MATED TO THE STRONGEST ALPHA
Chapter Thirteen

*Selene's POV

Day by day, I felt myself getting stronger and healing from the past. The wounds, both physical and emotional, were finally mending. I had moved on from Riker, the one who taught me a valuable life lesson. Thoughts of him were fading, and all I wished for now was his happiness and my own. With the unwavering support of my family and friends, I made tremendous progress.

I, however, missed Father and Lilith deeply. I wanted to see them badly, but I would be so ashamed to face them. I wouldn't even know where to begin-about Riker and my new life. I kept wondering what they thought about everything, what Riker told them about my disappearance, and if they truly thought that I was dead.

The care and kindness, however, of my new family were beyond words, and expressing my gratitude with a simple "thank you" felt inadequate.

"You look beautiful, my princess," my mother gazed at my reflection in the mirror, brushing my hair gently and adding a touch of makeup. Today was my official welcome party into my new family, and everyone finally got to know me as the daughter of this family. The excitement bubbled within me, and I wondered what it would be like to be officially known as the daughter of the Lycan king. How would the world see me?

"Thank you, mom. But..." I hesitated for a moment and turned to face her, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. She gazed at me with pride, awaiting my next words. "But I'm afraid," I admitted. "Afraid of what?"

"Of them. What if they don't like me?"

Before she responded, my mother cupped my face, assuring me that I had nothing to worry about as long as she was with me.

"They will... They will love you. You are precious to all of us. You are the next queen, and everyone loves their future queen."

I smiled, reassured by her words. "I hope I can be as good a queen as you, mom." I didn't want to disappoint anyone; being a queen carried immense responsibility. I aspired to follow in my mother's footsteps in handling the kingdom with grace and wisdom, but I feared that I might fall short. The weight of being the next Queen rested heavily on my shoulders.

"You have nothing to worry about. You don't need to be better than anyone. I wasn't a better queen, nor a better wife and mother than the previous queen. You don't need to be perfect; just be yourself. True power comes from within. We often fantasize about being better and perfect, but the truth is, that we only need to embrace who we are. No one is truly perfect. Trust your capabilities and believe in yourself."

Her words touched my heart deeply, and I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears. I loved hearing her wise advice. She was an incredible queen.

The time came, and I was still quite anxious. This was truly a nerve-racking moment for me, but with my mom by my side, I felt the confidence building in me. I took a deep breath.

"Shall we go? They've been waiting eagerly for us to join them." My mom extended her hand towards me, her laughter soft and sweet.

With a heart full of love, I took her hand. Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I said, "I'm ready to meet them all."

This was the beginning of a new era in my life, and I promised my mother I would strive to become a better person. The new Selene would be one of the strongest werewolves alive.

Time flew as my parents introduced me to the guests. Warm welcomes and invitations to meet their children filled the air. I was overwhelmed by the attention I received-something entirely new to me.

Among the guests, a tall man caught my eye. He approached us, and I offered him a sweet smile. His demeanor exuded bravery and discipline, like that of a soldier. I couldn't take my eyes off him until he stood before us.

"Your Majesty," he bowed gracefully, and my parents looked at him proudly. Was he the one they had mentioned as my trainer? What was his name again? Axel?

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess." He took my hand and gently kissed it before locking eyes with me.

"Selene, this is the man we spoke about," my mom said, presenting him to me.

"Allow me to introduce myself, Princess." He stood tall, extending his hand. "I am Axel Timeless, your trainer."

I nodded and replied, "Selene," as I shook his hand.

My parents spoke highly of his power and capabilities, but I remained silent, not knowing how to react. He was going to be my trainer, and I hoped we would get along so that he wouldn't be difficult to understand. His presence was quite imposing.

I took a seat at the place specially arranged for my parents and me and observed everyone. My parents were speaking gleefully with some guests whom I don't recognize, unsurprisingly, and Axel was sitting all by himself.

I sighted Malia, who was standing all by herself, and called her. She stood beside me and spoke.

"Everything's going alright, princess?" She started.

"Yes, I was feeling a bit nervous at first, thinking about if everyone would accept me and everything, but the way everyone accepted me warmly makes me happy. They're all so nice." "I'm glad to hear that."

"That man over there though," I said while nodding towards Axel's direction. "He's been alone since the party started. He seems like a loner. Do you know anything about him?"

"Axel Timeless? His dad and his majesty seem to be good friends. He's also quite a strong warrior. However, that's all I know about him. He's rather secretive."

"Hmm, I see," I said, staring at Axel. "Thank you. How about you, Malia? I hope you are enjoying the party."

"Very much, princess, thank you for asking." She said as she let out a graceful smile. "I'll take my leave now, princess. Summon me if you need anything."

I nodded and watched as she walked away.

*