The Alpha's Choice

Chapter 3

Riven's POV

I watched with admiration as Lyra sprint off. I felt glad she was happy now. But something about her reminded me of Cardy, my fated mate who I lost a few weeks ago. A sting of sadness and guilt set in as I recalled some memories of her.

"Don't you think she is going too far?" Cormac, my Beta, tapped me on the shoulder.

"OK, let's go after her," I snapped out of my sorrowful state.

"What's wrong? You look sad."

"I'm fine, let's go." I leapt forward in the direction I had seen her go, shifting mid-air to allow my wolf, Drexel, to take over.

Cormac followed closely behind.

I spotted Lyra from afar, and another figure—I couldn't figure out who—but his hands were on her neck. I doubled up, my pace boosted, and my claws now fully stretched. It was Kaid, I observed as I drew closer.

He quickly loosened his hold and fled into the trees, and I gave a hot chase, but I wasn't quick enough for him. He meandered and disappeared through the trees.

I returned to find Lyra unconscious; we took time to examine her body; her neck carried a deep wound, potentially from the strange wolf's claws.

"We need to take her to the doctor," Cormac scooped her off the ground and paced off.

"Riven," I heard Diana's voice call out from the crowd as I walked past. Diana was a childhood friend and the gamma's last child; we were so close that everyone in the pack expected me to choose her for my mate when I was to turn Alpha.

"How are you doing?" she asked as she closed in, beaming her usual charming smile. We conversed while we strolled till we reached my manor.

"Your presence is required, Alpha," my Beta mind linked me.

"What is it? How is she?" I inquired simultaneously, but he disconnected the mind-link just before I was through with my questions.

"Goodbye Freya, I'll see you at moonlight." I dismissed Freya and proceeded in.

I stood by the fireplace, my gaze fixed on the crackling flames as the weight of the elders' words settled upon me. It had been 3 weeks since my Luna and Cardy's passing, yet the ache within my chest remained raw.

"Elders, I understand your concerns, but surely this isn't the time," I protested, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Elder Rowly's expression remained resolute. "Riven, stability is very vital for our pack. A pack without balanced leadership is vulnerable. The pack needs a Luna."

"I know, but forcing me into a bond within a week is unreasonable; I haven't found the right person yet," I countered, frustration simmering.

"We're not asking, Riven. It's pack law. Find a suitable Luna or forfeit your position." Gamma Luu spoke in a softened tone.

Elder Militao cleared her throat. "Riven, there are a lot of capable females. Even Freya, your friend, is a remarkable young woman.

Gamma Luu nodded in agreement.

"The choice is yours, Riven. But decide within a week."

As the elders departed, the weight of their ultimatum crushed me, and I kept pondering on what to do.

I stared at the moon, feeling the weight of the pack's ultimatum. Find a new mate within a week or risk losing my position as the Alpha. My first mate's passing still lingered, but duty called.

Lyra was the only one on my mind; I couldn't think of any other I would rather choose. But I haven't opened up to her, and I doubt she will accept at such short notice; I didn't want to pressure her.

She had just recovered from the attack by Kaid. I have doubled my defenses since the incident and also sent a warning message to the Revlon pack.

Now, with just a day left, I must convince her to accept me as her mate; if she doesn't accept, I'll just have to choose any random she-wolf from the pack.

"Why must this be so complicated?" I wondered. We'd shared moments, laughter, and adventures, yet I'd never revealed my feelings. How could I express them now, under pressure?

I approached her, heart racing. "Hey, I need to talk to you." My voice trembled.

She looked up, curious.

"Listen, I know this is sudden, but... I think I really like you. I feel a connection." I took a deep breath. "I want you to be my chosen mate. Will you be mine?"

Her eyes searched mine. Would she see the sincerity?

She gazed into my eyes, her expression a mix of curiosity and empathy. "Riven, I had no idea. Your world is complicated."

Pausing, she took a deep breath. "I've felt a connection to you too. But becoming your mate and the pack's Luna, it's overwhelming."

Her voice softened. "I need time to think, to understand this world and your bond. Can I have some time to consider?"

My heart skipped a beat. Hope flickered.

"Take all the time you want," I replied, trying to sound calm. "But know this: I want you, not just as a mate, but as my partner and my Luna together, we'll lead the Wildwood pack."

Her lips curled into a gentle smile. "That means a lot, Riven. I'll give you my answer in a few days."

I paced uneasily in front of my manor; today was the last day, Lyra haven't replied to me yet, and the elders will dethrone me at sunset if I fail to present them with a Luna. "What if she says no?" I pondered.

Freya approached me, her eyes shining with sincerity. "Riven, I know the elders' deadline looms, and you know my feelings for you go beyond the friendship we shared since we were kids; I genuinely love you."

I wasn't surprised; she loved me and has always tried to show it.

"Freya, I appreciate your honesty; you're such a beauty and a strong woman too," I replied gently. "But I'm sorry; my heart is already spoken for."

"Riven, you turned me down for Cardy the first time; please not again; I really love..."

"Stop! I've always loved you as a friend, Freya; let's keep it that way."

Freya''s smile faltered, yet she nodded graciously. "I understand. I wish you happiness, Riven."

Just then, Lyra emerged from her quarters, determination in her stride as she walked towards me. I saw Freya walk away the moment she saw her.

"Riven, I've made my decision." She declared as soon as she was within range, I accept your proposal, Riven, "I'll be your mate and Luna."

Joy surged through me. I swept Lyra into a passionate kiss.

I couldn't wait for the Luna ceremony, when I'll mark her as mine officially.

Preparations for the Luna ceremony were underway. The elders won't let me delay it even for a second; as soon as they heard I had chosen a mate, they started the preparations.

Cormac was helping me get dressed; he had strapped some festive linens on me and was helping me brush my hair. Drexel couldn't stop popping excitedly in my head. "Mate," "mate," he kept saying.

Lyra was in her quarters, with a group of females adorning her with traditional garb and sacred markings. Anticipation filled the air.

Suddenly, a chilling scream pierced the celebratory atmosphere.

It was from Lyra's quarters. I paced off, heart racing, and my Beta followed closely behind. We pushed the door aside and got in.

As I stepped into the room, my eyes were met with a gruesome sight. Bodies lay scattered across the floor. The air was thick with the metallic scent of fresh blood. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I took in the scene.