ALPHA

CHAPTER 4

Leyale's Pov

As they arrived at the solstice celebrations, Leyale's eyes widened in amazement. The clearing was transformed into a vibrant party scene, with dozens of unmated wolves laughing, dancing, chatting, and mingling. The air was electric with excitement and possibility.

The clearing was packed with cars, parked haphazardly along the edges of the forest. Wolves from all walks of life and packs had come together, putting aside their differences for one night. Even rival packs had set aside their animosity, united in their shared connection to the goddess.

The trees were adorned with twinkling lights, casting a magical glow over the scene. The sound of music and laughter filled the air, mingling with the scent of food and drink. Leyale's senses were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the gathering.

As she stepped out of the car, Leyale felt a sense of belonging wash over her. For one night, at least, the usual rules and rivalries were forgotten. They were all just children of the goddess, united in their shared connection to the moon and its power.

Zoey and Alex flanked her, their faces alight with excitement. "This is going to be an amazing night," Zoey said, her eyes shining with anticipation.Leyale smiled, feeling a sense of hope rising within her. Maybe tonight would be the night she found her mate, or maybe it would be a night she'd always treasure.

Either way, she was ready to let go and enjoy the magic of the solstice celebrations.The solstice celebrations were in full swing, with wolves from all over gathering to dance, laugh, and maybe even find their mate.

Leyale was having a great time, surrounded by her friends and family, but as the night wore on, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. She had always been told that the solstice was a time of raw primal lunar magic, when the moon's power was at its peak and connections were made.

But so far, Leyale hadn't felt that spark with anyone. She had danced with a few guys, chatted with some potential mates, but nothing had clicked.As she spun around the dance floor, Leyale felt a sense of longing. She wanted to feel that connection, that sense of belonging with someone.

But as the music pulsed around her and dozens of potential mates approaching her she didn't feel that spark, And she couldn't help but wonder if she was just going to be alone forever.

Zoey and Alex were having a blast, laughing and joking with the friends they made from other packs . Leyale smiled and joined in, trying to shake off her doubts. Maybe she just needed to relax and enjoy the moment. After all, the night was still young.

Two hours later, the full moon was almost at its peak, casting an ethereal glow over the celebrations. Leyale stood by the drinks section, nursing a cup of punch and surveying the crowd. Zoey and Alex stumbled over to her, flushed and slightly tipsy, their eyes shining with laughter.

"Hey Lay!" Alex said, slurring his words slightly. "Having fun?" he asked bumping her shoulder with his own.

Leyale rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You two idiots are drunk," she said, smiling.Zoey giggled. "Just a little," she admitted. "But it's the solstice! We're supposed to let loose."Leyale laughed and handed Zoey her cup. "You're going to need to hydrate," she said, smiling.

Alex leaned in, his voice conspiratorial. "So, have you met anyone interesting?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.Leyale shook her head, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Not yet," she said. The twins exchanged concerned glances before Zoey spoke up.

"But the night is still young."Zoey's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, we'll just have to make sure you meet someone special then," she said, scanning the crowd. "Maybe we'll play matchmaker."

Leyale laughed, feeling a sense of relief that her friends were trying to distract her from her worries.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea," she said.Alex grinned. "Come on, it'll be fun! We'll find someone perfect for you."

Just then, the music changed and the crowd began to chant, "The moon! The moon!" Leyale's heart skipped a beat as she looked up to see the moon reaching its peak in the sky.

The atmosphere in the clearing shifted, and she felt a surge of anticipation. This was it – the moment when the moon's power was at its strongest. Maybe, just maybe, she'd feel that connection she was hoping for.

The full moon's power washed through the crowd like a wave, making Leyale's skin tingle. Around her, wolves began to lock eyes with potential mates, connections sparking left and right. Couples formed, their faces alight with excitement and joy. Leyale watched, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety, as the connections seemed to happen all around her.

But as the moments ticked by, Leyale realized that she was still alone. No spark of connection, no flutter in her chest, no sense of belonging with someone. She felt like she was stuck on the outside, watching everyone else experience the magic of the solstice. Leyale forced a smile seeing the other couples trying not to feel left out, but her heart sank with disappointment.

The lunar wave soon passed, the couples celebrated and began howling to the moon, their joyous voices echoing through the clearing. Leyale stood there sadly, realizing that her mate wasn't there.

Her friends noticed her disappointment and comforted her, knowing that her search had been a bust and that she was now facing the prospect of an arranged marriage."Hey, it's okay," Zoey said, putting a reassuring arm around Leyale's shoulders. "We'll figure something out. You're not alone in this."

Alex nodded in agreement. "We'll find a way to make it work. You don't have to settle for someone you don't want." " Thanks guys but right now I just want to go home and process everything" she said forcing a weak smile, feeling a mix of emotions. She just wanted to go home and process everything.

The twins exchanged concerned and sorrowful glances knowing what this failure had meant and they where at a lose and how to comfort her. As she placed her cup down to leave, a sudden shift in the air caught everyone's attention.

The clearing went dead silent as all eyes turned to the parking lot. A black pickup truck had pulled up it's headlights illuminating everyone, as it parked a powerful and dominant aura rolled out of it in oppressive waves, making Leyale's skin prickle. Soon four men hopped out the back, and concerned murmurs spread through the crowd.

"Aren't those the Bloodshade pack wolves?".

But Leyale's eyes were locked on a single figure as the driver's side door opened. An imposing figure stepped out, and the temperature seemed to drop.

She shivered, not just from his overwhelmingly powerful aura but also because she caught his scent. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized who he was and what he meant to her.

With a sharp intake of breath, she muttered, "This can't be happening. Goddess, why would you do this to me?" Her friends noticed her reaction and asked what's wrong. Shivering, Leyale pointed a finger and said, "This can't be happening why him why is my wolf is going crazy over his scent." she whispered feeling as if the air had been sucked out of her lungs.

Zoey's hands flew up to her mouth as she gasped. Alex's jaw dropped, and he looked like he'd been punched in the gut. "So that would mean..." Zoey started to say, her voice trembling. Leyale's voice was barely above a whisper.

"My mate is that damn Blood Alpha."