and sat at the royal feasting table surrounded by other family members when suddenly, the gigantic door was pushed open as everyone saw tall and intimidating warriors walking in. They were Garrett's warriors who guided him through his journey to this place. The warriors queued in two lines as their king, Alpha Garrett, walked in their midst.

Isabella's father stood immediately. He approached to give him a happy welcoming hug but Garrett didn't buy that. He stood tall as his eyes scanned the room and observed everyone as they awaited his reaction.

Suddenly, Lyssa's eyes met he's. Instantly, Lyssa's heart skip as she was shocked to see who it was. She wonders if he remembers her. Isabella's mate was Garrett who happens to be the stranger Lyssa had a one night stand with last night.

She had not expected to see that stranger again after their encounter, and now she was faced with the added pressure of meeting him in a formal setting, surrounded by their families and pack members.

If he should expose her, the Alpha King and the Queen would believe Isabella that Lyssa was indeed sneaking out when they were away.

The king, feeling nervous already by Garrett's presence, cleared his throat and spoke out in authority.

“The silver heart pack welcomes you. Please honour us by sitting. My family here, my queen and two daughters, Isabella, your fated mate and Lyssa appreciate your presence.” The king's words was followed by his moving hands as he pointed at his daughters while he Introduced them when suddenly, Garrett's eyes met with Lyssa’s.

As Garrett continued to hold gaze with Lyssa, Isabella noticed it and was getting jealous. Shortly they could all see the hint of a smile playing on Garrett's lips. Lyssa's heart raced even faster as she wondered what he was thinking, hoping he doesn't put her into trouble.

Finally, Garrett broke the silence with a nod of acknowledgment. "Lyssa," he said, his voice deep and commanding.

Lyssa's stomach churned as she struggled to find her voice. "Alpha Garrett," she managed to respond, trying to keep her tone steady as she bowed in respect.

Garrett's eyes narrowed as he studied her for a moment before finally shifting his gaze to the king.