/His POV/
The white noise of the forest suddenly made me aware of the surrounding. My Alpha ears stood at attention, a slight twitch in my nose. I flicked my tongue out to wet the tip when my eyes fell on the butterfly.
A carefree giggle escaped my lips. At the age of five, I was fascinated with everything colourful, just like other pups. My paws smacked onto the ground as they tried to catch a butterfly fluttering around me. I wanted to grab it and hand it over to my father. That might cheer him up and make him laugh like me.
From the corner of my eyes, I noticed someone approach me slowly. It was a giant wolf. My eyes shifted around, searching for ways to escape. Alphas don't run away from a fight, my father said, but long wolves scared me easily. They could easily tear me apart.
The wolf surprisingly shifted into his human form. The stranger settled in front of me, sitting cross-legged on the forest floor full of dried leaves. His mouth turned down as the leaves crunched under his weight, but he focused all his attention on me. What did he want?
"Hi there, pup," He said sweetly, reaching out and letting my wolf sniff his hand before he ran his fingers down into my fluffy fur to scratch behind my ears. I let out a satisfactory rumble, leaning more into his touch.
I blinked at him. He was still staring into my eyes. My friends always said there's something special about my eyes. They have the slightest hint of gold outlined just above my eyes. It brought out the striking green colour of my orbs. That colour was rare and mainly belonged to Alphas with great power. The elders have stories enough to know the traits the moment they saw me.
I moved closer without more than a cautious sniff. Much too trusting.
"You're going to be a great Alpha. How about that?" The stranger smirked. I jumped around in excitement, baring my teeth at him.
I knew it! My father encouraged me and said the same thing every day. Hearing it from the stranger made it much more accurate. I wanted the stranger to say that in front of my father. Someone praising me always makes him laugh proudly.
"I'm going to give you something to remember me by," The stranger said as he picked me up quickly and rested me on the bed of leaves. I made a face. He gently lifted my arms above and stared at the white fur on my belly.
My eyes pointedly glared at him. What was he staring at? Before I could squirm away from his hands, he held me down.
The stranger muttered something under his breath and lifted his hand, placing it right over my chest, concentrating all of his energy to the point where his thumb was pressed. I had never received a mark before but trusted in his instinct. My eyes clenched shut as there was a sudden light emerging from between his fingers, almost blinding me in the process.
A yelp ripped out of my throat as the mark settled into place, but I didn't dart away from the pain. There was a forcefield of energy around us, making me still. I wiggled out from under his hold, standing on my two feet. The pain was much that I shifted back to my human form to calm myself.
A long howl pierced through the forest, and I froze. That's my fathers signal. He must be looking for me. My pack must be worried as I sneaked away to play in the forest. I sniffed the air around me and was able to conclude that they were close by.
The stranger hurriedly stood up. "I'll come back for you."
I woke up with a jolt. My entire body was covered in sweat. Looking around made me aware of my surroundings. Thankfully I was in my room. Why did I have that dream again? It's been so long since that happened.
After I was found by my pack I had no recollection of that stranger. The mark had been sitting proudly on my chest. For years I have been racking my brain around, trying to figure out what the mark meant but severely failed.
Sharply tugging on my roots, I stood up and walked to the full-length mirror. The mark on my chest stared back at me. I palmed at the skin, rubbing the redness around the mark while trying to recall that strangers face. No such luck. It was always hidden by a dark shadow looming over him.
One day. I sighed to myself. One day I'll catch him and get all the answers to my questions.
***
Walking out of my cabin and on the way to the pack-house, several people greeted me, bowing their head down. I could easily get used to it. Earlier, they used to do it because I was the son of Pack Alpha, but now I'm the Pack Alpha.
Not yet. My brain sharply reminded me. One last ceremony remained till they fully accepted me as their Alpha.
I summoned my beta using my wolf, closing my eyes and finding him through our l**k. We were able to communicate easily through our wolves simply because we trusted each other—That's how communication is possible. Two people who are close to each other and trust each other can do that.
'I'm close to you; I heard his response.
"Yes, Alpha?" Liam rushed towards me, through the crowd. "What can I do for you?"
"Did you call that betas family? I need to get this over with as soon as possible."
I loomed over it. The only reason I agreed to take a Luna was for my throne. For several centuries our pack has a tradition to pass the rule to the Alpha with a mate by his side. And, of course, a pup in a year to follow. No one from my pack was interested in fulfilling that duty as they knew me too well.
My beta suggested that we look for someone outside the pack. It will be easy for me to convince them for our marriage, given my name and status.
He bobbed his head. "Yeah. They are on their way. Don't worry; I sent two of the guards to receive them from the station."
A smirk curved on my lips. It's only matter of few days before I finally get my throne. "Good. I can't wait to meet my Luna."
***
"Enjoy the ride, Rose," The deep voice mumbled against my ear, and it caused shivers to run through me. Long fingers reached up to tuck a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. The touch had felt amazing and something I had never experienced.The Alphas fingers carded through my hair, and his eyes tried to find mine. Goosebumps rose over my skin, and my nerves were overwhelmed with sensation."That's it," The Alpha cooed while his hand started to explore my bare body. It felt so amazing as his hands joined in, sliding over my bare chest. My entire being was buzzing from the depths of his touch. I followed one of Aiden's arms up to his shoulder, and the skin there felt just as smooth as it appeared.&nb
I rushed to my parents as fast as my feet could carry, feeling guilt envelop me at their embarrassed faces. My sister, Cara, was also avoiding meeting my eyes, focused on the Alpha beside me. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I settled on my father's side."Again, we are so sorry on behalf of Rose" My mother sincerely bowed her head towards the Alpha Aiden. When she met my eyes, her teeth gritted together.Mary had a short temper. Something everyone in the house was aware of, and they walked on eggshells around her.My father nudged me, his eyes wide. I nodded my head, turning around towards the Alpha. His attention was focused over my shoulder instead of me. "Yes, I'm truly very sorry about...it."
/His POV/At the mere age of eight, I crept down the hallway, avoiding the creaks in the flooring. Growing up in the packhouse, I knew every nook and corner like the back of my hand. The door was creaked open so I leaned against the nearest wall beside the room, eavesdropping on the conversation for a few minutes at first.There was only the sound of my father and an unfamiliar man's voice conversing in a hushed voice which didn't really surprise me. After all, it's supposed to be a business meeting. My father asked me to stay in my room until they were done with the meeting.I tried my best to be discrete, peeking around the corner, my eyes searching out for my father's familiar face. That other man
With a heavy sigh, I eased myself out of bed and cracked the stiff joints in my neck and back with a roll of my shoulders. I glanced out the window of my bedroom, frowning at the fresh blanket of snow dusting over the trees.It was the first snow of the season, and it was earlier than usual—a shiver through my spine.From the corner of my eyes, I glanced at the pills on the table. My head was pounding, I couldn't feel my fingers, and everything hurt, but I knew this was exactly what the pills did.Nausea bubbled in my throat the more I recalled how my mother forcefully shoved them in my hand. I wouldn't say I liked the new pills that sat dry and heavy on my tongue.But I had to tak
"Rose", I heard my father's voice sounding so far away. Raising my head, I raised my brow, taking into his features. He appeared older and wiser than actual age, the lines on his face more prominent, his face looked dull against the walls, lips twisted. "We have already informed the pack council of Cara mating ceremony to Alpha Aiden. Make sure everything is running smoothly."Right. The pack council. I swallowed the lump in my throat. That felt like a final nail to the coffin. Pack Council is the body of people, mostly elder Alphas, who look after the adjoining packs. Before any huge event or ceremony, they must be informed for their blessings considered to be a gift.I was so tired. These kinds of arrangements have been going on for a while. My mother included me in every small decision regarding the marriage
"I thought you might be here."I jolted and turned to face my sister. My eyes were bloodshot red, bags under them and my face swollen. Ever since Zain broke up with me, I couldn't sleep, my free time spent on thinking about him. He made it clear that nothing left between us, erasing all the messages and blocking my sister's number."Sorry I didn't hear you coming."Cara made a sound. "No, seemed like you were preoccupied." The smile fell from her face, inching closer to me, narrowing her eyes. "How long have you been here? We were looking for you."I decided to get out of the gloomy room and bask in the sunlight. The reason why I stood in the balcony, leaning against the railing with my
/His POV/My father, the Pack Alpha, was sitting in his study, busy reading something. His glasses sat on his nose, brows furrowed together. From a distance, I could still pick out the silver of his hair, dull and thin. I knocked on the door even though he might have anticipated my arrival. He lifted his head, closing the file and motioning me to step in."Hi, dad.""Aiden" He smiled brightly. "I heard that you had finalised your Luna."I laughed, plopping on the empty chair in front of him. "Word gets around that fast, huh?""I'm sorry I caught the end of your conversation." He sheepishly pointed out.
The packhouse appeared larger than the last time I had been here. A soft exhale left my lips as I thought about how it'll be my home soon.My parents were already seated in the lawn along with others waiting for my sister. They asked me to help her out with the dress and the long veil."Rose?" Cara tightened her grip on the bag."I'm ready to leave."She was going to run away and hide for a while with her mate. They have planned everything. I had no idea about any of it, only that they were leaving the village and going far away till everyone calmed down."Good luck, Cara."Her eyes pooled with tears. She rushed