Page 2 of Moonlit Fate

“Come on,” he taunted, his stance both mocking and challenging. “You’re not much of a sparring partner when you’re so riled up. Show me you can harness that energy, demonstrate your true potential.”

I bared my teeth in a snarl, my skin bristling with the electricity in the air. The impending conversation with my father pressed down on me, heavy and unyielding. He wanted to talk, but it was more than that. I was prepared to become alpha, had been groomed for the role all my life. What I wasn’t prepared for was fulfilling the requirement that an alpha must be paired—mated—before assuming full command. Such were the intricate laws that governed the pack, however.

Because while my father hadn’t said as much, Iknewdown to my bones that he had someone picked out for me, someone he deemed worthy and suitable. All that was left was for him to spring the news on me.

“Careful what you wish for,” I warned Eldan, shifting as I lunged.

We clashed, our bodies colliding in a powerful display of skill. With each swipe of my paw, I could feel my fury burning, a powerful rebellion against the chains that tried to restrain me. Eldan met my attacks with equal fervor, his own frustrations lending to his defense.

“Easy.”He panted.“You’re going to take my head off at this rate.”

“Isn’t that the point of sparring?”I feinted left before barreling into him from the right.

Eldan stumbled but regained his balance quickly.“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were looking to start a war.”He dodged a particularly vicious strike.

“Enough,” I said, shifting into my human form and halting Eldan mid-attack as the sky opened up and fat droplets of rain began to fall. I stood there, panting, drenched in both sweat and the beginnings of the downpour. A warrior queen.

“Seriously, what the fuck is eating at you?”Eldan shook his fur like a dog shedding water, though the gesture did little against the deluge.

“Let’s just say I’m not looking forward to tonight’s pack meeting,” I said. Thoughts of the rogue we’d encountered earlier lingered. The rogue wolf was a symbol of the freedom I yearned for, even as I prepared to accept the responsibility of leadership.

Eldan stepped closer, his eyes earnest.“Whatever it is, you’ll face it head-on. You always do.”

With a last glance at the skies, now a tapestry of lightning and filled with the booming echoes of thunder, I turned, steeling myself to face the unknowns that lay ahead inside the alpha’s manor.

Half an hour later,the steam from the tub clung to my skin and beads of water trickled down my back as I padded across the plush carpet of my bedroom. My sanctuary was a harmonious blend of earthy tones and natural textures, the rich dark wood furniture contrasting with the soft-hued walls. The large bed, with its iron-wrought headboard and heap of embroidered pillows, was unmade. Par for the course. The thought of making my bed irritated me. It was a pointless waste of energy, as it would only end up messy again when it was time to go to bed. The darkness of the brooding sky seeped in through the wide windows.

I’d spent too long in the tub, letting the hot water pound the knots out of the muscles in my back. When I’d realized the time, I hastily put together an outfit appropriate for a meeting with the alpha. I opted for a smart pair of black slacks and an emerald-green silk blouse that complemented my silver hair and eyes. Stealing a wistful look at the inviting bed, I sighed and left my bedroom, closing the door behind me.

The creaking of the staircase echoed through the empty hallway, intensifying my dread as I headed towards my impending doom. Father was waiting in his office. The alpha’s aura filled the space, the power, duty, and legacy all a part of the whole.

“Father.”

“Aria.” My father, Ragnar, acknowledged me with a nod. “Sit. We must discuss the future of our pack and your role in it.”

Straight to the point. I knew what was coming. Hearing it would make it real—too real. But his words were a velvet trap, soft yet inescapable.

“I caught some of your training today.” His voice carried a note of pride. “You looked formidable.” He waited for me to acknowledge the compliment, ensnaring me with his gaze. “But strength alone does not an alpha make. During a meeting of the elders, it was determined that you are to be mated.”

He held up his hand, stopping me before I could even begin to protest.

“Aria, it is done. You’ve had ample opportunity to court someone, yet you haven’t made any effort to begin the process. So, after carefully reviewing the potential candidates in the pack, you’ve been paired with Larkin Ranger. The elders agree it is time for you to be mated for the future of the Silver Claw pack.”

There it was. I bristled, the wordmatedmaking me want to run screaming.

“I am aware of my responsibilities, Father. But why do I not have a say in this? Why can’t I choose who I?—”

“Because you had your chance and showed no interest. I have chosen Larkin for you.” The finality in Ragnar’s tone bounced off the high ceilings of his office. “He is of strong lineage, respected. His alliance with you will fortify our pack.”

Fury and despair warred within me. “I don’t want to marry someone just because of their genes and family name. I should be able to find a person who I love, who is suitable for me. For us.”

“Suitability is not about feelings,” my father dismissed. “It is about unity and survival. You will wed Larkin. It is your duty.”

My fingers curled, nails digging into my palms to anchor me. Love for my father, for Silver Claw, clashed with my desire for autonomy. I wanted to lead, to protect our pack, but at what cost?

“Is this how it must be?” I asked, trying to keep the desolation out of my tone.

“Affairs of the pack eclipse personal desires,” Ragnar said. “In time, you will understand. I’ve said enough on this matter, Aria. It is done.”

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