Chapter 3

The alpha’s hut was the largest of all the others in the village, able to hold several of our people and still have room for more, it held a large double bed, a fire pit and a place for Terious to receive up to ten people at once. I took a large breath and cleared my throat, the alpha conferring with another member of the tribe about sharing the food equally among the tribe. Something i did not care to listen to as i was eager to learn of what would become of me.

“Lycia. Do not interrupt me.” Terious snarled, causing my entire body to shiver and forcibly bow. Something that i had always hated to admit affected me.

Why should one man have control over all others of the tribe? And why must the anger in his voice frighten me beyond reason? I knew the reasons, but I despised them all the same. I did not believe that one man should rule over an entire village the way that he did, insisting on forcing us to bow at his feet whenever he pleased.

“Apologies Alpha. I did not intend on angering you but i was told you needed to see me right away.” I informed him through gritted teeth, my actions formal and distrusting.

“You are dismissed.” He told the man before him, waving his hand as though the other wolf was beneath him; something that angered me further.

The blonde haired wolf nodded, bowing before he turned to leave, his eyes never meeting my own. I watched him leave for a long moment before turning back towards the alpha, his broad shoulders and intimidating muscles bulging through his open shirt. Terious had silly black hair that reached down past his shoulders, and gleaming emerald eyes that called for the attention of all those around him; his square jaw and pointed nose the harshest of all his features. I stared up at him in silence, impatiently waiting for his decision on how he would throw me from the village, leaving me a banished and forsaken outsider.

“Lycia. I would remind you who I am.” He stated, his tone beastly and commanding.

I shook my head, crouching further into my bow. “Apologies Alpha, I did not mean myself any dishonour, I’m simply nervous to find out what you have planned for me now that I have failed.”

I hated apologizing to a creature as self serving as Terious, but i had no other choice, if I disobeyed him he could simply make me bend to his every will. As could any other alpha. The power that they held was above all else and no lone wolf could ever challenge them.

The alpha scowled, “you always have been impatient.”

“Yes, I have. And I’m told that it is not a good trait for a woman.” I replied sourly, knowing that he was hinting at another one of my many failures as a woman.

“Do not take me to be a tyrant Lycia, I only want what is best for the pack. You know this.” He murmured sweetly, too sweetly.

My insides churned at the kindness in his voice, since when did Terious like me? Let alone show me an ounce of compassion. What did he have planned? And what was to become of me?

I wished he could simply tell me all the answers, but as usual the conversation had switched towards himself and I feared I would never know.

“You are my alpha, I could never think such a thing.” I lied, once again bowing to a man I wished to be far from. Never having to look upon him again.

He sighed suddenly, beginning to pace around his tent. “I knew that you would fail the task I have you, in fact I was counting on it.”

“What do you mean?” I asked through gritted teeth, standing out of my respectful bow to look up at him. My mind swirling with questions.

What could he mean? Why did he want me to fail? And why would he be counting on such a thing? Did he really want rid of me that badly?

“Perhaps not what you are thinking.” He laughed deeply, a smile playing across his features. “I wish to marry you.”

“What?!” I barked out, taking a step back in shock.

Marry me? What was he thinking? How could he ever want a woman such as me as his wife? Me, a wife.

“I want you to marry me Lycia. I cannot think of a better mate.” He smiled once again, taking a step towards me as he continued. “Your as strong headed and stubborn as myself and I want you to bear my cubs. Just think, they will be strong and beautiful. With raven black fur.”

“I don’t ...” want to marry you, I finished in my head, knowing better than to anger Terious. But how could he ask me such a thing?

Why would he ask me such a thing? Me, bear his children and warm his place by the fire? How could I do such a thing, with a man that i had always hated, no, I love Jannen. Not the alpha. And yet, what other choice did I have? What would he do if I rejected him? Would he throw me from the pack? Dishonour my father’s name forever?

“I don’t know.” I finally answered. “would we be good together?”

“Of course we would, we can make this tribe a better place, both for the men and the women. What is it that you always go on about? Equality?” he asked, confusion slithering across his broad features. “Perhaps I may consider your opinions once you are my wife.”

“I don’t know.” I repeated, my heart racing as I took a step back, unwilling to be blackmailed into something that would change my life forever.

Terious smiled wildly, his eyes blazing with something i had never seen before. “Take your time. But after the full moon, i want you to declare that you are mine.”