Shifting Desires – 1

Sebastian’s POV

Today was the monthly gathering between our Packs. The Ashworth and Sterling Packs had maintained this tradition for generations, long before I was born. As the two most powerful werewolf families in Moon Bay, these meetings were crucial for maintaining our respective powers and territories. The bond between our Packs originated from the deep friendship between our mothers. In the werewolf world, connections between two families often determined how the fates of their descendants would intertwine, and we were the perfect example of that rule.

“Dad, why are you driving like an old man? Grandpa’s barbecue is definitely ready by now; I can smell it from here!” Leo complained, his little face scrunched up in frustration.

If it weren’t for Leo, I wouldn’t have stepped foot at this gathering. There was a time when I loved these Pack events, especially when I was certain Thea wouldn’t be attending. I viewed these occasions as sanctuaries from her—places where, except for Leo, everyone harbored hostility toward that wolfless woman, which made me feel comfortable.

Now, everything had changed. I was disgusted with myself and with how Pack members had treated Thea with such cruelty. The regret was eating me alive.

“I’m already speeding up, little one,” I tried to soften my tone.

“No, you’re not! Even Grandma drives faster than you!” he countered, rolling his adorable eyes.

Just got mocked by a six-year-old pup? My wolf rumbled with amusement, and I shook my head with a slight laugh, increasing my speed a bit.

The car fell silent again, and my thoughts were immediately consumed by Thea. When I went to her house to pick up Leo, the moment she opened the door, she radiated a kind of brilliance that was difficult to describe. I felt like I was looking at a fertility goddess, full of maternal light, dressed in a flowing white dress, her hair cascading down like a waterfall, her slightly swollen belly and skin as perfect as porcelain. My wolf immediately began clawing at my heart, and I could feel his desire, while I myself could barely control the urge to pull her into my arms and lock us away in her bedroom for hours.

She is ours, my wolf declared to me, and for the first time, I didn’t argue back. This reaction to Thea was unprecedented, catching me completely off guard. I couldn’t think about anything that wasn’t related to her. Her presence invaded almost every moment of mine, no matter how I tried to distract myself.

I was terrified by this obsession. Multiple times, I found myself wondering what she was doing, if she was eating properly, getting enough rest. I’d even considered assigning servants to help with her housework, to ensure her safety. These thoughts shocked me. I had never considered doing more for Thea—now, caring for her needs had almost become instinctual without my wolf having to urge me, which stirred something profound within me.

“Dad?” Leo’s voice snapped me out of my trance.

“Hmm? What is it?”

“We’re already here. How long are you planning to stay in the car?”

I realized we were parked in front of my parents’ house, and I had no recollection of how we’d gotten there. I’d been so lost in my thoughts that I’d driven as if sleepwalking. I knew it was dangerous, especially with Leo in the car, but I just couldn’t help it.

“Sorry, got lost in my thoughts,” I explained, “Let’s go, smell that barbecue, I’m sure Grandpa saved the best parts for you.”

“Dad, you’ve been spacing out a lot lately,” he observed keenly, “Is something wrong?”

I didn’t want to worry him, and I certainly couldn’t tell him that my distress stemmed from his beautiful mother, the woman I had rejected.

“Pack business is a bit complicated, but nothing for you to worry about,” I said dismissively.

He nodded, a barely perceptible gleam of cunning in his eyes, then unbuckled his seatbelt and got out. I locked the car, and together we walked toward the mansion.

The door opened before we reached it, with Margaret standing there, smiling.

“Grandma!” Leo cheered, rushing forward.

“My little Alpha,” she bent down to receive her grandson’s hug, “I’ve missed you so much.”

Without a doubt, despite Thea being wolfless, my parents and Margaret adored Leo. His bloodline, pure with Alpha heritage from both families, made him the Pack’s future hope. Unfortunately, as Leo’s mother, Thea had always been viewed as a stain, unloved by us because of what we believed she’d done to Aurora and me.

“Where’s your mother? I sent her an invitation,” Margaret asked, her gaze scanning behind us for any sign of Thea.