ALPHA

CHAPTER 3

Leyale's Pov

" So what are you going to do?.

Zoey asked, her voice soft and gentle as she stroked Leyale's head.Leyale layed on her bed, her head resting on Zoey's lap. Zoey's fingers gently brushed through Leyale's hair, a soothing gesture that usually calmed Leyale's nerves. But tonight, Leyale's mind was a jumble of conflicting thoughts and emotions.

She looked up at her best friend Zoey, with her long, curly brown hair styled in loose waves, wore a trendy outfit that showcased her fashion sense. Her fitted, high-waisted jeans were paired with a cropped, emerald-green sweater that highlighted her bright hazel eyes.

A statement gold necklace with a small pendant added a touch of glamour to her overall look. Her feet were clad in a pair of sleek ankle boots, and her makeup was done to perfection, with a bold lip color that matched her vibrant personality.

Alex, Zoey's twin brother, stood in the corner of the room, his arms crossed over his chest. He was a few inches taller than Zoey, with the same brown hair but a more rugged build. His eyes, a piercing blue, watched Leyale with a concerned expression. He wore a black t-shirt and jeans, his usual attire when he wasn't on patrol duty.

"I'm not sure," Leyale admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can go through with the arranged marriage. But at the same time, I don't want to disobey and disappoint my father.". Zoey nodded understandingly continued to stroke Leyale's hair, her touch calming. "We'll figure it out together," she said. "You're not alone in this, Leyale."

Alex pushed off from the wall, his expression thoughtful. "The winter solstice gathering might be our best chance to find your mate," he said. "If you're meant to be with someone, tonight might be the night you find them."Leyale looked up at Zoey, then at Alex. "Do you really think so?" she asked, a glimmer of hope in her voice.

Alex then looked at her arms still crossed. " Look I know he's our alpha and your dad and all, but that's f**cked up, forcing you to marry someone else," Alex said, his voice laced with frustration on his friends behalf.

Zoey nodded in agreement, her eyes flashing with indignation. "You know, I always thought you and Noah would be mates, considering he's your first everything," Zoey said, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Leyale smiled sadly, her thoughts drifting to her lifelong friend Noah. "I thought so too," she said, "but my wolf doesn't feel that pull to him. Don't get me wrong, I love him and all, but that mystical pull that you guys feel with your mates... it's just not there.".

Alex's expression softened, and he sat down beside Leyale on the bed. "We'll figure something out, Leyale. We won't let your dad force you into a marriage that makes you unhappy."

Zoey nodded, her voice filled with determination. "We'll find your mate, Leyale. Or, at the very least, we'll make sure you're not stuck with someone you don't love."Leyale's heart swelled with gratitude for her friends. She knew she could count on them, no matter what.

Leyale sighed, her gaze drifting away from her friends and out the window. The moon was rising, casting a silver glow over the landscape. She could feel its pull, a gentle tug that seemed to be calling to her. "I think it's time we got ready we don't want to be late," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zoey and Alex nodded in unison, their faces lit up with understanding. They knew what the rising moon meant - it was time to head out to the winter solstice gathering. The subtle energy of the moon was particularly potent tonight, and Leyale felt a shiver run down her spine as she thought about the possibilities.

With a newfound sense of determination, Leyale stood up, her friends following suit. Together, they began to make their way to Leyale's closet, browsing through her clothes to find the perfect outfit for the night ahead. The moon's gentle light seemed to infuse them with a sense of hope and anticipation, and they knew that tonight could be the night Leyale found her true mate.

A while later, Leyale stood in front of the mirror, her brother's mate Sarah expertly working on her makeup and hair. Leyale was wearing a stunning outfit, a flowing white dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. The dress was made of a silky material that caught the light, and it sparkled with intricate silver embroidery that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the room.

Sarah, a skilled hairstylist and makeup artist, was weaving Leyale's long, white hair into a braided crown, adorned with tiny silver threads that matched the embroidery on her dress. Leyale's eyes sparkled with excitement as Sarah worked her magic, transforming her into a radiant and ethereal beauty.

"You're going to knock them dead tonight, Leyale," Sarah said, smiling as she applied a light dusting of powder to Leyale's cheeks. "You look absolutely stunning and I'm not just saying that because your my sister in law."Leyale smiled, feeling a surge of confidence.

"Thanks, Sarah. I feel like a princess."

Sarah chuckled. "You're definitely a princess, but tonight you're a wolf princess, ready to take on the night and find your mate." Just as Sarah finished Leyale's hair and makeup, Liam walked into the room, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Well, well, well, look at my little sister all dressed up," Liam said, his voice dripping with teasing. "You're going to make all those unmated male wolves go wild tonight, aren't you?" Leyale rolled her eyes good-naturedly, laughing at her brother's antics. "Shut up, Liam," she said.

Sarah chuckled and playfully swatted Liam on the arm. "Leave her alone, Liam. She's nervous enough as it is."Liam held up his hands in mock innocence. "Hey, I'm just trying to give my sister a hard time. It's what big brothers are for."

Leyale shot him a look, but couldn't help smiling. She knew Liam was just trying to distract her from her nerves. "Thanks, Liam. I'll try to make you proud."

Liam's grin softened, and he walked over to give Leyale a gentle hug. "You'll always make me proud, sis. Now go out there and find your mate. I'll be rooting for you little sis."

As Leyale stepped out into the hallway, Noah's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a mix of adoration and sorrow. He had known Leyale for as long as he could remember, and she had been his everything. His first love, his first kiss, his first everything. But now, as he looked at her, he couldn't help but feel a pang of longing.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "You look beautiful, Leyale. Like a moonlit goddess."

Leyale's cheeks flushed, and she felt a flutter in her chest. She had always loved Noah, but she knew that her wolf didn't feel the same way. She smiled at him, trying to reassure him. "Thanks, Noah. You're always so sweet to me."

Noah's eyes searched hers, and for a moment, Leyale thought she saw a glimmer of hope. But then his expression softened, and he looked away. "I'm just hope you're happy, Leyale. That's all that matters to me."

They stood there awkwardly for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Noah opened his mouth to say something, but then paused, his eyes searching Leyale's face. Leyale's curiosity was piqued, and she reached out to him. "What is it, Noah? You were going to say something?" she whispered.

Noah's expression turned sad, and he shook his head. "Forget it," he said softly. "I hope you find what you're looking for tonight, Leyale."With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Leyale feeling a pang of sadness and uncertainty. She watched him go, wondering what he had been about to say, and why he had decided not to say it.

The sound of his footsteps fading away left her standing alone in the hallway, the weight of her upcoming decision settling heavily on her shoulders.

As Leyale descended to the foyer, she saw her father and mother waiting for her, their faces stern but concerned. Zoey and Alex stood beside them, dressed to impress for the winter solstice gathering.

Zoey wore a fitted, strapless red dress that hugged her curves, her long, curly brown hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and a hint of mischief, and her bright hazel eyes shone like gold in the dim light of the foyer. Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she shifted her weight, her confident demeanor radiating from every pore.

Alex, on the other hand, wore a sleek black shirt and dress pants , his white shirt open at the collar, revealing a hint of his strong neck. His piercing blue eyes watched Leyale with a mixture of concern and anticipation, his chiseled features set in a determined expression.

He looked every inch the protective brother, ready to take on the world to defend his best friend and twin sister.

Leyale's parents, the alpha pair, stood tall and imposing, their faces set in serious expressions. Her father's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Leyale, his gaze piercing. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled.

Leyale nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest. She knew what lay ahead, and she was determined to face it head-on. With a deep breath, she fell into step beside her parents, the twins flanking her like loyal guards

As Leyale joined her parents, her mother smiled warmly and reached out to adjust Leyale's hair. "You look beautiful, dear," she said, her eyes shining with love. She leaned in and kissed Leyale's forehead, her voice softening. "I hope you find what you're looking for tonight."

Leyale felt a surge of affection and gratitude towards her mother, and she smiled back at her. Her father's expression was more serious, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Leyale. "Be careful tonight, Leyale," he said, his voice firm. "And be on your best behavior. You're not only representing yourself, but our pack. Remember that."

Leyale nodded, feeling a familiar sense of pressure. She knew her father expected her to make a good impression, not just for herself, but for their pack's reputation. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, determined to do just that.

Zoey and Alex exchanged a look, their faces set in supportive expressions. They knew how much was riding on this night for Leyale, and they were there to support her every step of the way as they stepped outside and began walking towards Alex's car she looked up at the rising full moon as she gripped the car handle she whispered.

"Please sacred mother please let my mate be there tonight" and with that silent plea she got in.As she was being driven to the gathering she hoped and prayed that the goddess was listening.