Page 2 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

I’d come here in a simple gray t-shirt dress and my black hiking sandals.Comfortable.Sensible.

Like me.

As much as I didn't want to, I couldn't help but compare myself to Ruby.Tall and blonde with a rack I'd kill for, she exuded confidence and sensuality, where I was petite, brunette, and reserved.

Sure, she was unkind on a good day, but I could see why so many males wanted her underneath them.In fact, Ruby was one of the Alpha's many fuck-buddies, rotating in and out of his bed faster than a harem on steroids.

The thought made my wolf growl but I tamped her down.Shifters were known for their sexual appetites, especially Alphas.It wasn't like Briggs had committed to any of them.

When a wolf committed, it was to his or her mate—and matehood was so much more than sex.

I was no blushing virgin myself.Yet, being old enough to feel the threads of a mating bond on the night of the Mating Moon brought on a case of the jitters.

Nervousness gnawed at my insides as I waited for the moment Briggs would make his announcement.An element of uncertainty made my stomach churn.Waiting was hell.

Neither of us had made any formal acknowledgement of the faint hum connecting our wolves to one another.Sometimes it was so weak I worried I was imagining things.

Other times I worried that I wasn’t imagining things and Briggs was purposefully restricting the bond, preventing it from becoming obvious.Not everyone welcomed destined connections with open arms.

I’d always been told rejecting one's mate was like cutting off a piece of your soul and throwing it into the abyss, leaving behind a wound that would never fully heal.

It was rare, but it happened.

Though, I supposed, if my fated mate was a complete waste of existence, I would dig deep and find the strength to cut out that cancer as best I could.

Briggs stepped forward, demanding everyone's attention.The pack hushed.

Again, his attention fell upon me, weighty and unnerving, pausing briefly before moving on.It did nothing to settle my nerves.

"Wolves of Darkwood, we gather here tonight to honor the sacred bond between mates," Briggs began, his deep voice resonating with authority.

It made me wonder what he would sound like while he moved inside me, his mouth at my ear.I bet he liked to talk dirty.My core tightened and my wolf panted.

"The Mating Moon graces us with its presence, symbolizing the powerful connection we share not only with our loved ones but with our pack."

I couldn't help but admire the way he spoke, effortlessly holding the attention of every wolf present.It was like a spell had fallen over the small, moonlit clearing.

There was an undercurrent of tension in the air as everyone waited for his next words.

"As I declared I would, just days ago, I stand before you to make my choice," Briggs continued.

Choice?my wolf, Rieka, questioned.

It was an odd word to use.True mates were bound by the Goddess when they entered the world.

I came of age, 23, just months ago and knew the closer the Mating Moon came, the closer I was to finding my true mate.

My feet inched forward, a ray of moonlight kissed my skin.Rieka sat up as the bond flared brighter than ever.She urged me to charge towards him.

Down girl!I scolded.

"I have spent countless hours on the mountain, meditating, giving this decision much thought.I believe I have come to the most suitable choice, the best outcome possible, not only for me but for our pack."

The cadence of his speech had altered, feeling rehearsed.Forced, even.

My heart raced as I clung to his words, desperately seeking any trace of confirmation that he felt the same pull towards me as I did to him.

Every fiber of my being screamed that we were meant to be together.I no longer had any doubt under the light of the full moon.

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