Fated hearts

Chapter: The Price of a Mate Ava I hear my mum calling my name from the house, but I pretend not to. Right now, I’m with Lucas—my heartthrob—and I’m not ready to let him go. “I can hear your mum,” he says softly. “Me too,” I reply, smiling. “But don’t worry, I’ll answer her after I see you off.” We linger for a few seconds before I finally turn back toward the house. The moment I step inside, Mum is waiting. “Where were you?” she asks, arms folded. “I was seeing Lucas off,” I answer quietly. “Hmm.” Her tone softens, but only slightly. “You know Alpha Orion and his pack are coming tomorrow for your mating.” I freeze. The words hang in the air like smoke. I hate Alpha Orion. He’s old enough to be my father, and the thought of being his mate makes my stomach churn. I still can’t understand how my parents could agree to such a thing. “I can’t be his mate, Mum. I don’t love him—and he’s too old for me.” “Shhh,” she hisses, glancing around as if someone might be listening. “Don’t say that out loud. Alpha Orion is your best option. He’s rich, powerful, and can protect you.” “But Mum… he already has three mates! Why does he need another?” “He has the money and the power. He can take as many as he wants. But this time, he wants you to be his luna which is a big honour". I stare at her, disbelief tightening my chest. “I can’t believe you and Dad want to do this to me—after everything you went through before having me.” Her expression softens. She gestures for me to sit, and we both sink into the worn couch. “You know we love you, Ava,” she begins gently. “This doesn’t feel like love,” I mutter. She sighs, long and heavy. “Your father has fallen on hard times. We’re drowning in debt, and Alpha Orion offered to help—on the condition that you be mated to him for one year. Just one year, Ava. Before you know it, it’ll be over, and you’ll be free.” “Free?” I whisper. “No, Mum. I’ll never be the same again. I love Lucas. He loves me. I can’t do this to him.” At the mention of Lucas, she stiffens. “Which Lucas?” Her voice sharpens. “I thought your friendship was nothing serious—so I let it be. But now, you’ll have nothing to do with him again. And don’t let your father hear you mention his name.” “What did Lucas ever do to make you hate him so much?” “His pack is inferior. They have nothing to offer. We can’t associate with wolves like them.” I fall silent, torn between love and duty. I’d do anything for my parents—but this… this is too much. Just then, Dad walks in, proudly holding a beautifully crafted walking stick. “This is from Alpha Orion,” he announces with a grin. “He’s been sending us gifts lately. Soon, everyone will envy us. All those who mocked me will bow their heads in shame.” He turns to me, his face glowing with pride. “My beautiful angel. Tomorrow is the big day. I hope you’re getting ready.” I turn my face away. “What’s wrong?” he asks, glancing between Mum and me. “I don’t want to be mated to Alpha Orion, Dad.” He frowns. “Did you not explain it to her?” he asks Mum. “I did,” she murmurs. “I can do anything for you, Mum and Dad,” I say softly, “but this… this is too hard.” Dad sighs and sits down beside us. “My daughter, it’s only for a year,” he pleads. “In that time, you’ll live in luxury. Alpha Orion is powerful—he’ll give you anything you want. Just one year.” His words echo in my head like a curse. Just one year. --- Mum She watches her daughter leave the room, heart heavy with guilt. Ava doesn’t deserve this—not after all the pain they went through to have her. For ten long years, she and her husband had been mocked by their pack. Alpha James once called her husband “female,” and they called her “male.” They had been humiliated beyond words. At one point, they had even considered abandoning the pack to live among humans. Then Ava came—a miracle. Their shame turned to pride. Their daughter grew into a beautiful young wolf, admired by everyone. Males fought for her attention, but she turned them all down. Only Lucas had managed to stay close to her heart. When her husband first mentioned Alpha Orion’s proposal, she had refused outright. But the promise of wealth, protection, and the short one-year duration had weakened her resolve. And the fact that Ava would become Luna — the Alpha’s chosen female — offered some consolation. A Luna was more respected and honored than any ordinary mate. Now, as she sits alone in the quiet house, the weight of her decision presses heavily on her chest. She’s about to trade her daughter’s happiness for their survival — and she isn’t sure she’ll ever forgive herself. Her husband’s voice interrupts her thoughts. “Alpha Orion just sent down some items for tomorrow’s ceremony,” he says, stepping into the room. “Go and take care of them.” “I’m worried about Ava,” she confides, rising slowly from her chair. “Don’t worry,” he replies, his tone calm and firm. “She’ll adjust. It’s only for a year, and Alpha Orion has promised to take good care of her. He’ll protect her. You know many Alphas would do anything to have her — or marry her off to their sons. She’ll be safe with Orion.” She nods, though her heart disagrees. “I hope you’ve made arrangements for the cooking?” he asks, shifting the topic. “Yes,” she replies. “Martha and her group will handle it. I’ve also told Seline to come tomorrow and prepare Ava for the ceremony.” He smiles approvingly. “You’ve done well.” She forces a smile in return and walks away, her heart heavier than before. --- Lucas I watch Ava walk back toward her house, and a cold fear creeps into my chest. Something tells me this might be the last time I see her — not as my friend, not as the girl I love — if her parents truly go through with forcing her to become Alpha Orion’s Luna. For the hundredth time, I wonder what that old man, already mated to three females, could possibly want with someone as young as Ava. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it. My thoughts drift back to the day we first met. Even though we lived in the same town, Moonville, our packs had little to do with each other. Hers belonged to the superior bloodline — powerful, proud, and wealthy. Mine was considered lesser, almost invisible to them. I had been running an errand for my mum that afternoon when I saw a group of boys tormenting a little girl — barely ten years old. Something inside me snapped. I dropped what I was carrying and lunged at them. The boys scattered, shouting, “She’s so proud!” as they ran away. The girl was trembling but unharmed. I helped her brush the dust off her dress and took her hand to lead her home. That girl was Ava. From that day, we became friends. Her parents were grateful I helped their daughter and didn’t mind the friendship — at least, not then. Years later, I left Moonville for the human town of Coventry to learn a trade. The decision was sudden, and I never got the chance to tell her goodbye. But even far away, thoughts of Ava found me. I’d see her smile in my dreams, hear her laugh in my memory. When I finally returned to Moonshaven, I saw her again during the Moon Ceremony — dancing among the other females, her laughter carrying across the crowd like music. That was the moment I knew: I hadn’t just missed her. I loved her. She told me later she’d missed me too. Being with her helped me heal from the loneliness and humiliation I’d endured under my master in Coventry. She gave my life meaning again. And now… they want to take her away from me. No. I won’t allow that.